<p>I just set up a wells fargo checking account in preparation for caltech (used to use a local bank). Bring proof that you are enrolled in caltech (the "congratulations on accepting your caltech admission letter) and you can get free college checking, which only differs from regular free checking in that you have free online bill pay. Obviously they include this because college students probably rarely use it, but you can actually send checks to relatives, etc… for free with it, which is very cool.</p>
<p>You also get the checking card (visa logo with ‘debit’ printed on it), and from my experience as a clerk, I can assure you that you will have no problems paying for stuff with it as opposed to a ‘regular’ credit card. Only real limitation is $300 daily limit for ATM and $1000 point of sale limitation, neither of which matter very much and are really just security.</p>
<p>I’m rambling now, but the point is that it is pretty dang painless, and the online account managment stuff is pretty useful.</p>