Boot Camp Banking

[dodint]

I'm shipping out to MCRDPI on October 16, and had a few questions about banking.

I was under the impression that when you got there you had to choose from the list of CUs/Banks and use that bank until you graduate. If you choose, you could then switch to your own credit union if need be. However, my recruiter asked me to bring my ABA Transit Routing number to boot. So does this mean that I can actually have my boot pay sent to my current account? My recruiter originally made it sound like I'd get the money all at once after graduation.

Also, I'd like to get an account with Navy Federal while I'm at boot, and still have the actual pay get sent to my current credit union. Does that seem doable? I know I'll find out when I get there, but it would help with making sure I get my financial situation better squared away.

Thanks.

[outlaw3179]

Maybe its changed but youll get an account setup with Marine Corps West and thats where all your money will go. I think its actually even called Pacific Marine now.

[SgtGorman]

I am not sure after four years, but when I went there....Everybody was issued an account with Fort Sill National Bank, or known as FSBN. After you graduate from the Boot Camp, you can switch to whatever bank you want to. West cost they have Pacific Marine Credit Union. And you'll recieve a temporary debit card from FSBN. Recently some of my Marines graduated from Parris Island; and they was issued the same. So, I guess the procedure is the same with FNSB. http://www.fsnb.com/

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

I don't think you can get a Navy Fed account at PI. But, I have to ask why this is such a big deal. It isn't like you're going to have time to worry about the money anyway.

For what its worth, I have an account at FSNB (although we didn't do that when I went to SD) and I like it quite a bit. Maybe its just because I like things from Oklahoma!

[dodint]

I got the recommendation from a Marine about Navy Fed, so I was researching it to see if it was true.


But, I have to ask why this is such a big deal. It isn't like you're going to have time to worry about the money anyway.


Financial responsibility is a big deal to me. I'm too old to come out of my first enlistment broke. I'm planning for the future. Sure, I can pick any bank to get myself through Boot Camp and things will be fine. But I like what Navy Fed has to offer down the road, and if given a choice I'd like to sign up with then.

All of this was prompted by my recruiter saying that I will need to bring my transit number to boot camp, so I was curious as to why.

[cowgurl_Marine]

All I have to say is stay away from Fort Still.....opps I mean fort seal. Change it as soon as possible and your Drill instrutors will tell you the same.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

dodint, I'm not sure about the rules now, but it used to be that if you could join another credit union then Navy Fed wouldn't allow you to open an account. That means a whole bunch of Marines would open accounts with them while they were deployed. I don't know if they've changed that rule or not. But, if they haven't, you won't be able to get an account there while at PI. That doesn't mean there won't be other chances for you to do it down the road. I joined Tinker Federal Credit Union while I was on leave. It is an Air Force base in Oklahoma's credit union. If you don't plan on living near a Navy Fed when you get out, doing something like that may be a better idea for you than joining Navy Fed and then being hundreds of miles from one of their locations.

[Thatcher]

Here in San Diego they set us up with an account with Pacific Marine Credit union checking and debit card. They didnt give us any other option but after you graduate you can do whatever you want with it, including get your direct deposit sent to any other bank.

[Bulkyker]

Wow how times have changed! Whatever we didn't spend on a plane ticket was paid out in hard green at the end of boot camp. My first duty station, if you didn't want direct deposit you put on your alphas and reported to the First Sergeant on payday. Everyone who had direct deposit went on libbo while you stood an alpha inspection until long after the banks closed.

A wise man once told me that a PFC don't need nothing but haircut money, so get a savings allottment. You know what he was right.

[YLDNDN6]

Yeah, the whole banking thing is news to me...we lined up and got cash at the end of it all, too.

[killerinstinct]

well its usually unless youre married and get some money alloted to your wifes account you get what they give you.. your choice is listen and do it or dont.. most people just do it.

But I have navy fed but had to wait to be sent overseas, be in bootcamp(so i hear) or have one on the base your stationed at.

Try and talk witha navyfed person and see how you can qualify for membership with them. It used to be awesome as navyfed used to get paid a day early than anyone else.. it changed when i came back to the states but who knows now.

hope this helped

[dodint]

Well, I graduated today. Thats Awesome.


To answer my own question. You're setup with a Fort Sill National Bank account automatically. Then around training day 40 or so Navy Fed sends every recruit a letter asking them to join via mail, or during recruit liberty. They open up on Sunday just for the recruits. You can also do it on Family Day/Grad Day, but I did it on Libo.


Sometime while I was gone the status link seems to have disappeared. Can someone switch me to PFC?

[Old Marine]

Used to be that you could let your pay ride on the books and draw however much you wanted at pay call. Doubt that you can do that today. They probably don't even have pay call anymore. (Direct Deposit)

[Camper51]

Well, I graduated today.
Can someone switch me to PFC?

Congratulations on earning the title MARINE. Good luck with your tour in the Corps...

[jinelson]

Man Im slipping I missed this post brother Congratulations Marine. Thanks for your PM your membership status will be upgraded to Marine. You will have to change your avatar yourself to Pfc.

Semper Fi

Jim

[YLDNDN6]

A big COGRATULATIONS Marine!!! Welcome to the Corps!!!

[drumcorpssnare]

LOL Real Marines don't worry about their pay! They spend most of it on whiskey and women....and the rest foolishly! LOL:banana:
drumcorpssnare:usmc: