Cash Needed?

Blackbird

Blackbird

Parent
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I searched the forum but am still unclear on if cash is needed for BCT.

Will DS need cash for anything during BCT other than the rodeo? He has a USAA checking account with a debit card. Does the Cadet Store accept debit cards?

Thanks
 
The appointees package specifically recommends $150 or something like that. At least it always did.
 
This is from the instructions to appointees handbook-the downloaded version, top of page 13.

Discretionary Money
Students should bring discretionary money of
approximately $250 plus any anticipated travel funds. This
will allow students to purchase items needed prior to the first
payday on 1 August 2012. These will include miscellaneous
items such as toiletries, cleaning supplies, ironing board, etc

Christcorp was right on :thumb:
 
Will it have to be $250 in the form of physical paper bills? Or would a debit card be sufficient?
 
Personally, I am going to ensure DS has his debit card with that amount of money in his account. I currently still have access to his USAA account. This being said, I will probably make sure he also has about $50 in cash on his person. They will probably need the cash for the rodeo. I am 99% sure that the C-store takes debit cards. Most if not all AAFES locations take debit cards.
 
C-Store does take debit/credit cards and also has an ATM. The store does NOT do cash back though just FYI.
If I remember correctly I brought about $100 in cash and that was enough for the whole time.
 
kdc246 said:
Personally, I am going to ensure DS has his debit card with that amount of money in his account. I currently still have access to his USAA account. This being said, I will probably make sure he also has about $50 in cash on his person. They will probably need the cash for the rodeo. I am 99% sure that the C-store takes debit cards. Most if not all AAFES locations take debit cards.
Click to expand...

The C store does take debit cards, my son said he had $ 200 with him and did not spend it all.
 
DK6732 said:
C-Store does take debit/credit cards and also has an ATM. The store does NOT do cash back though just FYI. If I remember correctly I brought about $100 in cash and that was enough for the whole time.
Click to expand...

Thanks everybody for the feedback.
 
There will be a SAMI in BCT and they will need to buy their own supplys!!!!!!!!!
 
My DS deposited all of his cash in the Air Force Bank on the morning of I day. So he didn't have any cash with him and he couldn't get any money out of the bank because he didn't have a debit card yet (or a computer to get it started). That was a BIG mistake. Every letter I got from him asked for cash, so I just kept mailing him $20 bills.
Make sure your basic has access to cash!
 
If they already have a debit card they can use it - but make sure there is enough money in the account. They will not have access to online info to see what their balance is.

If they use a credit card -- make sure you can pay the bill for them because again, they won't have access to pay any bills online, or mail any checks.

Therefore, make sure they have cash too.

DS had about $150 in cash and used his debit card also, but knew to limit it to what his balance was when he left for BCT.
 
Ditto on that. They will need to purchase a lot of personal items once they process in. Another thing I was able to do was to give my DS a prepaid credit card. This can be used as well.
 
Also keep in mind that even though they may have a debit card, the basics won't be able to go to the ATM whenever they feel like it. Its like they will be tethered to each other and the cadre--no basics go anywhere without a group. :shake: They will make visits to the cadet store (for cleaning supplies etc) with their flight or element, and can use a debit card then, but if they need money for Rodeo Day, for example, basics won't be allowed to go on their own to take cash out. My son kept some cash in his room (they will each have a drawer that locks) and some in his account.

_________________
Proud mom of a C3C
 
rodeo day?

What is rodeo day? And also, have any appointees received a debit card already? I set up my account at the academy, but haven't received a card back yet. Thanks!
 
Since I've been here, they have taken the basics to the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. Its a couple hours off to enjoy the rodeo and some food. USAFA from what I can remember provides food, but you also can buy food from the stands at the rodeo.

And your debit card with Armed Forces Bank will likely come to your PO Box at the academy. This is why you need to bring money, because you will not get paid right away and will still need money.
 
lcsguthrie said:
What is rodeo day? And also, have any appointees received a debit card already? I set up my account at the academy, but haven't received a card back yet. Thanks!
Click to expand...

This will probably not come until near the end of BCT. If they have an account at home already it is preferably (in my opinion) to take/get that debit card and bring it with. Other option is to just bring cash with you or a prepaid visa/MC.
 
Besides cash or debit card.
Are there any last minute suggestions of what to bring?
The threads that are coming up on search are with Annapolis and West Point.
Can someone please post the latest list of what to bring besides what's in the appointee instructions specific to Colorado Springs.
Thanks.
 
Can't think of what you're need on Day-1. The clothes on your back. A toiletry kit for teeth, shaving, showering. Most of all; a COPY of every piece of paperwork that you did during the entire process. (Copy... Leave another copy at home). Especially immunization/medical records/info. Of course, other paperwork already listed like birth certificate/passport/etc... Basically, you don't need to bring anything. Cash, wallet, ID, etc... is already mentioned.

I think the instructions are pretty accurate. There isn't really anything special you need. If you have all your paperwork and you money; then whatever you don't have, you can buy.
 
And don't bring anything that isn't specifically requested. I promise, you won't need your Ipod during 1st BCT.
 
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