US Bank opens in bookstore

 

U.S. Bank has opened a full-service branch in the MHCC Bookstore to offer financial resources to Mt. Hood students, staff and faculty members.

The bank is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, but officials said they’re willing to change hours of operation depending on student needs. The bank’s main purpose is to serve MHCC students and employees and not outside customers, officials said.

The branch will provide all services seen in most regular banks, such as various loans, savings and checking accounts, mortgages, and different types of investment options. There currently are cash incentives for opening a new account or referring a friend.

New ATMs on campus are free for U.S. Bank customers and people who bank with institutions that participate in the MoneyPass surcharge-free ATM network. If a customer’s own bank does not participate in the MoneyPass network, he or she is allotted four free ATM transactions per statement period; further transactions incur a $3.00 fee per transaction.

The new branch also offers “second-chance banking” to individuals who do not currently hold the best credit ratings.

U.S. Bank chose to expand at MHCC because of the school’s size and large enrollment, a desire to partner with the college administration ”and its location in a market where U.S. Bank has a long history,” said Pat Swanson, U.S. Bancorp spokesman.

“We are also strong advocates of financial education,” Swanson said. The branch intends to offer students free lessons in personal finance, school officials said.

The bank had a soft opening in August, following construction that was unobtrusive to the Bookstore atmosphere, said Julie Godat, Bookstore manager.

There will be a formal grand opening at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 1, with many giveaways and other activities planned.

Through Sept. 30, U.S. Bank is offering a student promotion: Those who open a student checking account will receive $25 loaded onto their new bank card, upon bringing a receipt showing new card charges totaling $25 or more.