I just turned 18 a couple months ago, but I've had a checking account with a local bank for coming up on a year. Maybe I should have used a credit union, or a national bank, but my folks use local banks, and I've used them too since I got a savings account with my precious $200 when I was 12. Personally, I like having a couple local locations where some friends might work, and not having to choose from dozens of options.

I've got a joint account with my dad. That way, he can access it and just deposit money if something comes up while I'm away in college. It's also got survivorship, so if I were incapacitated or dead, he could access the money there. Hate to be a downer, but the world's a fucked up place, and I'd strongly encourage you to at least set up survivorship for your account. If you choose another bank, you should be able to set up a joint account with your mom without worrying about BoA. Just make sure you set clear boundaries with her about access.

I'm not sure how much you plan to eventually put into the account beyond the 500-600 you mention, but you may also want to start looking at an investment account. Because you won't make any sort of interest on the checking. If you don't need the perks of a checking account (like checks and a debit card), maybe look at savings accounts as a way to basically store cash and make a bit more interest.