Opening a Bank Account

What It Is

What is a bank?

A bank is a place to put your money and keep it safe in an account.

Banks offer many services, including:

checking accounts and savings accounts for your money
debit cards and credit cards
loans to buy things like cars and homes
check cashing and money transfers

What is a credit union?

A credit union is another place for your money. To use a credit union, you have to be part of a group that is allowed to join that credit union. Many groups, including communities and places of worship, have credit unions their members can join.

Credit unions offer the same services as a bank.

What is a checking account?

When people talk about bank accounts, they usually mean checking accounts. A checking account lets you keep your money safe and still be able to spend it.

A checking account lets you pay for things without using cash. Instead, you might pay with a check or a debit card.

What is a savings account?

Banks and credit unions also offer savings accounts. A savings account is for money you want to save.

A savings account can help keep the money you are saving separate from the money you need to spend now.

Why would I open a checking account?

You might open a checking account:

to keep your money safe
to pay using a debit card or check, instead of cash
to get cash from an automated teller machine, or ATM
to pay your bills online using your checking account
to get access to loans, depending on your credit history
to cash checks or wire money
to earn a little extra money. Some banks pay interest on money in checking accounts. That means the money in your account will earn more money.

Many banks and credit unions charge less for these services if you have an account there.

Why would I open a savings account?

You might open a savings account:

to help save money for emergencies or goals
to keep your money safe
to keep some money separate from the money you spend every month
to earn a little extra money. Most banks pay interest on money in savings accounts. That means the money you save will grow a little over time.

How do I choose a bank or credit union?

Before you open any account:

Visit a few banks or credit unions.
Find out about the checking and savings accounts the bank offers.
Ask what fees you will have to pay for each account. Some banks and credit unions charge you to write checks or use a debit card. Some do not charge for that.

For Example

How do I put money into my bank account?

Putting money into your account is called a “deposit.” You can deposit checks or cash into your account if you:

go to your bank or credit union
use your bank or credit union’s ATM
use “direct deposit,” usually through your job or government benefits. Direct deposit puts your paycheck directly into your bank account.

You also can transfer money from another account. For example, you can move money from your savings account to your checking account.

How do I get money out of my bank account?

Taking money out of your account is called a “withdrawal.” You can take your money out if you:

go in person to your bank or credit union’s branch
use your debit card at your bank or credit union’s ATM
use your debit card at stores to pay for something. Sometimes, you can get cash back
write a check to pay for something. If you want to write checks, you might need to order them and pay for them
wire money to someone. Sometimes you pay a fee to wire money.

Do I have to pay fees at my bank?

Banks and credit unions might charge fees for different services. Ask your bank or credit union if you can avoid paying fees. Sometimes, banks and credit unions charge fees if you:

go below the minimum balance in your account. The minimum balance is the amount of money the bank wants you to keep in your account
spend more money than you have. This is called “overdrawing” your account
use another bank’s ATM to get money. Using your bank or credit union’s ATM might be free. Using another bank’s ATM almost always means you pay a fee.

Sometimes you can avoid paying fees by having your paycheck deposited directly to your account. “Direct deposit” means your employer pays your salary directly into your bank or credit union account. You do not get a paper check to cash. Ask your employer if it offers direct deposit.

How do I choose a bank or credit union?

Compare the services and fees at a few banks and credit unions. Go to the website or visit in person. Find out what the fee is if you:

have a checking account
use a debit card
get cash from ATMs at other banks
have less money in your account than the bank requires
spend more money than you have in your account

Compare the answers. Find the bank or credit union that meets your needs.

How do I avoid fees on my accounts?

Stay above the required “minimum balance.” That is the amount of money the bank requires you to keep in your account. If you cannot meet the requirement, you might choose a different account or choose another bank.
Use your bank’s ATMs to get cash. If you go to an ATM from another bank, you might have to pay fees – to your bank and to the other bank.
Spend only the money that you have. Some accounts will let you use your debit card even after your checking account is empty. Spending more money than you have is called “overdrawing” your account. It always means you will pay big fees.

Write down the money you spend or take out of the bank. Then subtract what you spend or withdraw from the balance, or the amount of money in your account. That will show how much money you have left to spend.