5 things to consider when choosing the right bank for you 💰

Choosing the right bank is an important decision. It can impact your financial well-being and convenience. But with so many types of banks, how can you decide which one is best for you?

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Consider these 5 points to decide which bank isright for you.

Are you someone who likes to have access to a physical branch and in-person customer service when needed? If it's important for your bank to be nearby, choose one with branches or ATMs that are near your home or workplace.

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Visit the bank website and look up the availability and physical location of their ATMs. A large network of ATMs allows you to access cash easily and without fees.

Remember: an ATM in a store won't be accessible after hours!

Look up costs for different types of accounts. The three typical bank fees are:

1. Monthly maintenance fees — recurring charges for having an open account

2. ATM fees — charges for using an out-of-network ATM

3. Overdraft fees — charges for spending more money than you have

Find a bank with reasonable fees or one that has ways to avoid them. For example, some banks offer fee waivers or discounts if you meet certain criteria, like maintaining a minimum balance or using direct deposit.

Compare the interest rates offered on checking, savings, high-yield savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and other interest-bearing accounts. Higher rates can help your money grow more effectively over time.

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If your nearest bank doesn't offer an interest-earning account to meet your needs, shop around. Credit unions and online banks often offer better account perks and features.

In this day and age, it's important to have a bank that lets you manage your money online or on your mobile device.

Managing your accounts, transferring funds, and paying bills should be easy and simple to do on any device.

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Ask your friends, or even people on Discord and Reddit, about the functionality and user-friendliness of the bank's online and mobile banking platforms.

Evaluate the types of accounts and services the bank offers, including checking, savings, CDs, mortgage loans, auto loans, and investment options.

Choose the bank that offers the account types that align with your financial needs at the moment.

Finally, think about what additional features you'd like to have, such as mobile deposit, budgeting tools, and alerts. Some banks also offer perks like cashback rewards or discounts with certain merchants.

For example:

Situation

Mark is an international student who just moved to NYC from Canada. He needs a bank he can visit both in Canada and the USA.

He lives on a graduate assistantship and has limited funds, so low fees are a must. He wants to be able to use an ATM without paying fees in both countries.

Solution

Mark should look at major traditional banks with a strong multinational presence.

A bank of that size will likely have branches and ATMs (through partnerships) in several countries. Large traditional banks often also offer student accounts with lower fees.

By carefully considering the above factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a bank that matches your financial goals and lifestyle.

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