US Cell Phone Service
International students will typically use cell phone service through CampusSIMS or US Mobile.
Please read below and then contact ISS for help on receiving a physical SIM card (PSIM), if needed.
CampusSIMS with Mint Mobile (on the T-mobile network)
CampusSIMS in partnership with Mint Mobile offers international students the opportunity to setup their wireless cell phone coverage from outside the US before even reaching campus. All unlocked, GSM-ready phones will work in the US, and the Mint Mobile app will also test your phone's compatibility as you set-up your account and activate your SIM card.
Please note that some phones will be eligible for the eSIM while others may need a physical SIM card (PSIM), which we will hand out during International Student Orientation and can also be picked up from Centre Global (in Old Carnegie) through the academic year. You do NOT need to request a PSIM be mailed to you as we already have them on campus.
Mint Mobile accepts international credit and debit cards, as well as payment through PayPal.
For more information, please visit: https://www.campussims.com/
Check your unlocked phone's eSIM compatibility here: http://mintmobile.com/esim
US Mobile (operates on three major US networks - T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T)
US Mobile was founded by Ahmed Khattak when he attended Yale University and struggled to get a phone plan for himself as an international student. US Mobile has grown significantly but remains committed to helping international students since the founder and very first customers were international students.
With US Mobile, you can actually switch between all three of the major cellular networks in the US (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile), so nationwide coverage should never be an issue. Similar to CampusSIMS in option 1, we have physical SIM (PSIM) starter kits on campus, so you do NOT need to request one to be mailed to you.
Please check out more using the following links:
AT&T PREPAID
With AT&T PREPAID service for your phone, you get: no annual contract, no credit check, easy activation, and great plan and phone choices to fit your needs. If using your old phone or purchasing a new phone, make sure the phone is a compatible unlocked device that accepts an AT&T SIM card.
After creating a US bank account with a debit card, or by using a credit card, you can login and setup AutoPay at any time by visiting:
https://att.com/myprepaid or
https://www.paygonline.com/
US Banking
Most international students will set up a US bank account during International Student Orientation (ISO). While there are several local and national banks or ATMs close to campus, ISS generally recommends Chase Bank or PNC since you and/or your family will be able to wire money from outside the US to one of these banks using their SWIFT Code, your ABA Routing Transit Number, and Account Number. Other local banking options include: Farmers National Bank, Central Kentucky Federal Savings Bank, and Community Trust Bank.
To open a US Bank account, you will need:
- Passport
- Form I-20
- Student ID card (the bank may or may not ask for this or another form of ID, especially if a school official is with you)
- Any money you would like to initially deposit (typically students will open an account with $20~$100 USD)
- [optional] Cell phone, if you would like to setup Mobile Banking
- [only if you already have] Social Security Number/Card and/or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (most new students will not have either)
Please read below and then contact ISS for assistance.
Chase College Checking
Chase College Checking accounts are available for college students 17-24 years old at account opening, when proof of student status is provided. There is no monthly service fee while in college. You can manage your money, see your accounts, pay your bills, and transfer or request money easily using the Chase Mobile app.
For more information, please visit: Chase College Checking Account | Student Banking**
**Note: Chase frequently runs a special offer in which new customers can earn a FREE $100 when you open a Chase College Checking account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within the first 60 days of coupon enrollment. See the above link for details, and remember to use your Centre Email address when signing up.
You can schedule an appointment to open a Chase Bank account by contacting the local Chase Bank by phone 859-238-4702. (New students, please do NOT schedule an appointment with Chase Bank during International Student Orientation (ISO) week. Your orientation leader or ISS Assistant Director will make the appointment on your behalf during ISO.)
The local Chase Bank in Danville is located at:
CHASE BANK - DANVILLE DOWNTOWN
237 W MAIN ST
DANVILLE, KY 40422
PNC Virtual Wallet Student
Similar to Chase College Checking, PNC Bank offers international students the opportunity to open a checking account with no monthly service charge while enrolled in a US college. With PNC Virtual Wallet Student, you can receive one incoming wire transfer per statement period into the Spend account at no charge and you may receive an automatic courtesy refund of the fee for your first Overdraft event.
For more information, please visit: PNC International Student Banking & Finance Services
You can schedule an appointment to open a PNC Bank account at the above website. (New students, please do NOT schedule an appointment with PNC Bank during International Student Orientation (ISO) week. Your orientation leader or ISS Assistant Director will make the appointment on your behalf during ISO.)
The local PNC Bank in Danville is located at:
PNC BANK - DANVILLE SOUTH FOURTH BRANCH
121 S 4TH ST
DANVILLE, KY 40422