Managing your finances can be one of the most important and challenging aspects of an enjoyable academic experience. Upon your arrival to Lamar University, we encourage you to speak with a representative of a reputable local bank to learn about basic banking options available to you in the U.S. When selecting a bank, you should compare services, service charges and bank locations before making your decision.
Recommendations for Banking in the United States
- Establish a U.S. bank account in order to help secure your funds and manage your finances. It can also help make paying for necessary items such as housing, food, books, and tuition easier.
- When traveling, limit the amount of cash you carry for safety. You may want to consider getting an International Gift Card or Pre-paid Travel Card. NOTE: Some banks may not be able to process cash advances on pre-paid travel cards and there may be ATM fees which can be very costly. Ensure to review all tuition payment options for your university to ensure you are selecting the one that best fits your needs.
- Never share account numbers, personal identification numbers, (PIN) or passwords with anyone.
- Be cautious of doing business with people that you do not know.
- Keep the bank updated on changes of your contact information and when you're planning to travel overseas.
What You'll Need
When you open a U.S. bank account, you will need two forms of identification. Your passport is a mandatory form, and either your University ID Card or acceptance letter. In addition, having a local address and U.S. phone number is important when establishing a new account. A P.O. Box will not be accepted as an address. Please note that the requirements may vary depending on the bank.
Additional resources to help avoid financial fraud and scams
Scams and Frauds | USA Government
Federal Trade Commissions | Consumer Information: Scam Alerts
FastWeb! | Beware: Student Scams