Student checking accounts are designed to help students grow financially. By providing a safe place to store money and easy access to it, student checking account holders can make the most of their money and avoid some of the common pitfalls associated with credit cards and other debt-based financial products.
There are many different types of student checking accounts. Some banks offer accounts that come with no monthly fee, provided the account holder maintains a minimum balance. Others may offer accounts that come with features such as ATM fee reimbursement, online bill pay and mobile banking. Some banks even offer special loyalty programs for student checking account holders.
The best student checking accounts offer low or no fees, easy access to funds and helpful features that can assist students in managing their money. When choosing a student checking account, it is important to compare the different features and benefits offered by each bank.
The following is a list of the top five student checking accounts, based on features and benefits:
1. Chase College CheckingSM:
This account from Chase has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. Account holders can access their funds through more than 16,000 ATMs and 5,100 branches nationwide. Other features include online and mobile banking, as well as Chase QuickPay® with Zelle®.
2. Wells Fargo College Checking®:
This account from Wells Fargo has no monthly fee for students aged 17-24. There is also no minimum balance requirement. Account holders can access their funds through more than 13,000 ATMs and over 6,000 branches nationwide. Other features include online and mobile banking, as well as Wells Fargo Rewards®.
3. Citibank Citi® Student Checking Account:
This account from Citibank has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. Account holders can access their funds through more than 18,000 ATMs and 7,000 branches nationwide. Other features include online and mobile banking, as well as Citi Mobile® App.
4. Bank of America Core Checking® for Students:
This account from Bank of America has no monthly fee for students aged 17-24. There is also no minimum balance requirement. Account holders can access their funds through more than 16,000 ATMs and 5,100 branches nationwide. Other features include online and mobile banking, as well as paperless statements.
5. USAA® Youth Banking:
This account from USAA is designed for students aged 13-17. There is no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. Account holders can access their funds through more than 30,000 ATMs and over 5,600 branches nationwide. Other features include online and mobile banking, as well as USAA® Social Security Number Monitor.
The best student checking accounts offer a variety of features and benefits that can assist students in growing their finances. By choosing an account that offers low or no fees, easy access to funds and helpful tools to manage money, students can make the most of their money and avoid some of the common pitfalls associated with credit cards and other debt-based financial products.
Updated February 13, 2023