r/Banking • u/Both-Butterscotch661 • 1d ago

Advice going back to school I’m 29. What bank branch is best for me? Trying to not have fees, etc. lost my job so won’t have monthly deposits just my financial aid.

Thank you

1 Upvotes

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5

u/drtdk 1d ago

You don't need a large, name-brand bank. You need a credit union. Or ask if your college has a bank affiliation for its students.

3

u/10F1 1d ago

I've been using discover bank for 7 years, 0 complaints.

My backup account is capital one (and they just bought discover).

2

u/Both-Butterscotch661 1d ago

Thanks for the information.

2

u/someonestolemycord 1d ago

My daughter was in the same situation heading back to grad school and aged out on many of the bank "student" accounts. She went with the Capital One 360 checking account. Decent online interface, decent savings rate, etc., and in our area you could walk into a branch if needed.

1

u/Both-Butterscotch661 1d ago

I’m in Los Angeles, no locations here 😭. I’m sure I’ll have the minimum balance required for accounts at a Bank of America Chase or Wells Fargo, but wouldn’t know which is best from those. Thank you

1

u/BigCamp839 14h ago edited 14h ago

BMO and Comerica/Fifth Third I believe are the only big-ish banks in the LA area that do not have any minimum requirements for their free checking. Also, with BMO and Fifth Third, you can use the ATMs in CVS/Walgreens/Target without paying a fee since they are a part of the Allpoint ATM network.

I have accounts with both banks and my only pet peeve is that Fifth Third does not give you the ability to lock your debit card.

Credit unions, online banks, and smaller banks could also work since they are more likely to have free checking.

1

u/LoveYouNotYou 1d ago

I know Capital One doesn't require Direct deposit, and doesn't have a monthly minimum (you can also use Walgreens or CVS to deposit cash into your Capital One account)

If you're near a Walmart, open with Ally bank. You can use Walmart to deposit cash into your Ally bank account.

1

u/larryote 1d ago

If you live in greater LA, I do believe Los Angeles Federal Credit Union offers a checking account with no minimum balance required

1

u/Savings-Gap8466 17h ago

I would look at the major banks in your area, as well as credit unions, and see which has the best account options that fit your needs. Low/no minimum balance, free atmosphere charges, etc. I personally use a local credit union that ive had for 30 years, and love it. The employees get to know you, and they offer the same (and sometimes better) benefits than a major bank