Checking Account

A transactional or demand account

Written by CFI Team

What is a Checking Account?

A checking account is a type of deposit account that individuals open at financial institutions for the purpose of withdrawing and depositing money. Also known as a transactional or demand account, a checking account is very liquid. To put it simply, it provides users a quick way of accessing their money.

Checking Account

A checking account can be accessed using several options: ATMs, electronic debits, and checks. One characteristic that makes a checking account unique compared to other accounts is that it typically allows users to deposit and withdraw money many times without incurring fees.

Examples of Checking Accounts

There are many types of checking accounts to choose from. For example, one can open a commercial or business account, a joint account, or a student account.

1. Commercial or business account

A business checking account is used by companies and, consequently, it’s owned by the company. This means that any transactions happening in the account must be authorized by the company owner or a person authorized by the owner.

2. Joint account

A joint account is one that is opened by two or more individuals, often marital partners. With such an account, either one of the partners is able to write checks on the account.

3. Student account

There are many banks that offer free checking accounts for college students. The accounts remain free until the student graduates from college.

Choosing a Checking Account

Below are several things to consider when choosing where to open an account:

1. Account Fees

Financial institutions usually charge certain fees on their clients’ checking accounts. It’s important that one compare the fees between banks before opening an account. There can be hidden costs if, for example, the checking account goes below a minimum balance required.

When comparing fees among different banks, an individual should consider their spending habits. If their balance hovers around the zero mark, then the best institution is one that does not come with a minimum balance requirement. Here are the most common fees charged on accounts:

Maintenance fees

Some checking accounts, particularly those held at national banks, charge a monthly maintenance fee. However, there are banks that waive the fee if one meets specified criteria, such as maintaining a minimum balance. It’s important that one reads the fine print before opening an account.

Overdraft fees

These are fees charged when one withdraws a higher amount of money than what is in their account. Overdraft costs are usually expensive. To avoid such fees, individuals may be able to enroll in overdraft protection, which is a feature that prevents one from incurring fees when they overdraw.

Minimum balance fees

Some financial institutions charge their clients fees if their account balance falls below a specified amount. The required minimum varies from one bank to another.

ATM fees

If one is using an out-of-network ATM, then they may incur a fee from the ATM operator and bank. According to a Bankrate survey, the total cost of cash withdrawals from an out-of-network ATM amounted to $4.68, on average, in 2018.

2. Incentives

Keeping a savings account is not the only way that one can earn interest from the bank. Checking accounts may also come with perks in the form of interest earned over time and rewards.

An interest-bearing checking account works in the same way as a savings account. However, the interest rate varies depending on the type of account.

3. Convenience

If an individual leads a very busy life, chances are that he might not be able to keep going to the bank in order to make a withdrawal or deposit. For such people, the best checking accounts are the ones that provide online and mobile access. That way, people can easily check their account balance, pay bills, and make deposits using their cellphone or computer.

4. Customer Service

Thanks to technology, account holders can now perform most of their banking functions online or through mobile applications. However, challenges can arise, forcing the account holder to seek third-party assistance. So, before picking a checking account, one should read online customer reviews to get a rough estimate of the bank’s level of customer support. It’s better to go for a financial institution that provides a few perks but offers excellent customer service.

The Bottom Line

A checking account is a type of bank account that allows people to access their cash easily. It is simply an account for daily expenses. However, it is more than just a place where one can make deposits and withdrawals. It’s the hub of personal finances. With the right bank account, individuals can improve their money management skills.

Additional Resources

CFI offers the Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)™ certification program for those looking to take their careers to the next level. To keep learning and advancing your career, the following CFI resources will be helpful: