A guide to international student bank accounts in the US

One of the biggest things that you will need to manage when you go to university in the US is your finances. Having a safe place to keep your money is one weight off your mind. There are many banks across the US, as well as different types of accounts. 

Whether you are an international or a domestic student in the US, it is worth checking out what bank accounts there are available for students. 

1. Choose a bank

There are many banks in the US, so the best way to narrow it down is to look at what the different banks are offering students (see our handy table, below). Some other points to consider when choosing a bank are: 

• Monthly fees or service charges - though they’re sometimes waived for students, many bank accounts will have these. Charges often depend on the amount of money you transfer and the minimum amount you wish to keep in your account, so be sure to have in mind what you’ll be using your account for as you research. Some banks may have additional charges for things like paper statements.
• Does the bank have an ATM nearby your campus? - If you use a different bank’s ATM to withdraw money from the bank you hold your account with, there is a possibility you will be charged for your withdrawal. It is likely that the bank that has ATMs on your campus may have some kind of affiliation with your university. 
• Is a state bank or a national bank better? - It is advisable to open your bank account with a national bank such as Bank of America or Chase, rather than a state-specific bank, so that you can use ATMs located across the country if you are an international or an out-of-state student. However, if you are staying in-state to go to university then it may be worth sticking with your local bank, particularly if you already have an account with them. 
• Does the FDIC insure the bank? -  It is wise to go with a bank secured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to make sure you receive still receive your funds in the unlikely event of a bank going under.

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2. Choose an account

There are two different types of bank accounts in the US: a checking account and a savings account.

Checking account: a checking account allows you to deposit and withdraw money as often as you like. Usually when you open a checking account you receive a chequebook and a debit card. Most international students will only need to open a checking account to pay for their living costs while studying in the US.

Savings accounts: a savings account is a place to collect money over a longer term. Some students may consider opening one of these, if they are working or want to save money for travel or emergencies. 

Most banks have specific checking accounts for students, such as the Chase College Checking Account and the Santander Student Value Checking Account. 

3. Breakdown of bank accounts

There are hundreds of banks across the US, so it is worth doing some of your own research into the most suitable bank account for you. Here at THE Student, we've had a look around some of the major banks to see what they are offering students.

There are also banks that are state specific, such as the Bank of California, so it is always worth researching what your university state has on offer. There are also a number of online-only banks that offer great student bank accounts such as Ally, Simple and Chime. 

4. How to open a bank account

Although it is possible to open a bank account over the phone or online, if you are an international student it might be easier to open your account in person in case there are any complications. When you go to the bank to open your account you will need:

• Your full name, home address, home telephone number, your campus telephone number and your college address
• Your passport
• An I-20 (certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant student status) or I-797 approval notice
• Any secondary form of identification (such as your student ID card, birth certificate, driver’s license, or a letter from the international students and scholars office at your university)
• A letter of acceptance from your university 
• An amount of money to deposit into the account (this will vary between banks)

These requirements may be slightly different across banks, so make sure you check what your bank requires before heading over.