There is a two-week holding period for a large check that is deposited into a brand new account. 

If the check is deposited in the bank from which it is drawn, there should be immediate access to the funds.

 It should be possible to obtain a cashier’s check or cash immediately upon demand at the bank upon which the check was drawn. A cashier's check can still be held for a period of time depending on the bank.  So when you go to Northern Trust, get a portion of the amount in cash, and the balance in a cashier’s check.  Bring 2 pieces of ID with you.

Request a MasterCard or Visa check debit card. These are accepted just like credit cards but the funds are debited directly from your checking account.  This will enable you to take advantage of purchasing via the Internet, mail order, etc.  Use of a check debit card does not build a credit history.

When opening a checking account, check with the bank about a credit card. Many banks have arrangements for customers who have no credit history to provide them with a secured Visa or Master Card. You give the bank an amount to hold in a savings account as security. It can be as little as $300 or whatever larger amount you wish. You can charge up to the amount they are holding, and then you pay off the credit card bills as they come. If you do this regularly, for approximately a year, they will release the amount they are holding as security, and you then have a normal credit card. Most likely they will raise your credit limit as well. This enables you to begin building a credit history and usually within 6 to 12 months you'll start receiving  oodles of credit card offers in the mail.  If this is not possible then:

	Open a charge account at Sears, Macy's, etc.
	Charge something and pay for it in monthly installments.
	Use financing provided through the place of purchase of an item such as a bed, a computer, etc.
	Eventually, the more items you pay for in timely installments, the stronger your credit will be.  Avoid late payments.

When you set up your bank accounts, you may be able to apply for a regular credit card at the bank and get approval right away.  If not, you might try a few days later.
 

If you plan to travel and have a sufficient credit history, open a Visa account that gives free air mileage credit for every dollar charged.

	British Airways
	United
	SouthWest Airlines

If a family member, relative, or friend has a credit card in good Standing with some available credit on it, and is willing, you could become a secondary account holder on their credit card account. This may vary with different companies but should mean the following: you would get your own card with your name on it and share their account (meaning the credit card number and credit limit is the same for both cards, so there would need to be some available credit for you to use), both parties are financially responsible for the account (meaning you would use your own social security number, and all recent/future activity and payments on the account would affect the credit history of both), both parties must consent to this and either party can cancel the secondary account at any time. This should start building a good credit history immediately if the card is used right away.  After 3-5 months try applying again for a credit card of your own. Keep trying until they give in.