Banks are a significant decision. Who you trust with your money requires more research than simply looking to see what hours they’re open so you can drop off a deposit. The following are essential things to keep in mind the next time you’re looking at which bank to go with.
Safety for your Money
What security does each bank offer to your finances? Do they guarantee to pay back any financial loss from errors on their side? Is there an easy way to contact them quickly and lock your card if you notice potential fraud occurring? If not, you should keep going. Although our lives shouldn’t revolve around money, our well-being does. Therefore, you should find a bank that has your financial security in mind.
Fees
What are the fees for these banks? Do they have ATM fees more painful than the steps to buy a house, or are their overdraft fees killer instead? When you’re applying, carefully look over any information, they give you about your fees and account maintenance. This isn’t like starting up a new phone and automatically hitting ‘I accept’ on every option to get to the good stuff: if you don’t read this paperwork, you could be leaving yourself open to many fees and expenses.
Online Banking Features
The essential part of most bank accounts, the online banking features can allow you to do anything from transferring money to friends to locking your card when you know you aren’t going to use it, so you don’t risk incidental charges. If you care a lot about your ability to be as hands-on as possible with your account, it’s a good idea to look for excellent online banking features. If you find good banks that have bad apps or websites, keep looking!
Are They Willing To Grow With You?
If you want to buy a home within the next five years, it’s a good idea to find a bank with lending options available. Not only will you easily prove your financial health to them, but you’ll also be able to have your lending and banking all in one location for less hassle. Of course, you should still shop around for reasonable interest rates: but many banks offer lower interest rates to people who already have an account with them.
Branch Availability
Although we can accomplish nearly anything with our phones, that doesn’t mean that we should! Not only is getting cash out at your bank’s physical location cheaper, but it’s also an excellent way to keep up to date on any changes. For example, if you have any issues, you can drive five minutes and talk it out in person instead of staying on hold on the phone for forty minutes.
This also means that you should keep an eye out for available branches even where you don’t live. If you’re out of town, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether you’ll find a unit for your bank or not. Instead, find a bank that’s where you need it to be.
