Student Checking Accounts in the US Compared
Most big US banks do not have a “student account” any more. Instead, they waive the monthly fee if you are under a certain age. Here is the age that matters at each bank.
| Bank and account | Monthly fee | Waived for young customers | Other ways to avoid the fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One 360 Checking | $0 | No fee for anyone | No minimum balance |
| Chase Secure Banking | $4.95 | Account owners aged 17–24 | $250+ in qualifying electronic deposits |
| Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance | $4.95 | An owner under 25 | $500+ minimum daily balance or Preferred Rewards tier |
| Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking | $5 | Primary owner aged 13–24 | $250+ in qualifying electronic deposits |
| PNC Simple Checking | $5 | Under 25 | Qualifying direct deposit |
| US Bank Smartly Checking | $12 | Young adults aged 18–24 (ages 13–17 open jointly with an adult) | — |
| Citi Access Checking | $5 | An owner aged 23 or younger (from 18 July 2026) | $250+ in direct deposits or qualifying transactions |
From each bank’s own page, checked 13 October 2026.
How to choose
- Check the age, not the word “student”. These waivers go by date of birth. When you turn 25 (24 at Citi), the fee starts unless you meet another condition, so put that date in your calendar.
- Think about overdrafts. Capital One 360 Checking has no overdraft fees; no-fee overdraft coverage needs $250+ in deposits in 2 of the last 3 months.
- Branches or app only? If you want a branch near campus, check the map before opening. Online-only accounts work well if you rarely need cash deposits.
- Under 18? Chase asks 17-year-olds to open Secure Banking in a branch; US Bank needs an adult co-owner for ages 13–17.
Sign-up bonuses
At our check, Chase offered $175 to new Chase checking customers who open Chase Secure Banking and make 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days; the offer expires 27 January 2027 and is limited to one bonus every two years. We did not see bonuses on the other banks’ pages. Bonuses are taxable and come with conditions, so read the terms before choosing a bank only for the bonus.
Changes to know
Chase College Checking no longer appears among Chase’s accounts; young customers are pointed to Chase Secure Banking. At our 9 October 2026 check, Discover’s checking page redirected to Capital One 360 Checking. Citi lowered its age waiver to 23 or younger from 18 July 2026.
This page compares published fees and rules. It is not financial advice; check the account agreement before you open an account.
Students also ask
Which bank account is best for college students?
If you want no fee at any age, Capital One 360 Checking has no monthly fee. Big banks such as Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and PNC waive their fees for customers under 25 (Chase: 17–24).
Does Chase still have College Checking?
It is no longer listed among Chase’s accounts. Chase Secure Banking has a $0 monthly fee for owners aged 17–24.
What happens to my fee when I turn 25?
The age waiver ends and the monthly fee applies unless you meet another condition, such as a minimum deposit or balance.
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