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Checking accounts allow you to access and withdraw your funds. Unlike savings accounts, they don’t have a limit. Some checking accounts can also bear interest, granted that you keep to the minimum balance requirement.

However, there many types of checking accounts. If you plan to open a checking account, you may want to know where to put your money’s worth.

This article will explore what to consider in a checking account and the types available in banks and credit unions. By the time you have finished this article, we hope to have given you a clearer picture of your choice.

6 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Checking Account

Not all checking accounts are made equal. When opening a checking account, you must consider factors related to your situation and the account in question. For example, can you keep up with its minimum balance requirement? Do you pay taxes online? Your checking account must fit your lifestyle and finances.

Below are six factors you must consider before opening a type of checking account. 

CONVENIENCE AND ACCESSIBILITY

Your lifestyle must coincide with the features of your checking account.

Do you prefer to shop online or through physical stores? Do you prefer to make bill payments online or at physical locations?  If you’re in a place that doesn’t have a lot of branches or ATMs, consider their online platform. Are their mobile app and website easy to use?

AVERAGE MONTHLY BALANCE

Some checking accounts will charge a monthly maintenance fee if you don’t maintain a minimum balance requirement. Therefore, when choosing an account, check its minimum balance requirement against the average monthly balance you can maintain.

Setting up a direct deposit can help you avoid maintenance fees. When your paycheck automatically goes to your checking account, it can offset any reductions on your funds. 

CHECKING ACCOUNT FEES

Beyond monthly maintenance fees, some banks charge service fees such as in-branch transactions, ATM use, and overdrafts. By knowing the fees a checking account can have, you can avoid unnecessary penalties. However, as mentioned before, some banks will waive these if you maintain their balance requirement.

REWARDS

Check the rewards and benefits of the checking account. Do they offer refunds from big stores, cash back, or exclusive deals? When you check their balance requirements and charges, are the rewards worth the account for you?

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Do you prefer personalized service? Or do you prefer to be up-sold to better and higher products and services? If you prefer personalized service, consider opening a checking account with a credit union.

Credit unions are smaller and more familiar with their customers and financial situations. Since they are non-profit, they answer to members and not to shareholders. However, banks have better email, chat, and phone customer service technologies.

SCREEN THE ACCOUNT’S TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Reading the account’s terms and conditions before opening a checking account is reasonable. But, truthfully, not all of us have the time. If you’re opening an account online, you can use websites that will read the terms and conditions and summarize them for you.

Or you can install their extensions. Terms of Service Didn’t Read is currently the best website for it. TOSback also tracks updates on the terms and conditions of organizations.

The Types of Checking Accounts

Checking accounts from different banks and credit unions vary in features. Some may have higher interest rates. Others can have limitations due to the customer’s overdraft history. Others are designed for seniors and young adults. Below are the types of checking accounts in a bank or credit union near you. 

TRADITIONAL CHECKING ACCOUNT

Best for: people paying bills or doing online shopping and other debit transactions.

The traditional checking account is a great start for creating a reliable foundation for your money.

This type of account gives you checks you can write. They also give you a Debit or ATM card to deposit and withdraw money. Your card is also convenient for moneyless shopping. Furthermore, your traditional checking account allows you to pay your bills online.

You can also opt for overdraft protection if you make emergency purchases beyond your balance.

Some checking accounts give you dividends. But they may be little, although credit union checking accounts have higher interest rates than banks.

Some checking accounts come with a monthly maintenance fee. However, some banks and credit unions will waive this fee if you meet certain requirements, such as maintaining a minimum daily balance.

PREMIUM CHECKING ACCOUNT

Best for: People with a five-figure balance or more.

Premium checking accounts require a high minimum balance. In return, you avoid other fees and charges. You also get better perks, rewards, and freebies.

This type of checking account can earn slightly higher interest than the traditional one. However, if you aim to invest, other accounts, such as the money market and certificate of deposit, may be better for you.

STUDENT CHECKING ACCOUNT

Best for: Students aged 18-23

The student checking account is a great start for young adults to get their first bank account. It’s similar to a traditional checking account. But it is designed for a young adult’s needs and situations, such as having lesser fees and grace periods for overdrafts.

When getting a student checking account, read the conditions that will happen once you pass the age limit. Some banks would automatically switch it to the traditional bank account, where you will have increased fees or lose some of the benefits.

SENIOR CHECKING ACCOUNT

Best for: People aged 55 or 60 and older.

The senior checking account is for retired people or those living on a fixed income. The account has no monthly maintenance fees and has perks designed for seniors.

However, even if you fit the age requirement, keep in mind your financial goals. Other types of accounts may suit your needs, even if this one is marketed for your age.

INTEREST-BEARING ACCOUNT

Best for: People with a large maintaining balance.

An interest-bearing account gives small monthly returns. The interest can be flat regardless of your balance. The account can also pay more the higher your balance.

