Managing Your Account Archives

March 6, 2021

Mobile Banking for College Students

College means independence—and responsibility. See how mobile banking can work for you.

College students use mobile devices for a variety of activities – from posting to social media to purchasing concert tickets. Comfort with smartphone technology has made mobile banking an easy transition for students who are gaining financial independence with their first checking or savings account, and mobile banking apps offer a convenient way to keep track of their finances.

The day-to-day life of a college student is demanding and short on free time. Lengthy banking activities like paying bills and transferring funds are made simple for college students through mobile banking. More time can be spent on the many priorities of a student’s life with the help of banking apps and mobile sites.

How Mobile Banking Differs from Online Desktop Banking

Mobile banking is still relatively new compared to online banking on a desktop computer. While students can still perform many of the same functions on both a mobile device and a computer, using a smartphone or tablet for banking in between classes to check account balance or pay rent may be more convenient than having to pull out a laptop at home. While desktop and mobile banking share similarities, in that both are online banking, the 24/7 accessibility of mobile banking appeals to the on-the-go lifestyle of college students.

Mobile Banking Features Include:

Account Monitoring: Instantly view accounts, track spending and bill payments- helpful for budgeting and managing daily activity.
Funds Transfer: Transfer money from one account to another in seconds when initiating a one-time or ongoing transfer.
Bill Pay: Use the bill pay feature to review which bills have been paid, which bills are due, and what day the money should be withdrawn from the account.
Check Deposit: Deposit checks simply by taking a picture of the front and back of the check within the mobile banking app.

The Benefits of Mobile Banking Include:

Security: Smartphones and mobile banking apps have built-in features to keep bank account and personal information safe.
Peace of Mind: One of the best ways to achieve peace of mind is through frequent account monitoring. Mobile banking apps allow instant monitoring of accounts to see if anyone else is accessing them.
Easy Access: Most mobile banking apps offered by financial institutions have no fee, although there may be data usage charges or other fees associated with your cell phone account. The apps are widely available on most mobile platforms.
More Control: As a college student, learning to manage money is an essential part of independent living. Being able to see transaction history and complete basic banking activities from anywhere provides better control over funds.

College students who are learning skills to manage money will benefit from having access to their accounts at all times using their mobile devices. Using a mobile banking app allows students to be proactive and take ownership of their own financial success.

Source: discover.com

March 5, 2021

How to Choose a Checking Account Based on 4 Priorities

There’s a perfect checking account for everyone. Find yours by evaluating these 4 checking account considerations.

Looking to open a new checking account? Maybe it’s time for your very first one as you head off to college. Or maybe you’ve reassessed your finances and have decided to move your checking account to a new bank. You could even be content with your current account but interested in adding a new one to the mix to help budget for certain expenses.

Regardless of why you have checking on your mind, there are a lot of considerations for choosing a checking account. While physical convenience—the location of a brick-and-mortar bank and its ATMs—used to be a top priority, online and mobile banking now give you more options than simply whichever bank is down the street. There are also accounts that pay interest on checking balances, those that offer rewards for certain types of transactions and online-only accounts that skip the most common checking account fees.

How do I select a checking account when there are so many options out there, you ask? It becomes easier to choose a checking account if you consider the following four factors:

1. Account fees

Even though the money in your account is yours, there could be costs associated with some types of checking accounts in the form of fees.

Comparing fees between banks or types of checking accounts isn’t always straightforward, says Jennifer Jackson, a blogger at ADLT 101, a website that aims to help students and young adults transition into adulthood. Jackson says many of her clients aren’t even aware their bank is charging fees. “A person may have opened the account with enough money to avoid maintenance or minimum balance fees, but when their balance drops, they don’t notice the bank starts charging fees,” she says.

R.J. Weiss, a certified financial planner and blogger at The Ways To Wealth, says it’s important to think about how you handle money if fees are one of your considerations for choosing a checking account. “If your account balance hovers around zero, you’ll want to make sure the bank doesn’t charge a minimum balance fee, and you’ll want overdraft protection to ensure you’re not charged for overdrawing the account,” he says. If you like to keep cash on hand and regularly hit the ATM, you’ll want to consider checking accounts that give you access to a large network of no-fee ATMs, he adds.

When comparing types of checking accounts, here are some common fees to consider:

Monthly fees. The average monthly maintenance fee for a basic checking account from the five largest U.S. banks is $10.99, according to a 2017 survey from MyBankTracker, a consumer banking comparison site. Before you choose a checking account, find out whether the bank charges a monthly maintenance fee and if there is specific account activity that could waive the fee.
Minimum balance requirement. Some banks charge a fee if your balance falls below a specified minimum. Minimum balance requirements vary by bank, but according to the MyBankTracker survey, you may need to maintain a balance of $1,000 to $1,500 at some of the major U.S. banks. When comparing types of checking accounts, look for one with no minimum balance requirement if you tend to keep less than $1,000 in your account or like to have flexibility when making large withdrawals.
Overdraft fee. If you spend more than you have in your checking account, your bank may allow your account balance to go negative, then charge an overdraft fee. According to MyBankTracker, the average overdraft fee at the 10 largest U.S. banks was $35.20 in 2017.
ATM fees. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you may be charged a fee by both the ATM operator and your own bank. According to a survey from Bankrate, the average out-of-network ATM surcharge was $2.97 in 2017, which can add up if you withdraw cash often.
Foreign transaction fees. If you regularly travel internationally, keep in mind that your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee if you use your debit card or withdraw cash from an ATM. A 2018 report from MyBankTracker shows that the largest U.S. banks charge a fee between $2 and $5 per foreign transaction and 0% to 3% of the transaction amount for using a foreign ATM.

