| One of the most important things you will have to | | | | use during off hours? Is there a charge for using the |
| do (when it is time to do so) is to choose a bank. | | | | machine? Do they offer overdraft protection? These |
| Your bank will be one of your most important | | | | are just a few of the questions that will help you find |
| financial tools and you should be sure that you are | | | | the best bank to fit your needs. |
| choosing the bank that best fits your needs. This | | | | In addition to the physical aspects of the bank you |
| article discusses some of the things you need to | | | | may also be interested in online banking. Many |
| consider when choosing a bank. | | | | consumers find online banking to be very useful. Not |
| You should, if possible, visit the banks in your area | | | | all banks offer this service yet, so it is best to ask. |
| and speak with the new account's personnel. These | | | | Other issues that you may want to look into include |
| are the people who know the bank's services best | | | | such things as the availability of debit cards. These |
| and they are usually very good at explaining their | | | | cards resemble credit cards but they act differently. |
| services. Most banks will have brochures that you can | | | | Debit cards actually take the amount of the purchase |
| take with you and read at your leisure before making | | | | out of your checking account. There is no "credit" |
| a decision. | | | | associated with them, even though they can be used |
| One of the most important questions that you need | | | | in as many places as a credit card. |
| to get an answer for is whether or not the bank is | | | | You may also want to know if the bank issues |
| covered through the FDIC. The Federal Deposit | | | | money orders and what they charge for those. |
| Insurance Corporation insures your money up to | | | | Some banks will allow you to buy a certain number |
| $100,000. This is a government insurance program | | | | of money orders per month at discounted prices. |
| that protects your money from loss. If your bank is | | | | The same question can be asked about traveler's |
| not backed by this program, you should find another | | | | checks. |
| bank. | | | | Lastly, it is a good idea to work with the same bank |
| You will want to know the types of accounts that | | | | that you imagine you might want to use for future |
| the bank offers. You will also want to know if there | | | | home loans or car loans. Banks like to work with long |
| are any monthly fees for the accounts and what | | | | time customers and they will usually work harder with |
| those fees are. Many banks now offer free checking | | | | their own customers than they would with someone |
| accounts. You may also want to know what their | | | | who just walked off the street. If you are planning |
| savings accounts are and how they work. | | | | to buy a home or car, try to deal with the bank that |
| Another issue that is often important to consumers is | | | | can finance that future loan. |
| availability. Does the bank have an ATM for you to | | | | |