Determine Your Checking Account Needs

When you consider opening a checking account, remember that banks offer different types of checking accounts. To determine what you need, think about how you plan to use your checking account. The following questions will help you determine what you need to look for in a checking account.

Consider Convenience:

1. How many checks do you think you will write every month?
2. Do you want a bank that is close to your home or work?
3. What are the bank’s hours of operation?
4. Will you use the ATM often?
5. Does the bank have ATMs close to where you live or work?
6. How often do you plan to visit the bank to use teller services?
7. What other bank services are important to you?

Determine Costs:

1. How much money will you keep in your account?
2. Will you be charged for writing extra checks?
3. Are you willing to pay a monthly fee?
4. If so, how much?
5. Will you be charged to use your bank’s ATM?
6. Will you be charged for using other banks’ ATMs?
7. Will you be charged for using teller services?
8. Are there ways to avoid paying fees?