Guide to Comparing Checking Accounts Online

These days, if you want the best deal for your checking account, you’re no longer stuck with whatever your local banking branch offers.  With a little bit of easy research on the web, you can compare checking accounts online and find the perfect one for your needs.  As with many banking products, not all checking accounts are created equal.  Certain ones offer different features you may or may not want (or need!), so it’s worth seeing what the web has to offer.  Here’s what to keep in mind. (image credit)

There are plenty of websites that let you compare checking accounts and different banks to see who has the best rates and rewards. Competition among banks is fierce, so it’s worth shopping around.  Above all else, you want to be certain that the bank you choose is FDIC insured (or NCUA insured if it is a credit union).  This government-backed corporation insures bank deposits up to $250,000 until January 2014. After that date, it is expected to insure back to pre-recession levels at $100,000. You may also want a checking account that pays interest, or one with no monthly fees, such as Aurora Bank free checking accounts. No matter which type of account you choose, you want to make sure you get the features that are right for you.

There are all kinds of checking accounts available, if you know what for.  And in many cases, you can start the application process right from the web.  But the first thing to consider is what kind of checking account you want.  Do you need an account for a student or teenager who’s just starting out in the financial world?  What about a senior account or a second chance checking account if you’re trying to remedy your credit history?  You should also know that some banks offer online checking accounts and high yield interest checking accounts.  Check out Aurora Bank free checking accounts while doing your research and comparison shopping.

Because every account type is different, you’ll want to make sure you understand the fees and requirements up front. 

• If you plan on using the ATM often, ask about the bank’s ATM referral network and where you can use your card.
• Find out what kind of interest rate you could get on your checking account and what the minimum balance is to get that interest.
• Ask about linking accounts together for added protection against overdraft fees and find out if one or more debit cards are included to make withdrawals easier and more convenient.

If you like the freedom to access your account even when the bank is closed, you’ll want to know more about online banking and money transfers between accounts.  These are just a few of the many things you’ll want to compare when shopping for the right checking account for your needs.  Since there is no one size fits all approach to checking, finding the right account will help you manage your money more effectively while giving you a greater incentive to save while potentially building interest on every deposit you make.   And if you have any questions, be sure that customer service is easy to reach and ready to help. It can make all the difference in helping you bank with confidence! (image credit)