What is the best bank account for USMAPS and then West Point

Maximus

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Given todays banking situation, what are some suggestions for a Cadet Candidates bank account that would also work for West Point.

Another one of those "Hey Dad, can you research this for me while I put in some volunteer hours parking cars for the JROTC unit...at the County Fair! lol
 
Academy cadets are eligible for membership in USAA. Don't know about USMAPS. I've used their banking for almost 30 years. Very pleased. Because of the nature of their membership, they are accustomed to working via phone, mail, and online. I've done savings accounts, checking, mutual funds, auto loans, home mortgages, mortgage refinances (not to mention all manner of insurance) without ever setting foot in a USAA office.
 
I guess the USMAPS Cadet Candidates would apply as they are enlisted while there, we'll look into that, thank you.
 
I think there is actually a USAA branch right in the town outside the gate. USAA is probably about the best choice as the account can go with you wherever you go. You don't have to worry about having an account at a regional bank and then needing to transfer it. I guess you could go with one of the large national banks, but I'm not sure which ones are closest to WP.

If you can't stand the idea of not having a branch to walk into and talk to someone then USAA might not be for you. They do have wonderful customer service though and are great for all your insurance needs. USMAPS students should be elgible.
 
Either USAA or Pen Fed credit union are excellent choices.
I have used USAA for decades and never visited a branch.
USAA rebates up to $15/month for ATM charges - so ATM fees are not usually a problem.
Find them at www.usaa.com. There is a Cadet assistance center right off post as USAA also offers insurance in addition to banking.

Pen Fed is also very popular with cadets. There is a branch on post and one off post in Highland Falls.

He should be able to set up his direct deposit with either - since USMAPS are enlisted and get a paycheck.
 
usaa

For what it's worth, after reading the recommendations on this forum, (I appreciate all the great advice:thumb:) we called USAA to open an account --they were very helpful and it was a fairly simple process and all completed by phone using a credit card for the initial deposit. They were able to fill out the 1199 form (or whatever form it is that we have to send in to USMA with all the other new forms) and fax it to us that day, and all the checking acct stuff (mac card, checks) came in the mail a few days later. We will be looking into their non-owner auto liability policy for ds to take effect on R-day (and remove him from our policy - this will save us a good amount on auto insurance).
 
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