银行
Banks and credit unions give you access to paper checks, debit cards, credit cards, and even bill pay services.
Choosing a Bank or 信贷 Union
When choosing a bank or credit union, it’s important to be sure to compare services, interest rates and fees. Typical fees would include monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, check fees, and debit card fees. For most banks, several of these fees can be avoided by maintaining a minimum balance, establishing direct deposit, and making sure that you don’t overdraft your account.
Keep your personal needs in mind. 如果你 prefer to bank in person, it might make sense to go with a bank that has convenient locations to where you work, study, and play. 如果你 prefer to bank online, make sure that your bank offers services, such as electronic 支票存款.
It is imperative that you keep track of your available cash on hand. 如果你透支 your account, there may be costly fees charged to you by the bank.
Some things to consider:
- Online banks often offer lower fee structures and better interest rates, but lack many of the conveniences of a physical location. 如果你 often deposit cash, online banks may not be a very good option for you. You also aren’t limited to working with a single bank, but that will be another account to keep track of.
- Most banks may allow you to use their ATMs for free, but may charge for using the ATM at another institution. The other institution will likely have a fee for this 服务也一样.
Types of Accounts and Services
支票账户
The majority of your financial transactions will be made with your checking account. You can access these funds with checks, ATM cards, or your debit card. 支票账户 don’t typically offer interest, but that will vary by bank.
储蓄账户
Savings accounts offer interest. The funds in these accounts are not typically as accessible as that of a checking account. You are also limited to 6 withdrawals per month as per federal guidelines. Avoid penalties for withdrawing too many times by only withdrawing for emergencies or when you saved up for a particular goal.
借记卡
Debit cards are cards used to electronically pay for goods and to access cash at an automatic teller machine (ATM) directly from your checking account. 你会经常 use your PIN number to authorize the purchase. Be careful using a debit card. 如果你 don’t have enough funds to pay, the bank may still authorize the charge, but then charge you a costly overdraft fee.
ATM卡
ATM cards are similar to debit cards, except they can only be used at an ATM.
检查
检查 are essentially the paper version of a debit card. In lieu of a PIN, you will sign your name to authorize the purchase. Most merchants will require a photo ID before you write them a check.
