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Banks and Personal Finance

Banks and Finances 

To handle financial matters in the most convenient way, it is probably best if students open checking accounts at banks providing ATM service. There is only one ATM (Bank of America) on the campuses, in the Smith Campus Center on Pomona. Otherwise, Pacific Western and PFF’s ATMs are also fairly close, and there are several banks located in the Village. Bank of America, however, has thousands of ATMs everywhere you may travel.

The following is a list of the banks closest (one-mile radius or about a 20-minute walk) to HMC, along with the cheapest checking account that can be opened by students. This information was updated May 24, 2010.

 Pacific Western


223 W. Foothill
  (909) 621-0519

  0.4 miles from Platt Center

  • Free checking
  • Checks: 20 a month free, after $0.30 per check written
  • No minimum balance
  • $50 minimum opening amount
  • One ATM in Claremont
  • ATM: $0 at any ATM with  Visa/Master Card, Cirrus, Maestro, Instant Teller, Exchange or Star symbol; $1.25 otherwise

 US Bank

393 W. Foothill Blvd
  (909) 625-8655

 0.5 miles from Platt Center

  • Free checking
  • Checks: $21.25 for 150; first order free if account is opened online
  • No minimum balance
  • $25 minimum opening amount
  • Two ATMS in Claremont
  • ATM: $0 at PFF/USB; $2 for non-PFF/USB (first 4 transactions are free)
  Bank of America


339 Yale Ave (Claremont Village)
 (909) 865-2424 

 0.8 miles from Platt Center

  • Free checking
  • Checks: 150 for $17
  • No minimum balance
  • $25 minimum opening amount
  • Eight ATMs in Claremont (a 24-hr ATM is located at the SCC)
  • ATM: $0 at BofA; $2 for non-BofA
 Chase


400 N. Indian Hill Blvd (Claremont Village)
 (909) 624-9001

 0.8 miles from Platt Center

  • Free checking
  • Checks: 120 for $18.95
  • No minimum balance
  • $25 minimum opening amount
  • One ATM in Claremont
  • ATM: $0 at Chase; $2 for non-Chase
  Wells Fargo


203 Yale Ave (Claremont Village)
 (909) 398-1140

 0.9 miles from Platt Center

  • Free checking
  • Checks: 150 for $17.26
  • Online banking is free
  • No minimum balance
  • $100 minimum to open
  • Three ATMs in Claremont
  • ATM: $0 at WF; $2.50 for withdrawal, $2 otherwise at non-WF
  California Bank and Trust


102 N. Yale Ave (Claremont Village)
 (909) 624-9091

 0.9 miles from Platt Center

  • Checking $4 per month
  • 8 checks free, $0.75/check after
  • Checks: $17.80 for 150
  • No minimum balance
  • $100 minimum to open
  • One ATM in Claremont
  • ATM: $0 at CBT; $1 for non-CBT
 First City Credit Union


250 W. First Street (Claremont Village)
 (800) 944-2200

 1.1 miles from Platt Center

  • Free checking
  • Checks: first 50 free; $13.63 for 150
  • No minimum balance
  • $10 minimum to open
  • Three ATMs in Claremont
  • ATM: $0 at FC; non-FC, 6 free per month at other credit unions, $1.50 thereafter and at non-credit unions

  Citibank

405 W. Foothill Blvd, Ste. 101
 (800) 627-3999

 0.7 miles from Platt Center

  • Free checking
  • Checks: Unlimited check writing, prices vary based on design
  • Online banking is free
  • No minimum balance
  • $100 minimum opening deposit
  • ATMs only at branch, but...
  • ATM: no fees while enrolled at an accredited college.


Spending

Students normally spend $80-100 per month on living expenses (laundry, movies, snacks, toiletries). Also, if you are bringing a car, there is a $20 per semester registration fee (and bring proof of insurance as well). There are no charges for library cards, computer accounts or routine computer print-outs.

Work-study

Work-study is often part of a student’s financial aid package. New students are offered work-study for the first semester. Look for a job as soon as you arrive on campus, before they are grabbed by others. Career Services, the Dean of Students Office, Office of Admission or Computing and Information Services should have ideas of where you could find a job. Paychecks for student workers are distributed every two weeks.