Checking accounts come with various features, but some often go unnoticed. Here are six such features that can make money management easier than ever:
1. Early Direct Deposit
Waiting for payday can feel like forever, but there is a way to access your paycheck a couple of days early. Many banks offer early deposits for checking accounts.
Your employer or the issuer of the direct deposit sends the payroll to your bank. The bank will verify your payment and make the deposit early. For example, if your employer submits payroll on Wednesday for a Friday payday, your checking account might get credited as soon as Wednesday or Thursday.
With early deposits, you can make a monthly budget and pay credit card bills on time.
2. Easy Access to Funds
One of the greatest perks of a checking account is the quick and effortless access to funds. Unlike savings accounts, which have withdrawal limitations, a checking account allows you to withdraw your funds anytime, anywhere!
Here are three ways to quickly access your funds:
- Withdraw cash from your nearest ATM.
- Send and receive paper checks, supported by most checking accounts.
- Make online transfers using peer-to-peer payment apps, like Zello, Venmo, or PayPal.
Checking accounts also allows you to pay bills and schedule transfers, ensuring a seamless banking experience.
3. Earn Interest
The benefits of a checking account go beyond everyday spending. Many checking accounts allow you to earn interest on the money sitting in your account. While the interest rates for such accounts can be low, it can still be a smart way to grow your balance.
Consider opening a high-yield or rewards checking account that offers competitive rates. Such a high interest checking account can help you make some extra money for a rainy day.
4. Overdraft Protection
If you’ve accidentally overspent or exceeded the available funds in your account, overdraft protection can prevent the payment from being declined. This includes checks, ATM withdrawals, and debit card charges.
With overdraft protection, even if your account has insufficient balance, the payment will go through. In most cases, you have to designate a backup account for the bank to use to cover any overdrafts. However, keep in mind that it’s not free. Most banks charge a small overdraft fee to process transactions.
5. FDIC Protection
Checking accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), a government agency that insures bank deposits. The FDIC provides coverage up to $250,000 per person per account. Think of it as a safety net, protecting your hard-earned cash if your bank encounters financial disruptions.
6. ATM Fee Refunds
When you withdraw money from an ATM that isn’t from your bank, you are charged an ATM fee, which could be $3, $5, and even more. Some checking accounts offer ATM fee reimbursement, putting your money back in your account.
This feature is incredible for people who travel a lot. Instead of hunting for a fee-free ATM, you can withdraw cash as many times as you want, knowing your bank will reimburse the charges. Some banks offer unlimited ATM fee refunds, while others have a withdrawal cap of $20 to $50.
