Iowa is a growing, thriving state with plenty of things to offer residents. With so many choices available, it can be tough to decide on the best bank. Once you’ve made sure your bank of choice is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, there are other factors to look at, including whether you’ll find branches in your area and what fees you’ll be charged. This list can help you decide.
11 Best Banks in Iowa
Before you open a new bank account, take a look around at the best banks in your area. Here are a few to consider.
1. Hills Bank
Hills Bank has branches in the Cedar Rapids, Marion, Iowa City, and Mount Vernon areas, but you can access funds nationwide through thousands of SHAZAM and MoneyPass ATMs. There are three tiers of checking accounts, but Free Checking has no maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements.
Fees:
No monthly fees
$27 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No minimum balance
No minimum opening deposit
ATMs:
Free at Hills, SHAZAM, and MoneyPass locations
No fee for out-of-network transactions
Interest rates:
Up to 0.40% on savings accounts
Up to 4.43% on fixed-rate CDs
Additional perks:
In-person banking services available at branches throughout Iowa
Competitive rates on CDs
2. Bank Iowa
Bank Iowa is an Iowa-only bank with branches in five areas, including Iowa City, but there are no branch-based banking services in Cedar Rapids. You’ll find five checking account options, including two with no monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance.
Fees:
No monthly maintenance fees
$35 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No minimum balance
$10 minimum opening deposit
ATMs:
Free access at Bank Iowa ATMs and SHAZAM locations nationwide
$2 for out-of-network withdrawals
Interest rates:
Up to 0.19% on savings
Up to 1.28% on money markets
Up to 2.56% on CDs
Additional perks:
Checking accounts come with complimentary identity theft services
Competitive rates on personal and home loans
3. GO2Bank
If an online bank can meet all your banking needs, GO2Bank might be the best bank. You can easily manage your funds through the mobile banking app, and you’ll also have access to a nationwide network of ATMs and retailers for deposits and withdrawals. As long as your paycheck is automatically deposited, you’ll pay no monthly maintenance fees, but otherwise, it’s only $5 per statement cycle.
Fees:
No monthly fee with direct deposit
$15 overdraft fee for every transaction not paid within 24 hours
Balance requirements:
No minimum balance
No minimum opening deposit
ATMs:
Free access at AllPoint locations nationwide
$3 for out-of-network withdrawals
Interest rates:
Up to 4.50% annual percentage yield on savings account
Additional perks:
Deposit cash at more than 90,000 retailers nationwide
Earn up to 7% cash back on gift card purchases
4. Regions Bank
If you limit your travel to the southern and Midwestern U.S., Regions Bank might be a contender for your business. This regional bank covers Iowa, along with Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
As long as you have at least one $500 check deposited directly each month, you can get free checking. But banking services like loans and a financial advisor upon request make this bank really stand out.
Fees:
$8 monthly (waived with qualifying activity)
$50 minimum opening deposit
Balance requirements:
$1,500 minimum balance or $500 direct deposit to qualify for free checking
$36 overdraft fee
ATMs:
More than 2,000 ATMs
$2.50 per withdrawal at out-of-network ATMs
Interest rates:
Up to 0.01% APY on savings
Up to 4.75% on CDs
Additional perks:
Wide range of banking products
Wealth management services available
5. Northwest Bank
Based in Spencer, Iowa, Northwest Bank is a family-owned bank with locations in both Iowa and Nebraska. Northwest is considered one of the best banks in Iowa for its quality customer service and great rates on checking. Currently, Northwest Bank is offering a $100 bonus on each new checking account as long as you sign up for new products like e-statements, Zelle, and BillPay.
Fees:
No monthly fee
$28 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No minimum balance
$10 minimum opening balance
ATMs:
Free at MoneyPass ATMs nationwide
$2 per withdrawal at out-of-network ATMs
Interest rates:
0.01% APY on qualifying checking accounts
.001% APY on savings
Up to 2.25% APY on money markets
0.03% on CDs
Additional perks:
$100 cash bonus to qualifying new accounts
1.50% cash back on debit card purchases ($8 limit)
6. Chime
Another online and mobile banking option is Chime, which offers all the amenities of bigger banks without the cost. Online banking options include a checking account with autosave features to help you meet your financial goals. Chime’s savings accounts offer 2% APY, which is competitive with what other banks in Iowa are offering.
Fees:
No monthly fee
No charges for overdrafts
Balance requirements:
No minimum balance
No minimum opening deposit
ATMs:
Fee-free at Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs
$2.50 fee for each out-of-network ATM transaction
Interest rates:
2% APY on savings accounts
Additional perks:
Pay accessible up to two days early
Automatically round up each debit card purchase to build your savings account
7. CIT Bank
Another online banking option is CIT Bank, which has no local branches. CIT’s bank accounts come without monthly charges, including no overdraft fees, but there is a downside. CIT Bank’s ATM network is nonexistent. You’ll be reimbursed up to $30 a month in out-of-network costs, though.
Fees:
No monthly fee
No charges for overdrafts
Balance requirements:
$25,000 minimum balance or $100 monthly deposit
$100 minimum opening deposit
ATMs:
Up to $30 in ATM costs refunded per month
Interest rates:
Up to 0.46% APY on savings
Up to 1.55% APY on money market
5% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
Great rates on CDs
Savings Builder account motivates you to save at least $100 monthly
8. Fidelity Bank & Trust
Fidelity Bank & Trust is a community bank with a hometown feel. It has more than 30 branches in Northeast Iowa, Northwest Illinois, and Southwest Wisconsin. The bank offers robust online and mobile banking options, as well as money management help through its investment services team.
Fees:
No monthly fee
$30 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No minimum balance
$50 minimum opening balance
ATMs:
Free at Fidelity Bank locations across Northeast Iowa
Free at SHAZAM ATMs nationwide
Interest rates:
0.05% APY on qualifying checking accounts
0.05% APY on savings
Up to 0.50% APY on money markets
Up to 4.77% on CDs
Additional perks:
myPIC debit card lets you add your photo to your card
Specialized Christmas and children’s savings account options available
9. Bank of America
Even though it’s a large national bank, Bank of America brings some of the benefits you get from a small bank. Customers can enjoy fee-free account types as long as they sign up for Preferred Rewards. But one of the biggest benefits is the nationwide network of branches and ATMs.
Fees:
$12 monthly fee (waived with qualifications)
$10 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
$1,200 minimum balance or qualifying deposits to waive fee
$100 minimum opening balance
ATMs:
Free at Bank of America ATMs nationwide
$2.50 fee for each out-of-network ATM transaction
Interest rates:
0.04% APY on savings (with preferred rewards)
Up to 4.20% on CDs
Additional perks:
In-person service at branches and with virtual assistant at ATMs
Preferred Rewards programs offer discounts on accounts and loans
10. Bankers Trust
Based in Des Moines, Bankers Trust has banks in Iowa and Arizona. There are multiple accounts to meet your banking needs, including some checking accounts with tiered interest rates. New customers may be eligible for a $250 bonus by choosing a participating checking account.
Fees:
No monthly fee with at least 12 debit card transactions
$10-$30 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No minimum balance
$25 minimum opening deposit
ATMs:
Fee-free at Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs
$2 fee for each out-of-network ATM transaction
Interest rates:
Up to 0.60% on checking
Up to 1.45% on savings
Up to 4.55% on CDs
Additional perks:
$250 bonus for new BreakFree or Direct Checking account
Education center provides training and information
11. MidwestOne Bank
If customer service is a priority, MidwestOne Bank is one of the best banks in Iowa. This regional bank has 45 branches across Iowa, as well as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Florida. You’ll also find great rates on auto and personal loans with MidwestOne.
Fees:
No monthly fee
$35 for overdrafts
Balance requirements:
No minimum daily balance
$100 minimum opening deposit
ATMs:
Fee-free at MoneyPass ATMs
$1 fee for each out-of-network ATM transaction
Interest rates:
Up to 0.75% APY on savings
Up to 1.00% APY on money market
Up to 2.47% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
Bank Your Change automatically rounds up debit purchases to put toward savings
Competitive rates on personal loans
Bottom Line
The best banks in Iowa offer great customer service and easy access to your funds. To ensure you make the right choice, consider not only these factors, but also the range of financial products, convenience, and technological innovation each bank provides. As you compare different banks, keep in mind your specific financial needs, preferences, and goals, such as low fees, high interest rates, or specialized services.
Once you’ve found the best bank, it’s essential to regularly review your account and stay informed about new offers and changes in rates and amenities. By doing so, you can maximize your financial benefits and adjust your banking relationship as your needs evolve. Ultimately, the best bank for you will consistently deliver on all fronts, helping you achieve financial stability and success in Iowa.
A fraud alert is a temporary alarm system set up on your credit account that will inform you if there are any changes in your account. A credit freeze is a freeze placed on your credit file that blocks lenders from viewing your report without authorization.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice. See Lexington Law’s editorial disclosure for more information.
Fraud alerts and credit freezes are two methods for protecting yourself from identity theft. But they’re not the same thing, and if you understand the pros and cons of each, you can decide which is best suited to your needs. A fraud alert requires creditors to verify your identity before allowing new credit accounts to be opened, whereas a credit freeze stops new credit accounts from being opened in your name.
So, what’s the right choice for you in the fraud alert vs. credit freeze debate? Keep reading for a complete breakdown of both options.
What is a fraud alert?
A fraud alert is when you put an added layer of security on your credit report that forces all lenders and financial institutions to verify your identify before approving a new credit account being opened. Typically, the creditor will call you whenever a new account request is initiated to confirm you’re the one asking for the account.
