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Step 1
Write checks. Often, you'll have to pay a small fee to get your next book of checks. Look around for the best prices on checks. Some banks even offer free checking.
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Step 2
Find out how much it will cost you to withdraw money from an ATM. Most banks allow you to take money out of your account via the ATM for free. At least, it's free if you use their ATM machines. Often, you'll get hit with a fee for making a withdrawal from a competing bank's ATM.
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Step 3
Learn what the minimum amount of money is that you're allowed to have in your account. If you drop below that amount, you'll often get hit with a charge called an overdraft fee. The same thing occurs at banks with no bottom limit if you take out more money than you have in your account. These fees can get pricey.
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Step 4
Show an interest in interest rates. Each bank has different interest percentages that they add to your account. Find out what your interest rate options are, because a higher interest rate means more money put in your account without you needing to make deposits.
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Step 5
Check out what other services the new bank offers. Find out how the bank compares with others in terms of lines of credit, mortgages and small business loans.
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Step 6
Find out how you can keep track of your account information. Find out if there are fees for checking your balance through a teller or an ATM. Find out if there are charges if you call the toll free number or look it up online.
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Step 7
Make sure the bank is FDIC insured. FDIC is the federal insuring agency that regulates banks.
