checking account location

[WayneH]

does anybody have any experience and/or input as to which place to setup cadet checking accounts with

USAA
or
Pentagon Federal Credit Union ?

they both 'look' fine online and there are pluses and minuses to each but firsthand knowledge would be nice...advise or comments appreciated

 

[usafa84]

The Lts that work for me stated that they used USAA as a cadet, which also provides the cadet car loans as a 2 degree. Not sure if the other offers cadet car loans. If you traveled in the "way back machine," one would use the Military Bank at Ft Sam Houston.

 

[Just_A_Mom]

You can actually set up your checking accounts with any bank. Some cadets who already have a checking account at home keep their home bank.
The *problem* with that is if the home bank charges for ATM withdrawals.

In Highland Falls there is a Pen-Fed branch and a USAA office. I am familiar with USAA and my cadet uses that. They are terrific for car insurance, for sure. Banking is so easy and accounts can be opened and maintained easliy online.
My cadet and I have a joint account and when she needs money it is 10 seconds to transfer it.

The cow loan, I think alternates between Pen-Fed and USAA depending on who gives the best deal that year.

 

[J Collins]

I've banked with USAA for many years, There has never been a branch near me so I have done banking with their office in San Antonio. Car insurance thru them is also usually unbeatable.

Navy Fed Credit union is now ALSO opened to ALL branches of services and has branches "world wide". Mortgage rates and Certificates are usually unbeatable.

I am not sure what facilities that the army side offers, but I know that the above offer some of the best rates for everything...

 

[Just_A_Mom]

^
To add to that - I have never visited a branch either...
they give you free envelopes for deposits and you just mail in any checks you have - OR you can now scan in the checks on your computer, upload them and Voila! - they are deposited.
Piece of cake.