People typically use a fraud alert if they’ve been a victim of identity fraud or if they suspect their information has been compromised. While a fraud alert adds some protection to your account, it’s not a guarantee, and there are still ways scam artists can get around the identity check.
There are three main types of fraud alerts:
Standard fraud alert: A standard fraud alert typically lasts one year but can be renewed as many times as needed. Individuals don’t need to be victims of identity theft to activate this kind of fraud alert on their accounts.
Extended fraud alert: An extended fraud alert lasts for seven years. This option is only available to those who’ve been victims of identity theft. To qualify, you have to file a report with the police or the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov website. In addition to verifying your identity with each new account request, the extended fraud alert will remove you from marketing lists for credit and insurance offers for the next five years. However, if you want to remain on this list, you can choose to do so.
Active-duty fraud alert: The active-duty fraud alert is only for military service members. When individuals go on active duty assignments, they can apply for this type of fraud alert to protect their accounts while they’re abroad. The alert typically lasts one year but can be renewed as long as the individual is deployed. In addition, they’ll be removed from marketing lists for two years unless they request otherwise.
Fraud alerts are self-imposed and free to add to your account.
How do you place a fraud alert?
You can place a fraud alert on your account by reaching out to one of the three major credit bureaus—Experian®, Equifax®, or TransUnion®. After you notify one bureau, it’s their responsibility to inform the others. You can set up a fraud alert online or contact any of the bureaus by phone with this request. You’ll need to submit your proof of identity to successfully set up the fraud alert.
How do you remove a fraud alert?
Fraud alerts are automatically lifted from your account after the applicable deadline (one year for standard and active-duty alerts and seven years for extended alerts). However, if you want to remove the fraud alert earlier, you can. You’ll need to contact each credit bureau separately and request that the fraud alert be lifted. As was the case with setting up the alert, you’ll need to provide proof of your identity to remove the alert from your account.
What is a credit freeze?
A credit freeze offers even more protection than a fraud alert. Essentially, a credit freeze stops anyone from accessing your credit report. This effectively prevents anyone from being able to open a new account under your name, as creditors need to review your report before approving a new application. You’ll be able to open new accounts only when you “thaw” or “unfreeze” your account.
How do you freeze your credit?
To freeze your credit, you’ll have to contact each of the three major credit bureaus separately. Note that fees are usually associated with a credit freeze, with the exact amount varying by state. On average, expect to pay around $10 per bureau for a credit freeze. You can apply for a credit freeze online or via phone for all three bureaus.
When you’re setting up a credit freeze, you’ll be asked to set up a PIN or password, which can later be used to unfreeze your account.
How do you unfreeze your credit?
Your report will stay frozen until you choose to “thaw” it. This means that you need to unfreeze your credit before applying for more credit, and this is usually the driving factor that motivates people to thaw their accounts. Often, people want to get a new credit card, loan, or mortgage or apply for a rental lease or some other credit account and need to give the lender access to their credit report.
To unfreeze your account, you’ll need to contact each of the credit bureaus and provide your PIN. There may be a small fee associated with unfreezing your account with each agency. Once you put in a request to unfreeze your account, the change can take from as little as a few minutes to up to three days. As a result, it’s essential to give yourself plenty of time for the account to thaw before the lender goes to access your report.
If you lose your PIN, unfreezing your account will still be possible, but it’ll take longer to approve.
Do fraud alerts or credit freezes affect your credit?
No, fraud alerts and credit freezes don’t affect your credit. In fact, they can protect your credit from identity fraud attempts. Identity fraud is a serious situation that can significantly drag your credit score down and take months to years to clear up on your credit report.
Which option is right for you?
Ultimately, each individual needs to decide which option is right for them based on their situation. Some of the popular situations to consider that might call for either a fraud alert or a credit freeze are:
You’re in the process of or about to begin getting a mortgage, auto loan, lease, or another account: In this case, you don’t want to go through with a credit freeze, as access to your credit report will be necessary to approve your new application. Instead, a fraud alert should be sufficient to protect you.
You’ve been a recent victim of identity theft or know your information has been compromised: If you’re seriously concerned about identity theft, you should likely opt for a credit freeze, as it’s more protective.
If you know you don’t need new credit for a while: Older people often are settled with all their credit needs—a mortgage, car loan, credit cards, etc. Therefore, they can comfortably assume they won’t be applying for new credit anytime soon and might feel more protected with a credit freeze.
Note that you can have both hypothetically, although it might be somewhat redundant. Generally, most experts recommend choosing one or the other.
Even with a credit freeze or a fraud alert on your account, it’s still crucial for you to check for fraudulent charges on your cards and look for red flags on your credit reports. You never know when something could slip through, and if it does, it’s crucial to act quickly. The longer something remains on your credit report, the longer it will impact your credit and be harder to rectify.
If you don’t have the time or desire to check your credit reports, you can take advantage of the services provided by Lexington Law Firm. Our credit consultants will help you review your credit reports and file disputes if needed. Removing even one error from your credit report could result in a credit score increase. Get started today.
Note: Articles have only been reviewed by the indicated attorney, not written by them. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website owner, authors, reviewers, contributors, contributing firms, or their respective agents or employers.
Reviewed By
Paola Bergauer
Associate Attorney
Paola Bergauer was born in San Jose, California then moved with her family to Hawaii and later Arizona.
In 2012 she earned a Bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Political Science. In 2014 she graduated from Arizona Summit Law School earning her Juris Doctor. During law school, she had the opportunity to participate in externships where she was able to assist in the representation of clients who were pleading asylum in front of Immigration Court. Paola was also a senior staff editor in her law school’s Law Review. Prior to joining Lexington Law, Paola has worked in Immigration, Criminal Defense, and Personal Injury. Paola is licensed to practice in Arizona and is an Associate Attorney in the Phoenix office.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Whether you have two or 22 travel rewards credit cards in your wallet, chances are you enjoy hitting the road. Unfortunately, it can be extremely frustrating when your card gets flagged while traveling, and you’re suddenly unable to use it. While it’s great when an issuer correctly flags unauthorized account activity as fraudulent, the opposite is true when the issuer inadvertently prevents you from swiping a card.
Thankfully, most major issuers no longer require users to set travel alerts ahead of time.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the details for different cards so you know what to expect before your trip.
What is a travel alert?
Before diving into issuer-specific guidelines, let’s start with a quick overview of what a travel alert is and why this is important.
Most of today’s credit cards have mechanisms to prevent fraud and abuse. When an issuer notices unusual account activity, it may flag it as potentially fraudulent. This happened to me when an unauthorized individual called Chase and inputted the full 16-digit account number of my Chase Freedom Unlimited. I immediately requested a new card, preventing the thief from actually using the compromised card number — a minor inconvenience but not a significant hassle.
However, this protection can also kick in if you try to use a card abroad or in an area of the U.S. that’s far from your primary residence. Suppose you’ve spent months (or even years) swiping a card solely within a specific area and then you suddenly try to use it in another state or country. In that case, this activity might get flagged — and it could be a substantial roadblock to continuing your trip. If you haven’t set up your cellphone to work abroad — or if you’re in an area with limited service — there may be no quick way to let the issuer know that the purchase is (in fact) valid and authorized.
If you notify the issuer ahead of time, a sudden charge in another part of the country or the world (one that you specifically said you’d be visiting during the given time period) won’t be flagged. This allows you to continue swiping your card and — most importantly — keep enjoying your trip.
So, how exactly do you do this? As noted above, many major credit card issuers no longer require proactive travel alerts ahead of time — but let’s go through some of the largest ones.
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Related: Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
How to set American Express travel alerts
AMEX
Amex doesn’t require you to set up travel alerts. In fact, if you log in to your account at AmericanExpress.com, you won’t even see this as an option. Here’s the rationale, per the issuer’s FAQ page on the topic:
We use industry-leading fraud detection capabilities that help us recognize when our card members are traveling, so you don’t need to notify us before you travel.
It does suggest that you keep updated contact information on your account and download the Amex app before your trip. However, you shouldn’t have any trouble using your cards when traveling.
Applicable cards include: American Express® Gold Card, The Platinum Card® from American Express, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, The Business Platinum® Card from American Express.
How to set Bank of America travel alerts
Like Amex, Bank of America no longer requires travel alerts ahead of time. If you search in the Help & Support center, you’ll see the following message:
You no longer need to let us know when you travel. We monitor your accounts and will send automatic alerts if we detect suspicious activity. Should you need us while traveling, call the number on the back of your card anytime.
TIP: It’s important that your email address and mobile phone number are up to date on your account profile, so we can notify you quickly about unusual activity.
Note that this applies to both credit and debit cards associated with your Bank of America login, which can be nice if you’re planning to withdraw money from an ATM using your debit card.
Applicable cards include: Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card, Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card.
How to set Capital One travel alerts
ISABELLE RAPHAEL/THE POINTS GUY
Capital One uses the same approach as American Express — you don’t need to set these up in advance. When you log in to your Capital One account and click on the “I Want To…” button, you’ll see what appears to be an option to set a travel notification. However, when you click on it, you’ll receive the following message:
With the added security of your Capital One chip card, travel notifications are no longer needed on your credit card. That’s right! You don’t have to tell us when and where you’re traveling, inside or outside the United States. Your credit card is 100% covered for fraud while you’re traveling and we will alert you if we see anything suspicious.
Remember that none of Capital One’s credit cards impose foreign transaction fees for purchases made abroad.
Applicable cards:Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Spark Miles for Business.
How to set Chase travel alerts
Chase offers a wide variety of valuable credit cards, including many that you may want to use when traveling. Like previous issuers on the list, you no longer need to proactively set up travel notifications ahead of your trip. When you log in to your Chase account, you’ll still see the “Travel notification” option under account services, but here’s the message you’ll find there:
We’ve got you covered! With our enhanced security measures:
You don’t need to set up travel notifications anymore.
