Bank Accounts

Most banks are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm. Some also have Saturday hours. If you open an account, you can usually get an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card—also called a debit card—and therefore have banking access 24 hours a day.

OPENING AN ACCOUNT
You may open a checking account at one of the banks in the area by taking your passport and another form of identification (major credit card or USD Student I.D. card) to the New Accounts section of the bank. There you will be given a "Signature Card" on which you will write your name, address, and telephone number, and your mother's "maiden" or "unmarried" name. You must have money (at least $25.00-$100.00 depending on the bank) to open an account. You will, generally, receive a checkbook. If you deposit cash or traveler's checks the bank will allow you to use your checking account immediately, but if you deposit a check the bank will not allow you to spend the money for 2 to 4 weeks.

WRITING A CHECK
In most stores where you cash a check, you will need a driver's license or another Identification card. Once a month a statement will be sent to you showing the checks charged against your account in the last month.

BANKS WITH INTERNATIONAL BANKING SERVICES
All three of these banks sell international money orders and receive deposits from foreign banks directly. The best way to transfer funds from another country to the USA is by electronic wire transfer directly from bank-to-bank. This method allows immediate credit and use of money. Other methods of obtaining funds from abroad (for example, money order or check) will cause a delay of at least 2 weeks or longer for availability of funds.

• Bank of America
      (858) 654-6794
      2341 Ulric Street, San Diego, CA 92111
  Take Linda Vista Road until you reach Ulric Street. Make a right. You will see Bank of America on the left side of the street.
• Washington Mutual
      (619) 298-9688
      5111 Mission Center Road, San Diego, CA 92108
  Take Friars Road to Mission Center Road and turn right. You will see Great Western on the corner of Mission Center Road and Camino de la Reina.
• Wells Fargo
      (619) 296-4951
      1350 Fashion Valley Road, San Diego, CA 92108
  Take Friars Road to Mission Center Road and turn left. Wells Fargo is in a shopping center on the left side of the street.