The average monthly maintenance fee for a basic checking account from the five largest U.S. banks is $10.99.

– MyBankTracker 2017 survey

2. Incentives

Earning money from your bank isn’t just for savings accounts. Incentives in the form of earned interest or rewards may be a key consideration for choosing a checking account.

Interest-bearing checking accounts pay interest to the account holder, similar to how interest is earned on a savings account. But that interest rate will vary depending on the type of checking account. According to data from ValuePenguin, the average APY for a checking account at a brick-and-mortar bank was 0.04% in 2018, whereas online-only banks offered APYs of 1.00% or higher. Before you choose a checking account based on the interest, consider whether your money will sit there long enough to earn it and whether you have to meet a minimum direct deposit or minimum balance requirement each month.

If you have interest covered with your savings accounts, another option when choosing a checking account is to look for a rewards checking account. Discover’s checking account, Cashback Debit, lets you earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.¹

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“Anything that gives you perks is nice,” Jackson says, “but read the fine print.” Any rewards you earn can quickly be offset by fees.

3. Convenience

Feel like your calendar is crammed and you’ll never get through your to-do list? That’s why one of your considerations for choosing a checking account should be online and mobile access. Being able to check your balance, pay bills and make deposits from your computer and on the go from your phone can make managing your checking account as convenient as checking in on social media.

“If you deposit a lot of checks, online or mobile deposits can save a lot of time and transportation,” Weiss says. “We’re at an age where there are very few reasons to go into a bank,” he adds.

4. Customer service

While technology makes it possible to handle so many banking functions on your own, online or through a mobile app, you’ll want customer service to be available when you do need some extra assistance.

If you’re trying to choose a checking account, Jackson recommends reading online customer reviews to get an idea of a bank’s customer service. “You could be better off going to a bank with fewer perks but a great reputation for customer service,” Jackson says. “For instance, if I go to an ATM, but I can’t withdraw my money, I’ll have to call the bank. If I’m calling, it’s probably an emergency. Limited customer service hours would be a deal breaker.”

“You could be better off going to a bank with fewer perks but a great reputation for customer service.”

– Jennifer Jackson, blogger at ADLT 101

Choosing the right checking account

A checking account is more than just a place to deposit your paycheck and a place from which you pay your bills. It’s the hub of your personal finances, and the right checking account can help improve your money management. Before you open a checking account, think through the above considerations for choosing a checking account. The best account will serve your needs without costing a lot of money in fees and have customer service that’s available when you need it.

¹ ATM transactions, the purchase of money orders or other cash equivalents, cash over portions of point-of-sale transactions, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) payments (such as Apple Pay Cash), and loan payments or account funding made with your debit card are not eligible for cash back rewards. In addition, purchases made using third-party payment accounts (services such as Venmo^® and PayPal^™, who also provide P2P payments) may not be eligible for cash back rewards. Apple, the Apple logo and Apple Pay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Source: discover.com

March 5, 2021

All About Apps? Great, But There Are Reasons Millennials Still Need a Checking Account

Even if you frequent the app store, you can’t leave a checking account out of the money picture.

Millennials are glued to their mobile devices for more than just scrolling through social media and snapping selfies. Many millennials use apps and mobile tools to pay their bills and mobile payment services to send and receive money.

“Aside from the convenience of sending money with the tap of a finger, virtual wallets are free to use and offer quick transfers,” says Jennifer McDermott, head of communications and a consumer advocate with Finder.

Virtual wallets—also called digital wallets—offer a way to store different payment information and passwords from multiple accounts in one place.

They even “allow millennials to charge friends in real time, making splitting the costs of meals, gifts and housing easier than ever,” McDermott adds.

Since financial apps and tools are all the rage, do millennials need a checking account? The answer is still a resounding yes.

While there are financial apps to help you manage your money, there are good reasons millennials need a checking account as part of their financial strategy. The challenge is figuring out what millennials want from a checking account that apps simply can’t provide.

What checking accounts do that apps can’t

Checking accounts offer some benefits that digital wallets lack, McDermott says. One reason millennials need a checking account is that you can deposit checks and pay bills from your account. Digital wallets are not necessarily designed for this—they are simply for making purchases or sending money, McDermott ads.

Having a checking account also allows you to utilize direct deposit and skip the hassle of manually depositing each paycheck from your employer. If your account is insured by the FDIC, your money is safeguarded, too—if your bank fails, your deposits are insured up to the maximum amount allowed by law. And while often overlooked, you can even use your checking account as a budgeting tool.

“Checking accounts help you track your spending by reporting debit transactions in real time,” McDermott says. “With a digital wallet, it can be easy to get in the habit of spending money without keeping track of your [checking] account balance. For someone who’s just learning how to take care of their money, that can be an unfortunate habit to fall into.”

If you’re trying to find the right checking account for your lifestyle, a simple checking account can be just what’s needed when you’re in the early stages of financial management, says Mark A. Ranta, head of digital banking solutions at ACI Worldwide, an electronic payments solutions provider.

Traditional checking accounts have evolved to meet the need for easy access through online and mobile banking. “With today’s financial tools, you can see where your money is going and when it’s coming in, all in real time from your mobile device,” Ranta says.

Choosing a checking account

How millennials choose their checking account ties in to what they want from a checking account. Millennials often go online with their finances top-of-mind to:

View statements and transactions
Set up automated, recurring payments
Transfer money electronically to friends and family
Analyze your spending

A good checking account should allow you to do all of these things from your computer or mobile device. You could also add earning rewards to the list of reasons millennials need a checking account.

