How to Choose a Bank

Posted by Shelley Elmblad Sep 21, 2007

There are so many options these days for checking and savings accounts that it is almost as difficult to choose an account as it is to choose an allergy or cold remedy off the shelf at your local drug store.

Do you choose an online bank, a local bank or a credit union? Are interest bearing checking accounts beneficial for everyone, or is there a catch with these accounts? And what about free checking accounts or free savings accounts? How can a bank offer totally free accounts?

To find out how to answer these questions, and learn about the difference between a bank and a credit union read Opening Bank Accounts: How to Choose a Bank and Open an Account in the US by Estela Kennen. This article gives good fundamental advice on choosing a checking or savings account, and tells you what documentation you need to have to open an account.