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Bank of the West and UC Berkeley are working together
to help you get the most from your banking relationship.

Welcome to the Official Bank of UC Berkeley

Bank of the West is proud to expand our 20-year relationship with UC Berkeley. As the Official Bank of UC Berkeley, we look to be an integral part of the campus and community by providing scholarships, paid internships and support for important campus initiatives.

We're here when you need us online, on campus, by phone and in our branches. We offer a full range of financial services, great customer service, and special offers and perks designed just for the Cal community. Learn more about us

Banking Designed for UC Berkeley Students

What's great about UC Berkeley Student Checking?

  • $20 minimum opening deposit—After your account is opened, no minimum balance is required.
  • No monthly service charge—Present your student Cal 1 Card at account opening and you're good to go for the next six years.1
  • Online and Mobile Banking—Check balances, view transactions, make transfers and set up low balance alerts. Send or receive money with an email address or phone number to almost anyone with a checking account in the United States. Use the app to make mobile deposits and easily set up bill payments with the snap of a picture.2
  • On-campus ATMs—Get cash quickly from convenient ATMs across campus. Plus, with our Student Perks Bundle, you get non–Bank of the West ATM benefits.3

Apply Online

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.

Or open your account on the first floor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Building, ASUC Student Union.

Start saving every month by linking a savings account to your new checking account and using Auto-Save. See our savings accounts

FAQs

What do I need to apply?

Students should have 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), a Social Security number and an initial deposit of at least $20 in cash or check. (For accounts opened at an on-campus Bank at School event, the opening deposit can be made later at the branch or through electronic transfer.)

What if I'm an international student?

International students and non-resident aliens are eligible to apply for accounts. To comply with federal laws and regulations, we must obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number or certified W-8 from a non-resident alien customer. Non-resident aliens 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.

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.

What if I'm already a Bank of the West customer?

UC Berkeley students who are existing Bank of the West customers can visit the Berkeley branch or call 1-800-488-2265 (TTY 800-659-5495) Mon–Fri 4 am–10 pm PT, Sat–Sun 5 am–10 pm PT to find out about converting their existing account to a UC Berkeley Student Checking account.

How can I avoid overdraft fees?

Overdraft fees can be avoided through good account management. With easy-to-use tools like Quick Balance in our Mobile Banking App, customers can use their smartphones to verify their current balance. You can also set up text and/or email daily low balances alerts for when your account balance falls below your selected threshold. Keeping in mind any upcoming or recurring transactions can also help you make sure you have sufficient funds.

Another way to avoid overdraft fees is to opt out of Debit Card Overdraft Service. At account opening, customers are automatically opted out of Debit Card Overdraft Service and will be asked to confirm their opt-out choice during the account opening process. The bank may not charge an Overdraft Fee for paying ATM or everyday debit card transactions at our discretion against insufficient available funds as long as a customer is opted out. Instead, these transactions will generally be declined when a customer has insufficient funds, and Bank of the West will not charge a fee. Even if you opt in, there is no guarantee the bank will pay your ATM or everyday debit card transactions when you have insufficient funds in your UC Berkeley Student Checking account.

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.

Addendum to the Deposit Account Disclosure and Schedule of Fees and Charges (PDF)

A Bank of the West account is not required for any aspect of the Cal 1 Card or its debit feature.

1The UC Berkeley Student Checking account offer is only available to UC Berkeley students. A current student Cal 1 Card, transcript, class schedule, or for incoming students an acceptance letter, must be presented at account opening. All accounts are subject to the standard Bank of the West Deposit Account Disclosure for Personal Accounts and the Schedule of Fees and Charges. Renew your UC Berkeley student status before the six-year anniversary of your account by presenting a valid student Cal 1 Card. Otherwise your account will be converted to our Any Deposit Checking product and the $5 monthly Student Perks Bundle fee will no longer be waived.

2Bank of the West Mobile App is available for Android™ and iPhone® devices. Mobile Banking is supported on Apple iPhone devices with iOS 4.3 and greater and on Android mobile devices with OS2.1 and greater.

