Checking accounts are the workhorses of personal finance, facilitating everyday transactions and providing a secure place to store your money.
While they're a common financial tool, many people might not be aware of some lesser-known yet vital aspects of checking accounts. Taking advantage of these hidden checking account perks may help you keep more money in your bank account.
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FDIC protection
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One often overlooked fact about checking accounts is that they have Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protection. This government agency ensures your deposited funds up to $250,000 per account against bank failures.
It's like a financial safety net, guaranteeing your hard-earned cash remains secure even if your bank encounters financial difficulties. Checking account holders can confidently access their funds, knowing the stability of the FDIC backs them.
Direct deposit
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While many know and use direct deposit, its full range of benefits might be underestimated. It's a convenient way to receive your paycheck or government benefits directly into your checking account. No more waiting in line to cash a paper check.
Plus, it's secure, eliminating the risk of lost or stolen checks. It's a hassle-free and efficient way to manage your income and ensure your money is readily available.
Overdraft protection
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If you accidentally overspend or miscalculate your account balance, overdraft protection can prevent your transactions from being declined. However, remember that it's not free. There might be fees involved, so use it wisely.
While it's not an excuse to overspend, having this protection can save you from the inconvenience of declined transactions. It's a valuable tool for ensuring your financial transactions go smoothly — and you're not embarrassed if a merchant declines a payment.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Mobile check deposit
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This feature allows you to deposit checks from your smartphone, eliminating the need for a trip to the bank. With just a few taps, you can capture an image of your check and submit it electronically.
Mobile deposit is available 24/7, making it incredibly convenient. This feature saves time, gas, and effort. Plus, you can stay cozy and deposit checks from your couch during busy days or inclement weather.
Bill pay services
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Many checking accounts offer built-in bill-pay services. This often free feature helps you manage your monthly bills more efficiently.
Bill pay services save you time and, in many cases, money on postage. You can schedule one-time or recurring payments for utilities, rent, credit cards, or any kind of bill.
Additionally, these systems often provide payment tracking and reminders, so you'll never miss a due date again.
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Spending breakdown
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A spending breakdown feature offers valuable insights into your spending habits. It categorizes and tracks your expenditures, revealing precisely where your money goes each month.
This detailed analysis helps you identify areas where you could cut back, save more, or invest.
Checking accounts offering this feature often provide graphs or charts to visually represent your spending patterns, making it easier to understand your financial behavior.
ATM access
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Extensive ATM networks are a hidden gem in the world of checking accounts. They make it convenient for checking account holders to access their money without incurring fees.
Most banks provide access to a widespread network of ATMs, allowing you to withdraw cash or check your balance for free. This feature saves you money and offers unparalleled convenience, ensuring you're never far from your hard-earned cash wherever you go.
Debit card perks
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Beyond simplifying everyday purchases, debit cards tied to checking accounts often come with additional benefits.
These perks can include cashback rewards, giving you something back every time you swipe. It's like getting rewarded for managing your everyday spending.
In addition, some debit cards issued by major credit networks offer purchase protection to safeguard your transactions against various issues.
Paper checks
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Many checking accounts offer paper checks, which can be essential in certain situations. From paying rent to making large, official transactions, paper checks offer a tangible way to handle financial matters.
While electronic payments are increasingly popular, having a stack of paper checks tucked away in your checkbook can provide peace of mind when you need a more traditional payment approach.
It's a versatile feature often underestimated in today's digital world and makes it easy to see whom you paid and for what amount.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with a debit card
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2 <p>See website for details.</p>
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Learn more about the Discover Cashback Checking account
Online banking features
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Checking accounts are no longer just for storing money; they're powerful financial management tools.
Many offer a range of online features, including account monitoring, fund transfers, and digital statements. You can track your spending, set up alerts, and access your statements from anywhere.
If you're ever in doubt about having enough money to cover a check or debit charge, you can check your account on your smartphone before you make that charge.
Mobile wallet integration
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In today's digital age, many checking accounts seamlessly integrate with popular mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. This integration allows account holders to link their debit cards to their mobile devices for secure and convenient contactless payments.
By simply tapping their phones or smartwatches, users can make in-store or online purchases without needing physical cards. This feature provides enhanced security through biometric authentication and keeps your finances at your fingertips wherever you go.
ATM fee reimbursement
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Many checking accounts offer a little-known perk: ATM fee reimbursement. If you use an out-of-network ATM, your bank may pay you back for the fees you incur.
It's a money-saving benefit often overlooked by account holders. Knowing you won't be penalized for accessing your funds anywhere can offer peace of mind and save you money significantly over time.
Security features
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Safeguarding your finances is paramount, and modern checking accounts come equipped with robust security features.
These include two-factor authentication, real-time fraud monitoring, and purchase protection. These layers of security shield your funds from unauthorized access and fraudulent transactions.
Recognizing the advanced security measures that protect your assets can ease your worries about fraud. Checking accounts are not only for convenience but also for safeguarding your hard-earned money.
No-minimum balance checking
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Many banks offer checking accounts with no minimum balance requirements. This often-overlooked feature makes checking accounts accessible to individuals who may not have large funds to maintain.
It provides the convenience of easy money management without the pressure of keeping a specific amount in the account at all times.
These no-minimum balance accounts ensure that your financial institution won't impose fees or restrictions based on your account's daily or monthly balance.
Interest-bearing checking
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Checking accounts don't typically offer high interest rates compared to savings accounts, but they can still work to grow your money.
Interest-bearing checking accounts, while not as lucrative or as common as savings accounts, earn you some interest on your balance.
They're an underrated option for those who want their money to work for them without locking it away and a way to make extra money at the same time.
Bottom line
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Understanding the often-overlooked facets of your checking account can help you manage your finances more effectively.
From FDIC protection to convenient online features and cashback rewards, checking accounts offer many advantages beyond their basic function.
By making the most of these features, you can build your wealth and maximize the benefits of your checking account, making it an even more valuable tool in your financial arsenal.
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