Are you considering opening a checking account but not sure where to start? This guide covers the basics of checking accounts, including types, features, and fees. Learn about no-fee, interest-bearing, and rewards checking accounts, as well as standard features like debit cards and online banking. Find out about students checking accounts and fees to be aware of, such as minimum balance fees and ATM fees. Discover additional features like linked savings accounts and credit cards. Use this information to choose the best checking account for your needs.

Questions Answered in this Article

1. What is a checking account, and what are the benefits of having one? A checking account is a type of bank account that allows customers to deposit money, withdraw cash, and write checks. One of the main benefits of having a checking account is that it provides a safe place to store your money and convenient access to your funds through ATMs and online banking services. It can also help you keep track of your spending by reviewing your account statement each month.
2. What types of checking accounts are available? Some common types of checking accounts include no-fee checking accounts, interest-bearing checking accounts, and rewards checking accounts. No-fee checking accounts do not charge a monthly service fee, but may still have other fees, like ATM withdrawals or paper statements. Interest-bearing checking accounts earn interest on your balance, but typically require a higher minimum balance and may have other restrictions. Rewards checking accounts offer rewards like cashback, points, or miles for using your debit card or signing up for a direct deposit, but often come with higher fees than other checking accounts.
3. What are the standard features of a checking account? Standard features of a checking account include a debit card, online and mobile banking, direct deposit, and automatic bill pay. A debit card allows you to make purchases or withdraw cash from your account. Online and mobile banking let you check your account balance, transfer money, and pay bills online. Direct deposit allows you to have your paycheck deposited directly into your account. Automatic bill pay lets you set up automatic payments for utilities, credit cards, and loans.
4. Are there special checking accounts for students? Yes, student checking accounts are designed for people who are enrolled in college or university and usually have lower fees and interest rates than regular checking accounts. Some student checking accounts also have special features like no-fee ATM withdrawals or discounts on textbooks.
5. What fees should I be aware of with a checking account? Fees to be aware of with a checking account include minimum balance fees, overdraft fees, and ATM fees. Minimum balance fees are charged if you cannot maintain the required minimum balance in your account. Overdraft fees are charged if you spend more money than you have in your account and the bank covers the difference. ATM fees are charged for using an ATM that is not owned by your bank.

Summary

• Checking accounts are a type of bank account that allows for depositing money, withdrawing cash, and writing checks
• Checking accounts are typically used for daily financial transactions and offer a safe place to store money
• Types of checking accounts include no-fee, interest-bearing, and rewards accounts
• Standard features of a checking account include a debit card, online and mobile banking, direct deposit, and automatic bill pay
• Student checking accounts are available with lower fees and interest rates and may have additional features like no-fee ATM withdrawals or discounts
• Fees to be aware of with a checking account include minimum balance fees, overdraft fees, and ATM fees
• Some banks offer checking accounts with added features like a linked savings account or credit card
• It is important to compare the fees and features of different checking accounts and choose one that meets your needs

What is a Checking Account and What are the Benefits?

A checking account is a type of bank account that allows customers to deposit money, withdraw cash, and write checks. Checking accounts are typically used for daily financial transactions, such as paying bills or buying groceries. One of the main benefits of having a checking account is that it provides a safe place to store your money. Unlike cash, which can be easily lost or stolen, money deposited in a checking account is protected by federal law. In addition, checking accounts offer convenient access to your funds through ATMs and online banking services. Another benefit of having a checking account is that it can help you to keep track of your spending. Reviewing your account statement each month allows you to easily see where your money is going and adjust your budget accordingly. For these reasons, a checking account is essential for managing your finances.

Types of checking accounts

When choosing a checking account, finding one that meets your needs is essential. Do you want an account with no monthly fee? Or are you willing to pay a fee for features like unlimited check writing or low interest on your balance? Here’s a rundown of some of the most common types of checking accounts:

-No-fee checking accounts: These accounts don’t charge a monthly service fee, but you may still have to pay other fees, like ATM withdrawals or paper statements.

-Interest-bearing checking accounts: These accounts earn interest on your balance, but they typically require a higher minimum balance and may have other restrictions.

