Explore banking tips, account comparisons, and money management strategies. Learn how to choose the best checking and savings accounts, avoid banking fees, use online banking tools, and boost your financial security with smarter banking choices.
Just a few years ago, banks were actually paying customers to sign up for new checking accounts. They were paying existing customers for referring friends and relatives. Meanwhile, existing bank customers enjoyed checking accounts and most of the benefits at no monthly charge. All that’s changed. Sign-up perks are a distant memory and the number … Read more
The rule of checking accounts is that you should only spend as much as you have in your account. As a courtesy, your bank may process transactions that exceed your checking account balance however, that courtesy comes at a price. There’s not a legal limit to overdraft fees banks can charge, but most banks keeps … Read more
Internet banking makes it seem like old-fashioned checkbook balancing is a dated skill, like brushing your teeth with baking soda or churning your own butter. It seems even more unnecessary, if you never actually write any checks and don’t have a checkbook or checkbook register. Checkbook balancing, to some degree, is still every much necessary … Read more
Prepaid cards have been heavily criticized for the amount of fees they carry. However, considering the increased cost of checking accounts, prepaid cards may become more attractive. Walmart and American Express have introduced a prepaid card intended to rival checking accounts. The card claims to have significantly lower fees that other prepaid cards and even … Read more
Just a few years ago, free checking accounts were abundant. In fact, banks were basically paying for customers by offering free gifts and sometimes even cash bonuses for signing up and referring new customers. Those days are gone. According to a recent survey from Bankrate.com, only 39% of banks offer a completely free checking account, … Read more
Banks and consumers have a conflict of interest. Consumers want free checking accounts and to pay as little as possible for services. Banks, on the other hand, want to make millions and billions for their shareholders. Your basic checking account may be free, but watch out for services that could cost hundreds of dollars a … Read more
When your bank receives a transaction that exceeds your checking account balance, the bank will do one of two things. They can either process the transaction or they can return the transaction to the merchant. Many people would like the bank to go ahead and process the transaction and banks will give you this courtesy, … Read more
Banking online is a wonderfully convenient way to manage your finances and gives you access to your account any day, any time, and in any location where you have access to the internet. Doing your banking online allows you to pay your bills, transfer money to the babysitter or your kid while away at college. … Read more
While the average consumer may gripe about the interest charges on a typical credit card balance, it appears we’re getting a pretty good deal on other banking services. According to a recent survey by the American Bankers Association, the majority of bank customers continue to pay nothing in bank fees. The ABA reports that 70% … Read more
A Lesson Learned Overdrafts and bounced checks can be extremely costly, severely punishing a consumer for a simple mistake in record-keeping. I clearly remember the first time I bounced a check, and it ended up costing me so much that I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I was a teenager with a part-time job, so my … Read more