We’ll send you fraud alerts if we see any possible identity theft.
We’ll alert you if we notice any suspicious behavior on your account.
Applicable cards include: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, World of Hyatt Credit Card, United Explorer Card, Aeroplan Credit Card, Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.
How to set Citi travel alerts
BRIAN KELLY/THE POINTS GUY
Unlike previous issuers, Citi still allows you to set up travel notifications on your credit cards. Here’s how to do so:
Log in to your account at citi.com.
Hover over “Services” at the top, then click on “Travel Services.”
Click on “Add a Travel Notice.”
Select the applicable cardholders, enter your dates, then click “Next.”
Review the details, then click “Confirm.”
Note that you don’t even need to select the individual destination (or destinations) you’re visiting. The only required pieces of information are the cardholders who’ll be on the trip (including authorized users) and the dates of the trip.
Applicable cards include:Citi Premier® Card, Citi Rewards+® Card, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.
What if a travel alert doesn’t work?
Unfortunately, even the advanced technology credit card issuers use nowadays isn’t guaranteed. There may be certain instances where a legitimate transaction is flagged as potentially fraudulent, especially when traveling. Alternatively, an issuer may require an extra verification step before approving a purchase instead of being declined immediately. This especially applies to many online transactions thanks to 3D card security measures.
This is one reason why it’s critical to have updated contact information on file with your card issuers and a working mobile phone when you’re outside the country. This ensures that you can complete any verification requests in a timely fashion.
It’s also critical to always have at least one backup credit card in your wallet when traveling (or load alternate options into your mobile wallet). Ideally, this card would be from a different card issuer and work with a different payment network, which minimizes the chance that neither card will work.
Bottom line
From full flights to weather delays to traffic, travel can be stressful — and that’s without any financial issues. Fortunately, most major credit card issuers no longer require advance travel notices on your accounts. However, you should still carry at least one backup payment method in case your primary card is declined. It’s also critical to have a working phone number to receive email or text notifications when things go wrong.
If you want to maintain your ability to swipe your favorite travel rewards credit cards on your next trip, follow these instructions before you depart.
Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox and Madison Blancaflor.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
When you are trying to tighten down the hatches on your spending, you are doing everything possible to stick to your budget.
You are determined to stick to your budget this time around. But, you always hear that budgeting can be hard.
Well, here are some quick budgeting tips that will make sure to stick to your budget.
As most new budgeters learn, they struggle to stick to a budget for their monthly expenses. It is a natural process everyone goes through.
Budget, if you are looking for an easy button, then learn which payment type is best if you are trying to stick to a budget.
Especially if you spend a lot of time on social media, studies have shown you are more likely to overspend. So, you must learn which payment type will have you stick to a budget.
Then, you may be wondering and wanting help deciding which payment type is best for you.
The Optimal Solution Payment Type Solution
The most efficient payment type is something that is instantaneous and there are no fees associated with the transaction.
Cash is the most efficient payment type: Cash payments are usually the most efficient and convenient way to pay for goods or services.
Credit cards can be a less favorable option: Credit cards tend to have high-interest rates and can lead to financial disaster if used irresponsibly.
Debit cards are a great way to keep your spending within your budget: Debit cards should be considered a top priority for budgeting because they keep you within your spending limits.
Developing a budget will help you avoid financial disaster: A budget helps you stay organized and make informed decisions about which payment method works best for you.
Today, there are so many options on which payment type to use in today’s online world.
1. Cash
Cash is a payment type that can be used to reduce debt spending. It is versatile and can be used for a variety of expenses, such as groceries, medical bills, and gym memberships.
Cash is an excellent choice for people just starting to budget and save.
It is more restrained than credit or debit cards. The envelope method of cash budgeting can be used to train your brain to reduce spending. Cash is the most traditional payment method and has the fewest drawbacks. However, you need a safe place to store your cash, and some stores may not accept it.
Benefits of Cash:
Cash is an excellent payment type when your financial goals are to reduce debt spending.
Cash is a finite payment method that prevents you from overspending.
You have a set amount of money to spend each month, so there’s no chance of overspending.
Easy to track with the envelope method: Utilizing the envelope method ensures that you are tracking your spending (i.e groceries, gas, medical bills) and making sure that you aren’t overspending.
Cash is a quick and easy way to pay for goods and services.
No Fees. No maintenance fees or interest rates as credit cards. Cash is just plain cash – printed paper of currency.
You can avoid high fees associated with card transactions: There are no associated fees when paying with cash, making it the cheapest option overall.
Cash discounts may be available. Since you are paying with cash many small businesses offer a cash discount of 2-5%.
You can use cash at any store: No need to carry around extra cards or checks.
It’s easy to get cash: You can easily get cash and make extra cash.
There’s no need for bank account details: No need for bank account details means you’re free from identity theft risks and other inconveniences that come with having a bank account.
Cash allows you to skirt some financial regulations: Because cash payments don’t fall under the purview of many financial regulations, businesses can take advantage of loopholes in the law that allow them to charge higher interest rates on loans or engage in shady business practices. (highly recommended to stay above book)
Cons of Cash:
Possibility of losing or stolen cash: Keep your cash in a safe place!
You need a safe place to store your money: Another disadvantage of using cash is that you may need a safe place in which to keep it – some stores don’t accept it as a payment method.
Why Choose Cash?
Total control over your money, so there’s little chance of unexpectedly running out of funds.
Cash is a great way to stay on budget, as you can easily track your spending and see where you need to cut back.
Unpleasant to spend money with cash, which can help train your brain to reduce spending.
Cash is a quick and easy way to pay: Using cash eliminates the need for banks, credit cards, or other forms of payment.
Verdict: Paying with cash is the best method for budgeting and saving.
Overall, cash is a great payment type when it comes to budgeting. You can immediately see how much money you’ve spent and what needs to be cut back.
You can’t make impulsive buying decisions with debit cards or credit cards.
With a finite amount you can spend, cash is an excellent choice to prevent overspending. According to research, paying with cash can feel unpleasant, which can train your brain to reduce spending as much as possible.
2. Credit cards
Credit cards offer a number of benefits, including convenience, cash back, and the ability to make large purchases or pay bills in case of emergency. However, credit cards also come with credit card debt and can lead to overspending and financial problems if not used carefully.
For many, credit cards are the easiest way to blow your budget because you don’t have control over how much money you spend.
It is possible to overspend with credit cards if you are not mindful of what you charge.
On the flip side, this is a preferred method as many credit cards also offer rewards programs that give you cash back or points for purchases. If you make the conscious decision to use credit cards, you must make payments on time to avoid penalties.
Benefits of Credit Cards
Credit cards are convenient: Convenient to use and don’t have to worry about losing cash.
Use a credit card if you are disciplined and have strict spending habits: If you are disciplined and have strict spending habits, then using a credit card can work well for budgeting purposes.
Flexibility on larger purchases: Some benefits that come with having a credit card include more cash flow as well as being able to make larger purchases.
Credit cards provide support in times of crisis: Many credit cards offer extended services that can help like 24-hour fraud protection, lost wallet services, traveler’s insurance, and many other benefits – check each issuer for details.
$0 Liability on Unauthorized charges: Your credit card company will not be held responsible for any charges that were not authorized by you. This means that if you did not authorize a charge in person, online, or otherwise, you will not be responsible for it.
Fraud protection: Check your credit card issuer, but many offer fraud protection.
New card introductory APR is helpful to pay down debt: The introductory APR for the new card may not last long.
Payments on balance transfer should be manageable: Make sure that the payments on your balance transfer are manageable.
Points: You can accrue points along with your spending which can be a great perk.
Credit card interest rates are significantly lower than payday loans: Interest rates on credit cards are usually much lower than payday loans.
Due Date is After your statement closes. Since your bill cycle is at least another 21 days between the closing date for your statement and the due date, it gives you flexibility. Personally, I still account for the credit card bill in the same month that it was accrued.
Cons of Credit Cards
Potential for credit card debt: When using a credit card, be aware of your credit limit and the interest rate that you will have to pay on your debt. Also one of the categories of debt.
Credit limit often leads people to spend money: The credit limit often leads people to spend money by giving them a false sense of security, when they should stick to a budget and pay attention to their credit card statement and the billing cycle.
Credit card overspending can lead to debt: Consider the purchase if it is essential or delay it if possible.
Ability to easily purchase something you cannot afford. Buying something that you don’t have the money saved up for will cost you interest fees associated and maybe even with a credit card balance transfer.
There are a number of fees associated with a balance transfer: Transfer fee, interest on new purchases charged to the card.
Your introductory APR may not be valid if you make too many payments late: If you fall more than 60 days behind on payments your introductory APR might be canceled and you may face higher interest rates.
Credit score can suffer from debt: When you carry a credit card balance or don’t pay your monthly bills on time, you will lower your credit score.
Avoid carrying a balance: Pay your statement in full each month to avoid paying interest and maximize your grace period.
Key Takeaways on Credit Cards
Make sure to pay attention to the dates: Don’t spend more than you can afford, and make sure you’re making your minimum monthly payments on time so that your debt doesn’t increase over time.
A credit card can be used for budgeting only if you’re very disciplined: If you know that overspending is NOT an issue and you pay the credit card’s monthly balance in full, then using a credit card is fine.
Credit card transactions usually take several days to register in the feedback system: Something to look out for!
You can step back into debit cards or cash if needed: If credit cards are not for you, there are other options available such as debit cards or cash
3. Debit cards
Debit cards are a good option if you want to stick to a budget because the predetermined amount of funds can help you stay within your means. Additionally, debit cards are more convenient than cash and just as accepted as credit cards in most places.
