Visa Categories

You should plan on opening a U.S. bank account soon after arriving in the U.S. You will need a bank account, especially if you will be working or receiving financial aid at Thomas Jefferson University since Jefferson will directly transfer wages, salary, and other payments into your bank account - you will not receive any payments in cash. To open a bank account, you will need the following documents. Also, consult with the bank to determine their requirements.

• Your passport
• Your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, or I-797 Approval Notice
• Your I-94 admission record (available only after you arrive in the U.S.) 
• Proof of your local address (e.g., letter or form with your name and U.S. address; copy of lease)
• You are not required to have a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer ID Number to open a simple bank account; however, you may be asked to complete IRS Form W-8BEN

You can open a checking account or a mix of checking and savings accounts as a student, a scholar, or an employee.

• Checking Account: Used for daily transactions like debit card purchases, bill payments, and cash withdrawals. Offers easy access to funds but usually has lower interest rates.
• Savings Account: Designed for storing money and earning interest. Offers higher interest rates but may have limitations on withdrawals.
• Student Accounts: Tailored for students with features like no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Generally, these accounts have age limitations, depending on one financial institution to another.
• Joint Accounts: Shared between two or more individuals, such as siblings. All account holders have equal access to funds and account management.

Choose a bank and account type that aligns with your needs and preferences, considering fees, interest rates, and convenience for managing your finances.

• Debit Card Overview: A debit card, also known as a check card, is a payment card that directly deducts money from a checking account to cover purchases. It negates the need to carry cash or physical checks. Typically, debit cards have a daily spending limit, preventing users from making substantial purchases and avoiding debt. These cards also enable cash withdrawals from ATMs (Automated Teller Machines).
• Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs): ATMs are devices where bank customers can make deposits or withdrawals at any time using a debit card and a secret PIN (Personal Identification Number). Follow the instructions displayed on the ATM screen. If there's a fee, you'll be notified and given the option to cancel the transaction. Fees usually range from $1 to $3 per transaction at non-bank ATMs. You can find ATMs at banks, supermarkets, shopping centers, and various locations on Jefferson's campus.
• Credit Cards: In the U.S., an individual's credit score gauges their likelihood of making timely payments. A higher score can benefit you in various ways, such as securing an apartment, reducing insurance rates, or obtaining loans. New international students and scholars might not have a credit history, making it challenging to acquire a credit card. Some banks offer prepaid credit cards as an option to establish credit history, functioning similarly to debit cards. Inquire with your bank about these options.

If you're considering getting a credit card, ensure you comprehend their functionality to avoid debt. It's essential to understand credit cards and credit scores thoroughly. You can access more information about credit cards and credit scores here.

When arriving in the U.S., we advise carrying only a modest amount of cash. U.S. Customs regulations restrict the cash amount allowed into the country. To secure your funds, consider traveler's checks—they are replaceable if misplaced or stolen. Alternatively, having an international bank card allows access to U.S. ATMs or banks for your convenience.