Banks and Personal Finance
Banks and Finances
To handle financial matters in the most convenient way, it is probably best if students open checking accounts at banks providing automatic teller machine (ATM) service. There is only one ATM (Bank of America) on the campuses, in the Smith Campus Center (SCC), Pomona College. Pacific Western ATMs are also fairly close, and there are several banks located in the Claremont Village. Bank of America, however, has ATMs most everywhere you may travel.
| Bank | Account Type | Check Fees and Printing | Minimum Balance | Minimum Opening Deposit | ATMs in Claremont | ATM fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Western 223 W. Foothill Blvd. 909.621.0519 0.4 miles from Platt Center | Free checking | 20 a month free, after $0.30 per check written | $500 daily or $1,500 monthly | $50 | One | $0 at any ATM with Visa/MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro, Instant Teller, Exchange or Star symbol; $1.25 otherwise |
| US Bank 393 W. Foothill Blvd. 909.625.8655 0.5 miles from Platt Center | Free checking | $21.25 for 150; first order free if account is opened online | No minimum | $25 | Two | $0 at PFF/USB; $2 for non-PFF/USB (first 4 transactions are free) |
| Bank of America 339 Yale Ave. (Claremont Village) 918.909.451097 0.8 miles from Platt Center | Free checking | 150 for $17 | No minimum | $25 | Eight (24 hr. ATM located at the SCC) | $0 at BofA; $2.50 for non-BofA |
| Chase 400 N. Indian Hill Blvd. (Claremont Village) 909.624.9001 0.8 miles from Platt Center | Free checking | 120 for $18.95 | No minimum | $25 | One | $0 at Chase; $2 for non-Chase |
| Wells Fargo 203 Yale Ave. (Claremont Village) 909.398.1140 0.9 miles from Platt Center | Free checking | 150 for $17.26; online banking is free | No minimum | $100 | Three | $0 at WF; $2.50 for withdrawal, $2 otherwise at non-WF |
| California Bank and Trust 102 N. Yale Ave. (Claremont Village) 909.624.9091 0.9 miles from Platt Center | Checking $4/month, 8 checks free, $0.75/check after | Checks: $17.80 for 150 | No minimum | $100 | One | $0 at CBT; $1 for non-CBT |
| First City Credit Union 250 W. First Street (Claremont Village) 800.944.2200 1.1 miles from Platt Center | Free checking | First 50 free; $13.63 for 150 | No minimum | $10 | Three | $0 at FC; non-FC, 6 free per month at other credit unions, $1.50 thereafter and at non-credit unions |
Spending
Students normally spend $80–100 per month on living expenses (laundry, movies, snacks, toiletries). Also, if bringing a car, there is a $20 per semester registration fee (bring proof of insurance as well). There are no charges for library cards, computer accounts or routine computer print-outs.
Work-study
Work-study is often part of a student’s financial aid package. New students are offered work-study for the first semester. For the best options, look for a job as soon as you arrive on campus. Career Services, the Division of Student Affairs, Office of Admission, or Computing and Information Services may offer suggestions about where to find a job. Paychecks for student workers are distributed every two weeks.