Banking

Transferring Money
You will need a large amount of money to cover you annual expenses. When transferring money, use a bank check drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars or “wire transfer from home to your local U.S. bank. Banks can also provide debit cards which allow you to deposit and withdraw funds using an automated teller machine (ATM) and to make purchases. This process can be very time consuming, so plan well in advance. It is important NOT to carry large amounts of money with you. Your best options are to use Traveler's checks. To safeguard your traveler's checks, record your check numbers on a separate piece of paper and report lost or stolen checks to the bank immediately.

Opening a Checking Account
Most local banks want you to come into a branch to set up your U.S. banking account. International students will be required to present a passport as identification. To prevent problems, always mail checks, never mail cash. The check is proof of the transaction.

Local Banks with locations across the Valley: