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Explore our articles geared for teens. These fun, informative articles help students learn the basics of saving, budgeting, and more.

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Find the Best Bank for a Student Checking Account Student checking accounts are a great way for college students to get their finances in order and prepare for the future. But finding the right checking account at the best bank takes some research. Deciding which bank offers the best student checking account comes down to finding one that offers the best benefits and features. Use this guide to determine what features are important to you, then learn how to open a student checking account online today. Guide to Choosing a Student Checking Account When comparing student bank accounts, the Simple Dollar suggests making these four factors top priority: Fees — Checking accounts often have monthly fees, but a lot of banks offer accounts without them. As a college student, you shouldn’t have to worry about wasting your money on monthly maintenance fees. When choosing a checking account, go for the bank that offers no monthly fees for students. Location — When it comes to student banking, location is important. You probably don’t want to travel too far off campus to find an ATM or local branch, so look for banks with locations near you. If you like a bank, but their ATMs are located too far away, ask about their fees on out-of-network ATM transactions. A lot of banks will allow you to make a certain number of ATM transactions per month, fee free. But be careful, although your bank might not charge you a fee, the ATM itself could. Linked savings account — College is a great time to start putting money away for your future. When choosing a bank to open a student checking account, consider a bank that offers a linked savings account. With a linked account you will be able to transfer money easily between accounts, allowing you to save as much or as little as you want each month, and withdraw from your savings whenever you want. Perks — Any good student bank account should come with perks. Decide what features and benefits are important to you, such as mobile banking, mobile check deposit and online bill pay, then look for a bank that offers those perks. Campus Checking from First Bank You know that fees, location, savings and perks are all important in a student checking account, but where can you find 3 min read

Open a Free Student Checking Account with First Bank If you are thinking about opening a checking account while in college, you may be wondering what a no fee student checking account is, and where you can get one. Unexpected expenses can put stress on you financially and mentally, and the last thing you should have to worry about in college is paying extra fees to have a checking account. It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that the costs of college have risen substantially in the past few years. But you may be surprised to find out just how many more unexpected costs there are once you get there. Most colleges provide you with a list of expenses based on their tuition fees, cost of room and board, and loose estimates on other essentials such as transportation and textbooks. Often these estimates are way off, and you get stuck coming up with extra money for things you didn’t realize you would need. Avoid Surprise Fees With A Student Checking Account at First Bank A no fee student checking account is a checking account designed specifically for college students that doesn’t charge monthly maintenance fees as long as you meet certain monthly requirements. First Bank’s no fee student checking account is called Campus Checking, and it is specifically designed for students between ages of 16 and 25. Campus Checking features: No monthly maintenance fees Free online and mobile banking* Free online bill pay Free eStatements or paper statements No First Bank transaction fees on 8 out-of-network ATM withdrawals per month Earn cash back at hundreds of online retailers when you use your First Bank credit card with One Rewards Opening a no fee student checking account at First Bank is quick and easy. You can visit a branch near you, or open an account online safely and securely in just 10 minutes. If you have questions about our student checking account, or want to learn more about our other banking services, call or visit us today. To learn even more about First Bank, see our articles on different types of banking services, personal budget categories, community banks near me, banks headquartered in North Carolina, mortgage basics, and mobile merchant services. While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s 2 min read

What Is the Best Savings Account for Kids The success of child savings accounts has been well documented. We can probably all agree that a savings account for kids is a good decision, but what is the best savings account for kids? First Bank offers a savings account called MyFirst Savings and it’s not hard to argue that it might just be the best savings account for kids. Here’s why: It’s just for kids. MyFirst Savings is exclusively for children under the age of 18. It’s easy and affordable to open. There’s only a $10 initial deposit required to open the account and it can be done simply by visiting one of First Bank’s 100+ locations throughout the Carolinas. The money will grow. There’s no minimum balance to earn interest so your child’s money will start growing from the day the account is opened. You’ll have access to the money. You can make two withdrawals per month with no First Bank fees and with our online and mobile banking you’ll be able to always keep an eye on your money.* You’ll be kept in the know. Free monthly paper or electronic statements provide you a record of the account history and our email, phone call or text message activity alerts notify you of each transaction that happens in the account. Opening a savings account for children is one of the best things a parent can do. And in order to open the very best savings account for kids, simply visit your nearest First Bank today. Or to simply learn more about the account, visit the MyFirst Savings page and download a free coloring book for your child featuring Troy the Plott Hound! While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. 2. Withdrawal fee of $2 each after the first two during the month. Federal regulations limit withdrawals of preauthorized transfers to two (2) per month, including checks, drafts, online transfers, telephone transfers and debit card purchases. You may conduct an unlimited number of withdrawals at the ATM, in person at a branch, or by mail when the check is mailed to you. 2 min read

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