The interest-bearing account can be competitive with a savings account but without withdrawal limits. However, check if its fees cancel the interest significantly for you. If you cannot cover the charges, look for checking accounts that give monthly dividends instead.

BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNT

Best for: Business owners

The business checking account comes with business tools. The tools can include cash management services, online invoicing, and more.

This type of account can also offer freebies, such as writing several checks for free or getting a return base on your balance.

REWARDS CHECKING

Best for: People who often use debit cards.

A rewards checking account rewards you for your debit card transactions. Whether it’s part of your job or part of your lifestyle, your account rewards you with refunds, cash back, and discounts. Do consider the account’s required minimum, fees, and cap limitations.

PRIVATE BANK CHECKING

Best for: People looking for a private banker

A private bank checking account is managed by your private banker. A private banker helps only one customer with their banking needs. It is similar to a premium checking account but has higher rewards, such as lower loan rates and a free safe deposit box. It also has higher minimum balance requirements.

SECOND-CHANCE CHECKING

Best for: People denied of the traditional checking account

If a person has a history of closed checking accounts due to overdrafts, banks can refuse them from opening one again. The second-chance checking account is given to them instead.

This type of account can have monthly fees. However, if you can maintain your balance for a year or more, they can convert it to a traditional checking account.

FREE CHECKING ACCOUNTS

Best for: People who don’t want balance requirements and monthly maintenance fees.

A free checking account has no minimum balance requirement and no monthly maintenance fees. That said, they can have other fees. Some banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts with a return, like the Kasasa High-Dividend Cash Checking Account.

LOW-BALANCE CHECKING ACCOUNTS

Best for: People who can only maintain a low balance minimum requirement. 

A low-balance checking account is for people who need banking services but can only maintain a small balance requirement. This type of account can have limitations and requirements, such as only having only online transactions and preventing you from overdrafts.

Which Type of Checking Account is For You?

When choosing a checking account, you must consider your convenience and certain features. What minimum balance can you afford? Do you agree with the fees? Are the rewards something you have use of?

Beyond that, there are diverse accounts to cover each individual’s different needs. There are student accounts for young adults and even senior accounts for those who have retired. There are even accounts that allow you to invest. From the types of checking accounts above, which one suits your needs the most?

By now, you may already know what account you want. See our checking accounts to see if they suit you.

To learn more, please check out Canopy Credit Union

Dealing with anxiety can really be difficult. Some people with anxiety disorder can experience symptoms that may already affect their quality of life and prevent them from functioning normally. 

Emotional symptoms of anxiety can appear as excessive worrying, fatigue, panic attacks, poor concentration, insomnia, or irritability. On the other hand, physical symptoms may appear as extreme chest pains, headaches, diarrhea, muscle aches, sweating or shortness of breath.

If you are experiencing most of these symptoms, you may be experiencing anxiety. The best solution for this is to get checked by professionals. But, if you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, it is also helpful to remember the following coping mechanisms to ease anxiety:

1. Be physically active

One of the easiest hacks to feel better is to exercise. When you work out, you provide a jolt to the brain’s reward centers—the system of the brain that helps you anticipate pleasure, feel motivated, and maintain hope. When you work out regularly, the brain remodels the reward system, leading to higher circulating levels of dopamine, or called the happy hormones.

2. Quit alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes

These three things might give you the feeling of relief for a short time, but these may actually worsen your anxiety. If stopping using these substances are hard for you, it is probably best to reach out to support groups or therapies like with Everyday Empathy

3. Do relaxation and stress management techniques

When the brain is filled with negative thoughts, doing yoga or meditation techniques can effectively help ease anxiety. Meditation, visualization, and focusing on breathing can help with letting go of feeling of worry and fear.

4. Eat healthy foods

Remember the saying, “you are what you eat”? Well, it is true because what you eat can be the reason for your mood. According to research, a healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish may be linked to reduced anxiety and depression.

Another quick dopamine hack is eating spicy foods. In response to the pain of eating spicy food, the brain releases hormones like endorphins and dopamine which makes you feel euphoria similar to a runner’s high.

5. Get quality sleep

Getting the right amount of sleep for your age can be helpful in lessening the feelings of anxiety. Do what you can to make sure you’re getting enough sleep to feel rested. If you find it hard to sleep or stay asleep, it is best that you talk with a professional.

6. Learn about your disorder

The best way to deal with your condition is to talk about it with professionals. In this way, you will learn your triggers and how to properly deal with it – may it be with medication or therapy. Seeking support might be difficult at first for some, but this is the best way to deal with how you are feeling.

7. Stick to your treatment plan

If you are undergoing treatment with healthcare providers, do your best to take medications as directed. Complete your therapy and do your therapy assignments. When dealing with anxiety, consistency in your treatment can make a big difference.

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