Wireless carriers may charge fees for text transmissions or data usage. Message frequency depends on account settings. Text HELP to BKWST (25978) for help. Availability of Mobile Banking may be affected by your mobile device's coverage area.

3Student Perks Bundle includes benefits for using non-Bank of the West ATMs and enrollment in debit rewards. The $5 monthly Student Perks Bundle fee is waived for UC Berkeley Student Checking accounts. There's no Bank of the West charge for two transactions per statement cycle ($2.50 per transaction) for non-Bank of the West ATM transactions (balance inquiry, transfer, withdrawal); and up to $6 per statement cycle for fees charged by non-Bank of the West ATMs for use of their ATMs will be rebated within one business day. Foreign transaction fees may apply.

4Cash transactions at the on-campus branch are available only through the ATM.

Android is a trademark of Google Inc. Apple and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

Bank at Work for UC Berkeley

Our Bank at Work program for UC Berkeley employees gives you access to customized financial guidance, special offers and great perks on a variety of products and services.1

Special rates and discounts

UC Berkeley employees can enjoy special offers:

  • Enhanced rates on selected term CD’s and Money Market Plus Savings2
  • $25 statement credit when you open a new credit card and make a qualifying purchase3

To take advantage of these offers, please talk with a Bank of the West representative at 1-510-982-3201.

UC Berkeley Bank at Work checking account options

Find the checking account that best meets your needs and then give us a call at 1-510-982-3201 or visit us at a branch or an on-campus event.

  The Premier Relationship Any Deposit Checking
Flexible Options to Waive Monthly Service Charge 1   Yes
No annual fee on Gold Line account4 Yes Yes
Online and Mobile Banking with Bill Pay5 Yes Yes
Debit Card5 Yes Yes
Complimentary standard checks Yes Yes
Safe deposit box with no annual fee6 Yes  
No Bank of the West charge at non–Bank of the West ATMs Yes  
No ATM withdrawal fees at all—rebates for withdrawal fees charged by non–Bank of the West ATMs for use of their ATMs7 Yes  
Premier investment benefits8 Yes  

 

BancWest Investment Services

UC Berkeley employees are eligible for the following investment benefits:

  • Personalized investment guidance―Receive a complimentary financial checkup with a BancWest Investment Services9 Financial Advisor, and an opportunity to then continue receiving customized investment advising. Get a personalized asset allocation strategy, with as much or as little guidance as you need, and a portfolio aligned with your objectives.
  • Low pricing on trades―Enroll in an online brokerage account and get 60 $0 commission trades during the first year and future self-directed trades for as low as $8.95,8 as well as online investing and banking. Trade stocks, mutual funds and options with the help of our comprehensive online research and a dedicated support team when you need it. Learn more about BancWest Investment Services

For any questions and requests to have us come to your workplace for a financial education seminar, please call your Bank of the West representative at 1-510-982-3201.

FAQs

What do I need to bring to verify that UC Berkeley is my employer?

Your employee Cal 1 Card will assist the banker in providing key information to open your account or enroll an existing Bank of the West account in the Bank at Work program.

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 Offer. The UC Berkeley Student Checking account cannot be combined with the Bank at Work program.

What if I'm already a Bank of the West customer?

Call the Bank of the West UC Berkeley hotline at 1-510-982-3201 Monday through Friday 9 am–5 pm to speak with a live person or visit any Bank of the West branch to learn more and make any account changes necessary to allow your existing account to enjoy the benefits of the Bank at Work program as a UC Berkeley employee.

Are family members of UC Berkeley employees eligible for Bank at Work?

Yes, so long as they are secondary owners/signers on your account. The primary owner of the account must be the UC Berkeley employee with a valid Cal 1 Card.

Does it matter which branch I visit?

No. Bank at Work accounts can be opened and transactions can be conducted at any Bank of the West branch.