Discover Cashback Debit allows you to earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.¹ The incentive to earn cash rewards, which could be used to grow your savings or pay down debt, may factor into how millennials choose their checking account.

Learn More

While there might be some commonalities in what millennials want from a checking account, you also need to consider which features are most important to you personally. Easy access to no-fee ATMs may be a priority for millennials who like to have cash in their wallet at all times, for example. For others, it might be avoiding checking account fees.

“There are so many flavors and options out there that it’s essential to start with asking some simple questions about your individual preferences,” Ranta says.

Making checking accounts and apps work together

While there are reasons millennials need a checking account, it doesn’t mean they have to give up on the idea of using money management apps altogether.

“Using both a checking account and a financial app offers the security and digital benefits you seek when managing your finances,” McDermott says. “By hooking up a checking account to digital payment and budgeting apps, you can easily track your spending and ensure your money is secure, while enjoying the convenience of sending money online and splitting purchases.”

How millennials choose their checking account comes down to personal preference. At the end of the day, the most important thing to consider may be how easily you can coordinate your choice of checking account with your favorite money apps to manage your financial life on the go.

¹ATM transactions, the purchase of money orders or other cash equivalents, cash over portions of point-of-sale transactions, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) payments (such as Apple Pay Cash), and loan payments or account funding made with your debit card are not eligible for cash back rewards. In addition, purchases made using third-party payment accounts (services such as Venmo^® and PayPal^™, who also provide P2P payments) may not be eligible for cash back rewards. Apple, the Apple logo and Apple Pay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Venmo and PayPal are registered trademarks of PayPal, Inc.

Source: discover.com

March 5, 2021

4 Things to Consider Before Combining Finances With Your Significant Other

A joint account is a shared responsibility, so be sure you’re both on the same page.

The deeper into a relationship you get, the more important talking about money and combining finances with your significant other become. So romantic, right? But if you and your significant other decide to move in together, or get married, then a conversation about combining your finances is natural. A joint account is a shared responsibility, and—if something doesn’t work out—possibly one with lasting repercussions. Exhibit A: Nearly one-third of adults with partners say money is a major source of conflict in their relationship, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association.

Significant others talking about combining finances Even though you’ll be sharing with the person you love, there’s no need to rush into a joint bank account without getting on the same page. Make sure you and your partner have a deep conversation about your finances first so you know it’s the right choice. For both of you.

Not sure how to break the ice and talk money? Try these four topics to get the conversation going before combining finances with your significant other:

1. What’s the financial situation?

Most people don’t talk openly about the state of their finances, except perhaps with a financial professional. As relationships develop, however, it’s important to be realistic about both partners’ finances in order to establish equal footing. This is one time when you don’t want personal finances to be too personal.

Consider sharing your credit scores, and understand if either of you has debt that would be taken on by the other upon combining your finances. Discuss each other’s attitudes and willpower when it comes to spending—and saving. All of this can help give you a clearer view into how you may function together to manage your money. You may even learn a thing or two about your own financial approach in the process.

“Combining finances can even improve money management because it opens up the lines of communication between partners,” says Lauren Greutman, author of The Recovering Spender and founder of LaurenGreutman.com.

Nearly one-third of adults with partners say money is a major source of conflict in their relationship, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association.

2. Will you have joint and separate accounts?

Many couples choose to have shared accounts while maintaining individual ones. If you decide to open a joint account, think about whether you want to open just a checking account, or if a shared savings account meets your goals, too.

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With multiple accounts of any combination, it’s good to break down how each will be used. Know which accounts receive paycheck deposits, for example, and how the shared account will be funded. If a joint account is for shared bills (rent, utilities, food), decide how bills will be paid. Do both parties transfer money into the account to cover bills as needed, or is there an amount deposited automatically with each paycheck?

What about other joint expenses, like vacations? Will you fund your retirement with a joint account, or will you go solo on that venture? It’s best to get these questions answered before you combine finances with your significant other to avoid confusion or disagreement down the road.

3. Who manages the joint account and what are the “rules?”

If you choose to combine your finances and open a joint account, it’s important to discuss how it’s managed and by whom. Nobody loves rules, but establishing each person’s responsibilities with your joint account can go a long way toward avoiding future conflict.

Let’s say you open a joint checking account for shared bills. While you may both deposit money into the account, you could consider putting one person in charge of making sure those bills get paid. Maybe the other person is responsible for ensuring the balance statement is correct each month.

Additional rules can also help avoid unnecessary arguments and impulse purchases. Maybe you commit to discussing purchases when they are over a certain dollar amount.

“My wife and I set a limit each week on how much ‘spending’ money we each have for things we like to get ourselves,” says John Rampton, Founder and CEO of the online digital wallet, Due.com. “Giving each other an allowance means we cut out arguments on what we spend that money on.”

4. How will you deal with problems along the way?

Having a clear view into your joint finances doesn’t mean there won’t be hiccups here and there. It just means you may know about them sooner rather than later, and you’ll know how to address them with your partner. If, for example, you don’t have enough money in your account to cover bills, having a plan as a team can help.

“If your money is combined, you have to talk about it because of the risk of overdrafting the account, not having enough money and about future plans with where to spend the money,” Greutman says.

If you notice your joint account is trending low on funds, sit down and go over your joint budget. See if there are areas that can be adjusted. It might mean economizing where possible or increasing the amount going into the shared account. Either way, talking through the situation will help you come out ahead each month.

Communication is key

Combining finances with your significant other is a big step in any relationship. Even if you decide to keep your finances separate for now, you will have an easier time talking with your significant other about your financial needs. If you do decide to open a joint account, being able to communicate will allow you to pick an account that will help meet your shared goals.