-Rewards checking accounts: These accounts offer rewards like using your debit card or signing up for a direct deposit. The rewards may be in the form of cashback, points, or miles. But be aware that these accounts often come with higher fees than other checking accounts.

When selecting a checking account, it’s essential to compare the fees and features to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Also, remember that you can usually switch accounts if you’re not happy with the one you choose.

Free checking accounts

Free checking accounts typically don’t require a minimum balance, but some accounts may have minimums that range from $50 to $100. You may have to pay a monthly fee if you can’t meet the minimum balance requirement. Interest-bearing checking accounts typically require a higher minimum balance, often $500 or more. But remember that these accounts earn interest on your balance, so they can be a good choice if you want to grow your money.

Standard Features of a Checking Account

Most checking accounts come with a few standard features, including:

-A debit card: This allows you to make purchases or withdraw cash from your account.

-Online banking: This lets you check your account balance, transfer money, and pay bills online.

-Mobile banking: This allows you to access your account using a mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.

-Direct deposit: This lets you have your paycheck deposited directly into your account, which can save time and hassle.

-Automatic bill pay: This lets you set up automatic payments for things like utilities, credit cards, and loans.

Student Checking Accounts

Student checking accounts are designed for people who are enrolled in college or university. These accounts usually have lower fees and interest rates than regular checking accounts. Some student checking accounts also have special features, like no-fee ATM withdrawals or discounts on things like textbooks.

Minimum balance requirements

One thing to be aware of with checking accounts is minimum balance requirements. Some banks require you to keep a certain amount of money in your account, or you’ll be charged a fee. For example, if the minimum balance requirement is $500 and you only have $450 in your account, you may be charged a monthly fee of $25. So it’s essential to know the minimum balance requirements for your exciting account.

Overdraft fees

Another fee to be aware of is overdraft fees. If you don’t have enough money in your account to cover a purchase or withdrawal, your bank may charge an overdraft fee. This fee can range from $25 to $35, and you may be charged multiple fees if you overdraw your account more than once.

To avoid being charged an overdraft fee, keeping track of your account balance is essential. You can check your account online or using a mobile app. You can also sign up for text or email alerts that notify you when your account balance gets low.

Fees to be aware of with a Checking Account

Opening a checking account is a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. First, you’ll need to find a bank or credit union that offers checking accounts. Once you’ve chosen a financial institution, you’ll need to gather the required documents, which typically include two forms of identification and your Social Security number. Once you have all the necessary paperwork, you’ll need to visit the bank or credit union to open the account. The teller will assist you in filling out the necessary paperwork and deposit any money you wish to put into the account. Once the account is opened, you can use it to deposit money, write checks, and make withdrawals. Keep track of your balance so you don’t overdraw your account.

Monthly maintenance fee

Most checking accounts come with a monthly maintenance fee, a charge assessed by the bank or credit union to cover the account’s cost. This fee is typically around $12 per month, but it can vary depending on the financial institution. Some banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fees. To qualify for a free account, you may need to maintain a certain balance or set up a direct deposit.

Checking account number

Each checking account has a unique account number. This number is used to identify your account and is typically printed on the bottom of your checks. You’ll also need to provide this number when you set up direct deposit or automatic bill pay.

Interest checking accounts

While most checking accounts don’t earn interest, some banks and credit unions offer interest-bearing checking accounts. With these accounts, you’ll earn a little interest on the deposited money. The interest rate is typically lower than what you’d earn with a savings account, but it’s higher than what you’d earn with a checking account that doesn’t earn interest.

Benefits of Having a Savings Account

A savings account is a type of bank account that allows customers to deposit money and earn interest on their balance. Savings accounts typically offer higher interest rates than checking accounts, making them a good choice for customers who want to grow their money over time. One of the main benefits of having a savings account is that it offers customers a safe place to store their money. Unlike investments, which can go up or down in value, savings account balances are FDIC-insured, meaning customers will not lose their money if the bank fails. Additionally, savings accounts can help customers to reach their financial goals by providing a dedicated place to save for specific purposes, such as a down payment on a house or a child’s college education. For these reasons, savings accounts are essential to any financial plan.

