Go for a no-frills, free checking account. No
monthly service charge, no minimum balance and
no per-item service charges.
2.
Stay up-to-date on your
checking balance. You'll avoid overdraft fees and
can better track what goes in and out.
3.
Know your
bank's check-processing order and how long your
bank holds your deposit. You'll avoid bouncing a
check due to timing.
4.
Consider
having paychecks directly deposited into your account
for faster access.
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5.
Avoid paying
insufficient fund fees and overdraft fees by regularly
balancing your checkbook. Keep an accurate record
of every check, deposit and electronic fund transfer.
6.
If you bounce
a check, and it's the first time, ask for forgiveness
including waiver of any fees. A bank will do that
for good will. Of course, don't become a repeat
offender.
7.
If your
account must maintain a minimum average balance,
check your daily balance summaries. Make sure your
account is in compliance to avoid paying fees.
8.
Don't order
new checks through the bank. Order new checks through
one of the discount catalogs or through an office-supply
warehouse. The savings are substantial.
