Berkeley bears take

Welcome to the Official Bank of UC Berkeley

We are taking action for the planet and are leading in the areas of sustainability and diversity.
 
berkeley tower
We're on Campus

We have a branch and 10 convenient ATMs right on campus for your convenience, as well as other locations across the US for when you head home.

 

Where you put your money matters.

1% for the Planet Account

The checking account that gives back to the planetfootnote1
  • We donate 1% of our net revenue from this account to 1% for the Planet (at no cost to you)footnote4
  • $0 monthly service charge with any deposit per statement or if you are under the age of 25footnote2
  • No minimum opening deposit. No minimum balance requirement
  • Track the approximate CO2 Impact of every purchase made on the 1% for the Planet debit cardfootnote3
Learn more and apply online today

UC Berkeley Student Checking

The bank account designed with students in mind
  • $0 monthly service charge as long as you are a UC Berkeley Studentfootnote5
  • Online and Mobile Banking— check your balance, make deposits, view transactions, and set up low balance alertsfootnote6
  • Open your account with just a $20 deposit. No minimum balance requirement

Apply on campus at the MLK building Branch or at your nearest Bank of the West Branch

Open your account today

Apply online or open your account today at a local Bank of the West branch

Students

Applying or opening an account should have the following available

  • A valid UC Berkeley student Cal 1 Card
  • A government-issued identification card (such as U.S. or Canadian driver's license or a U.S. passport)
  • Social Security number
  • Initial deposit of at least $20 in cash or check

International Students

Applying or opening an account should have the following available

  • Non-resident applicants should provide a Taxpayer Identification Number or certified W-8
  • Must certify their foreign status by completing and signing the appropriate Certification of Foreign Status (W-8) at the time of account opening and every three years thereafter

Note

  • If you apply online, you can use your home address if it's in one of the 19 states where we have branches, or you can use your UC Berkeley address.
  • Under the age of 18 you will need to apply with a co-parent

Come visit us

MLK Jr. Building in the ASUC Student Union, First Floor

Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm PST
1 (510) 935-7012
TTY: 1 (800) 659-5495

Bank of the West has 10 convenient ATMs and an on-campus branch.
Bank of the West also has branches and ATMs across USA for when you head home.

FAQ

  • What if I'm a graduate student?
    Our UC Berkeley Student Checking account is available to UC Berkeley students with a valid student Cal 1 Card, including graduate students. There is no maximum age as long as a valid student Cal 1 Card is presented.
  • What if I'm a UC Berkeley student and an employee of the university?
    UC Berkeley students who are also employed by the university and meet the requirements for the Bank at Work program, including one direct deposit of at least $250 per statement cycle, may choose between the Bank at Work program and the UC Berkeley Student Checking account. The UC Berkeley Student Checking account cannot be combined with the Bank at Work program. Learn more about the UC Berkeley Bank at Work program. 
  • What Bank of the West services are available to UC Berkeley alumni?
    We have a strong affinity relationship with UC Berkeley and the Cal Alumni Association. As part of this relationship, we're featuring our Premier Checking and Wealth Management services to UC Berkeley alumni. Alumni interested in these or any of our other products and services should contact a Bank of the West branch, explore our website or call our Bank of the West UC Berkeley hotline at 1-510-982-3201 Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm PT to learn more.
  • Does Bank of the West offer student savings accounts that could be used for overdraft protection?
    While there is no specific savings account for the UC Berkeley Student Checking Offer, students may apply for one of our savings accounts, which can be linked to your checking account for overdraft protection. Transfers from a linked savings account are subject to the available balance in the savings account, and there is a $12 transfer fee each time. Other fees and restrictions may apply. For more information on our Overdraft Programs, please visit our Overdraft Program Options page.


    Our Classic Savings account is a great choice for those who are newer to saving and just want to put away a little extra. This is the savings account with our lowest opening deposit (minimum $25), yet it still earns interest. With a low minimum balance of $300 or a monthly recurring Auto-Save transfer of $25 from your Bank of the West checking account, we'll waive the $5 monthly service charge.

  • Is a credit card being offered through the Bank of the West student program?

    No. There is no credit card offer associated with the UC Berkeley Student Checking account.

Tell us where you live

Choose your state of legal residence. We can then give you information about the products and services available in your area.

Note: Bank of the West has branches only in the states listed in the drop-down. At this time, we only open accounts for individuals and businesses in these states.