Comparing Checking Accounts: What to Look for in a New Account

Some people do not give much thought to choosing where to open a new checking or savings account. After all, one bank is just like another, right?

Wrong!

There are many things to consider when choosing a financial institution and knowing just what to ask when opening a checking account or savings account is one key to your financial protection and growth.

Key Features to Consider

There is more to a checking account than simply being able to pay bills. Think about things you need to know and some questions to ask when opening a bank account, including:

• Are ATMs easily accessible to you? If you need to grab some cash quickly, you want an ATM nearby.
• What are the minimum balance requirements? These may vary between different types of checking accounts.
• Are there any monthly maintenance fees? This can vary between the type of checking account and, in some cases, a minimum balance.
• What about overdraft protection? For times you may have forgotten about an automatic payment and thought you had a higher balance, overdraft protection will ensure you don’t find yourself with a returned check due to insufficient funds. 
• Will you receive monthly interest on your account balance? Some checking accounts offer interest; others do not.
• Does the financial institution have FDIC or NCUA insurance? Make sure your money is secure.
• What online services does the bank offer? Many of us use online banking for many things, including checking account balances, transferring money, and checking on payments. We also offer a user-friendly mobile app that allows you to manage your finances no matter where you are. 
• Are there any additional rewards or benefits? Some credit unions, such as Alliance Catholic Credit Union, and banks offer a variety of other benefits, including such things as ID theft protection and shopping rewards.

Benefits of Alliance Catholic Credit Union Checking Accounts

Most financial institutions offer online and mobile banking with BillPay, overdraft protection, and unlimited debit-based and credit-based transactions with an ATM/debit card. Alliance Catholic Credit Union offers a whole lot more. With an Alliance Catholic Credit Union checking account, you can get a lot, including such necessities and rewards as:

• Earning dividends
• Cell phone protection
• ID theft protection
• Debt Advantage Buyers Protection and Extended Warranty
• Roadside assistance expense reimbursement
• Shopping rewards
• Travel and leisure discounts
• VIP concierge assistance

All for just $6 a month.

For those who prefer no monthly fee and do not require rewards, our Standard Checking account is also available. Be sure you know what you need and want from your bank and know what to ask before opening a checking account.

Digital Banking Capabilities

In today’s world, having digital banking capabilities just makes life easier. Look for user-friendly mobile apps that allow you to manage your finances no matter where you are – at home, at work, or on vacation. Account notifications, mobile check deposits, BillPay, and more are all available through Alliance Catholic Credit Union. Be sure to ask us about our digital banking services.

Member-first Policies and Personalized Support

At Alliance Catholic Credit Union, our checking account services include some common services you will find at most financial institutions, such as easy check ordering and cashier checks, but we provide more to fit your needs. Included in an Alliance Catholic Credit Union checking account are overdraft protection, signature guarantee, gift cards, an overdraft line of credit for qualified checking account customers, and more.

From Dearborn to Rochester, Detroit to Shelby Township,a branch at the University of Detroit Mercy, and so many other Michigan locations, Alliance Catholic Credit Union has solid interest rates, great benefits, and low fees to provide you with quality checking account services. We will answer all your checking and savings account questions. Contact us today!

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