<p>Look into PNC. The online banking system is fabulous, and they’ll refund ATM fees up to $9/month, which is essentially three withdrawels.</p>
<p>Ok, time to get on my old-fart-but-not-your-parents-soapbox: I may throw out the suggestion for people to either a) look at using your debit card instead of cash (I’ll explain this later) and see if you can get a rewards card b) get a credit card with a low limit BUT you MUST pay it off each month</p>
<p>Why?
a) Carrying cash around is an easy way to lose it, get it stolen, or blow through it. I find that when I use plastic, I’m constantly wondering if I’m over budget for the month, how much is my balance (I use credit for everything these days), etc etc. Cash, I just know there’s always more somewhere…backwards thinking, I know</p>
<p>b) Credit is getting tight these days and unfortunately, most big things in your life can come easily due to having a good credit history. If you start a credit card at 18, by the time you’re my age, you have 5 years of solid history (as long as you pay things off) and can get the best mortgage rates, get cards that give you great return, etc etc. </p>
<p>Now, take this with a grain of salt, because most 18 year olds (if not all now) can’t run out and get a credit card. I don’t think every 18 year old should get a credit card either, at least not for regular use. However, I highly suggest by the time you hit 20, get one with a low limit and figure out how it all works. If buying a car or a house after college is in your mind, definitely start early if you can.
Parents, this (co-signing on a card) was the best thing that they did for me. I now have great, established credit and am looking at top mortgage rates and a student loan would be easy as cake to get on my own (not going down that route, but looked into it in case…). Even consider putting them as an authorized user on your own card and reap the rewards yourself =P You can cancel the card at any sign of abuse</p>