A debit card works more similarly to cash than to credit cards.
They provide an easier way to track your spending and avoid having to carry a lot of cash.
Pros of Debit Cards:
No Need to Carry Cash: A debit card is better than cash because you don’t have to carry a lot of paper money and change around, and they’re also safer.
Debit cards are faster and easier to use: Debit cards work just like credit cards – withdrawing cash, making purchases, and paying bills – but they are linked directly to your bank account, so there is no need to carry around a separate cash envelope wallet or purse for them.
A debit card is a good option if you want to stick to a budget: Debit cards come with a predetermined amount of funds that you can spend from your bank account just like cash.
Tracking payments is easy with debit cards: Your debit payments will appear on your issuer’s dashboard, which you can monitor anytime from any location.
Convenience: Debit cards are more convenient to use and faster than needing to write a check or carry around cash. Plus they don’t add to your debt.
Shopping online is easy. You can use your debit card to make online purchases with your bank account, and digital banking tools make tracking your spending easy.
Points: Some debit cardholders can earn points for spending on their cards, which can be redeemable for rewards such as cash back or gift cards. This is new to compete with credit cards.
Fraud protection is typically offered for free with most debit cards—meaning if your card is stolen or used without your permission, you can get your money back.
No impact on your credit report. When you use a debit card, the funds are actually withdrawn from checking or savings accounts so there is no credit reporting occurring.
Cons of Debit Cards:
An overdraft on a debit card can happen when a purchase exceeds the amount of money in the checking account, leading to overdraft fees.
Funds on hold with fraudulent charges. If your account gets hacked, your losses will be limited since most banks protect their users against fraudulent charges and online purchases with their accounts. However, those funds will be held while they investigate and you may be liable for $50.
No chance to improve your credit score. Since you are not borrowing money, you are unable to improve your credit score.
Debit cards are a great way to keep your spending within your budget and avoid overspending which can lead to many detrimental issues.
Regardless of the overdraft fee, debit cards are still better than cash because they’re safer and easier to carry around.
4. Checks
Checks… do people still write checks? Why yes they do!
Checks offer a few benefits as a payment method, even though they are slowly being replaced by more modern options.
This can help you keep track of your spending and make sure you do not overspend. Additionally, if you ever need to dispute a charge, having a check can be helpful in proving what you paid for.
What is a check?
A check is a written, dated, and signed instrument that directs a bank to pay a specific sum of money to the bearer from the check writer’s account. The date is usually written in month/day/year format. The signature of the check writer is usually on the line below “Pay to the order of.”
There are three main types of checks:
A cashier’s check is a check guaranteed by a bank, drawn on the bank’s own funds, and signed by a cashier.
A certified check is a personal check for which the bank has verified that there are sufficient funds to cover the payment.
A personal check is one that you write yourself and that is not guaranteed by the bank.
Pros of Checks
Checks are still a payment option: Checks are one of the traditional payment methods, but it is slowly dying out because of modernization.
Physical written record. It can be helpful to have physical copies of checks in addition to digital records through the bank.
You need to make both digital and physical copies of the check: Save check stubs but also transfer the information to a budgeting system.
Cons of Checks
Saving check stubs is helpful, but you still need to transfer the information to a budgeting system: Useful for tracking spending, but you’ll likely want more detailed records than just check stubs.
Not as convenient as credit or debit cards.
5. Apple Pay or Apple Cash
Apple Pay is easy to use and convenient since you only need to connect your smartphone to your cards and bank accounts via the app.
It is easy to use since you just hold your phone up to the reader and wait for the payment screen to appear.
You can even get cash back with apple pay.
Pros of Apple Pay:
Apple Pay is easy to use and convenient: You only need to connect your iPhone to your cards and bank accounts via the app.
You don’t need to carry any extra cards or cash: No need for additional cards or cash when you’re out and about
You can use Apple Pay on different devices: You can use Apple Pay on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Transactions are secure: Your transactions are secured with Touch ID or a passcode.
Set up Spending Limits for each user. This way you can make sure you (or others with authorized access) are not spending more than you intended. Learn how.
Protection of Data during transactions. Your actual credit card number is changed to a different digital number, which allows limits your card number’s exposure.
Cons of Apple Pay:
Not widely accepted (yet). This method of payment is 100 percent guaranteed. While many stores offer apple pay, not all do quite yet.
The same rules apply if you load apple pay with a debit or credit card drawbacks include late fees, interest rates, and overspending: Keep that in mind when choosing Apple Pay as your payment method.
6. Mobile wallets like Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Venmo, or Zelle
Mobile wallets are digital payment systems that allow you to pay for items with your smartphone. Many people find mobile wallets are very convenient and becoming a traditional method of payment (such as credit cards).
With mobile wallets, you are making digital payments without having to carry around cash or cards using just your smartphone.
Mobile wallets are easy to use and provide instant payment convenience, making them perfect for shopping online.
Pros of Mobile Wallets:
Mobile wallets use credit cards and debit cards: Connect your smartphone to your bank accounts and use it for digital payments.
Mobile wallets are easy to use and convenient: Instant payment convenience makes them perfect for shopping online as well.
No need for cash or cards: No need for cash or cards.
Strong secuirity features provide privacy and security features that ensure your personal information is safe from data breaches and unwanted charges.
You can make purchases without having to show your identification: You can make purchases without having to show your identification.
Additional Layer of Security. Additionally, mobile wallet data is protected with verification, such as fingerprints.
Cons of Mobile Wallets:
With Zelle and Venmo, it is easy to send money to the wrong person or add an extra zero and send more money from planned. More often than not, it is difficult to recover your money.
You need to be disciplined when using a mobile wallet: Pay attention to late fees and interest rates, as well as the amount you spend in a month.
7. Prepaid Cards or Gift Cards
A prepaid card or a gift card could be right for you. The advantage of these is the mere fact that you reached the limit is enough to deter overspending.
It can make you think twice about whether you need to purchase an item or not.
Pros of Prepaid Cards and Gift Cards
Easy to use: Prepaid and gift cards are easy to use and manage your finances with.
The mere fact that you reached the limit is enough to deter overspending: It can make you think twice about whether you need to purchase an item or not.
No strings attached: No need to worry about any fees associated with the prepaid card once activated.
Privacy: The prepaid card does not track your spending or use any personally identifiable information.
Credit Score Doesn’t Matter: Your credit score does not matter when obtaining a prepaid card.
Cons of Prepaid Cards or Gift Cards
Losing a prepaid card is not a fun experience. Contact the prepaid card issuer right away to protect the funds on the prepaid card.
Fraud protection: Consider whether your prepaid card issuer offers any theft or fraud protection, as not all providers offer this feature.
Prepaid cards have limits on how much money you can load onto them, which can be frustrating if you need to make a large purchase.
8. PayPal
PayPal is a very convenient way to pay for items online or in person. It is widely accepted and used by many people.
PayPal is a digital payment service that offers convenience and ease of use. You can use them to send money to people or pay for online purchases.
However, because these services can only be used online, they should not be relied on as your sole method of budgeting and tracking expenses. Instead, consider Paypal in combination with another budgeting tool, like a spreadsheet or app, to get a fuller picture of your spending.
Pros of PayPal:
PayPal is one of the most popular online payment methods: Widely accepted and used by many people.
You can use them to send money to people or pay for online purchases: Help you review your spending prior to purchase.
Cons of Paypal:
EasyTarget for phishing scams. A phishing scam is when someone tries to trick you into giving them your personal information, like your password or credit card number. They might do this by sending you an email that looks like it’s from PayPal, but it’s not. Or they might create a fake website that looks like PayPal. If you enter your information on these sites, the scammers can then use your account to make purchases or send money to themselves.
Reputation for poor customer service. This is evident in their customer service ratings, which are some of the lowest in the industry. The majority of complaints against PayPal revolve around poor service received when asking for assistance with fund freezes and account holds.
9. Cryptocurrency (ie: Bitcoin)
Cryptocurrencies offer a new and innovative way of handling payments. They’re not yet widely accepted, so there’s potential for businesses to get in on the ground floor with this new technology.
However, because cryptocurrencies are so new, it’s uncertain if they will be regulated or not. This could pose a challenge for businesses down the road.
Pros of Crypto
Not subject to the same regulations as traditional currency, which makes them appealing to those who want to avoid government intervention.
The valuation of Crypto changes rapidly. If you are smart with crtyple this is a great way to spend your crypto coins.
Cons of Crypto
Cryptocurrencies are not accepted everywhere: Cryptocurrencies are not accepted by most organizations yet, which it makes it difficult to use them in day-to-day life.
It’s unclear if cryptocurrencies will be regulated: It’s uncertain if cryptocurrencies will be strictly regulated or not. This poses a challenge for those who want to use them as a payment method.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are still in their infancy: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have only been around for a few years, so they may still face challenges in the future.
Here are the most popular budget apps today:
Other Payment Methods:
ACH payments
ACH Payments is an excellent way to pay bills and other financial obligations: You can easily set up a billing cycle for recurring payments, making it safe and convenient.
Fewer people are aware of your transactions when using ACH payments, reducing the chances of fraud or theft.
Key Facts:
Fewer people know about your transactions when using ACH payments, reducing the chances of fraud or theft.
Your checking account information is not shared or accessed by the system in any way.
You can quickly pay bills and other expenses with ACH payment: Financial institutions offer this as part of their deals.
When setting up recurring bills with ACH payment, you are aying your bills on time is important for maintaining a good credit score.
Pay attention to your check account balances: Make sure you have enough funds in your check account to avoid paying overdraft fees.
Money orders
A money order is a document that orders the payment of a specified amount of money. Money orders are convenient because they can be bought at many locations, including post offices, banks, and convenience stores.
