Opening a U.S. Bank Account

Choosing a Bank

There are many banks in the local area that offer several types of savings and checking accounts. Many banks have checking and/or savings accounts designed for college students, which often feature lower or no monthly fees, lower minimum balance requirements, etc.  Be sure to research different options to find the choice that best fits your needs. Make sure to consider the following before choosing a bank.

  • What are the fees for wiring money from overseas?

  • What is the minimum balance required? Is there a penalty if my balance goes below the minimum?

  • Will my checking account earn any interest?

  • What will I pay in monthly service charges?

  • Are there branches or ATM machines near Georgia Tech and where I live?

Opening a Bank Account

In order to open a bank account, you should bring the following documents:

  • Georgia Tech ID (Buzzcard)
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • Passport and I-94
  • You may be asked for a Social Security Number, but it is not required to open an account.

Banks near GT campus include (all have ATMs in the Student Center):

Wells Fargo
645 State Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30313-2493
404.853.1960
1.800.869.3557

Bank of America
231 Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30303-1603
404.332.2700
1.800.432.1000

Truist
523 Luckie Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30313-2401
404.253.3509
1.800.786.8787

PNC Bank
75 5th Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
404.897.5688
1.888.762.2265

NOTE: Neither Georgia Tech nor OIE is able to recommend or directly promote any of these options.