Opening a USAA Account before arriving

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USMA 2023
Joined
Aug 2, 2018
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44
Hello!
I am going to be joining the Class of 2023, and I am going through all the paperwork I have to complete. I am looking to open an account with USAA for my direct deposit to go into, but I don't know how to verify my (future) military connection. I have no family military history, but I would like to have the direct deposit setup before Beast, because if I did it after I would have to change the financial information on file, which I would rather not do. Is there a way I can open a checking account with USAA before I receive my issued id? Where can I find information on my portal to verify my status with USAA?
Thanks so much
 
I did mine today. I went into a branch and they needed my ID and appointment letter. Was pretty quick. The manager had to override my lack of military affiliation. But the appointment letter served as that
 
My son opened a checking and savings account over the phone. Call their customer service, which can be found on-line and they are very helpful. I believe he just e-mailed a copy (photo) of his acceptance letter. After it was set-up I faxed the direct deposit form and we are still waiting for that form to be sent back. But, it is relatively easy to do everything without having to go into a branch.
 
My DS did the same. All over phone and uploaded a copy of appointment. Very easy and customer support was very helpful.
 
As a side note, make sure you send a copy of "both" sides of whatever USAA needs (ie. license etc). Went through this last year and year before. Hopefully the process has changed this year and is easier. This will save a lot of head ache.
 
My DS tried to open a USAA account over the phone, but he won’t be 18 until September. They wouldn’t let him open one. I guess he will have to start out using his current checking account. Any other suggestions?
 
My DS tried to open a USAA account over the phone, but he won’t be 18 until September. They wouldn’t let him open one. I guess he will have to start out using his current checking account. Any other suggestions?
I would try the online application route. Pretty sure the fact that he has an appointment is enough to get that done to begin online banking.
 
My DS tried to open a USAA account over the phone, but he won’t be 18 until September. They wouldn’t let him open one. I guess he will have to start out using his current checking account. Any other suggestions?
Surprised that they won't let him open account. May have gotten an inexperienced customer service rep. Maybe try again.

One Option:
He will automatically get a PenFed Checking Account, Savings Account, and Line of Credit during in-processing. The checking account is the account USMA uses to transfer excess Cadet Account and top-off money into. He can use that account for his monthly pay and doesn't need a USAA checking account.

Can then establish a USAA checking account later, if desired. You really only need a USAA account when you get Cow Loan - USAA requires pay direct deposited to USAA account as a requirement for loan.
 
There is a Navy Federal right outside the gate as well. Since we are a Marine family, Junior has had an account there for a long time. They have branches outside all major bases at this point, it's another option in addition to USAA. As a member of both organizations, I have found it valuable to use them both. I did his paperwork with them today and it was easy. They explained that Cadets of all academies are welcome to open their accounts with them. Again, another option.
 
Like many people on this forum and around the globe...USAA customer for most of my adult life. I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A BRANCH OFFICE.
Whatever you have to do on the phone and via scan and send to get this account, do it.
This is the banking, credit card, car insurance, everything service for your entire life if you are a service member...and for your family.

I could wax on about how fabulous they are when your active duty service member dies, but why break your heart...

Make the call. Figure out what is needed. Start your kid off right. He never ever needs to go to the actual bank. Ever.

Sometimes, when they are still a cadet candidate, you will need to call a time or two or speak to the manager to get the account started for direct deposit.
 
Does anyone have a USAA contact, that they know, that we could call? The 800 number is where he spoke to the CSR that told him no account until age 18. Maybe speaking to someone else would work.
 
Call again. If same answer, ask to be elevated to a supervisor. The service academy destination is the key point, not “college student needs credit card.” They routinely do this, it should pop up on their screens, and it sounds like you got a call rep who is unfamiliar with service academy exceptions.

I worked for them through 2015. The Annapolis office before I-Day was always crowded with P2Bs opening their accounts, and walking into I-Day with account info. There is an office in Highland Falls on Main St., near Thayer Gate. You can’t call them directly though.

I can’t recall if some state laws require different things, as it sometimes is the case for auto and property insurance. I also can’t recall if it made a difference if a parent was put on the account.

Nothing wrong with PenFed, and it’s not too difficult to change later.
 
Does anyone have a USAA contact, that they know, that we could call? The 800 number is where he spoke to the CSR that told him no account until age 18. Maybe speaking to someone else would work.

Try this one.... USAA
800-531-4610
 
When I wrote previously that it was "relatively easy," it did require about 3 phone calls with different reps and they did say DS had to wait until he was within 30 days of his 18th birthday. He turns 18 this week and we did wait until that window. It might be easier to open another checking account until that age is reached.
 
Keep calling until you get an experienced rep - they are fantastic and really represent the level of service you always got when USAA was a smaller company.

USAA has grown dramatically in the past few years and it has shown in customer service. Many of the reps you get when you call now are inexperienced and often give wrong information. Have had problems over the last year with simple matters that newer reps handled incorrectly.
 
My DS tried to open a USAA account over the phone, but he won’t be 18 until September. They wouldn’t let him open one. I guess he will have to start out using his current checking account. Any other suggestions?
My DD uses her checking account from here at home. Makes it very easy for me to add money or to check on her account for her. She went in as a 19 and already had usaa number for car insurance but wanted this route for convenience. You do not have to use usaa for your direct deposit.
 
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