Check works fine. If you have a NFCU near you at home you can open the account before you get there and I'd recommend doing so. If your parents are going to be occassionaly helping you out, then I recommend them getting an account there to as then they can transfer money to you even more easily online than if they are doing it from their account to yours. Either way I'd also suggest you get both a chacking and savings account at NFCU. There is a branch right on the USMMA Campus and there are lots in major Navy Ports - including overseas.