Yes. Credit unions are local. If you plan to go to college outside of your local region, you'll have to open a second bank account with a bank that operates in that region - or pay fees on any ATM withdrawal you do, (at least almost - depends on the bank's atm policy - but it's pretty likely). It can be a pain. It takes as long as 5 business days to transfer between accounts at separate banks.

Also, just cuz it's a credit union doesn't automatically make it any better than a bank. Check their minimum balance requirements, any fees to simply have an account, overdraft fees, and if they offer an overdraft line whether they charge a fee to access. If they have any min. bal fees or requirements, or a fee every month just to have your account open, take your money and run somewhere else.

You should never have to pay to have a bank account. Some banks make you, and they're the lice.

For bank accounts, they are called "debit cards."

Also, FWIW, Capital One 360 offers a checking account that's absolutely phenomenal - no overdraft fees, no minimum balance fees or requirements, the only fee it's possible to get is a $9 returned check fee and they have a linked overdraft account so if you accidentally spend more than what's in your account it goes into the OD. Unlike most banks there is no fee to access the overdraft, and the rate is very competitive at 11.25%. The only drawback is they are a direct bank so if you need any conventional bank services such as cashier's checks (usually security deposits on apartments, etc) it's harder to get them - there are no branches you can just walk into.