To get a money order, you will need to fill out a form with the payee’s name, the amount of the payment, and your contact information. You will then need to purchase the money order with cash or a debit card.
To cash a money order, you will need to take it to a bank or post office. You will need to show identification and sign the back of the money order. The teller will then give you the cash for the payment.
More secure than cash: Money orders are more secure than cash because they don’t require a bank to make the transaction.
Less convenient: money orders are less convenient because you must purchase them in person.
Able to trace. They are also more secure than cash because they can be traced if lost or stolen.
Wire Transfers
Wire transfers are a more secure way to transfer money than traditional methods like checks and cash. These are sent through the banking system and are usually processed within two business days.
Typically, wire transfers are used when sending and receiving large sums of money (over $10000).
More secure than cash: Wire transfers are more secure than cash as the bank verifies there is enough money to make the wire transfer.
Fees involved with using a wire transfer. Most institutions charge for handling a wire transfer.
What method of payment is best?
Cash is the most widely accepted form of payment, but debit and credit cards are very popular.
The payment method that is best for you depends on which one helps you to stick to your budget and spend less money. The goal is to be financially stable.
What method is best for sticking to a budget?
There are several different types of budgeting methods that people use in order to manage their finances. Many people focus on using the 50/30/20 method, in which each percent corresponds to a different category of expenses.
There are plenty of budgeting tools available today to make sure you stick to your budget.
You need to find what works best for you. At the end of the month, you want to spend less than you make. That is the winning combo!
1. Budgeting App
There are many budgeting tools available online, which can be helpful as it can be easier to track your progress and budget over time.
You can use various popular budgeting apps like Quicken, Qube Money, or Simplifi.
These apps can help you track your spending, set goals, and stay on track with your budget.
2. Paper and Pen or Simple Spreadsheet
Some people find that they prefer using a simple spreadsheet or paper budget. This may be due to personal preference or because they find it easier to understand and use.
Additionally, using a paper budget may help you stay more organized as you can physically see where your money is going.
Options to get you started include our own budgeting spreadsheets or using an automated system like Tiller.
3. Envelope budgeting method
The cash envelope system is a good way to stick to a budget because it is rigid and based on envelopes and cash. You can’t get more money until your cash payday. So, this system helps you track your spending and budget better.
However, using only cash can have drawbacks as having large amounts of cash on hand can be risky.
The envelope method gives you a sense of control over your spending and makes it more tedious to write down your transactions. If you find writing down your transactions tedious, the envelope method may be too much for you.
4. Know Your Budget Categories and Track expenses
Tracking expenses is essential to move ahead financially: Knowing what you have spent in each category will help you make better financial decisions.
Be specific with your budgeting categories. Don’t make it too complicated. Always remember to include household items, clothing, and groceries when tracking expenses.
5. Prioritize your Budget Plan
A budget can provide a realistic picture of your finances, help reduce stress related to money matters, and guide you toward achieving your goals.
Creating a budget can help ensure that you are able to meet your financial obligations and still have money left over for savings and other goals. A budget can also help you track your spending so that you can make adjustments if necessary.
Make a budget plan: This will help you stay on track and make sure that you are spending your money wisely.
You decide where to spend money: A budget helps you set future goals and achieve your financial goals.
Creating a budget can help reduce stress: If you tend to get stressed about money matters, creating a budget can give you peace of mind.
A budget has other benefits beyond financial ones: If you want to achieve something in life, creating a budget can help guide you in the right direction.
See where to cut back spending. You can also look at your past spending habits to see where you can cut back. Sometimes it may be necessary to save more in order to achieve long-term goals, like buying a house or having a wedding. Always be mindful of your budget when making payments and spending money.
It’s a three-step process that involves basic math: Making a budget is simple and requires only basic math skills.
Stay on track: Making a budget plan will help you stay organized and keep track of your expenses.
A budget plan will help you stay on track and make sure that you are using the best payment type for your budget.
Making a budget is an easy way to save money. By following a few simple steps, you can keep track of your expenses and make sure that you are spending your money wisely.
Which type of payment is best for sticking to a budget?
One of the main pros of using cash as a method of payment is that it is the most efficient way to keep track of your finances. This is because it is very easy to budget when you are only dealing with cash.
However, many people prefer debit or credit cards are the best type of payment. They are more convenient than cash and can help you keep track of your spending. However, if you have a bad credit history or a low credit score, credit cards may not be the best option for you.
Cash payments are the most efficient: Most convenient and easiest to keep track with cash envelopes.
Credit cards allow you to accrue points along with your spending: These are a great benefit and one that can be a perk if handled well as part of your budgeting process. As long as pay them off in full each month to avoid credit card debt, high-interest rates, and other negative consequences.
Debit cards are also a good option for sticking to a budget. They can be used like credit cards but with less risk of debt.
Cash-based payments are a newer option and are more reliable: May not have as many negative consequences as other payment methods such as credit cards or loans.
What Not to Use when you are Trying to Stick to a Budget
You need to steer clear of these types of payments if you want to be financially stable person.
Personal loans
Personal loans are a risky way to budget. However, if you need the money for an emergency or unexpected expense, a personal loan can be a lifesaver.
There are many risks to consider and other ways to lower your spending before resorting to a personal loan.
Loans can cause budgeting problems: Loans can mess up your budget and make it difficult to stick to spending plans.
Taking out a personal loan just for the sake of having money can disrupt your budgeting: Consumers often borrow money in order to pretend they’re doing better financially than they really are.
Borrowing money is usually not a good idea: When you borrow money, you may find that you cannot handle seeing low checking account balance, which can lead to deeper debt problems.
Payday Loans
Payday loans are a bad option for someone looking for a long-term solution. They are expensive, and there is a high chance that the person will not be able to pay back the loan.
The interest that is charged is also high, and it can add up quickly.
Write bullet points about what happens with a payday loan
Payday loans can trap people in a cycle of debt, as they are often unable to pay back the loan in full on the due date.
When someone takes out a payday loan, they are borrowing money from a lender in a short amount of time, usually two or three days.
Payday loans are often expensive, with interest rates that can be above 300%.
Debt Consolidation Loans
Debt consolidation can be a good way to manage your debt because it can result in a lower monthly payment and extended payments may impact your financial plan. You can use a debt consolidation calculator to estimate how much debt you can afford before taking out a consolidation loan.
Debt consolidation loans also provide convenience because they have lower interest rates than payday loans. However, be careful when consolidating your debt because it is possible to overspend and lose your introductory APR.
You may be able to pay off your debt with one monthly payment: A consolidation loan often results in a much lower monthly payment than all of your previous monthly payments combined.
Extended payments may impact your financial plan: Take a look at how these extended payments will impact your financial planning.
You can estimate how much debt you can comfortably afford: use this tool – Tally .
It is possible to overspend with debt consolidation: If you spend more money than you planned on your day-to-day expenses, this could increase your debt. Consider if the purchase is necessary or if it can be delayed.
You may lose your introductory APR: If you fall more than 60 days behind on payments, you will likely lose your introductory APR and may even trigger a penalty interest rate.
You need to be careful when transferring a balance: Transferring a balance can also forfeit your grace period and you’ll need to pay interest on new purchases charged to the new card.
What type of payment method is best for sticking to a budget?
There are a variety of payment methods available, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to choose the payment method that’s best suited for your business and budget.
A payment method that allows you to stick to a budget is the best option.
FAQs
There are three main types of payment methods: cash, debit cards, credit cards, and cash-based payments.
The envelope budgeting method is a simple way to create a budget. You will need envelopes and divide your money up into the different categories that you spend money on. You will then put the corresponding amount of money into each envelope. This method can be helpful if you have a hard time sticking to a budget.
The zero-based budgeting method is a more methodical way to create a budget. With this method, you track every penny that you earn and spend. This can help you to see where your money is going and make adjustments accordingly.
A debit card is a plastic card that is linked to a checking account. Customers can spend money by drawing on funds they have already deposited. An overdraft on a debit card can lead to overdraft fees, which have high-interest rates.
A credit card is a plastic card that allows customers to borrow money up to a certain limit in order to purchase items or withdraw cash. Using a credit card can help build credit or improve your credit score.
There are a few different ways to use a credit card. You can use it to check your balance and review your spending history, which can be helpful in staying accountable.
Credit cards also offer online tools which make the analysis of your spending easier which can be helpful in tracking your budget.
Finally, you can use a credit card to rebuild your credit score by using it responsibly and paying off the balance in full each month.
Which payment type can help you stick to a budget?
When it comes to choosing a payment type that will help you stick to a budget, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
The best payment method for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
When you are creating a budget, it is important to consider which payment type will help you stay on budget. Different payment types work better for different people, so it is important to experiment and find the one that works best for you.
As I stated for me, I have learned how to use credit cards to maximize cash back. But, I learned how to budget with cash when first starting.
Please pay attention to your budget and how it changes over time, as different payment types may work better at different stages of your life.
Consequently, I hope that this guide has given you a better understanding of the different payment types available and helped you narrow down your options. There are a variety of payment types that can help you stick to a budget, so it’s important to research each one carefully.
I highly recommend using an app to track your expenses and know where you spend your money. By developing a budget and choosing the right payment type, you can stick to your financial goals.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Mississippi is $2,510 per year, or about $210 per month, according to a NerdWallet analysis. That’s considerably higher than the national average of $1,820 per year.
We’ve analyzed rates and companies across the state to find the best homeowners insurance in Mississippi. Our sample rates are for a homeowner with good credit and $300,000 dwelling coverage, $300,000 liability coverage, and a $1,000 deductible. But, of course, your rates will be different.
