Banking and Financial Information
There are several banks near the Emory campus. A detailed list of required documents for each bank is available below. ISSS recommends that students and scholars bring all immigration documents (I-20 or DS-2019 Form, passport with visa and I-94 card) when visiting a bank to open an account.
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Bank of America 1615 North Decatur Road NE (404) 329-4839 Documents Required: One form of primary identification or two forms of secondary identification. Acceptable documents include: |
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Suntrust Bank 1685 North Decatur Road NE (404) 728-1200 Documents Required: |
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Wells Fargo 725 Houston Mill Road (404) 329-1830 Documents Required: |
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Fidelity National Bank 2936 North Druid Hills Road (404) 329-9595 Documents Required: |
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East-West Bank 4360 Chamblee Dunwoody Road (770) 454-4755 Documents Required: |
Many banks will give you an ATM (automated teller machine) card, also called a debit card, when you open your account. This card allows you to withdraw money from your bank account when you cannot get to your bank or use a check. While these cards are a great convenience, please be aware of the security issues presented by ATM use. You should not tell anyone your PIN (Personal Identification Number) that you receive with your card, nor write your PIN on your card. Use ATMs that are in well lit areas, during the day if possible. As for credit cards, you can inquire at your bank to see if you qualify. If you have a credit card at home, it may be useful to bring it with you.
If you are a full-time student, you may qualify for a special checking account with a low (or no) service charge. It is a good idea to compare the services offered by different banks so that you can find the account that best meets your checking and savings needs.
Some questions to ask before selecting a bank account include:
- What is the minimum balance required, and is there a penalty if my balance goes below that minimum?
- Will my checking account earn any interest?
- What will I pay in monthly service charges?
- What is the per check charge – how many free checks can I write each month? (Expect to write at least three to five checks per month.)
- What other services does this bank offer, and how much does it charge for me to use them (for example, a safe deposit box, exchanging foreign currency, or getting certified or cashier's checks)?
- Is it possible to pay bills online through my bank account?
Online payments of bills through your personal bank account have become increasingly common in the United States. Ask your bank about procedures and availability for using an online banking payment system. While in many countries paying by check is no longer common and it is becoming less common in the United States; checks are still used somewhat frequently in this country. Here are some aspects to consider:
- Keep track of the check numbers and your balance in the checkbook register – should you have to cancel a check, the bank must have that number.
- If you choose not to retain carbon copies of your checks, be sure to shred them carefully. The account number and routing number listed on your carbons may allow others to gain access to your account.
Unfortunately, international students and scholars can be a favorite target of “scam” or “con” artists—people who attempt to take your money using a variety of schemes, set-ups and false advertising. Please be very cautious when approached by strangers with stories or requests which involve putting up deposits or giving them your money. Do not respond to requests via email or telephone to solicit personal financial information from you, such as your bank account number or your Social Security Number (SSN).