|
When you take your money to the bank, you are the customer. Choose a bank that you feel comfortable using and that gives you a good deal, such as a free checking account.
Tip: If you or your parents belong to a credit union, check it out, too. Credit unions may offer better deals or interest rates than banks.
Here are a few other tips:
- Call or visit several banks before you decide which one is best for you.
- Look for signs that say the bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). That means the federal government keeps your money safe by insuring deposits in your bank account up to a certain amount.
- Ask someone at the bank questions such as:
- Do you have special deals for students?
- Will my parent or guardian need to co-sign on the account? (If you are under 18, the answer is probably "yes.")
- What does it cost to have a checking account?
- How can I lower the cost of having a checking account?
- Do you pay interest on savings accounts even if they don't have much money in them?
- How much will it cost if I bounce a check?
- Do you have debit cards and ATM machines? What does it cost to use them?
|
