Everyone needs a place to park their income, which is what makes checking accounts so popular. It’s the bank account you’ll likely use the most, for things like buying groceries, withdrawing cash at an ATM and depositing paychecks.
Plus, checking accounts give you access to a variety of services that the space beneath your floorboards simply can’t provide. Here’s a closer look at some of those features, as well as how to select the checking account that’s right for you.
Checking Account Basics
True to their name, checking accounts typically come with personal checks, which you can use to make payments. But these days, you’ll use a debit or ATM card more often to access your cash. Checking accounts provide these, too.
Unlike savings accounts and certificates of deposit, checking accounts don’t place many restrictions on how often you can access your money, which makes them ideal for everyday spending. However, banks may place daily and monthly limits on ATM withdrawals. When considering a new account, make sure any caps align with your spending habits.
Checking Account Fees
Just as there are checking features you should look for, there are some you should avoid. Namely, fees, which are as common as they are frustrating.
Some checking accounts, especially those at large, national banks, charge maintenance fees — as much as $15 a month. These help offset the high cost of maintaining thousands of branch offices, but they also put sizable dents in the wallets of customers who don’t meet banks’ fee-waiver requirements.
That’s what makes digital banks appealing to a growing number of people.
Finding the Right Checking Account
Choosing a checking account is like shopping for new shoes. Any old boots in your size could do the trick, but finding a pair that fits just right will make a considerable difference.
When it comes to checking accounts, that means seeking out low fees, broad ATM networks and other services that suit your individual needs. Here are some of your options:
- Online checking accounts: Most banks and credit unions offer checking accounts that allow you to conduct all your account transactions online. These accounts often offer perks, such as competitive interest rates and ATM fee refunds.
- Rewards checking accounts: If you use your checking account frequently, and are looking for something extra, rewards checking accounts provide benefits, including above-market interest rates, rewards points and ATM fee refunds. As a bonus, some rewards checking accounts are also free, even if you don’t meet the monthly requirements to earn rewards.
Opening a Checking Account
Once you’ve selected a new account, opening it is mainly a matter of following the right steps and having a few important documents on hand.
After that, you can start taking full advantage of the account. That may include signing up for direct deposit and online payments, and scheduling automatic transfers to your savings account to bolster your nest egg. These features and more will make you happy you found a place to park your cash.
-Tony Armstrong is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website.
At Waterford Bank, N.A. we offer a variety of checking accounts with benefits and tools to help meet your unique financial goals. Contact us here and we will connect you with one of our experienced bankers to help you get started.
