California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) expects all students to establish a direct deposit (deposit of electronic funds directly into a bank account) relationship with CUSM. Direct deposit is the required method of processing student refunds if you have or anticipate a credit balance on your student account due to excess financial aid or other reasons. Any domestic bank is acceptable. 

Please note: If you choose not to enroll in Direct Deposit, a paper check will be generated and mailed to the address provided in EMPOWER Student Portal. A $25 check fee will be assessed for any reissued checks unless you enroll in direct deposit.

 

Advantages of Direct Deposit:

• Promotes sustainability on campus.
• Eliminates the possibility of lost checks.
• Enables faster, more secure deposits while reducing the possibility of theft and fraud.
• Eliminates visits to the Student Business Services Office to pick up a paper check.
• And avoid additional student reissue refund check processing fees.

 

How to Enroll in Direct Deposit using CUSM's EMPOWER Student Portal?

• Step 1: Log in to the EMPOWER Student Portal
• Step 2: Select the Forms and Surveys Tab. Click on the Student Forms link.
• Step 3: Select Direct Deposit Form, "Access Form" on the Student Forms page.
• Step 4: Complete Form and Save.

 

Top Reasons to Open a Bank Account

PDF provided by FDIC: #GETBANKED:

1. Your money is safe. Keeping cash in your home puts you at risk of theft, fire, flood, loss, or damage. Opening an account at an FDIC-insured bank anywhere across the nation ensures that your money is protected in the event of a disaster. In addition, when you open an account in an FDIC-insured bank, your money is safe in the unlikely event that the bank fails. You do not need to apply for this insurance; coverage is automatic.
2. Your money is protected against error and fraud. Federal laws protect you in case of a debit card error or unauthorized electronic transaction if you notify your bank on time.
3. You get your money faster with no check-cashing fees. When your money is directly deposited into an FDIC-insured bank account, you get access to your money sooner than you would with a paper check. You can also save money by not having to paycheck-cashing fees.
4. You can make online purchases with ease and peace of mind. Some bank accounts provide you with a debit card to shop online. If your account is with an FDIC-insured bank, federal law limits your loss in the event of an unauthorized online transaction.
5. You have access to other products from the bank. Once you have established a relationship with a bank through a bank account, you can consider other financial products to help you achieve your financial goals: credit cards, auto loans, and home mortgages.
6. You can transfer money to family and friends with ease. Person-to-person and mobile app payments have become a part of everyday life for many people. With an FDIC-insured bank account, you can use these services and apps to send money to your friends and family without having to write a check, swipe a card, or hand them cash.
7. You have proof of payment. Whenever you purchase an item with a checking account or a debit card, you have evidence that you paid on your monthly statement.
8. You can keep an eye on how much money you have. You can use your monthly statements to track your spending, create a budget, compare your budget to your spending, and monitor your payments and balances.
9. You can set helpful alerts. Most mobile banking systems allow you to sign up for alerts to notify you if the balance in your FDIC-insured account drops below a set dollar amount or spending limit. This can help you avoid overdraft fees. You may also be able to receive text alerts if your bank sees suspicious activity in your account. (Learn more about how to prevent identity theft or falling victim to potential scams on our identity theft resource page.)
10. You can pay your bills from wherever you are. Your bank's electronic bill-pay services generally allow you to receive, review, and pay bills online from a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

 

FIND A BANK: 

For more information on finding the correct type of account for you, go to FDIC- Get Banked!