Online banks vs. brick-and-mortar banks

Customers have two main options for savings accounts: online banks and brick-and-mortar banks. Online banks typically offer higher interest rates than brick-and-mortar banks because they have lower overhead costs. Additionally, online banks often offer fewer fees than traditional banks. However, some customers prefer having a local branch where they can speak to a teller in person. When choosing a bank, you must consider your needs and preferences to decide which type of institution is right for you.

Minimum balance requirements

Most savings accounts require customers to maintain a minimum balance, the lowest amount of money you can have in your account without being charged a fee. This minimum balance is typically around $300, but it can vary depending on the bank or credit union. You may be charged a monthly fee if you cannot meet the minimum balance requirement.

Monthly maintenance fees

In addition to a minimum balance requirement, some savings accounts also come with a monthly maintenance fee. This is a charge assessed by the bank or credit union to cover the account’s cost. Monthly maintenance fees are around $12 per month, but they can vary depending on the financial institution.

There are several benefits of having a savings account, including the following:

– Savings accounts offer customers a safe place to store their money.

– Savings accounts typically offer higher interest rates than checking accounts.

– Savings accounts can help customers reach their financial goals by providing a dedicated place to save for specific purposes.

– Most savings accounts have no monthly maintenance fees.

– Savings accounts from online banks typically offer higher interest rates than savings accounts from brick-and-mortar banks.

Deposit account terms to know

When you’re ready to open a savings account, there are a few deposit account terms that you should be familiar with. Below are some of the most important terms to know:

– Interest rate: This is the percentage of your balance you will earn in interest each year.

– Annual Percentage Yield (APY): This is the total interest you will earn on your balance over a year.

– Minimum deposit: This is the smallest amount of money you can deposit into your account when you open it.

– Minimum balance: This is the lowest amount of money you can have in your account without being charged a fee.

– Monthly maintenance fee: This is a charge assessed by the bank or credit union to cover the cost of maintaining the account.

Online and mobile banking

Most banks and credit unions offer online and mobile banking services, which allow customers to access their account information from a computer or mobile device. Online and mobile banking can be convenient for busy people who want to check their account balances and transactions on the go. Additionally, online and mobile banking can help you stay on top of your finances by allowing you to set up account alerts.

When you’re ready to open a savings account, shop around and compare offers from different banks and credit unions. Consider your needs and preferences to choose an account that’s right for you. And remember, even if you don’t have much money to deposit, you can still open a savings account and start working towards your financial goals.

Debit cards

Most checking accounts come with a debit card, which can be used to make purchases or withdraw cash from an ATM. When you use your debit card, the funds for the purchase are taken out of your checking account immediately. Debit cards are convenient because they can be used anywhere that accepts credit cards. Additionally, using a debit card is an excellent way to stay on budget because you can only spend your money in your account.

Opening a Savings Account

Opening a savings account is a great way to start planning your financial future. But with so many different options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. Here are a few tips to help you open a savings account that best meets your needs:

First, consider what you’ll be using the account for. If you’re saving for a specific goal, like buying a house or funding your retirement, look for an account that offers features to help you reach your goal. For example, some accounts offer higher interest rates if you agree to keep a certain amount of money in the account each month.

Next, compare the fees associated with different accounts. Some accounts charge monthly fees, while others don’t. And some accounts may charge fees for certain transactions, like withdrawals or transfers. Other accounts may offer free services like online bill pay or direct deposit.

Finally, think about convenience. Do you want an account that you can access online or in person? Would you prefer an account linked to your checking account so you can quickly transfer money back and forth? Consider what’s important to you and choose an account accordingly.

Minimum deposit

When you open a savings account, you must usually make a minimum deposit. This is the smallest amount of money you can deposit into your account when you open it. The minimum deposit may be as low as $25 or higher, depending on the bank or credit union. Keep in mind that you may be charged a fee if you don’t meet the minimum deposit requirement.

Minimum balance

Most savings accounts have a minimum balance requirement, the lowest amount of money you can have in your account without being charged a fee. The minimum balance may be as low as $25 or higher, depending on the bank or credit union. If you don’t meet the minimum balance requirement, you may be charged a monthly or per-transaction fee.

