So 5 years ago I signed up for a Chase College Checking account which allowed me to bypass the minimum $1500 needed. It has not expired so I’m being charged $6 each month for having less than $1500 in my account.
I’m still in college and still have a year left. I was wondering if bringing in my girlfriends Chase account under my name will effect my FAFSA? It would allow me to avoid the monthly fee. I’m not sure if this is considered a joint account per say? I believe she would have access to my account and money but I wouldn’t be able to access hers.
I think anything in your name will affect your financial aid. And I’d expect that anyone whose name is on a checking account can use the money in it. It’s a lot of effort to save $72/year. Why don’t you just look for a different bank?
Go to a credit union or the bank affiliated with your college. There are credit unions that will allow you to be a member simply by living in the same city.
Click through to get to the search bar where you can enter your address. The search will bring up a list of credit union offices near you. Visit their websites to find information about who can join the credit union. It’s likely that you can join at least one credit union near you because of the college/university where you are studying and/or because of where you are living right now.
I second the CapitalOne360 rec. Very handy for a college student especially as there are no-fee ATMs all over the country and no minimum balance, free online checking (which works for everything except cash deposits), debit card etc.