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