If your family is looking for a good checking account, there are nearly endless options available, from the household names to the up-and-coming options. However, actually determining which checking account is best for your family is another story entirely. There are lots of things to consider when you’re looking for a good family checking account. Here are five things to do when you’re looking.
1. Determine the Fee List
Many checking accounts have lists of fees that you should look through before you decide on opening an account. Fees may range from overdraft fees to international exchange fees and even a monthly maintenance fee, which is a fee you have to pay to keep your account open with a specific banking company.
2. See What Waivers Are Available for Certain Fees
Waivers may be available for certain fees that you have to pay. For example, the majority of banks will waive monthly maintenance fees if you’ve maintained more than a certain dollar amount in your account over the month. However, it’s a good idea to look and see what fee waivers are available and how you qualify for them.
3. Look Into Minimum Balances for Opening an Account
Some banks require that you start your account with a certain amount of money. That dollar amount may vary, and some banks don’t have a minimum balance requirement at all. However, to avoid any confusion when you do open your account, it’s always best to look and see what the minimum balance is to open an account and to keep that account open.
4. Check for Overdraft Protection
Overdraft protection is a polarizing topic. With overdraft protection, any transaction that would take you into the negatives in your bank account will go through, but you may have to pay an overdraft fee. Without overdraft protection, however, the bank will simply deny the transaction entirely. Different people prefer different settings for overdraft protection, so it’s just about which you prefer for your family.
5. Take Note of Any Sign-On Bonuses
Sign-on bonuses can be one of the best ways to get more out of your checking account. For example, if you sign up for a Chase checking account, you can get a $225 cash bonus if you complete the eligibility requirements. However, it’s also a good idea to check for those eligibility requirements and make sure that you can fulfill them before you jump at the chance to sign up for an account.
Conclusion
Checking accounts are a great way to keep an eye on your money no matter where you are or what you’re doing. However, you do need to be careful in finding the right checking account for your specific family’s needs. With these five things, you can find the right checking account for your family more easily. Before opening a new checking account, run through these five things and make sure the account will be good for your entire family.
