Banks and Financial Institutions

Getting Started With Banking in Athens

It is essential for you to set up a bank account in Athens, Ohio. First, this allows the university to directly deposit any wages you may earn as a graduate assistant or hourly employee. Second, this is an easy way to eliminate foreign transaction fees and pay your living expenses more easily.

Please read more below regarding important information to know while preparing to open your bank account.

Types of Bank Accounts

Checking Account - This type of account allows you to deposit, withdraw, send money, and make purchases online and in-person. Use this account whenever you need to use your money right away.

Savings - This type of account allows you to earn a small amount of interest on your money as you save over time. Use this account when you need to save for a big purchase or to be prepared for an emergency. 

Credit Card - Some banks may allow international students to open a credit card account with a prepaid initial deposit to build a credit score when they pay it back on time. Use a credit account when you need to make a purchase now and pay later or pay over a period of time but with interest. While there is value in building credit it is very easy to get in debt – so beware!

Important Bank Terms

Deposits - When you put money into any of your accounts (including cash, checks, money orders, etc.)

Withdrawals - When you take money out of any of your accounts (including cash, checks, etc.)

Purchases- When you spend money from your account for daily essentials or bills

Transfers – When you move money between your accounts (i.e., from checking to savings or vice versa)

Bank Statement – A record of your monthly transactions that shows the balance of funds in your account on a specific date and all your transactions (see above definitions).

Banking Options in Athens, Ohio

ISSS recommends confirming the documentation needed before going to open your bank account.

People's Bank
Locations: 1 N. Court St. 801 E. State St.	Phone Numbers: 740.597.2003 740.597.2006	Documentation Required: Passport I-20 or DS2019 OHIO Student ID

 

Chase Bank
Locations: 2 S. Court St. 920 E. State St. 420-424 Richland Ave.	Phone Numbers: 740.592.0383 740.592.3126 740.592.3128	Documentation Required: Passport I-20 or DS2019

 

Hocking Valley Bank
Locations: 2649 W. Stimson Ave. 23 S. Court St. 368 Richland Ave.	Phone Number: 740.592.4441	Documentation Required: Passport Social Security Number

 

OUCU Financial
Locations: 90 S. Shafer St. 944 E. State St. 12 W. Union St.	Phone Number: 740.597.2800	Documentation Required: Passport I-20 or DS2019 Foreign Tax Identification Number (FTIN) Social Security Number

 

WesBanco
Locations: 505 Richland Ave.	Phone Number: 740.594.5626	Documentation Required: Passport OHIO Student ID Documentation that shows current address

 

Park National Bank
Locations: 898 E. State St.	Phone Number: 740.593.7756	Documentation Required: Passport with visa stamp OHIO Student ID Social Security Number (preferred)

 

Merchants National Bank
Locations: 20 E. Stimson Ave.	Phone Number: 740.593.5205	Documentation Required: Passport with visa stamp Social Security Number

 

First National Bank
Locations: 1012 E State St.	Phone Number: 740.594.1863	Documentation Required: Passport with visa stamp I-20 or DS2019 Social Security Number