Source: discover.com

March 4, 2021

Why Choosing the Right Checking Account for Your Lifestyle Matters

As you grow financially, your checking account should be keeping pace with your needs.

Feeling stuck in a checking account rut? Turns out the right checking account for your lifestyle in your 20s may not be a perfect match in your 30s or 40s.

“It can be a mistake to keep the same checking account over the years because things in your life change and you might be missing out on certain benefits by not switching accounts,” says David Bakke, a personal finance expert at financial education site Money Crashers.

According to a survey conducted for Bankrate and MONEY Magazine, the average American adult uses the same primary checking account for about 16 years. While sticking with the same account may make you a loyal customer, as you get older, you may need to change your checking account through life stages.

What is the right checking account for my life stage? These tips can help you find the answer:

Banking in your 20s: Think convenience and cost

In your 20s, the right checking account for your life stage may be one that offers the easiest access to your money.

Forty-seven percent of millennials, for example, use mobile banking to match their active lifestyles, according to a joint survey by Jumio, a company specializing in online mobile payments and identity verification, and Javelin Strategy & Research. But the survey also reveals that young adults don’t want mobile banking to be over-complicated.

If you're in your 20s, the right checking account for your life stage may include mobile features and no maintenance fees.

“Many banks now offer mobile services,” says Michael E. Diamond, senior vice president and general manager of payments at Mitek, a mobile deposit technology company. “The quality and functionality of these features can vary greatly, however. It’s important to compare the user experience and features of mobile services offered by different financial institutions when considering where to bank.”

Checking account fees may also be a factor when choosing the right checking account for your lifestyle in your 20s.

“Minimal fees should be the first consideration for any 20-something looking for a checking account,” says Eric Patrick, founder of Black Market Exchange, an investment education and entrepreneurship site for young adults. “Saving is extremely important in your 20s because the sooner you start, the better, but hefty bank fees can impede your savings growth.”

If fees are a priority when trying to find the right checking account for your life stage in your 20s, consider opening an account with no monthly fees for maintenance, like Discover Cashback Debit. This account also allows you to earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month,¹ which is a nice perk if you’re a budget-conscious 20-something.

The average American adult uses the same primary checking account for about 16 years.

– Survey conducted for Bankrate and MONEY Magazine

Banking in your 30s: Focus on features

As you move into your 30s, planning your finances for your life stage may mean accounting for costs associated with new life events, like getting married, buying a home or growing your family.

“Getting married may cause you to want to have a joint checking account,” says Bakke, the personal finance expert from Money Crashers. “And if you’re going to start a family or buy a home, you might want to look for a checking account through a bank that offers financial and savings guidance for those goals.”

Kenneth Scott Perry, an aerospace project manager and baseball blogger, says major life changes have redefined what he needs most from a checking account.

In their early 30s, Perry and his wife bought their first home, purchased two new cars and had their first child, all of which had financial implications. With so many major financial considerations, he started focusing on checking account features like direct deposit for his paychecks, online bill pay services and overdraft protection. “These features, more so than in my 20s, are now very much what I consider to be necessary for the checking account I use at this stage in life.”

Banking in your 40s and 50s: Review your priorities

Planning your finances for your life stage means anticipating how your priorities will change as you get older. For instance, purchasing a second home, ramping up your retirement contributions or caring for aging parents may be on your radar during your 40s and 50s. The right checking account for your lifestyle is one that makes planning for these new scenarios as easy as possible.

When choosing the right checking account for your life stage in your 40s and 50s, you actually might want to consider what kind of savings products your bank offers to complement your checking account—and make sure that moving money into those accounts is both simple and secure. For example, you may want to be able to easily transfer money from your checking account to a savings account, certificate of deposit or IRA. When planning your finances for your life stage you can even explore setting up automatic transfers to different accounts so saving for your latest financial goals can happen on autopilot.

In your 40s and 50s, planning your finances for your life stage may mean finding a checking account that can be used with the right savings vehicles.

If providing care for your parents becomes a new component of planning your finances for your life stage, you may want to consider opening a joint checking account to help them with financial management and bill payment. You could also open a savings account that’s separate from your emergency fund to help cover any unexpected expenses associated with caregiving.

Don’t just set your checking account and forget it

Having the right checking account for your life stage means regularly assessing your financial needs and how well your checking account is meeting them.

“People tend to review their insurance coverage once each year,” says Diamond, from the mobile deposit technology company Mitek. “Checking account users might want to adopt a similar approach and review their banking options annually.”

If you reach a point where it’s necessary to switch your checking account through life stages, try to avoid costly mistakes.

“It can be a mistake to keep the same checking account over the years because things in your life change and you might be missing out on certain benefits by not switching accounts.”

– David Bakke, personal finance expert at Money Crashers

“When transitioning from an old account to a new one, make sure there isn’t a fee associated with the transfer,” Patrick says. “Make a point to get all the details before starting the process.”

If you find the right checking account for your lifestyle, give yourself time to move your checking account to a new bank. Remember to update your direct deposit information for your new account, as well as any recurring online bill payments or automatic transfers. And most importantly, take time to shop around and compare your options each time you assess your checking account through life stages to find the one that best suits your current banking needs.

¹ATM transactions, the purchase of money orders or other cash equivalents, cash over portions of point-of-sale transactions, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) payments (such as Apple Pay Cash), and loan payments or account funding made with your debit card are not eligible for cash back rewards. In addition, purchases made using third-party payment accounts (services such as Venmo^® and PayPal^™, who also provide P2P payments) may not be eligible for cash back rewards. Apple, the Apple logo and Apple Pay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Source: discover.com

March 3, 2021

3 Quick Tips to Be Frugal With Your Checking Account

You can spend with your checking account and still be frugal. Really. Here’s how.