Interest rates

Interest is the money that you earn on your deposits. The interest rate is the percentage of your deposit that you earn in interest. Savings account interest rates can vary widely, so it’s crucial to compare rates before you open an account. The higher the interest rate, the more money you’ll earn on your deposits. However, remember that some accounts may have higher interest rates if you agree to keep a certain amount of money in the account each month.

Online or mobile banking

Most banks and credit unions offer online or mobile banking for their savings accounts. This allows you to access your account information, transfer money, and make deposits using your computer or mobile device. Online and mobile banking are convenient because they allow you to manage your account anywhere.

Overdraft protection

Some savings accounts offer overdraft protection, which means that if you accidentally spend more money than you have in your account, the bank will cover the difference. This can be helpful if you have a linked checking account and want to avoid overdraft fees.

ATM access

Some savings accounts offer ATM access, which means you can use your debit card to withdraw cash from your account at an ATM. This can be helpful if you need cash but don’t have a checking account.

The Benefits of Having a Certificate of Deposit (CD)

A certificate of deposit, or CD, is a type of savings account that typically offers a higher interest rate than a traditional one. This is because you agree to leave your money in the account for a period ranging from a few months to several years. You’ll earn more interest on your deposit in exchange for this commitment. 

CDs are FDIC-insured, which means your money will be safe even if the bank fails. They’re also low-risk investments, which means they will not likely lose value over time. And unlike some other types of investments, CDs don’t come with any hidden fees or charges. 

So, what are the drawbacks? One is that you won’t be able to access your money until the CD matures, at which point you can cash it in or reinvest it in another. You may also incur a penalty if you withdraw your money before the CD matures. Another drawback is that CDs typically offer lower interest rates than other investments, such as stocks and bonds. However, this tradeoff may be worth it if you’re looking for a safe place to park your money. 

Bank accounts

When choosing a bank account, there are several options to consider. One type of account is a certificate of deposit or CD. CDs typically offer higher interest rates than savings accounts, but they require you to keep your money deposited for a set period. This can range from a few months to several years. Another option is a checking account, which allows you to write checks and use a debit card to make purchases. Checking accounts often have lower interest rates than CDs, but they provide more flexibility regarding how you access your money. Ultimately, the best type of bank account for you will depend on your individual needs and financial goals.

Opening a CD

When you open a CD account, you agree to keep your money in the account for a period- typically between 3 months to 5 years. The bank agrees to pay you a fixed interest rate on your deposited funds in exchange for this commitment. The longer you keep your money in the CD, the higher the interest rate will be. 

A Certificate of Deposit, or CD, is a type of savings account that offers a fixed interest rate for a set period. CDs are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for up to $250,000 per depositor, making them a safe and relatively low-risk investment. When the CD matures, you can either withdraw your money or roll over the balance into a new CD. Opening a CD is simple and can be done online or in person at most banks and credit unions. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Decide how much money you want to deposit. The minimum amount required to open a CD varies depending on the financial institution but is typically between $500 and $1,000.

2. Choose the term length. CD terms can range from a few months to several years, with longer terms typically offering higher interest rates.

3. Shop around for the best interest rate. Interest rates on CDs vary depending on the bank or credit union and the current market conditions. It’s crucial to compare rates before you decide where to open your account.

4. Open an account and make your deposit. Once you’ve found the right bank or credit union, you can open an account online or in person. You’ll need to provide basic personal information and your Social Security number. Then you can make your initial deposit using cash, a check, or a transfer from another account.

5. Start earning interest. Your money will begin earning interest as soon as it’s deposited into the account and will continue to grow until the CD matures. You can then choose to withdraw your money or roll over the balance into a new CD.

Conclusion:

Now that you know all about checking and savings accounts, it’s time to open one! You can either go in person to your nearest bank or credit union branch or visit their website to apply online. Be sure to have your Social Security number and driver’s license handy when you apply. And if you have any questions during the process, don’t hesitate to contact customer service for help. Congratulations on taking this vital step towards financial security! What are you waiting for? Go ahead and open a checking and savings account today. Are you looking for the best banking products and alternatives? We can help. Check out our recommendations available at Edfed!