Setting Up Account

A

AFA25

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Feb 7, 2021
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I was just wondering what I needed to do to set up my personal checking account, that USAFA will be depositing money in. Do I do that, or is that something that the Academy will take care of for me? Just confused how this process works, thanks!
 
Set up your own account. Use whatever bank you like. Many on here (including me) would recommend USAA. Just make sure it is your account and you do not need your parents signature for anything to keep the logistics simple.
 
I would probably suggest USAA as well, since they are a nationwide service.

I can vouch for Air Academy Federal Credit Union, I've been very happy with them over the past couple of years, and they do have an office on base, so that could be a good second option. But because they are only in Colorado, you may have to transfer if you get assigned out-of-state.
 
Can I open up a checking account or savings account by myself when I am still 17 years old and what time (before going to the academy or when I am there) should I open one?
 
Aviator25 said:
Can I open up a checking account or savings account by myself when I am still 17 years old and what time (before going to the academy or when I am there) should I open one?
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Our DS had an account at Navy Federal since he was 15. When he turned 18 we converted it to an adult account with me only as an additional authorized person should emergencies occur if he were overseas or out of the reach of technology.
It came in handy in January when he received a scholarship check and I was able to receive it and deposit it for him.

He has had no issues, they have been great and there is an office on the Yard I believe.

Also completely agree with USAA as an option as well. Once you are in the academy I would advise you to obtain renter's insurance via USAA. Incredibly affordable and will cover items like Govt. issued laptops and thousands of dollars of uniforms.

I would say do it ahead of time, makes your summer at an SA easier. You will be given account and routing numbers and those numbers will be inputted for deposit of your pay when you fill out your paperwork prior to reporting.

Anything you can do to stay un stressed and organized between now and then I would suggest. And spend tons of time with family and friends. It goes way too fast.
I cannot believe our kid will be a plebe no more in less than 42 days.
 
Heatherg21 said:
Our DS had an account at Navy Federal since he was 15. When he turned 18 we converted it to an adult account with me only as an additional authorized person should emergencies occur if he were overseas or out of the reach of technology.
It came in handy in January when he received a scholarship check and I was able to receive it and deposit it for him.

He has had no issues, they have been great and there is an office on the Yard I believe.

Also completely agree with USAA as an option as well. Once you are in the academy I would advise you to obtain renter's insurance via USAA. Incredibly affordable and will cover items like Govt. issued laptops and thousands of dollars of uniforms.

I would say do it ahead of time, makes your summer at an SA easier. You will be given account and routing numbers and those numbers will be inputted for deposit of your pay when you fill out your paperwork prior to reporting.

Anything you can do to stay un stressed and organized between now and then I would suggest. And spend tons of time with family and friends. It goes way too fast.
I cannot believe our kid will be a plebe no more in less than 42 days.
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My DD tried to open an account with USAA. She was able to register but not open an account. Was told that she could open one up after R day. This doesn’t help us fill out the forms due June 1. Maybe we aren’t answering the questions correctly. They asked if she was active duty and her response was no. Not really sure what went wrong.
 
Schnauzerpatrol said:
My DD tried to open an account with USAA. She was able to register but not open an account. Was told that she could open one up after R day. This doesn’t help us fill out the forms due June 1. Maybe we aren’t answering the questions correctly. They asked if she was active duty and her response was no. Not really sure what went wrong.
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I had the same issue because I hadn't turned 18 before I-day. I recommend just opening up a checking/savings account with whatever bank you want cause it really doesn't matter. If you already have a bank account, just use that one, it'll just be easier overall.
 
makeyourbed said:
I had the same issue because I hadn't turned 18 before I-day. I recommend just opening up a checking/savings account with whatever bank you want cause it really doesn't matter. If you already have a bank account, just use that one, it'll just be easier overall.
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Do you know if appointed cadets under 18 are still open up an account with USAA/NFCU or are we only allowed to open up an account with a non-military bank.
 
Aviator25 said:
Do you know if appointed cadets under 18 are still open up an account with USAA/NFCU or are we only allowed to open up an account with a non-military bank.
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You can still use a non-military bank if you like. My DS still has his pay go to his checking account he has had for years and since being at USAFA has also opened up a checking and savings with USAA. His plan is once he commissions he will only use the USAA and close out his local account.
 