Modern checking accounts make it incredibly simple to access your money. From debit cards to mobile wallets, transactions are as seamless as a swipe or tap. This makes spending easy, but frugal living more challenging. In this tech-savvy age, how can you manage your checking account while being frugal?

Consider these tips to be frugal with your checking account and see how a few minor tweaks to your money management habits can help you save:

1. Consider using cash

While money has gone digital thanks to the latest financial technology, the trick to managing your checking account while being frugal might be placing more emphasis on actual dollar bills.

One tip to manage your checking account while being frugal is to take out a set amount of cash to use for your spending money for the week

“Swiping your card or using a mobile wallet makes it easy to spend because it’s so quick and not a visual or physical representation of how much you’re spending,” says Levi Sanchez, certified financial planner and co-founder at Millennial Wealth, a financial advisory firm dedicated to guiding young professionals in their 20s and 30s. Sanchez says it’s easier for some people to track cash spending because they can physically see the money leaving their wallet when they spend it.

Chris Whitlow, CEO and founder of Edukate, a workplace financial wellness provider, advocates using debit cards to help make the switch to cash spending. “Use your debit card to get cash from your bank account—maybe it’s $50 or $75 for the week. That’s all the money you have, and once it’s gone, you’re done spending for the week.”

By establishing habits that help you see the cash you’re spending, you can manage your checking account while being frugal. Sliding your cash across the counter is much different than sliding your card through a terminal.

Finding an account with incentives or rewards is one of the easiest tips to be frugal with your checking account

2. Look for incentives and rewards

One of the best tips to be frugal with your checking account is to find an account that offers features that support your frugal living efforts. Features like no monthly fees, no monthly balance requirements and a wide network of no-fee ATMs can help you save money—even when you have to spend.

Learn More

A checking account like Discover Cashback Debit even allows you to earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.¹ That could mean an extra $30 in your checking account each month and $360 in your checking account each year. Consider all of the ways you could use that cash to live frugally, especially if you stash it in a high-yield online savings account.

“Everyone prioritizes spending differently. We all have different passions, hobbies and interests. Money is a tool to be able to live the lives we want, and prioritizing those expenses is key to living a frugal, yet fulfilling life,” Sanchez says.

3. Scrutinize your spending

If you’ve taken all of the above steps but still find yourself asking, “How do I manage my checking account while being frugal?”, then it could be time to review your spending.

“One of the big challenges people have with checking accounts is putting in the effort to track their spending,” Whitlow says. “A great exercise is to write down all your spending for a couple of weeks. Look at what you needed versus what you wanted.” Eliminating emotional spending is a great way to keep your spending in line and a tip to be frugal with your checking account, Whitlow adds.

By breaking down your spending to individual transactions, you might find that you have recurring subscriptions you’d forgotten about that are easily canceled. You may learn that your mid-day latte breaks, when tallied up, cost more than your electric bill. You also might realize that a recent stressor has cost you a pretty penny in “shopping therapy” at your favorite store.

After you break down your checking account activity, you can take steps to decide which purchases add to your life and which ones detract from your financial goals.

Managing your checking account while being frugal

These tips to be frugal with your checking account can help you establish spending habits that will save both money and headaches. By finding accounts that support your frugal living goals, using cash to control spending and knowing exactly where your money goes each month, you’ll be on the path to savvier spending, saving and a life that pays you back—even when you still have to pay for life’s necessities.

Source: discover.com

March 2, 2021

Whatâs the Difference Between Online and Mobile Banking?

Online and mobile banking have a lot in common, but there are some distinct differences.

Banking technology has had to keep up with customers whose lives are increasingly demanding. While online banking has been around for quite a few years compared to mobile banking, many people assume that they refer to the same thing – the two are closely related, but there are some distinct differences between them.

Online banking and mobile banking are similar, but there are differences to note

Online Banking

Online banking refers to any banking transaction that can be conducted over the internet, generally through a bank’s website under a private profile, and with a desktop or laptop computer. These transactions include services traditionally offered at local branches without having to go to one. Online banking is generally defined as having the following characteristics:

Financial transactions are conducted over the internet through a bank’s secure website.
The bank may have physical branch locations or it may exist only online.
The user must register with the financial institution online and create a login ID and password.

Customers can perform financial transactions while banking online, like paying bills or transferring money from one account to another. Other basic activities include:

Viewing account balances at any time of day
Viewing or printing statements
Viewing images of checks
Applying for loans or credit cards

In essence, a customer can do almost any activity online that he or she would be able to do in person when visiting a branch.

Mobile banking lets you access your account from your mobile phone or tablet using your bank's mobile app or mobile website

Mobile Banking

Mobile banking allows you to perform many of the same activities as online banking using a smartphone or tablet instead of a desktop computer. However, simply accessing the bank’s website on a mobile device is not the only method of mobile banking. Mobile banking’s versatility includes:

Logging into a bank’s mobile website
Using a mobile banking app
Text message (SMS) banking

While more banks are making their sites easier to use on mobile devices, mobile banking is more commonly associated with accessing your accounts through an app. Last year, mobile banking apps were used on 52% of smartphones in the US, according to a consumer and mobile financial services report by the Federal Reserve.

