Heading off to college is an exciting time, full of new opportunities and the chance to explore independence. But it also comes with fresh responsibilities, particularly with regard to managing money.
Our RITE Student Checking account is designed specifically for college-bound students between 16 and 254. It helps students simplify banking, stay on top of finances, and avoid common pitfalls—all while they focus on their studies, friends, and life on campus.
Let’s answer some of the common questions we get from students preparing for college.
How Does RITE Student Checking Help Me?
Transitioning to college brings real financial challenges. Managing tuition and daily expenses while forming good habits and avoiding overspending is not always easy. RITE Student Checking addresses these challenges directly.
No Hidden Fees
Hidden fees can catch students off guard—it can be challenging keeping track of monthly account fees, ATM surcharges, and balance penalties. RITE Student Checking removes the worry of monthly service charges until you’re 265 and reimburses all ATM fees*.
So, whether you’re on or off campus, studying in the library, or grabbing coffee in town, you can access your cash without surprises or fees. There’s also no minimum monthly balance requirement6, making it easier to stay in the green.
Improved Cash Flow
Cash flow can feel unpredictable, especially if you're working part-time or interning. Your paycheck might hit late in the week, later than when you need it most. RITE lets you set up direct deposit and receive Early Pay, so your paychecks arrive as soon as they’re issued. That gives you more control in tight situations like buying textbooks or dealing with unexpected expenses.
Growing Savings
Getting into a savings rhythm may be overwhelming. You know you should save, but remembering to do it is another story. Forming good savings habits is easy with the Making Cents** feature. Once you open a savings account and enroll, every purchase is rounded up to the nearest dollar, and the spare change automatically transfers to your savings account. Over time, these small increments really add up—and help build a buffer for emergencies or short-term goals.
What Challenges Will I Face, and How Will RITE Help?
Unexpected emergencies happen—phones crack, cars break down, or identity theft strikes. RITE Student Checking includes valuable Cornerstone Plus benefits. These include:
- Cell phone protection1,2
- Roadside assistance
- Identity theft aid1,2
- Buyer’s protection and extended warranty1,2
- A health savings card
- Amazing Savings: Shop Local, Save Local****
- $10,000 in travel accidental death coverage2
Your RITE account also offers full access to Cornerstone’s online and mobile banking3, including mobile check deposit, bill pay, and Zelle®. This simplifies money management, especially when you’re on the go. If you’re under 18 (aged 16–17), you’ll have view, deposit, and transfer access. Once you turn 18, full features become available.
Does RITE Student Checking Offer Rewards?
RITE also includes uChoose Rewards®, giving you points on everyday purchases that can be redeemed for gift cards, travel, merchandise, or account statements. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent.***
How Do I Get Started?
Getting started with RITE is straightforward. Start online or visit a Cornerstone branch. There is a $25 minimum to open the account, and no monthly balance requirement.6 Be sure to keep some money in the account, though—If your balance stays at zero for 60 consecutive days, the account will be closed.
Sign up for direct deposit to unlock Early Pay. Open a savings account and enroll in Making Cents**. Download the Cornerstone mobile app for full access to mobile deposit and other great features. Once your card arrives, begin using it to earn rewards and enjoy free ATMs nationwide.*
Why Does My Checking Account Matter?
College life includes wonderful opportunities and experiences, as well as changing schedules, new environments, and unexpected expenses. You want a banking solution that simplifies rather than complicates.
RITE Student Checking is banking designed around your life—not the other way around. You get the convenience, freedom, and confidence to navigate college with greater financial control.
Ready to make your banking as smart as your study habits? Open a RITE Student Checking account at Cornerstone Bank today and step into college with a financial partner you can rely on.
1 Cell phone protection, personal identity theft benefit, and buyer’s protection and extended warranty are subject to additional terms and conditions as detailed in the Guide to Benefits.
2 Insurance products are: NOT A DEPOSIT. NOT FDIC-INSURED. NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY. NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK.
3 Minors (16-17) have access to view transactions, mobile deposits, and transfers within Cornerstone Bank. When the minor reaches the age of 18, they will have access to all Online Banking features.
4 Applicant must be an active student aged 16–25. Students the age of 16 require a parent or guardian as a joint account owner.
5 No monthly maintenance service charge until age 26, at the attainment of age 26 a $6 monthly maintenance service charge will be assessed.
6If account balance is $0.00 or less for 60 consecutive days, the account will be closed.
*Through full ATM surcharge reimbursements.
**To enroll in Making Cents you must be enrolled in online banking, have an eligible Cornerstone Bank checking account, and an eligible Cornerstone Bank savings account. Eligible checking accounts: RITE Premium, RITE Extra, RITE Student, Basic, and Workplace checking. Eligible savings accounts: Statement Savings and Moola Savings. Upon enrollment, we will round up your purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the difference from your checking account to your savings account. Purchases will not be rounded up if it makes your account reach zero or go into the negative. If a debit card purchase is subsequently reversed, the corresponding round-up transfer will remain in the designated savings account.
*** Participating retailers are subject to change. Points become available in the month after they are earned and expire 1,096 days from the end of the month in which they are posted.
****Participating merchants on BaZing are not sponsors of the program, are subject to change without notice, may not be available in all regions, and may choose to limit deals.
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