easonh89

I want to open a checking account at a bank that will be easy to access all around Boston and Cambridge area.

In addition, I would like a bank that is student-friendly.

Any suggestions for what banks are the best around Boston/Cambridge for Harvard students?

I have heard that Bank of America is pretty popular, but are there any others that current Harvard students or parents would recommend from experience.

Thanks!

just_forget_me

Bank of America is probably the way to go... ATMs all over the place.

I used to use Cambridge Trust - very personal feel, and $10 bills in the ATMs (unlike B of A).

stevezilla1088

Most people use BoA..

nickybol

I'm a foreign student, so this is new to me...is it possible to use ATMs at banks other than your own?

just_forget_me

Yes - but most of the time you'll be charged two fees: one by your bank and one by the bank that owns the ATM you use (total = ~$3/transaction).

MSMDAD

nickybol, You will not be charged fees at BOA ATMs if you use ATM/Debit Cards from any of these banks: BNP Paribas, Barclays, Deutsche Bank/Deutsche Bank 24, Scotiabank and Westpac.

Admiral

I strongly recommend Bank of America as well- they have a student checking account plan that has absolutely no fees.

And as is mentioned above, there are Bank of America ATMs EVERYWHERE.

harvard1636

Everyone seems to use Bank of America, and there is one right in the square. I use Citizens, though, which works fine for me (it's also right in the square)