Mobile banking lets you complete many of the same tasks on your phone that used to require a trip to the bank

Apps can offer a wide range of services that are not limited to account access and include the following:

Making mobile check deposits
Transferring money
Paying Bills
Locating ATMs

Mobile and online banking provides convenience to customers who want to manage their finances while on-the-go; both options allow a person to conduct financial business from outside a banking facility. Customers interested in using either method of doing business should learn about both their bank’s mobile banking app and online banking website to better manage their finances.

Source: discover.com

March 2, 2021

Get Cash Without Paying an ATM Fee With These 4 Tips

Insert your debit card, get cash and skip the fee. Here’s how.

Mobile payment apps and the plastic in your wallet have made it pretty easy to buy what you need without cash. But what about the times when you need to tip your manicurist (cash only, please) or chip in for your boss’ birthday gift with actual dollar bills?

Given that a 2020 Bankrate survey found the cost to withdraw from an out-of-network ATM averages $4.64, there is financial value in answering this simple question: What ATMs can I use my debit card at without paying fees?

Since the cost of out-of-network ATM transactions may add up more quickly than you think, follow these four steps to get cash without paying an ATM fee:

For the times when you need cash, you want to know where you can get cash without paying an ATM fee.

1. Understand how ATM fees work

Before you determine where to find no-fee ATMs, you need to learn how ATM fees work. You may have noticed that each time you withdraw cash from an ATM that’s not affiliated with your bank, you see a fee. And it might not be just one fee—there could be two separate ones.

“When you use unaffiliated ATMs, your bank (or credit union) will pay a small fee to the company that owns the ATM for the transaction. This charge will be passed through to you as a non-bank ATM fee,” says Steven Millstein, certified financial planner and founder of the personal finance blog Credit Zeal. According to the Bankrate survey, the average fee charged by banks to use an out-of-network ATM was $1.56 in 2020.

“You may then be charged a fee directly from the unaffiliated ATM itself,” Millstein adds. Per Bankrate, the average ATM surcharge—the fee levied by the other bank—was $3.08 in 2020.

2. Get acquainted with your bank’s ATM network

If you’re wondering what ATMs you can use your debit card at without paying fees, the answer is those that are in your bank’s ATM network.

“Know where your local ATMs are and make a habit to use them when you are going out and know you will need cash,” Millstein says. “The ATMs that belong to your financial institution (bank or credit union) will generally offer free withdrawals.”

If you want to get cash without paying an ATM fee, leverage your bank’s ATM locator. Sarah Hollenbeck, a personal finance and credit expert for Credit Cards Explained, says that since so many banks allow you to search their ATM networks online, or within their mobile banking apps, figuring out where to find no-fee ATMs is a painless task. “This is the best way to make sure the ATM you’re standing in front of is in network,” Hollenbeck says. “I, personally, haven’t paid an ATM fee in the U.S. in years.”

What ATMs can I use my debit card at without paying fees? Look for ATMs in your bank's network.

Determining where to find no-fee ATMs may be simpler than you think, Millstein explains, because many major banks now have partnerships with retailers and gas stations to offer no-fee access to a wide network of ATMs. This can allow you to get cash without paying an ATM fee, regardless of whether your bank has a branch in the area. Discover, for example, has more than 60,000 no-fee ATMs in its partner network, which spans retailers, other banks and local businesses. You can find the ATM nearest you at any time using Discover’s online ATM locator or through its app.

Don’t have access to Wi-Fi or your bank’s app and need to get cash without paying an ATM fee? “As a fail-safe, the ATM itself will disclose any fees via a screen before you complete the transaction (based on the card you are using). You can then choose to remove your card or opt in to receive the fee,” Hollenbeck says.

To ensure you can get cash without paying an ATM fee in a pinch, you may also want to learn the location of the in-network ATMs closest to your home, office and the other places you frequent.

3. Request cash when you check out

If you need cash and can’t figure out where to find no-fee ATMs, consider using your debit card to make a small purchase (like a pack of gum or bottle of water) at a grocery or convenience store. “Most of the large retailers will offer you cash back free of charge along with a purchase,” Millstein says.

You can also use your debit card to request cash back when you run your weekly errands, or make other planned purchases, so you never find yourself without cash on hand and can avoid ATM fees.

“Thanks to many stores being flexible in accepting cards for even small-dollar transactions, I haven’t found myself in need of cash in a very long time,” Hollenbeck says.

If you leverage cash back from retailers as a way to get cash without paying an ATM fee, remember to track this expense in your budget. Simply tack on the amount you’ll be getting in cash back to your weekly grocery or errands budget so it’s accounted for, and then save that money for those cash-only situations.

4. Plan your cash needs in advance

If your child regularly needs cash for activities and school events or your frugal foodie co-workers like to eat at the cash-only food truck every Friday, plan how much cash you need to carry in your wallet ahead of time so you’re not frantically trying to figure out how to get cash without paying an ATM fee.

“I always keep my wallet topped up with cash so I know it’s there when I need it,” Millstein says.

Planning how much cash you need in advance will also help you avoid carrying around excess cash, which is on the list of things you should never carry in your wallet in case it is ever lost or stolen.

Source: discover.com

February 28, 2021

5 Common Mistakes You’re Making With Your Checking Account

Are you playing it smart with your checking account? Learn which checking account mistakes to avoid.

A checking account and debit card are two of the best tools you can have for managing your money. But how you use them matters.

“Checking accounts help you keep better track of what you spend,” says Alexander Lowry, executive director of the Master of Science in Financial Analysis Program at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. “When you’re recording debit and checking purchases, you’re more conscious of where your money is going.”

Sounds easy enough, but depending on how you use your checking account, you could be shortchanging yourself—without even realizing it.

