Bankrate's semiannual Checking Account Pricing Study looked at what the 10 largest institutions in each of the 35 largest U.S. markets offer in consumer checking accounts. Researchers from Bankrate.com gathered comprehensive rate, fee and policy information from 350 institutions and 1,261 separate accounts. Here's what we found.See the most recent version of the checking study.The StoriesLower fees and more free checkingSome banks have lowered fees, and there are more free checking accounts than before. But interest yields are lower than ever. Know your checking styleThere's no one-size-fits-all checking account. Finding the right account requires some self-examination. ATM surcharges surgeConsumers will pay more than $2.2 billion this year in ATM surcharges. That's up 18 percent from the 1999 estimate of $1.91 billion. Internet banks still a better deal?Virtual banks used to be the low-cost banking alternative, but they're rapidly raising their fees. Study highlightsA summary of key findings from Bankrate's exclusive Checking Account Study.The ChartsFind the best checking account for youSince we all use our checking accounts differently, we've broken down our checking study data into three consumer profiles:Transactors: Maintain a $1,500 balance, make 25 transactions a month and pay one NSF fee a year. Savers: Maintain a $1,500 balance, make 12 transactions a month and pay no NSF fees.Typicals: Maintain a $1,500 balance and make 12 transactions a month and pay one NSF fee a year.On the next page, select your area and the checking category and hit 'Go,' then click on the profile that best fits your checking activity tofind the best account for you. You can also use the search to find the best ATM and debit card deals in your area. advertisementRelated Links:Debt history hard to shedChexSystems 3 overdraft trapsRelated Articles:Smart debit card useABCs of ATMs Bank cutoff can be costly
Bankrate's semiannual Checking Account Pricing Study looked at what the 10 largest institutions in each of the 35 largest U.S. markets offer in consumer checking accounts. Researchers from Bankrate.com gathered comprehensive rate, fee and policy information from 350 institutions and 1,261 separate accounts. Here's what we found.
The Stories
The Charts
Find the best checking account for you
Since we all use our checking accounts differently, we've broken down our checking study data into three consumer profiles:
Transactors: Maintain a $1,500 balance, make 25 transactions a month and pay one NSF fee a year.
Savers: Maintain a $1,500 balance, make 12 transactions a month and pay no NSF fees.
Typicals: Maintain a $1,500 balance and make 12 transactions a month and pay one NSF fee a year.
On the next page, select your area and the checking category and hit 'Go,' then click on the profile that best fits your checking activity tofind the best account for you. You can also use the search to find the best ATM and debit card deals in your area.
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