‘You just can't make this stuff up’: An Illinois man had to drive 11 hours to access the $25K he set aside for his son in college because of a Wells Fargo check error — so he attempted to sue

What are starter checks?

Starter checks, or counter checks, are temporary checks banks can provide customers immediately.

The checks don’t contain personalized information like a name and address, but they do have your account numbers and bank routing code.

Personalized checks need to be printed and can take time to deliver, while starter checks are available by branches on the spot.

Account holders still need to fill in their personalized information on the check itself when writing the dollar amount and who it’s made out to.

For any other account, these checks can be quite convenient, as long as they’re accepted by the receiving merchant — which isn't always the case.

But the trouble Monroe went through just to get access to his son’s college spending money highlights how crucial it can be to know the ins and outs of your bank account and how best to manage your finances as a whole.

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Financial options for college students

Whether you’re looking to budget or boost your credit score, those in college can benefit from a number of money management apps. Keeping track of your spending will help you identify where you may want to change your financial habits.

Cutting back now can help lessen the burden of any potential student debt you may carry after you graduate. This comes second to applying for government grants and loans if you’re eligible, of course.

Many restaurants, clothing stores and event spaces offer student discounts, too. You can try searching for student discounts in your area to maximize your funds. A high-yield savings account can also help you grow your savings a lot faster with a competitive interest rate.

Some banks in the U.S. offer special accounts for students in college or college-aged young adults. These accounts offer specific perks to try and entice students to start banking with major financial institutions, from curated cash back categories to no-fee accounts and free daily banking tools.

While opening an account can be a simple process, there are factors to consider before heading to your financial institution of choice. It pays to be prepared and know what you're signing up for to avoid any unexpected inconveniences.