TYPES OF BANK ACCOUNTS: OPTIONS, ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

bursa cpns - Different types of bank accounts serve different purposes. It is wise to put money into the account that best suits your financial goals so that you have access to the right tools to spend and save. This will allow you to get the most out of the bank, minimize commissions and conveniently manage your money.

Most banks and credit unions offer the following types of accounts:
  1. Savings accounts
  2. Settlement accounts
  3. Money market accounts
  4. Certificates of Deposit (CD)
  5. Retirement accounts

Savings accounts

Consumers use this type of bank account to save money for the future. Because your deposits earn interest, your money grows over time.

Savings accounts are usually the first official bank account a person opens. Children can open an account with their parents to instill in them the habit of saving. Teenagers can also open accounts to store money earned from their first job or homework and manage money while in college.

Opening a savings account also marks the beginning of your relationship with a financial institution. For example, when you join a credit union, your mutual or savings account confirms your membership.1

A savings account is a great place to keep money for financial goals or for emergencies, safe and separate from the money you use for current expenses.

Best for: The first bank account for kids or teens, or an account for adults who are looking for a place to earn interest on their savings or store cash they would otherwise be tempted to spend.

Disadvantages: Savings accounts often carry lower interest rates than money market accounts and CDs.2 They do not issue a debit card for purchases (however, if your savings account is with the same financial institution as your checking account, you You can use your debit card to withdraw money from an ATM from your savings account if your bank allows it). Moreover, banks traditionally limit consumers' withdrawals from these accounts to no more than six amounts per month.3

While the ordinance requiring withdrawal limits was lifted in April 2020, some banks still limit withdrawals in their rules, so check with your bank for the latest rules.4
Savings Account Tips

If local banks or credit unions are too expensive, look to online-only options. Online savings accounts often earn the highest interest and charge the lowest fees.
To fund your savings account, first deposit a lump sum of cash into your savings account, or set your savings account to automatically top up monthly.

Settlement accounts

Checking accounts are used for daily expenses. Key features of this type of bank account are a linked debit card that can be used for purchases or ATM withdrawals, and the ability to write checks. This type of account also allows you to deposit cash or checks and pay bills. Most banks today offer online bill payment services using checking accounts, making payments easier.

While traditional checking accounts don't earn interest, interest-bearing checking accounts give you the opportunity to earn extra interest on top of what you get from a savings account.

This basic type of bank account is the best place to keep cash for short term use and essential to manage your monthly cash flow.

Best for : Anyone who needs a place to deposit a check, cash, or payments, those with a relatively small balance, and those who enjoy the convenience of a debit card.

Disadvantages: Traditional checking accounts do not offer interest and are subject to various fees and limits, including monthly maintenance fees and minimum balance requirements, which can become costly and onerous. quickly. But there are checking accounts with waiveable monthly fees, as well as free checking accounts with no maintenance fees.

Verification Tips
Top up your checking account monthly. This process of evaluating cash inflows and outflows helps you manage your money, avoid fees, and spot fraud or errors before they cause serious problems.

Set up a direct transfer of your salary to a current account. If your employer doesn't offer direct deposit, use mobile deposit if your bank does, so you don't have to visit a bank branch or ATM to deposit a check.

For daily expenses. , it may be safer to use a credit card instead of a debit card, since the money is physically withdrawn from your checking account when you purchase from a debit card, but not when charged from a credit card. And if your credit card is charged fraudulently, your maximum liability for those charges will be less than for unauthorized debit card charges.

Act quickly if you notice a debit card fraudulent charge. If you report debit card fraud to your bank within two days of discovering it, you will be liable for a fee of $50. After 60 days, your maximum loss is the total amount that has been withdrawn from your account.

Money market accounts

The money market account combines the functions of both savings and checking accounts. They offer limited check-writing privileges and charge higher interest rates than savings or checking accounts, making them useful for short or long term needs.

If you tend to have higher checking account balances and want to be able to earn more interest and write checks, these bank accounts can be a great cash storage option.

Best for : people who have a large account balance and want to receive higher interest rates.

Disadvantages : Money Market Accounts have higher minimum balance requirements than other types of bank accounts. Interest rates are sometimes low and you need to keep an eye on fees. The number of withdrawals allowed per month has traditionally been limited to six, the same as for savings accounts.

Money Market Account Tips
Use money market accounts in emergencies. Funds or a place to store money for larger financial purposes (such as a down payment on a house). Don't turn to money for other purposes to make sure it's there when you need it.

If you can't find an affordable money market account, look only at online banks and money management accounts, which are usually inexpensive options.

Certificates of Deposit (CS)

A DC is like a savings account that holds your money for a fixed period of time, such as three months or five years. This usually allows you to earn more than any of the accounts listed above, but you will have to make a commitment to keep your money in DS for the entire term (ending on the “maturity date”) to avoid early withdrawal penalties.

This type of bank account is best suited for savings for financial purposes with a scheduled end date. For example, if you know you're going on a trip abroad for six months, a CD would be a good place to store (and multiply) your money until you need it.

Suitable : money that does not need to be spent immediately. You will earn more by blocking it for a while, but both short-term and long-term DS are available.

Disadvantages : If you decide to withdraw your funds early, you will have to pay a penalty. This penalty can wipe out everything you've earned and even eat up your initial deposit.

DS Tips
If you're worried about locking up all of your money, create a LO ladder (multiple LOs with different maturities) to periodically receive a portion of your savings.

To completely avoid penalties, look for banks that offer flexible DCs that give you the option to withdraw early without penalty.

Retirement accounts

As the name suggests, these are the accounts you use to save money for retirement. Most banks offer Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), but some also provide 401(k) accounts and other retirement accounts for small businesses.

Most retirement accounts offer tax benefits. Both the IRA and the 401(k) plan allow you to avoid paying income tax as your contributions increase each year, but you will have to pay taxes at different points depending on the type of account. Traditional IRA and 401(k) contributions reduce your taxes now, but you will have to pay taxes on withdrawals later. Roth IRA Contributions Don't reduce your taxes now, but on the positive side, you won't pay taxes on withdrawals later.

These are the best types of bank accounts for saving for retirement because they allow you to invest your money in the stock market, which creates the potential for more returns than you would get from deposits in other types of bank accounts.

Best for : People who want to save for their future. Retirement accounts can make it easier (by reducing the tax burden) to save money and can lead to higher account balances in the long run.

Disadvantages : Any tax breaks you get comes with strings attached. Read your account agreement and ask your banker about the rules (including participation rules). Speak with your tax preparer or CPA to find out how the different options might affect your taxes. If you withdraw early, you may have to pay taxes and heavy penalties. Finally, when you invest in the market, there is always a risk of losing money. And investments in retirement accounts are not insured at the federal level.

Retirement Account Tips
Speak to a financial advisor for help planning how much to save and what types of accounts and investments to choose to maximize profits and minimize losses.

If your company offers a 401(k) match, consider contributing enough to get a match before you start putting money into a retirement account with your bank. Otherwise, you will leave free money on the table.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What type of bank account brings in the most money?
If your bank offers a traditional IRA or similar retirement account that invests in a variety of stocks and bonds, it will have the most upside potential and is your best option for long-term savings. For short-term PV growth, money market accounts and high-yield savings accounts will yield more than traditional savings accounts or checking accounts.

How many different types of accounts do I need to open at the bank?
The number of accounts you need depends on your financial situation and goals. At the very least, it's good to work towards having a checking account, a savings account, and a retirement account. Once you have these three, you can consider other account options that can provide short-term or long-term growth.