Opening a Bank Account
These are the different account types that most US banks offer:
Checking accounts allow you to deposit and withdraw money frequently and are a great way to pay any monthly bills. When you open a checking account, it usually comes with physical checks and a bank card. You can use them to make purchases and pay bills. Most students choose to create a checking account, and they use it for managing their living expenses.
Savings accounts are for long term deposits for earning interest. The interests, minimum balances, service fees vary from bank to bank and depends on the amount of money you deposit into the account. Most international students do not need a savings account.
Important Notes:
ATMs are used to withdraw money from your checking or savings account so that you can have cash. Typically banks will not charge extra fees when you are using your specific bank’s ATM. If you use an ATM in a store or from another bank, you may be charged an extra transaction fee which can be anywhere between $3.00 – $5.00.
Debit Cards, also known as a check card, allows you to withdraw or deposit money to your bank account using an automatic teller machine (ATM) and to make purchases at stores that accept the card. Some debit cards carry a credit-card logo (such as MasterCard or Visa), and can be used in place of a check or credit card. Debit cards are not credit cards and they can only be used if you have funds in the account.
How do I choose the right bank?
It is best to choose a bank with a branch that is close to the Millersville campus or your apartment. If you would like to open a bank account near Millersville, the locations below are close by and they do not require a Social Security Card which is required at most locations. The best way to open the account is in person at these locations:
1. PSECU – On Campus
Student Memorial Center (SMC) 110
Millersville University (717) 872-6516
2. Susquehanna Bank
536 Park City Center Lancaster, PA 17601
(717) 299-0944
3. Citizen’s Bank
515 Leaman Ave Millersville, PA 17551
(717) 871-6433
What should I bring to open an account?
Bring your passport, the documentation listed below and the money you want to deposit and open the account with.
Documentation and Information. Please know and bring with you:
- Date of birth, home address, your college address, your U.S. telephone number
- Passport
- I-20
- I-94
- Any secondary form of identification (Acceptable ID types include, your Student ID card, birth certificate (international/English version), State’s driver’s license, international insurance card with your name and picture)
- Enrollment verification/acceptance letter/email from Millersville University
If you have any questions please contact the Office of Global Education!