What are some checking account mistakes to avoid? To answer that, here’s a rundown of the most common mistakes you’re making with your checking account:

Make sure you know what checking account mistakes to avoid when managing your money.

1. Treating your checking account like a savings account

Checking accounts are typically used for everyday spending and paying bills. A savings account is your go-to for working toward short- and long-term financial goals. Confusing the two tops the list of checking account mistakes that should be avoided.

If your checking account is your most-used bank account, it may be tempting to stash some savings there as well. But Andrew Rombach, a contributing editor at LendEDU, says there are three reasons to keep your savings in a separate savings account:

Interest: “You generally won’t earn interest on your checking balance, so you’re leaving money on the table,” Rombach says. Instead, consider moving your savings to a high-yield savings account.
Security: While funds you need to access regularly for day-to-day spending are parked in your checking account, you may want funds for anything else (think your emergency fund or long-term savings) in a separate account for security. “Your money could be more vulnerable to scammers [in a checking account], since you’re swiping your debit card for purchases,” Rombach says.
Accountability: “You’re more likely to spend extra money if it isn’t tucked away in savings,” Rombach says. The more money you see as “available” in your checking account, the more you’re likely to spend—regardless of whether you’ve earmarked it as “savings” in your budget.

Treating your checking account like a savings account and paying fees are two common checking account mistakes that should be avoided.

2. Sticking with a high-fee checking account

The average adult has had the same primary checking account for about 16 years, according to a survey conducted for personal finance websites Bankrate and MONEY.

There’s a lot to be said for being loyal, but it can backfire if another of the common mistakes you’re making with your checking account is paying too much in fees. That can include fees for monthly maintenance, ATM withdrawals and overdrafts.

Making the switch to a more fee-friendly (or even better, no-fee) bank can help you avoid checking account fees and save you money, and it doesn’t have to be a headache.

“The ability to link and transfer money between accounts makes switching banks relatively hassle-free these days,” says Megan Robinson, financial coach and founder of personal finance blog Goodbye to Broke. If this checking account mistake to avoid is all too familiar, she recommends online banks for low- and no-fee checking accounts.

“Look for an account with no minimum balance, no monthly fee and the ability to link your savings to checking for overdraft protection,” Robinson says. “Bonus points if your new checking account comes with a debit card rewards program.”

While those are less common, there are banks that offer rewards for debit card purchases. Discover Cashback Debit offers 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.¹

“Look for an account with no minimum balance, no monthly fee and the ability to link your savings to checking for overdraft protection. Bonus points if your new checking account comes with a debit card rewards program.”

– Megan Robinson, financial coach and founder of Goodbye to Broke

3. Skipping text and email alerts

Text and email banking alerts are a convenient way to keep tabs on your finances. Not using them also lands on the list of checking account mistakes that should be avoided.

“If you don’t use these alerts, you run the risk of losing track of your money,” Rombach of LendEDU says. That could leave you short when you need cash in a pinch—or worse, put you at risk of overdrawing your account and incurring an overdraft fee.

Text and email alerts can also clue you in to potential suspicious activity, Rombach adds. Setting up an alert each time a new debit transaction posts to your checking account, for instance, can tip you off if someone makes a fraudulent charge using your debit card.

4. Failing to protect your account when shopping online

Online shopping is convenient, but being careless with your debit card number is a checking account mistake to avoid because it could make the money in your account more vulnerable to fraud.

“If you’re using your debit card, don’t save your information at any website, and look for ‘s’ after http [in the site’s URL] to make sure the site is encrypted,” Lowry, from Gordon College, says.

If you use your debit card online, shopping at unsecured sites or saving your payment information could be common mistakes you're making with your checking account.

Paying with your debit card through apps from unverified sources and using public Wi-Fi are additional checking account mistakes that should be avoided when shopping online. Robinson suggests using a secure third-party payment app to pay for purchases online, instead of giving a merchant your debit card information directly.

“That way, when you make a purchase, the recipient doesn’t receive your personal financial information,” she says.

5. Forgetting to keep a buffer

While keeping too much money in your checking account could mean losing out on interest earnings, cutting your balance too close to zero is a checking account mistake that should be avoided. In that case, even a small purchase could put your account in the negative and trigger an overdraft fee.

Robinson says a reason to keep at least $100 in your checking account is to protect against overdrafting. Another option is to link your checking account to your savings account and sign up for your bank’s overdraft protection. If you overdraw your checking account and have overdraft protection, your bank will automatically transfer money from savings to cover the transaction.

“Checking accounts help you keep better track of what you spend. When you’re recording debit and checking purchases, you’re more conscious of where your money is going.”

– Alexander Lowry, executive director of the Master of Science in Financial Analysis Program at Gordon College

Even if you have overdraft protection, there are still checking account mistakes to avoid. You’ll still want to monitor your spending carefully, for example, to avoid letting a low balance put you in the danger zone. If you end up overdrawing your checking account too often, overdraft transfers could quickly drain your savings. Your bank could also charge a fee each time it makes a transfer on your behalf.

Rethink how you manage your checking account

Avoiding common mistakes you’re making with your checking account can improve your financial health. It’s easier to build savings when your spending is under control, which is important if you’re working toward some big financial goals. Knowing which checking account mistakes to avoid can ensure you’re managing your bank accounts to match your needs.

Source: discover.com

January 30, 2021

Red Flags for Credit Cards: 7 Things to Watch for When You Have Bad Credit

March 30, 2020 &• 3 min read by Brian Acton

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Advertiser Disclosure

Disclaimer

Let’s say you’re in a bad credit situation, but you need a credit card. It can be hard to qualify for credit cards if your credit isn’t up to par. But there are credit cards out there that can help those with bad credit improve their score. Unfortunately, there are also credit cards that can take advantage of those with bad credit. You’ll want to look out for the red flags for credit cards.

