<p>The Caltech Credit Union is probably the way to go: minimal fees, free ATM on campus, low-rate student Visa credit card available. They do have checking accounts available but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Techer write a check. Most retail outlets don’t take checks, only a few of them will accept ATM cards, and it’s a bad idea to carry large quantities of cash, so it’s probably a good idea to get your kid a credit card for grocery stores and Target.</p>