Checking accounts allow you to access and withdraw your funds. Unlike savings accounts, they don’t have a limit. Some checking accounts can also bear interest, granted that you keep to the minimum balance requirement.

However, there many types of checking accounts. If you plan to open a checking account, you may want to know where to put your money’s worth.

The Types of Checking Accounts

Checking accounts from different banks and credit unions vary in features. Some may have higher interest rates. Others can have limitations due to the customer’s overdraft history. Below are the types of checking accounts in a bank or credit union near you. 

 

Traditional Checking Account

Best for: people paying bills or doing online shopping and other debit transactions.

The traditional checking account is a great start for creating a reliable foundation for your money. 

Advantages	Disadvantages
Written checks Debit or ATM card Pay or buy online Overdraft protection (optional)	Dividends are low (credit union checking accounts have slightly higher dividends) Some have a monthly maintenance fee

 

Premium Checking Account

Best for: People with a five-figure balance or more.

Premium accounts have higher perks but also higher fee balances and penalties. 

Advantages	Disadvantages
Better perks, rewards, and freebies than traditional accounts Earn slightly higher interest than traditional accounts	Requires high minimum balance Has higher fee penalties

A premium checking account has a slightly higher flat interest than traditional checking accounts. However, other accounts, such as the money market and certificate of deposit, may be better options for investing.

 

Student Checking Account

Best for: Students aged 18-23

The student checking account is a great start for young adults to get their first bank account. It is best to read the conditions that will happen to the account once the owner passes the age limit. 

Advantages	Disadvantages
Lesser fees than traditional checking accounts Greater grace periods for overdrafts.	Some banks automatically switch the account to a traditional one upon reaching the age limit.

 

Senior Checking Account

Best for: People aged 55 or 60 and older.

The senior checking account is for retired people or those living on a fixed Income. The account has no monthly maintenance fees and has perks designed for seniors.

Advantages	Disadvantages
No monthly maintenance fees. Has perks for older adults.	Other accounts may suit the older adult’s Financial goals.

 

Interest-bearing Account

Best for: People with a large maintaining balance.

An interest-bearing account gives small monthly returns. The interest can be flat regardless of your balance. The account can also pay more the higher your balance.

Advantages	Disadvantages
The interest can be flat or higher than the account balance.  No withdrawal limits	Charges may be larger than interests

If you cannot cover the charges, look for checking accounts that give monthly dividends instead.

 

Business Checking Account

Best for: Business owners

A business checking account is designed to help with the financial management of a business owner.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Includes business tools, such as online invoicing. Includes freebies, such as writing several checks for free.	Charges may be larger than a traditional checking account.

 

Other Checking Accounts

The mentioned checking accounts above are common in most banks. There are more types of checking accounts that are not as common.

Type of Checking Account	Best For
Rewards Checking	People who often use debit cards.
Private Bank Checking	People looking for a private banker,
Second-chance Checking	People denied of the traditional checking account
Free Checking Accounts	People who don’t want balance requirements and monthly maintenance fees. (Some banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts with a return, like the Kasasa High-Dividend Cash Checking Account.)
Low-Balance Checking Accounts	People who can only maintain a low balance minimum requirement.

 

Which Type of Checking Account Is For You?

When choosing a checking account, you must consider your convenience and specific features. What minimum balance can you afford? Do you agree with the fees? Are the rewards something you have use of?

Beyond that, there are diverse accounts to cover each individual’s different needs. There are student accounts for young adults and even senior accounts for those who have retired. There are even accounts that allow you to invest. From the types of checking accounts above, which one suits your needs the most?

To learn more information, please check out Checking Accounts