If you want to choose the right credit card, you’ll need to know what to avoid. That’s why we’ve listed seven major red flags to be on the lookout for. We don’t want you have a bad credit card on your hands. And trust us—you don’t either.

1. Sky-High Interest Rates

People with bad credit usually can’t qualify for the same interest rates as those with good or fair credit. It’s the industry’s way of protecting itself against risky customers. But some cards aimed at people with bad credit charge unnecessarily high interest rates—sometimes more than twice what someone with good credit can get.

The best way to avoid sky-high interest rates is to shop around and find the cards for bad credit that offer lower rates. For example, the Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card offers a variable 9.99% Fixed .

Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card

Card Details

Intro Apr:

Ongoing Apr:

9.99% Fixed

Balance Transfer:

Annual Fee:

Credit Needed:

Fair-Poor-Bad-No Credit

Snapshot of Card Features

Better than Prepaid…Go with a Secured Card! Load One Time – Keep On Using
Absolutely No Credit Check or Minimum Credit Score Required
Automatic Reporting to All Three National Credit Bureaus
9.99% Low Fixed APR – Your Rate Won’t Go Up Even if You Are Late
Activate Today with a $200 Minimum Deposit – Maximum $1,000. Increase Your Credit Limit up to $5,000 by Adding Additional Deposits Anytime

Card Details +

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2. High Annual Fees

Some credit cards for bad credit charge no annual fee while others charge fees, but keep them on the lower end. Then there are cards that charge upwards of $100, which is comparable to annual fees for some high-level rewards credit cards. But an annual fee more than $50 without any rewards perks might be a red flag. Typically, there isn’t a reason to shell out more than $50 for an annual fee if the card doesn’t have a rewards system.

Looking for a card for bad credit with fair annual fees? Take a look at the Secured Visa from Merrick Bank. The annual fee is only $36, billed $3 per month thereafter.

The Secured Visa® from Merrick Bank

Card Details

Intro Apr:

Ongoing Apr:

17.45% Variable

Balance Transfer:

Annual Fee:

$36 for first year. Billed $3 per month thereafter

Credit Needed:

Bad – No Credit

Snapshot of Card Features

Choose your own credit line based on how much money you want to put down as a security deposit.
Initial deposits can be from $200 to $3,000. You can increase your credit line at any time by adding additional money to your security deposit, up to $3,000.
After 9 months, we review your account for a credit line increase. No additional deposit required!
Secured Credit Cards are great for people looking to build or rebuild credit and are available to people with all kinds of credit backgrounds.
Unlike a debit card or a pre-paid card, it helps build your credit history. As you pay your bill every month, we report to all three major credit-reporting agencies.
Get 100% U.S.-based customer service & get your FICO® Credit Score for free each month.
Fraud coverage if your card is lost or stolen. Access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get help staying on track with Auto Pay and account alerts.
Card issued by Merrick Bank, Member FDIC.

Card Details +

3. Tacked-On Fees

Some credit card issuers will tack on suspicious fees that most credit cards don’t include. These may include processing or application fees required to open your card or monthly maintenance fees that add to your annual cost.

While annual fees and late payment fees are commonplace, look out for excessive fees that would lead you to pay much more for the card than you bargained for. Make sure you understand the card’s fee structure before you apply.

On the other hand, don’t knock secured credit cards from a reputable card issuer. These cards require you to put up a security deposit that, in most cases, you eventually earn back by managing your account responsibly.

4. Incomplete Credit Reporting

The purpose of a credit card for bad credit is to improve your credit score. For that to happen, your credit card activity must be reported to all three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. If your card issuer doesn’t do that, it limits how much your card can help you improve your credit.

This is why a secured credit card, which requires a security deposit, is preferable to a prepaid debit card. Prepaid debit cards don’t typically affect your credit because your account information and payments aren’t reported. You should make sure any card you’re considering reports to all three of the main credit bureaus.

5. High Credit Limits

High credit limits sound great. But when it comes to credit cards for bad credit, you may want to be wary. For one thing, you may have to pay a lot of fees or an excessive interest rate to access a high credit limit. For another, high credit limits can quickly spiral out of control if you have trouble managing your debt.

6. A Lack of Monitoring

People with bad credit need to pay extra attention to their finances. If a card offers no way to monitor your credit progress or keep track of payments, you may want to keep looking. Opt for a card that has online account options and email or text alerts for upcoming payments so you can more responsibly manage your on-time payments—timely payments account for 35% of your credit score, after all.

7. No Room for Improvement

Cards for bad credit should be designed to improve your credit andreward you for responsible behavior. If they don’t, you should look for a card that does. For instance, secured credit cards may offer the ability to earn an unsecured card after a period of responsible use and timely payments. Or, they’ll offer to raise your credit limit without requiring an additional deposit.

Start your research on credit cards that can help improve your credit score by checking out our roundup of credit cards for bad credit. Remember, before applying, you’ll want to find out where your credit stands by taking a look at two of your free credit scores on Credit.com.

Editorial disclosure: Reviews are as determined solely by Credit.com staff. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the reviewers and aren’t reviewed or approved by any advertiser. Information presented is accurate as of the date of the review, including information on card rates, rewards and fees. Check the issuer’s website for the most current information on each card listed. Some offers mentioned here may have expired and/or are no longer available on our site. You can view the current offers from our partners in our credit card marketplace.

DISCLOSURE: Cards from our partners are mentioned here.

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