What type of bank account should you open? The answer depends on how you plan to use the bank account. If you want to build up your savings and you think that you will not need your money soon, a certificate of deposit may be the right type of bank account for you.
If you need to reach your money, however, a savings or checking account may be a better type of bank account for you. You will probably find that a checking account is best for you if you plan to write several checks each month (for example, to pay bills). But if you usually write only two or three checks each month, then a money market account might be a better deal. Money market accounts usually pay a higher rate of interest than do checking accounts, but minimum balance requirements for this type of bank account are often higher as well.
Below is a
bank account comparison chart to help you, but remember that bank account features and bank fees vary from one banking institution to the next. If you have questions, you should ask a representative of the institution about any bank account features and bank fees BEFORE you open a bank account.
|
Type of Bank Account |
Will I Earn Interest? |
May I Write Checks? |
Are There Bank Withdrawal Limitations? |
Are Bank Fees Likely? |
| Regular Checking Account |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Interest Checking Account (NOW) |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Money Market Account |
Yes, usually higher than NOW or savings |
Yes, only 3 per month |
Yes, 6 transfers per month |
Yes |
| Savings Account |
Yes |
No |
Same as MMDA |
Yes |
| Certificate of Deposit (CD) |
Yes, usually higher than MMDA |
No |
Yes, usually no withdrawals of principal until the date of maturity |
Yes, if you withdraw from principal before maturity date |
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