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December 2024: Best Checking Accounts from Our Partners
Checking accounts are bank accounts for everyday expenses. They let you easily access your cash. You may want to have a checking account to pay your bills, make debit card purchases, or write checks. This type of bank accounts is great for everyday spending. Checking accounts are offered by banks, credit unions, and online-only banks. There are low-fee or free checking accounts that require low or no opening balance. Review the offers below to find a checking account that is good for your needs.
questionsABOUT BANKS
AND SERVICES
Is it necessary to open a debit card together with a checking account?
Opening a debit card together with a checking account is not always obligatory, but it is a widespread and practical choice. A debit card provides convenient access to the funds in your checking account, allows you to...
Read moreWhat is the typical minimum balance requirement for a checking account?
The typical minimum balance requirement for a checking account can vary significantly based on the financial institution and the type of account you opt for. Many banks offer checking accounts with no minimum balance...
Read moreWhat is the primary purpose of a checking account?
A checking account is a universal financial instrument designed primarily for everyday transactions. It allows you to easily pay bills, make purchases, and withdraw cash. You can write checks, use debit cards, or set up...
Read morewhat is A CHECKING
ACCOUNT?
Checking accounts are one of the most frequently used and important financial products. This type of bank accounts lets you easily access your money using a debit or ATM card, checks or cash withdrawals. You can use checking accounts to pay your bills and make other financial transactions.
Know the basics
Checking accounts typically come with personal checks or a debit card that will let you access your money in your account. There are not many restrictions on how often you can access your money in a month. Most checking accounts do not have rules about the number of transactions you can perform each month.
It's easy to spend money in your checking account, but it is not always free. Checking accounts may come with monthly fees, overdraft fees, and ATM fees. Oftentimes monthly fees can be avoided if you keep minimum balance or set up direct deposit. When you open a checking account, you may be required to pay an initial deposit.
Choose a checking account
Since checking accounts are often used for everyday expenses, look for a low or no fees options. Convenient ATM access and a broad ATM network is also a plus. Some checking accounts require an opening balance which you will need to pay when opening an account. If that's an issue, look for checking accounts that do not require any upfront deposit.
If you want to make some money back on your checking account, look for interest checking account or a rewards checking account. The first will allow you to earn APY and the second will allow you to earn cash back. These benefits may require you to maintain some minimum balance, so read the fine print carefully.
While you are weighing the features of checking accounts, keep an eye out for sign-up bonuses. That does not mean you should open an account simply because it has a bonus offer. Think of it as of a sweet addition that will help you decide between two similar options.