Banking Tips

There are quite a few multinational banks with branches in Claremont.  Generally, banks will offer similar services – most offer online banking, check/debit cards, access to automatic teller machines, and other common financial services.  You will need to determine if you want to open a Savings Account, a Checking Account, or both.  Often, banks will offer free accounts when you open both a Savings Account and a Checking Account or sign up for some other service offered by the bank, such as automatic deposit. 

Upon opening your new account, you will need to show official identification.  Often, the bank officer assisting you will ask for your driver’s license and your school ID.  Of course, students and scholars who have just arrived in the U.S. will have neither – simply explain that you just arrived and that you can show your passport, I-94 and I-20 (for F visa holders) or DS-2019 (for J visa holders).

Note about the Social Security Number and your bank account: a social security number is not required in order to open a new bank account.  However, if you have a social security number, you must provide it to the bank.  Often, students will not have a social security number when they open their account, but will get one later on during their studies and will need to provide it at that time.

Click here for a comparison of some local banking options.