Note: Some insurance companies in this article may have changed their underwriting practices and no longer issue new policies in your state.
Why you should trust NerdWallet
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our writing and data analyses. You can trust the prices we show you because our data analysts take rigorous measures to eliminate inaccuracies in pricing data and may update rates for accuracy as new information becomes available.
We include rates from every locale in the country where coverage is offered and data is available. When comparing rates for different coverage amounts and backgrounds, we change only one variable at a time, so you can easily see how each factor affects pricing.
Our sample homeowner had good credit, $300,000 of dwelling coverage, $300,000 of liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
The best homeowners insurance in Mississippi
If you’re looking to buy homeowners insurance from a well-rated national brand, consider one of these insurers from NerdWallet’s list of the Best Homeowners Insurance Companies.
More about the best home insurance companies in Mississippi
See more details about each company to help you decide which is best.
State Farm
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.
Coverage options
More than average
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Fewer than expected
State Farm
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.
Coverage options
More than average
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Fewer than expected
State Farm is a great choice for homeowners who like to work directly with a company representative, as the company sells policies through a vast network of agents. And its attention to customer service has paid off; the company has fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
State Farm offers a free Ting device as a perk for home insurance policyholders. Ting is a smart plug that monitors your home’s electrical network to help prevent fires.
Farmers
Those seeking benefits like diminishing deductibles and claims forgiveness may want to consider Farmers.
Coverage options
More than average
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Fewer than expected
Farmers
Those seeking benefits like diminishing deductibles and claims forgiveness may want to consider Farmers.
Coverage options
More than average
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Fewer than expected
Homeowners policies from Farmers may include two valuable types of insurance: extended dwelling and replacement cost coverage. Extended dwelling coverage gives you extra insurance for the structure of your house, while replacement cost coverage offers higher reimbursement for stolen or destroyed belongings.
Some Farmers policies also come with perks that can save you money. For example, with claim forgiveness, Farmers won’t raise your rate for a claim as long as you haven’t filed one within the past five years.
Nationwide
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.
Coverage options
More than average
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Close to expected
Nationwide
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.
Coverage options
More than average
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Close to expected
We like Nationwide for its wide variety of coverage options. For example, its standard homeowners insurance policy generally includes ordinance or law coverage, which can help pay to bring your home up to current building codes after a covered claim. In addition, you can add other coverage for things like identity theft and damage from backed-up sewers and drains.
Depending on how much personal assistance you need, you can get a quote for homeowners insurance on the Nationwide website or work with a local agent instead. You can also use the website to pay bills, file claims or check claim status.
USAA
Offers perks and affordable rates for the military community.
Coverage options
Below average
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Far fewer than expected
USAA
Offers perks and affordable rates for the military community.
Coverage options
Below average
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Far fewer than expected
USAA sells homeowners insurance to veterans, active military and their families. If you fall into one of those groups, you might want to look into USAA’s offerings. The company’s homeowners policies include some unique perks, such as deductible-free coverage for military uniforms and coverage for identity theft.
Homeowners in Mississippi can participate in the company’s Connected Home program, which gives you a discount on your policy if you buy and install approved smart home devices. These include water leak sensors, cameras and thermostats.
How much does homeowners insurance cost in Mississippi?
The average annual cost of home insurance in Mississippi is $2,510. That’s 38% more than the national average of $1,820.
In most U.S. states, including Mississippi, many insurers use your credit-based insurance score to help set rates. Your insurance score is similar but not identical to your traditional credit score.
In Mississippi, those with poor credit pay an average of $5,640 per year for homeowners insurance, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s more than twice as much as those with good credit.
Average cost of homeowners insurance in Mississippi by city
How much you pay for homeowners insurance in Mississippi depends on where you live. For instance, the average cost of home insurance in Jackson is $2,815 per year, while homeowners in Gulfport pay $3,650 per year, on average.
Average annual cost
Average monthly cost
Greenville
Hattiesburg
Ocean Springs
Olive Branch
Starkville
The cheapest home insurance in Mississippi
Here are the insurers we found with average annual rates below the Mississippi average of $2,510.
What to know about Mississippi homeowners insurance
Mississippi sees a wide range of severe weather that homeowners should consider when shopping for the best homeowners insurance in the state.
Hurricanes
On the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi is vulnerable to hurricanes. These fierce storms can cause damage from strong winds, storm surge and flooding. If you’re in a coastal area, ensure you have enough wind and flood damage coverage. Read more about hurricane insurance.
Wind damage is typically included in a standard homeowners insurance policy. However, residents of coastal areas may have windstorm exclusions or a separate wind deductible. These are often a flat rate, such as $1,000 or a percentage of your dwelling coverage. For example, your policy may have a $1,000 deductible for most claims and a 1% deductible for hail or wind claims. So if your house has $250,000 worth of dwelling coverage, you’d have to pay for the first $2,500 of hail damage yourself.
If wind damage is not covered in your policy, you may be able to purchase separate wind coverage from the “windpool,” or the Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association.
Flooding
Flooding is a common hazard in Mississippi, particularly in areas near rivers or other bodies of water or due to hurricanes and tropical storms. Flood damage is not typically covered by standard homeowners insurance; you’ll need to buy a separate flood insurance policy.
To find out if you’re at risk, check out the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood maps or visit RiskFactor.com, a website from the nonprofit First Street Foundation. Even if your property is deemed low risk, it may be worthwhile to purchase flood insurance for extra peace of mind.
Remember that while you can purchase flood coverage anytime, there’s typically a 30-day waiting period before the insurance takes effect. Here’s more information about flood insurance and waiting periods.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are not uncommon in Mississippi, and they seem to be increasing in frequency. The past five years have averaged 86 tornadoes a year, up from an average of 33 a year. Much like hurricanes, the force of wind from these storms can cause significant damage to homes.
Thankfully, standard homeowners insurance will cover tornado damage, but you’ll still want to review your policy carefully. There may be a separate deductible for wind damage, as described in the hurricane section.
Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorms that produce hail are common in Mississippi. In 2022, there were 108 reports of hail-producing thunderstorms. Hail can cause significant damage to roofs, windows, and siding. The good news for homeowners is that hail damage is often covered by standard policies.
However, as with wind damage, you may have a separate deductible for hail claims, so read your policy carefully to ensure you know what’s covered.
Mississippi insurance department
The Mississippi Insurance Department oversees the state’s insurance industry and provides consumer protection and resources. For example, its website includes guides to shopping for homeowners insurance in Mississippi, a hurricane insurance checklist and other disaster preparedness information.
You can file a complaint against your insurance company with the Mississippi Insurance Department; you can do so by mail, fax or online form. If you have questions about filing a complaint or need help, you can request assistance by email at [email protected] or toll-free at 800-562-2957.
Amanda Shapland contributed to this story.
Frequently asked questions
Is homeowners insurance required in Mississippi?
Homeowners insurance isn’t legally required in Mississippi, but your mortgage lender may require you to buy it.
Does Mississippi homeowners insurance cover flooding?
A standard homeowners policy typically doesn’t cover flooding. That means you may want to buy separate flood insurance if your home is in a high-risk area. Learn how to find the best flood insurance.
How can I save money on home insurance in Mississippi?
There are several ways to save money on homeowners insurance in Mississippi:
Shop around to make sure you’re getting the best rate.
Choose a higher deductible. In case of any claims, you’ll pay more out of pocket, but your premiums will be lower.
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It’s been drilled in our heads for the last 36 months: “lender’s standards are going higher, while our FICO scores are headed lower.”
This divergence in underwriting standards and scores is bad news for a whole lot of people, roughly 70,000,000, who now score below 650. And those of you who are smart have made some effort to increase your scores so you can enjoy the most “shopper friendly” credit environment in 20 years.
If you’ve already found yourself in the land of the 780s, it’s time to take your foot off the accelerator because you’re good — really good. Any further efforts have you officially beating a dead horse and attempts to take the magic number any higher could land you back in the land of the 720s.
Here’s what you need to hear (though you may not want to):
There is no incremental value to being higher than 780
Other than bragging rights, there’s really no reason to stress out about your scores if they’re already over 780. Even in today’s credit environment a 780 puts you about 20 points to good and you’ve now found yourself squarely among the credit elite. You will likely get whatever you’re applying for at the best rates and terms the lender or insurance company has to offer.
As of September 2010, a 780 FICO score gets you a credit card at 7.9% (issued by a credit union). It also gets you auto financing from a captive lender (the manufacturer’s finance arm) for as low as 0% on selected models. And even if captive financing isn’t an option for you, a 780 gets you rates as low as 5.2% for a new car. And if you’re trying to buy a home, a 780 (along with satisfying other non-credit criteria) gets you a rate around 4%, which is crazy low.
The point is, your rates, premiums and terms will be no better at FICO 810, 830 or 850 than they are at 780.
You can do more harm than good
If I’ve said it once I’ve said it 1000 times…credit scores move like water. They’re going to take the path of least resistance. That means a score of 780 is easier to turn into a 680 than it is to turn it into an 800.
This is especially true for people with young (age) or thin (number of accounts) credit files. The good people at Mint.com have told me that many of their MintLife readers are in their 20s.
Something that you won’t see from reading online stories about credit scoring models is the fact that young people generally have younger credit reports (duh). That’s determined by calculating the average age of the accounts on your credit reports by looking at the “date opened” of your accounts. And the younger the credit file the more volatile the score. In English this means your scores are going to react to changes in your credit data more significantly than someone who has had credit for decades. So this story is especially meaningful to Mint readers because of their age and their younger credit files.
If you apply for and open a new account, apply for a credit line increase, max out a credit card, miss a payment, have a collection show up on your credit report, or experience a variety of other credit incidents, your scores are likely to be damaged disproportionately to someone who has a well-aged credit report. This is because you don’t have as much positive compensatory information to offset the bad stuff.
