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Student Checking Accounts

Student standing outside college

Free Student Checking Account

North Country Savings Bank understands that Canton and Potsdam college students and parents are concerned with finances, and those pesky ATM fees can add up over the school year. That's why we've made student banking easy with our Free Student Checking Account, available to students in the communities we serve. We are proud to be the hometown bank for Clarkson University, St. Lawrence University, SUNY Potsdam, and SUNY Canton students seeking a convenient banking solution. NCSB is the best bank for college students attending school in the North Country.

With just a $25 deposit, students can ensure they have access to money when they need it. We have ATMs at Clarkson University, St. Lawrence University, and SUNY Potsdam. With our free online banking and mobile app, you can check your account balances anytime, anywhere.

Visit your nearest North Country Savings Bank branch to open a student checking account today!

  • No monthly service charge
  • Receive check images with monthly statements
  • Free External Account Transfers with EagleNET Online Banking
  • Unlimited withdrawals with MasterMoney™ Debit Card
  • No ATM fees with MasterMoney™ Debit Card at North Country Savings Bank ATMs (Six free withdrawals per monthly statement cycle from non-North Country Savings Bank ATMs)
  • Parents can be a joint signer on your account
  • Balance below $100 with no activity for 270 days will be closed (proceeds returned to account holder)

Intro to Money 101: Money Lessons for College Students

Consider our recommendations below and have a fantastically, financially-smart school year!

Budget, Budget, Budget

Budgeting is one of the most important skills one can learn before heading off to college. With unexpected costs for additional supplies, late-night pizza, fraternity/sorority dues and more, budgeting is crucial to the student looking to balance work and play.

Search for the Deals

From student rates offered by restaurants, movie theaters, and cafes, to discounted travel and more, student savings abound in surprising places – you just have to know where and how to look for them.

Buy Used

From textbooks to furniture, college students can save even more by buying used. For textbooks, search for used books to save hundreds of dollars. And with sales of recycled goods often occurring on college campuses, one student's trash frequently becomes another's treasure.

Open a Checking Account

One of the first steps in establishing sound financial practices is setting up a checking account. Have your student open a new account in their own name. Using a checking account will allow them to see how their money is spent, and enable them to stay on top of their finances 24/7. Managing a debit card properly can be a good segue to securing credit in the future.

Build Credit

Building credit is crucial for young adults. When the time comes, encourage your student to shop carefully before applying for a credit card, and look for one with a low-interest rate and no annual fees. When they do get that plastic, stress the importance of paying the balance in full each month. Only small, regular charges are best, and the balance is easier to pay off when just starting to build credit.