<p>When I was there a few years ago (this changes a lot though, so google first): there was a Bank of America, TD BankNorth, Florence Savings Bank, Citizen’s, Easthampton Savings Banks all near campus (right on Main Street, a short walk away). BofA was the only national bank, so that’s the one I used, since they had branches in my hometown as well as in Noho. </p>
<p>Florence Savings Bank owned the ATM in the campus center, which is (or at least was) the only ATM on campus, BUT there’s no Florence Savings Bank branch within easy walking distance of campus. So most people did not have FSB, and either just paid the ATM fee or walked into town to get cash. I usually just went to my bank in town, it was about a 7 min walk. </p>
<p>I knew several people who lived in the New England region that used TD BankNorth because it’s common in that area.</p>
<p>Of course, it’s not strictly necessary to open a local bank account, but I found it useful to have the option of depositing checks. I had a lot of different jobs on and off campus when I was in Noho and sometimes i got paid with checks.</p>