While checking accounts provide a safe and convenient method of depositing and withdrawing funds, picking which one to use may be challenging owing to the large array of accessible options.
How to choose a checking account
Consider the following things before opening a checking account:
The first step is to get insurance.
You should verify that the bank or credit union where you want to open an us based checking account provides deposit protection via the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
Minimum balance requirements
Many checking accounts require you to maintain a minimum balance to avoid incurring service costs. If your account balance falls below the required minimum amount, a monthly maintenance fee of up to $15 will be assessed.
The final factor to consider is fees.
As with other financial products, checking accounts charge a range of fees to access your money. Several of the most often charged fees are a monthly service/maintenance fee, an overdraft fee, a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee, and an ATM fee. These penalties may range between a few dollars and $35 each occasion, making recurring payments prohibitively costly.
Automated teller machine network (ATMs).
If you make a significant number of cash payments, you’ll need to use an ATM or visit a branch location to withdraw funds from the bank. Fortunately, checking accounts give you with free access to thousands of ATMs worldwide.
Interest and remuneration
While checking accounts are not meant to hold large quantities of money for lengthy periods of time, you may find accounts that provide greater interest rates than the national average. The average annual percentage yield (APY) on savings accounts is 0.04 percent, however certain banks and credit unions provide greater returns.
Mobile application functionality
Selecting the finest checking account is more than just examining the financial criteria. Additionally, you should consider the accessible mobile features. Two features to look for are mobile check deposit and integration with peer-to-peer payment platforms.