Yes, your scores can actually be too high
Some lenders don’t want an abundance of customers whose scores are too high. Stratospheric scores, those well into the 800s, generally belong to people who don’t use credit. And those who don’t use credit don’t generate income.
For the first time ever there’s now a sweet spot, credit score wise. You really want to fall between 760 and 810, give or take a few points in either direction. The 760 means you’re a very good credit risk. It also means you’re probably using credit, have credit card balances, and have installment loans. This means you’re generating revenue for your lenders and credit card issuers.
If you score too high it means you are probably not using credit cards. You’re a very good credit risk but that’s not good enough in today’s credit environment. The lender wants and needs to make some dough and if your score indicates that you’re a great credit risk but have poor revenue potential then they might just decline you. Yes, you can get declined for having too high of a score. It’s called a “high side override”, meaning you scored higher than the lender’s low-end criteria but they still declined you.
So for those of you who are at 760-780, your journey has ended. Sit back and enjoy the view from atop the FICO score mountain!!
For The Haters
Save it. This isn’t score obsession. As long as lenders, insurance companies, utility companies and landlords use credit scoring to determine rates, premiums, deposit requirements and terms (and employers use credit reports as part of employment screening) it’s something we have to take seriously, and you should regularly check your free credit report to keep tabs on your financial health.
You can’t “choose” to not be under the influence of your credit reports and credit scores. That’s not possible. Having good credit reports and scores, and paying less for things (your mortgage, your car loan and your insurance) is a “Top 5” wealth building tool. Trying to earn a great FICO score is no different than checking the performance and allocation of your investments. The minute credit reports and credit scores cease to have importance, I promise I’ll start writing a weekly knitting column.
John Ulzheimer is the President of Consumer Education at SmartCredit.com, the credit blogger for Mint.com, and the author of the “credit history” definition on Wikipedia. He is an expert on credit reporting, credit scoring and identity theft. Formerly of FICO, Equifax and Credit.com, John is the only recognized credit expert who actually comes from the credit industry. He has served as a credit expert witness in more than 70 cases and has been qualified to testify in both Federal and State court on the topic of consumer credit.
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If you’ve applied for credit recently – maybe for a store card over the holidays – you may have come across the term “inquiry.” Even if you’re not familiar with credit inquiries, it’s critical to understand what they are, how different ones work, and what they mean. Fortunately, we have answers to your credit-inquiry questions here.
What’s a credit inquiry?
A credit inquiry is a credit check. It’s a request to view your credit by lenders — retailers, financial institutions and others who are legally allowed to see your credit report.
Types of inquiries: hard and soft.
A hard inquiry happens when a potential lender looks at your credit report and uses that information to decide whether to offer you credit and what the terms of the offer might be. Think of hard inquiries as the types of credit checks that happen when you apply for credit, whether it be a credit card, mortgage, car loan or other type of financing. Hard inquiries must be made with your permission and in connection with specific transactions.
A soft inquiry, on the other hand, is more of a routine credit check that doesn’t need to be done with your permission. Importantly, soft inquiries won’t show up on the credit reports potential lenders request to evaluate your creditworthiness. Soft inquiries can happen for a variety of reasons. One example is when potential lenders check your credit report to determine whether to make you eligible for any pre-approved offers. Another happens when one of your existing creditors checks your credit to make sure you’re still creditworthy. A soft inquiry is also triggered every time you check your credit.
One other thing to note: if you would like to see credit reports listing all your inquiries, soft and hard, check your free annual credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Why inquiries matter.
The first thing you should know is the kinds of credit reports potential lenders see will only list hard inquiries, not soft ones. In that sense, hard inquiries are the ones that “count.” That’s because credit scoring models usually factor in the number of hard inquiries you have when they’re calculating your credit score. Generally, credit scoring models tend to associate a high number of hard inquiries, especially if they’re made within a relatively short period of time, with a high credit risk. It’s important to watch the number of hard inquiries you make because too many of them may affect your ability to get credit at the lowest-available rates.
Do inquiries remain on your credit report forever?
In short, no. They are automatically removed 2 years from the date they first show up on your credit report. As with other aspects of credit, the more time that passes, the less effect hard inquiries may have.
Loan shopping and inquiries.
Let’s say you’re shopping for a mortgage or car loan and want to find one with a good rate and other terms that work best for you. After all, especially with big purchases, you want to make sure you get the best financing you can. But every time you apply for credit, a hard inquiry happens. Does that mean you shouldn’t shop around for a loan?
Fortunately, no. Credit scoring models tend to account for this kind of activity. Generally, credit scoring will count several inquiries made over a relatively short period of time, like 45 days, as one single inquiry. That way, you won’t necessarily get penalized for causing several hard inquiries while shopping for one loan.
Bottom line.
Inquiries are a key, and often misunderstood, part of credit. But they aren’t everything. While you want to pay attention to how frequently you apply for credit, credit health encompasses much more than just hard inquiries. Keep an eye on your hard inquiries, but don’t lose sleep over them, especially if you’re paying your bills on time, not using too much of your available credit, and otherwise practicing healthy credit habits. In other words, keeping your hard inquiries in check should be just part of a healthy-credit new year’s resolution!
About TransUnion
At TransUnion, we believe in Information for Good. Whether it’s creating web-based financial products or sharing expert tips, insights and news on our blog, our mission remains the same: putting powerful tools and resources in your hands to help you know your credit, protect your identity and more effectively manage your financial picture.
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Everyone knows the story. Unemployment is up. FICO scores are down. Home values are down. And because home values are down, home equity has disappeared for millions of homeowners. And since home equity was the financial safety net millions of consumers used to pay off their credit card debt, well, you know the rest. Let’s just agree that, right now, millions of consumers have no way to pay off all of their credit card debt.
There are a variety of ways to get out of credit card debt, right? You can budget your way out of debt. You can file bankruptcy. You can enroll in a debt management plan (DMP) through one of the member organizations of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, commonly referred to as Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS). You can work with your credit card issuer directly and seek help through one of their hardship programs. You can attempt to settle the debt on your own. Or you can enlist the services of a debt settlement company.
Opinions vary on these options. They all have their pros and cons. The purpose of my article isn’t to explore each option. I’ll do that soon.
The purpose of this article is to explore debt settlement as an option.
Settlement is quite an easy concept to understand. You agree to pay your credit card issuer an amount of money less than what you really own them and they consider the debt to be paid in full. So, if you owe John Ulzheimer’s Bank $10,000 and I agree to accept $5,000 as “full payment” then you have settled your debt with John Ulzheimer’s Bank. The bank reports the settlement to the credit reporting agencies and sends you a 1099 for the forgiven amount. Settlement, incidentally, is considered one of FICO’s Seven Deadly Sins.
Settlement can be accomplished by working directly with your bank. You do not have to hire someone to do this for you. That’s a myth. In fact, many credit card issuers won’t even work with debt settlement companies so you have no choice but to deal with them directly. This is okay because all creditors have their version of a “Remediation” department, which is where you’ll likely end up if you call them asking for a settlement deal.
Now, let’s move on to the debt settlement companies. You’ve all seen their commercials. Distraught couples staring at their credit card statements magically turning into happy families playing with puppies in their front yard, all thanks to ye ole friendly debt settlement company. Heck, there’s even a version that has excerpts from one of President Obama’s speeches and a picture of a government building in the background. It’s clearly intended to come across as a governmental program. Of course, it’s not a government program.
Here’s how they work. First they find out how much debt you have. This is to determine if you’re even worth doing business with. If you have too little debt then they won’t make enough money working with you. That’s why their ads contain statements like “If you have more than $10,000 in credit card debt call now…” If you have enough debt, in their eyes, then they’ll sign you up.
When you sign up they’ll tell you to stop communicating with your credit card issuers. I’m not kidding, they really tell you this. That means no more payments and no more return calls. The hypothesis here is to get your credit card issuer so desperate for payment that they’ll accept a settlement offer.
At the same time you’ll be asked to make monthly payments to the settlement company. Why? Because you’re creating a war chest that serves two purposes. First, this is where their fees will come from. Second, this is where the settlement offer will come from.
After several months, or longer, there will be enough money for them to make some sort of offer to the credit card issuer. The issuer may accept the offer, or they may decline the offer. Either way, your fees to the settlement company have been paid.
So what happens during the period of time you’re paying the debt settlement company (and ignoring your creditors)? Well, since that’s not a part of the commercials I’ll have to be the one who breaks the bad news.
1.Your credit will be trashed.
The credit card issuer will report the ascending level of late payments to the credit bureaus, which remain on your credit file for seven years. Now the debt settlement guys will say “well, your credit is probably already trashed so no big deal.” Wrong, new (and numerous) late payments help to lock in lower scores for additional time. And it gets worse…
2. The card issuer will likely enlist the services of a 3rd party collection agency to collect the debt.
This means a brand new collection will be reported to your credit files. Again, this remains for seven years. And, these guys can pull your credit reports to find you and determine your ability to pay them. That means you’ll have to explain collection inquiries. You’re supposed to ignore these guys as well. And it gets worse…
3. That knock at your door…yeah, that guy is called a process server.
Your credit card company or a collection attorney has sued you for nonpayment of the debt. You can’t ignore him like you’ve been ignoring your credit card issuer. If you do choose to ignore the summons you’ll lose by default for not showing up to court. This is called a default judgment. And yes, the judgment can show up on your credit report for seven years. And it gets worse…
4. Become familiar with the term “Writ of Sequestration.”
In English this is either legal garnishment of your wages or seizure of your assets. If your wages are garnished your employer will now be made aware of your defaulted debt problems because they’re the ones who will hold back a portion of your salary.
