Are you college ready?
The below content is meant to be informational and not used as financial advice.
Hey, new college student!
Got everything you need? Clothes, stuff for the dorm, books? How about a financial institution? If you don’t already have one, add open a spending (checking) account to your list.
Why?
A spending/checking account with debit card allows you to pay for expenses, make purchases in stores or online, and withdraw money from an ATM. And, when you receive student funding or a paycheck you’ll be able to opt for direct deposit. You'll also be able to link your debit card to your smartphone to make super-easy and safe mobile transactions.
Where?
Why?
A spending/checking account with debit card allows you to pay for expenses, make purchases in stores or online, and withdraw money from an ATM. And, when you receive student funding or a paycheck you’ll be able to opt for direct deposit. You'll also be able to link your debit card to your smartphone to make super-easy and safe mobile transactions.
Where?
Do your homework! Thought you were getting a break from that, huh? It’s important that you feel comfortable with the financial institution you choose.
• Ask your parents and friends for recommendations
• Check out the financial institution’s social media and website
• Read reviews
• Ask your parents and friends for recommendations
• Check out the financial institution’s social media and website
• Read reviews
What about Oxford Federal Credit Union?
Our OFCU4U spending account is designed especially for young adults age 18-25 - and you can take us wherever you go to school.
Digital banking lets you manage your money without visiting a branch. But, if you do need to make an in-person transaction, there are over 5,600 other credit unions in the U.S. that participate in Shared Branching - and you can do business at one just like you would here at home.
*Bonus – other OFCU members (ahem...like your parents) are able to transfer money quickly and safely to your account through digital banking.
Digital banking lets you manage your money without visiting a branch. But, if you do need to make an in-person transaction, there are over 5,600 other credit unions in the U.S. that participate in Shared Branching - and you can do business at one just like you would here at home.
*Bonus – other OFCU members (ahem...like your parents) are able to transfer money quickly and safely to your account through digital banking.
Here are some links you may find useful.
- Oxford FCU partners with Sallie Mae to offer you student loan options.
- A list of what you will need to open an account with a financial institution.
- The Cost of College (3-minute read): This article from our education partner, Banzai, also includes a budgeting coach!
- Some ways you can build credit.
We are here to help.
We are always ready and happy to answer questions (there are no stupid ones!), offer advice and resources, and guide you through your financial journey. You can reach us by completing this form, giving us a call at 800.991.9219 or stopping by a branch.
02/23/2023
What is Financial Wellness?
I think I’ve always managed my money fairly well. But I spent many, many years living paycheck to paycheck and having to borrow from my parents if something came up…
04/24/2023
Mobile Pay & Digital Wallets
My teammate flashes her Apple Watch wherever she can – gas pumps, Subway, the vending machine… But, a lot of people don’t know about mobile pay or understand how it works.
01/17/2023
Credit Cards & Interest Rates
A few weeks ago, I was paying for purchases in a retail store and was asked if I wanted to apply for their credit card. I said I wasn’t interested, and the cashier replied, “Good. The interest rate is 30%! Can you believe that?!”