1The Bank at Work Program is only available to personal account holders employed by a business enrolled in the Bank at Work Program and exclusive of any other promotions and/or special rates. The Bank at Work Program (“Program”) is subject to change without notice. This program is available with Any Deposit Checking or Bank of the West Premier. If you do not qualify for any of these checking accounts, you may be offered an alternate checking product.

The monthly service charge for Any Deposit Checking is $10.00. The monthly service charge for Any Deposit Checking can be waived by making any deposit each statement cycle or if any account owner is under 25 years of age. Deposits include mobile deposit, ATM deposit, or in-branch deposits of any amount. Does not include fund transfers between Bank of the West accounts or any credits from Bank of the West

Enrollment in the Bank at Work Program will not waive the Bank of the West Premier Checking monthly service charge; balance requirements must still be met. To waive the $25.00 monthly service charge on a Premier Checking account you must maintain a minimum combined average monthly balance of $25,000 in your Bank of the West Premier Checking plus other eligible personal checking, money market, savings accounts, CDs, IRAs, and account balances in eligible BancWest Investment Services investment accounts–based on either identical or common ownership

2Bonus interest rates on select savings and certificates of deposit are available; rates are subject to change. Ask for details.

3All consumer credit cards are subject to credit approval. Certain fees and restrictions may apply. Certain exclusions and limitations may apply. For full terms and conditions, please refer to the MasterCard Guide to Benefits (PDF) for World MasterCard Credit Card Holders. To receive the $25 statement credit, a customer must open a new Bank of the West consumer credit card, be enrolled in the Bank of the West Bank at Work program, and make a qualifying purchase. Balance transfers, cash advances, convenience checks, interest charges and any fees charged to the account do not count as qualifying purchases. Only one statement credit per account is permitted. The $25 statement credit will be posted to your statement following the date the first transaction is completed. The credit card account must be open and in good standing to receive the statement credit. The $25 statement credit may be reported to the IRS on Form 1099. Bank of the West employee accounts, Bank of the West Secured Credit Card and Bank of the West Wealth Management World Elite™ MasterCard® Credit Card accounts are excluded.

4Annual Fee of $25 on a Gold Line Account associated with a Choice Interest Checking account is waived for customers enrolled in the Program. There is no Annual Fee on a Gold Line associated with a Premier Checking account regardless of whether or not you are enrolled in the Program. Loan Advance Fee still applies. Gold Line Account subject to credit approval

5Benefits are not exclusive to Bank at Work program; standard benefits for consumer checking accounts. Standard text messaging and mobile carrier rates may apply to Mobile Banking.

6One-time setup fee applies. Discount of $40 can be applied to annual rental fee of larger boxes if small safe deposit box is unavailable. Larger boxes also subject to availability.

7All ATM cash withdrawal fees will be rebated within one business day of the fees posting to your account. Foreign transaction fees may apply.

8Online self-directed investment account: Sixty (60) $0 commission order executions in equities and exchange traded funds ("ETFs") are available once per lifetime, per account. The account owner will have 365 days from the day the commission order executions are applied to the online self-directed investment account to use the sixty (60) $0 commission order executions placed via the BancWest Investment Services online platform ($8.95 order executions thereafter). Subject to certain terms and conditions and additional fees (please refer to www.bankofthewest.com/invest for further details about self-directed investing available through BancWest Investment Services). If an order placed via the online platform is executed over multiple days, each day’s executions for that order will be counted separately and applied against the remaining available $0 commission order executions available.

9Securities and variable annuities are offered through BancWest Investment Services, a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Financial Advisors are Registered Representatives of BancWest Investment Services. Fixed annuities/insurance products are offered through BancWest Insurance Agency in California, (License #0C52321) and through BancWest Investment Services, Inc. in all other states where it is licensed to do business. This is not an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction where we are not authorized to do business. Bank of the West and its various affiliates and subsidiaries are not tax or legal advisors

Investments and Insurance products:

NOT FDIC INSURED

NOT BANK GUARANTEED

MAY LOSE VALUE

NOT A DEPOSIT

NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

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