When you are
deciding on a checking account, take the time to determine what is important to you, look at account features and benefits and match them to your specific needs.
I have written quite a few
posts on checking accounts recently, including specific account reviews and promotions and general topics such as checking account fees.
Interest rates
on checking accounts also may be tied into maintaining a certain balance, something you may want to consider if your account serves only as a brief rest stop for your income.
But at least once a year, you should check out the interest rates being
offered on checking accounts and make certain yours is still competitive.
For example, Synchrony Bank offers a 1.65 % APY on its savings accounts, and Ally Bank offers a 0.10 %
APY on checking accounts with below $ 15,000, but 0.60 % APY for accounts with a balance higher than $ 15,000.
Once you've asked about some of the basics such as bank fees, overdraft protection options and ATM fees, you may want to compare rewards programs
available on some checking accounts and savings accounts.