Aviator25 said:
Do you know if appointed cadets under 18 are still open up an account with USAA/NFCU or are we only allowed to open up an account with a non-military bank.
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USAA will let you make an USAA account but not open an actual checking/savings account. You will have to open up an account with a non-military bank - I chose Chase.
 
makeyourbed said:
USAA will let you make an USAA account but not open an actual checking/savings account. You will have to open up an account with a non-military bank - I chose Chase.
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Did opening up an account with Chase require anything? Like your account to be linked to your parents or can anyone under 18 open up an account with Chase?
 
88Beast said:
You can still use a non-military bank if you like. My DS still has his pay go to his checking account he has had for years and since being at USAFA has also opened up a checking and savings with USAA. His plan is once he commissions he will only use the USAA and close out his local account.
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What was the reason for switching over to USAA and not keeping his non-military account? Do the military accounts have better rates or something?
 
I believe my account is solely mine. It might have to be connected to your parents initially and then it will automatically become only yours when you turn 18.
 
Aviator25 said:
What was the reason for switching over to USAA and not keeping his non-military account? Do the military accounts have better rates or something?
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In our experience (my dad was USNA so he had USAA my whole life) the rates, coverages etc., are all better with USAA and Navy Federal than they are in other banks. I have found this to be true with Credit Unions as well. Much more customer oriented. USAA also, along with Navy Federal are well versed in deployments, changes of duty stations and challenges that the military faces.
Navy Federal mailed my husband and I insulated coffee cups with USNA class of 2024 on them when our son advised them he was attending USNA. Very nice of them.
 
Heatherg21 said:
In our experience (my dad was USNA so he had USAA my whole life) the rates, coverages etc., are all better with USAA and Navy Federal than they are in other banks. I have found this to be true with Credit Unions as well. Much more customer oriented. USAA also, along with Navy Federal are well versed in deployments, changes of duty stations and challenges that the military faces.
Navy Federal mailed my husband and I insulated coffee cups with USNA class of 2024 on them when our son advised them he was attending USNA. Very nice of them.
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Can you sign up online, or does it need to be in person?
 
Schnauzerpatrol said:
My DD tried to open an account with USAA. She was able to register but not open an account. Was told that she could open one up after R day. This doesn’t help us fill out the forms due June 1. Maybe we aren’t answering the questions correctly. They asked if she was active duty and her response was no. Not really sure what went wrong.
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Are you guys already USAA members? That may be the glitch. You have to be active duty, family member of activity duty or retired to be a member. Technically your DD isn't active duty or a member of the military yet. I was able to be a member of USAA as my dad had been Navy, and they made me a member before I turned 18. I then did the same for my kids, they have been members since they were teens.

Your DD will be able to fill out banking paperwork with her existing bank now, and then, once on the yard she should be able to contact USAA and open an account with them. She could then switch her direct deposit if she chose, to USAA. I believe mids can do that through the "MIDS" portal that she will be very familiar with by the end of plebe summer. Also, there is a Navy Federal branch on the yard.
 
Heatherg21 said:
Are you guys already USAA members? That may be the glitch. You have to be active duty, family member of activity duty or retired to be a member. Technically your DD isn't active duty or a member of the military yet. I was able to be a member of USAA as my dad had been Navy, and they made me a member before I turned 18. I then did the same for my kids, they have been members since they were teens.

Your DD will be able to fill out banking paperwork with her existing bank now, and then, once on the yard she should be able to contact USAA and open an account with them. She could then switch her direct deposit if she chose, to USAA. I believe mids can do that through the "MIDS" portal that she will be very familiar with by the end of plebe summer. Also, there is a Navy Federal branch on the yard.
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Do you know if those who have been accepted into a Service Academy, are under 18, and whose parents have not served within the military open up an account? I tried on USAA's website and I also was told that I was illegible since I indicated that I was not on active duty.
 
Aviator25 said:
Can I open up a checking account or savings account by myself when I am still 17 years old and what time (before going to the academy or when I am there) should I open one?
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I made my DD a youth checking and savings at USAA. She turns 18 at the end of the month and I will remove myself then. I have been with USAA for as long as I can remember and love them.
 
I am not 18 yet and I was able to open an account with the AAFCU this past week. I just had to show them my accepted appointment with USAFA. I will also keep my current bank account open.
 
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