Setting Up Account

Aviator25 said:
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.
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I would call USAA and ask to speak with someone/department that is familiar with USNA. They have people that are. You may get more traction that way.
That's what my son did to get renter's insurance for Bancroft.
 
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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He will do that once he graduates from USAFA and it is more due to access and Active Duty friendly that USAA has vs local bank where he grew up.
 
A lot of folks really like their local banks and more power to them, I still keep some money at a local near me for branch type stuff like a notary. But, the utility of really free ATMs where they pay you back for fees incurred at other banks is pretty powerful for me and was for both my military and non-military kids. As they travel on summer training or with friends, it is a great thing to be able to use any ATM and not incur fees
 
My son, at 18, was able to set up a checking account at USAA before he arrived at USAFA for I-day. I'd call them rather than just fill out an online questionnaire.
 
If the cadet takes the Career Starter Loan they will need an account with USAA or NFCU depending on who is offering the loan that year.

Stealth_81
 
Can't speak for AAFCU, but I would advise against Armed Forces Bank. I realized during my first semester that I was paying several dollars a month just to keep my account open (something about a "paper statement fee"). Suffice it to say that USAA has never charged me a paper statement fee, nor any of the potential "service charges" outlined on the Armed Forces Bank website.
 
crymsonwynters said:
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.
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When you say transfer, do you mean change banks? I’m wondering if any credit union will serve you. Also, if DS can just access his account at our home credit union at the AAFCU on campus. Has anyone done this? Is there a good reason to switch credit unions?
 
Sorry some of you are having trouble setting up accounts. Seems to happen each year and not just because of the age issue. My DD had no trouble with USAA but I realize how annoying it is when a poster lobs out a totally useless statement like that.

So.....my extra advice:
I gave DD a refresher/crash course before I-Day. Try to think about what you can do now to eliminate learning things that would bog down your Cadet personal-business-wise. Practice a few remote deposits (graduation checks!), refresher on checks. vs. debit vs. credit cards, address customary recurring charges, 2 minute primer on routing # and check account # (for tax purposes; revisit over winter break when you give them a tax return crash course).
 
USMA2025Hopeful said:
Does anyone have any advise on Armed Forces Bank or Air Academy Federal Credit Union?
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I opened up an AAFCU account when I visited USAFA 2 weeks ago. I’m not yet 18 but brought a copy of my acceptance letter. I also connected my current bank account to it and will leave my original bank account open for a while. There are no paper statement fees or hidden service charges.
 
Aviator25 said:
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.
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There are a few threads on here that have listed the steps needed to do just that. I recommend either using the search function or scrolling down a little bit on the forum. I am sure you will find the answer you are looking for. It involves actually calling them and showing proof of appointment.
 
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