How to Open a Bank Account

Opening a bank account is part of everyday life and is something most people should do by the time they begin earning money.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Bank Account

1. Talk with friends and relatives about where they have their accounts. Find out what they think and whether they are satisfied with their own banks.
2. Determine what type of account(s) you want. The most typical accounts are checking and savings. A savings account allows you to deposit money and receive interest on the money held in the bank. A checking account generally does not generate interest, but allows you to write checks.
3. Determine what services are important to you - low prices, Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) access, customer service by phone, Internet banking or how close the branch is to your home or business.
4. Go to the bank of your choice, fill out an application and provide the bank with money with which to open the account. You will be given an account number (or two) as well as an ATM card if you choose that option. You will also be given a book of checks if you decide to open a checking account.

Tips & Warnings

• Open your account(s) at a bank near your home or office so that it is convenient for you to make deposits, use an ATM or talk with bank employees.
• Consider how many ATMs the bank offers, whether they charge a fee and whether 24-hour customer service is available by phone.
• Low price does not always mean best choice. Look into the services you are getting for your money. Do they meet your needs or will you have to spend extra to get those services?
• Make sure that any bank with which you open an account is FDIC-insured, which means your money is insured up to $100,000.