Bank Account

[Poseidon]

Im leaving for boot on 20080505, pretty soon, and i dont have a bank account, i was trying to sign with USAA but they told me they weren't letting people sign up until they've been in boot for 6 min, yes, 6 min, so my recruiters told me boots not letting people sign up for bank accounts while at boot and it has to be taken care of before i leave, i was wonderin if that is true and if i boot will let me sign up for a bank account? Sry if this is a stupid question..............

[HM1(SW/AW)]

I would say call Navy Federal at 1-888-842-NFCU (6328) and see what they say. If anyone else in your family has an account with Navy Federal then you can automatically get an account even if you are not in the military.

Otherwise, I would ask for a manager or supervisor at USAA and explain to them your situation.

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

Are you enrolled in DEERS as a DEP'er?
Assuming you are under 24, were either of your parents in the military?

If not, I would open a basic checking account with a credit union or bank prior to RTC. If you happen to get a moment to open a USAA account during RTC (which I seriously doubt) then you can sign a new direct deposit form at the same time.

Do yourself a favor and sign yourself up for a TSP account as soon as you are eligible. I also recommend investing in the Montgomery GI Bill and participating in the MGIB Buy Up program as well. Series EE savings bonds do not have a very high return, but they are better than nothing and may help you save money (much better options are available though)

http://www.dfas.mil/navy2.html
https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx
http://www.navyfcu.org
https://www.usaa.com
http://www.tsp.gov
http://www.gibill.va.gov

[DeeDee]

When Dan was gettting ready to join his recruiter told him he HAD to have a bank account BEFORE he left for boot so that his paycheck could be direct deposited. He was also advised to take only his account information (acct # & Routing #) as well as his ATM card with him to boot - no paper checks
Not sure if this has changed or not - it's been almost 2 years since he went to boot and things do change :)