Choosing a bank account is an important step in reaching your financial goals. The best account will have low fees, high interest rates and a lenient policy when you overdraft. Whether you’re looking to park your cash for the long or short term, let us help you pick the account type that fits your goals and the financial institution that has the best one.
Types of bank accounts
Some banks or credit unions offer different versions of the following accounts for teens, college students or seniors. All types are protected up to $250,000 at Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.-insured banks and National Credit Union Administration-insured credit unions.
Low fees are especially important when you’re deciding on a bank account. Sixty-one percent of Americans are avoiding banking fees, according to the American Bankers Association, and you can too. Here are some tips:
- Dodge fees: Avoid accounts with monthly maintenance fees and small ATM networks that don’t reimburse out-of-network ATM fees.
- Overdraft options: Choose an account with a lenient overdraft policy.
- High interest: Choose rates of 1% or higher for savings accounts and CDs.
CHECKING ACCOUNT
A checking account is used for day-to-day banking, including depositing your paycheck, withdrawing cash and paying bills. It offers multiple ways to access your money — such as debit cards, ATMs and personal checks — and doesn’t limit the number of monthly transactions you can make.
The smallest transaction can overdraw an account, so you want an easygoing overdraft policy. The average overdraft fee runs to $34, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and it can be charged several times daily.
What to look for: Some checking accounts offer interest, but your money doesn’t sit there long enough to earn it. Instead, look for an account that charges no monthly maintenance fee, requires no minimum balance, reimburses fees from ATM transactions outside the bank’s network and has a lenient overdraft policy.
SAVINGS ACCOUNT
A basic savings account gives you a safe place to store your money and lets you access funds quickly in the event of a medical emergency, a sudden job loss, or a trip you’re planning. However, it may limit the number of transactions you can make per month.
Most savings accounts earn very little interest. The national average rate for a savings account is currently 0.06%, but you can find online accounts that offer low fees and high rates upward of 1%.
What to look for: Low fees and the best rate you can get. The best rates are likely to be at a credit union or online-only institution.
» MORE: NerdWallet’s best savings accounts
MONEY MARKET ACCOUNT
Like savings accounts, money market accounts limit your number of monthly transactions, and they hold cash that you won’t need right away.
They offer slightly higher interest rates — 0.08% is the national average — than basic savings accounts, but often have higher minimum balance requirements. In some cases, they come with a debit card and the ability to write checks.
What to look for: Compare the money market account rates to those on savings accounts. Go with the option that offers the lowest fees, the best rate and the most reasonable balance requirement.
» MORE: NerdWallet’s best money market accounts
CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT (CD)
A certificate of deposit, or CD, is a timed deposit: You promise to leave your money with the bank for a set term — typically, from a few months to five years — and in return the bank offers higher interest rates. The longer the term, the higher the rate.
A three-month CD has a national average rate of 0.09%; a six-month CD, 0.13%; a one-year CD, 0.24%. The national average for a five-year CD is currently 0.79%.
It’s a big commitment, so ask questions. You’ll want to ensure your money is in the account that best suits your financial needs.
What to look for: The right terms. Be comfortable with the agreement: Withdrawing before the end of the term results in a costly penalty. Look for a rate higher than 1%. Otherwise, you’re better off with a high-yield savings account that lets you access your money.
» MORE: Best CD rates
Mix and match
You don’t have to keep all accounts under the same roof. You might find a good checking account at a nearby credit union, a solid savings account online and an attractive CD at a bank. Mix and match as you see fit.
- only takes a few minutes to open an account online or at a branch. Once you’re all set up, explore how your account’s tools and features can help you meet your financial goals.
This article was originally published on Nerdwallet.
