How much money should cadet take to BCT?

GCR

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I've read that cadets will have to purchase various toiletries and may have a chance to go to Rodeo in Jack's Valley. How much money should my DS bring to ensure he can replenish any necessities and some wants during BCT?
 
Not sure how much, but if you're looking for a way to get money to your kid, check out the Bluebird card at Walmart. It has, by far, the best fee structure. We got one for my daughter when she went to Spain and it was easy to get money to her instantly. Deposited the cash at Walmart and it was there a second later. The downside is that it's an Amex, so you may run into difficulty using at smaller mom and pop places that don't accept Amex. But it works all over the world, very low fees, can't recommend it more highly. And I hate Walmart. ;)
 
Not sure how much, but if you're looking for a way to get money to your kid, check out the Bluebird card at Walmart. It has, by far, the best fee structure. We got one for my daughter when she went to Spain and it was easy to get money to her instantly. Deposited the cash at Walmart and it was there a second later. The downside is that it's an Amex, so you may run into difficulty using at smaller mom and pop places that don't accept Amex. But it works all over the world, very low fees, can't recommend it more highly. And I hate Walmart. ;)

Cybersnyder...thanks for the recommendation. I thought the cadets needed cash during BCT?
 
$100

they will buy cleaning supplies, personal care (shampoo etc), iron and ironing boards although some rooms had them, some stationery. my child said less than $100 she spent for all of bct. everything else is provided and cadre watch what you buy too.
 
$150-$250 IMO. They'll need to be able to buy some stuff, like cleaning supplies, and a few minor things. I'm also of the opinion that having some spare cash around is a good thing.
 
cash or debit card

Does it have to be cash? How about a little cash ($40) in his pocket and everything else in the credit union acct linked to his debit card?
 
They will need some cash to buy food at the rodeo. A debit card is fine for everything else. I'd recommend $200 total.
 
I've read that cadets will have to purchase various toiletries and may have a chance to go to Rodeo in Jack's Valley. How much money should my DS bring to ensure he can replenish any necessities and some wants during BCT?

DS's friends that are already there say $200 - $300 cash. The appointee handbook says bring $250.... So, I would imagine $300 is safe.

Look for a form to open a bank account on your portal. I saw this too in the appointee handbook. Since everything has to be direct deposit, and there is only 1 bank that all of the cadets have access to on campus, believe this is to be setup before I-Day.
 
Yes. Appointees are to setup an account with the Armed Forces bank but funds will probably not be available from it during BCT as they may not receive a debit card for their new account in time. So bring cash or a debit card from an existing account. DS switched his direct deposit as soon as possible to his USAA account. He did not care for Armed Services Bank and our whole family uses USAA which we are very pleased with. All cadets have the ability to open a USAA account and many do.
 
Blackbird,

Do you know, if you already have a USAA account, must you still set up the Armed Forces Bank account?
 
Blackbird,

Do you know, if you already have a USAA account, must you still set up the Armed Forces Bank account?

Yes...DD had a USAA account already and still had to set up an AFB account. She has since transferred her direct deposits to her USAA and has closed up her AFB account. Can manage her checking, savings and credit card all in one place.
 
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