You’ve totally lost control of the situation because you chose to ignore your creditors, at the request of a company trying to profit off of your debt situation. Smart? Or not?
And, just to tie a nice bow on the top of this one, the Attorneys General in the states of Florida and Alabama have shut down major debt settlement networks because, and I quote, “they’re a scam because consumers get no value for their fees.” I’ll write soon about the DSCPA (Debt Settlement Consumer Protection Act), which will put most of these guys out of business.
John Ulzheimer is the President of Consumer Education at SmartCredit.com, the credit blogger for Mint.com, and the author of the “credit history” definition on Wikipedia. He is an expert on credit reporting, credit scoring and identity theft. Formerly of FICO, Equifax and Credit.com, John is the only recognized credit expert who actually comes from the credit industry. He has served as a credit expert witness in more than 70 cases and has been qualified to testify in both Federal and State court on the topic of consumer credit.
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What’s the difference between a credit report and a credit file? Is there a difference between a credit score and a FICO score? And what’s a consumer-reporting agency? Is that the same as a credit-reporting agency?
Many media outlets and people who pretend to be credit experts have made a living off of improperly using credit terms interchangeably. By far the most prevalent example is the confusion between the terms “credit report” and “credit score”, especially when it comes to their use in employment screening. Here’s a hint: credit reports are not credit scores and credit scores are not credit reports.
Here are seven pairs of seemingly interchangeable credit terms that are most often misinterpreted by consumers and even “experts.”
Credit Report vs Credit Score
A credit report is a collection of information memorializing most of your financial liabilities. This includes your auto loans, mortgages, credit cards, student loans, collections, judgments, liens and bankruptcies. A credit score, which is not a permanent part of your credit report, is the interpretation of that data on your credit report. Think of it this way: one is the test and the other is your grade on the test. They’re two very different things.
Credit Report vs Credit File
A credit report is a fully compiled list of information that matches your identity and is maintained by a credit reporting agency. Think of it as a final product, which is scored and delivered to lenders and anyone else who has a right to see and use it. A credit file is the “universe” of information floating around the credit bureau’s databases waiting to be compiled into credit reports.
Credit Reporting Agency vs Consumer Reporting Agency
“Consumer reporting agency” is a legal term. It means any organization that regularly compiles information about a consumer for the purposes of selling it to a 3rd party. A credit reporting agency is an example of a consumer reporting agency, but isn’t the only type of consumer reporting agency. I wrote about LexisNexis, another consumer reporting agency, here.
Credit Score vs FICO Score
A credit score is a category of products. It’s like saying cars, beer, shoes, or soft drinks. FICO is a brand of credit score. It’s like saying Ford, Budweiser, Nike, or Fresca. If it doesn’t say “FICO,” then you’re not getting a FICO score. Simple enough.
Home Equity Loan vs Home Equity Line
Despite the similar names these are actually two very different credit product types. A home equity loan is an installment loan, meaning you have a fixed payment for a fixed number of months. A home equity line is a revolving line of credit, just like a credit card. Your payment is dependent on the interest rate and your balance for that month (like a credit card). The only similarity between the two is the fact that the loan/line is secured by equity in your home, which means if you default on your payment obligation you could lose your house.
Credit Card vs Charge Card
Again, very similar names but very different credit products. A credit card is a revolving account, which means you have a variable payment depending on your outstanding balance for the month. It’s a perpetual account as long as you and the credit card issuer agree to keep it open. This means it could be open indefinitely. A charge card is a “pay in full” credit product, which means you can’t “roll” a balance from one month to the next. If your balance is $300 you have to pay $300 to exhaust the full balance. The American Express Green Card is a good example of a charge card.
Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13
These are both types of consumer bankruptcies under the U.S Code. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is referred to as a “straight bankruptcy” or “liquidation.” Under Chapter 7 any statutorily dischargeable debt is eliminated. A Chapter 13 is referred to as an “adjustment of debt” or a “wage earner plan.” Under Chapter 13 the consumer, who has an income, pays into a trustee who then distributes the money to the consumer’s creditors.
John Ulzheimer is the President of Consumer Education at SmartCredit.com, the credit blogger for Mint.com, and a Contributor for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. He is an expert on credit reporting, credit scoring and identity theft. Formerly of FICO, Equifax and Credit.com, John is the only recognized credit expert who actually comes from the credit industry. The opinions expressed in his articles are his and not of Mint.com or Intuit.
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A key component of any financial plan includes securing and protecting your credit scores by minimizing the threat of identity theft. It can often take dozens or hundreds of hours to clean up your credit after your identity has been stolen. However, the real financial threat is much greater. Take an example of a mortgage refinance.
Let’s say your credit has been badly damaged by identity theft and during the process of cleaning up the mess, mortgage rates move to historic lows (much like we’ve seen during the first quarter of 2010).
However, you can’t refinance to the lower rate because of your damaged credit. In this scenario, you could lose tens of thousands of dollars in the missed opportunity to lower your mortgage rate.
The vast majority of identity theft still happens the old-fashioned way:
People You Know
Theft of a Wallet or Purse
Mail Theft and Dumpster Divers
People You Know
Unfortunately, victims of identity theft are most likely to have their identity stolen by somebody that they know. Roommates are the most common culprits. Roommates often will not have a personal connection to you and will not have any compunction about stealing your identity. While they live with you they have access to your mail, will learn where you keep personal documents, and may even have access to a wallet or purse you might accidentally leave out.
However, even homeowners are not immune to identity theft from people they know, including children, grandchildren, and friends of children and grandchildren. These family members do not start off intending to hurt you, but if they get into drugs, start hanging out with bad friends, or get into other trouble they often times will try to get money the easiest possible way; from you.
Keep Your Info Private
Whether you live with roommates, or if you have teenage or adult children or grandchildren staying with you, invest in a locking file cabinet and a safe. Even if you trust your children or grandchildren, you can’t always trust their friends. Any documents that have your Social Security number on them should go in your safe. Other critical papers like passports and birth certificates should also go in the safe. Use the safe to store credit cards you don’t often use. Finally, if you have written down any pin numbers or passwords, these should go in your safe. Documents with account numbers (bank statements and brokerage statements) can go into your locking file cabinet. Account numbers by themselves are not enough to steal you identity so these documents can have a slightly lower level of protection.
Theft of a Wallet or Purse
This is harder to control since most often these types of thefts happen when you inadvertently leave your purse somewhere, or when a professional criminal lifts the contents out of your purse or lifts your wallet in a crowded area. The main vulnerability in these situations is that the criminal has your ID and most likely your credit cards. Precious hours can pass before you realize that your purse or wallet is missing. During these times, sophisticated criminals will have already stolen hundreds or thousands of dollars on your credit cards. The long term vulnerability is the possibility that the criminal will use your ID and credit cards to apply for other credit cards. However, this will be difficult if they don’t have your Social Security number (however, they will have your date of birth from your ID).
Simple to Ways to Protect Yourself
Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse. Always leave it at home in your safe.
Make sure your Social Security number is not on your driver’s license or other ID.
Also, never carry more than one or two credit cards with you. If you have more than two credit cards, leave the rest at home in your safe. That way, if your wallet or purse is stolen, when you call and cancel the stolen credit cards you still have other credit cards in your safe that you can use.
Once you realize your wallet has been stolen, immediately call and cancel the stolen credit cards.
Next, call the police and file a report. Do this before you even get home if you can. As soon as you get home, notify the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and Transunion) that your wallet has been stolen and give them the information from the police report. This will enable them to add a 90 day freeze to your credit. You can extend this freeze later, but the main thing is you want to do is contain any damage that may happen on the day of the theft.
Mail Theft and Dumpster Divers
Many homeowners have a standard unlocked style mailbox in front of their home. These mailboxes make it easy for criminals to steal your mail. The main things criminals are looking for are boxes of checks being mailed to you from your bank, prescription medications, and credit cards mailed to you. Checks are the biggest vulnerability since criminals can start using these right away. Criminals who steal mail usually have the ability to make a passable fake ID to use when they try to use your checks.
Less common are criminals who go through your trash to find valuable information since going through your trash is pretty distasteful, even for identity criminals. Most criminals will only go through your trash if they already have other information about you.
Protection From Identity Theft
If you currently have an unlocked mailbox in front of your home, replace it with a locking mailbox. It is best to look for a mailbox with a capacity to take small packages like boxes of checks and prescription medication. Next, invest in a heavy duty cross-cut type shredder. I recommend shredding any credit card offers you get in the mail before throwing them in the trash. Basically, anything you get in the mail that has a form you can fill out to apply for something, shred it before throwing it away.
Check your credit regularly
Federal law requires that the three credit bureaus provide you one free credit report every year. The website the credit bureaus have created to meet the requirements of the law is www.annualcreditreport.com. I recommend checking your credit there each year. There are lots of advertisements for companies supposedly offering free credit reports but most of these are misleading and require you to sign up for some service before they give you your credit report. Stay away from these offers and keep with the government required service at www.annualcreditreport.com.
I also recommend signing up for a credit monitoring service. These services charge every month (usually between $10 and $15 per month). Sign up for these services directly with one of the credit bureaus. Credit monitoring services will notify you by e-mail whenever somebody has made a credit inquiry, or whenever a new account is opened. Also, they will e-mail you every month with a status report, even if there has been no activity.
Taking these simple steps will help safeguard your good name and will protect the things you have worked so hard for! Make sure to protect my ID.
Matt Prestwich is a freelance writer and an expert on identity theft. You can find more of Matt’s writing on his Fightclub Blog. Matt is not endorsed or affiliated with LPL Financial.
