Chase Bank - College Checking

Average Score:

•   Overall great, don't like overdraft policy

  The college checking account requires $25 to open it, however you do not have to have $25 in it all the time, which is much appreciated, being a college student and living off of loans and part time jobs. However, Chase banks overdraft fee is utterly rediculous in my opinion because I had overdrawn my account by a few cents and had an overdraft fee. The next day I went to the bank ATM and inserted $40 cash into the ATM, which should have immediately been credited to my account. However, because I was 3 minutes after 4:00 pm, they charged me another overdraft fee. The policy should be changed and Chase Bank has an archaic way of looking through their bank accounts, especially the college accounts, but they do give college accounts one waiver per year to waive all overdraft fees, which is nice. I have also had my pin stolen and items purchased off of the internet, and when I alerted Chase to this fact they canceled my account right away and sent me a new card, as well as investigated who had done it and refunded me my money back, all in a reasonable amount of time. Overall, I would recommend Chase bank and the college account to anybody and especially any college student looking for little to no fees associated with a bank account.

  Posted by perfect10wrx -- July 31, 2009

•   Chase College Checking

  I would say this is one of the best college checking accounts available out there. I have had this account for about 3 years and am completely satisfied. The ability to use free bill pay is such a plus. My parents have a chase account as well and transferring money is a breeze. Chase also automatically links your Chase Credit Cards so everything is on one page. I can see all my transactions and pay my credit card right away. Also chase is conveniently located in almost every Walgreen's store. And they seem to be on every corner, so ATMs are everywhere. When I leave for college, Chase ATM's are also aplenty even without any nearby Walgreen's. The worst thing about Chase is the customer service wait time. When I call in, it can take a while to get through to a representative. Ive read people have issues with fees but I've personally never came across that issue. Also right now they have a debit card promotion where random transactions can be paid for. They also have the best Rewards program out there right now with Chase Freedom. Right now you can use your Freedom card to get B1G1 movie tickets through Fandango. Who doesnt like fee tickets?? If you're looking for a checking account that is easy to use, and has a lot of features, I would definitely check out Chase College Checking.

  Posted by dkovalev -- July 23, 2009

•   The greatest account for college students

  I go to Purdue and I opened an account with Chase as soon as I moved to campus because of the convenient location and the fact that there are tons of Chase ATM throughout campus and West Lafayette. At first when I opened the account, I had a Chase workplace account. Then about 3 months later, I noticed that they started to charge me a $10 monthly fee. I was like, what the heck is going on here? So I went in and talked with a banker; she was a really nice lady. She explained that a chase workplace account required a monthly direct deposit otherwise there would be a $10 monthly service fee. She refunded my money and changed my account to the College checking.

  I love this account so much! This is the perfect bank account for college students. It has no monthly fee, no minimum balance, a debit card which rewards you with points redeemable for gift cards and such for every $1 you spent, and also occasional promotions like get $50 when you refer a friend, etc. Chase also offers you a security protection for any overdrafts. So they will automatically withdraw money from your credit card or any other account you assigned in time of overdraft so that you won't get charged the overdraft fee. I really love this account, but it would be better if it gives you some kind of interest as it currently offers none. But hey, you can't really ask too much, can you?

  Posted by americanmouse1928 -- July 16, 2009

•   Great Account

  The Chase Bank college checking account is a great account for a college student to have. I have had my account through Chase for 2 years now and I couldn't be happier. When I signed up for this account they were running a special where if you referred a friend who opened an account both you and you friend got a $50 bonus, which was a great way to add a little bit more money to my account, since I did it through a friend. I used the location in Valparaiso Indiana. Every time I visited the branch I was always greeted with friendly service and tellers who remembered who I was. In my area Chase had a good presence and I could always find an ATM that was nearby. Chase Bank also runs great promotions, like where they might even pay your debit tab, on them. Since this is an account geared toward college students the fees were extremely low. The only time I was ever charged was for non-Chase ATM withdraws. The only drawback is that the account earns no interest, which isn't really unexpected. I would recommend this account to any college student who is looking for a nice friendly bank that offers an affordable checking account.

  Posted by onstedbookclub -- June 15, 2009

•   Could be better

  I signed up for a Chase Account because my employer at the time only used Chase checks (and no direct deposits.) I never had a bank account before so I was convinced to sign up with Chase by one of the employees. My original intention was to cash the check and put half in the account but I wasn't allowed too because of some mishap with my check, I had no access to my check for 3 weeks. I've had it (the chase account) for a year and I can't wait to close it. For starters, Chase is not located near me at all so whenever I have a deposit to make (which is quite often) I have to go to Washington Mutual or drive 1/2hr to the nearest bank. When I go to WAMU it takes weeks to go through (especially if you have multiple deposits/checks). Although, that should be fixed at the end of July when the merge of WAMU and Chase finish. The best thing about it, is that I don't have any fees and their customer service is excellent. I am tied to this bank because my employer (who decided direct deposit should be mandatory) has insisted on me using Chase as a bank for easier transactions. Although, it's inconvienent, I have no real qualms with the bank.

  Posted by Quincy702 -- June 15, 2009