Banking is pretty important these days. It’s important for money management and it’s a method of dealing with your money that has been tried and tested for many years. Of course, banking can also be somewhat complicated when you aren’t overly familiar with it. There are so many things to keep in mind, such as whether you should use retail banks and credit unions, or something else entirely.
If you’re feeling a little bit lost about where to start with banking, we’ve got you. We’ve all been there before, so we’re happy to lend a helping hand. With that in mind, here are some of our top banking tips for beginners.
Analyze The Fees
Before you get a new bank account, you first need to know exactly what it is that you are signing up for. Have a look at the fees that come with the account. For instance, if you become overdrawn on the account, there are some banks that will charge you a lot of money on top for the privilege of using it. There are even accounts that cost money just to use them. Other accounts may not cost any money at all, or may not come with overdrafts. This is why it’s always a good idea to be fully informed about the account in question so that you can ensure that you are making a decision that you are comfortable with.
Look For Online Access
One of the great things about banks today is that many of them are compatible with things like online applications, making it easier than ever to access your finances. Of course, not every single bank out there offers this - some aren’t online compatible at all. This may suit some people that may not be fond of technology, but for others it would be an inconvenience. With that in mind, one of the best things to do is check in advance whether the bank is going to work on online platforms if that’s something that’s a dealbreaker for you.
Know Your Banking Terminology
Before you get your banking account set up, it’s first a good idea to get clued up on your key banking terms. For instance, do you know what an Automated Teller Machine is, or an ATM for short? Well, now is the time to learn! If you know what all of the terminology means then you will have a significantly easier time ensuring that you are making the right banking decisions in future because you won’t be caught off guard by unfamiliar lingo. Learn your debit from your credit and you’ll be good to go!
What You Need To Open Your Account
Of course, a bank account is a big financial commitment to a recognized institution, so they’re going to want you to prove who you are before they open up the doors for you. Make sure that you do all of the right things when opening your account. Fill in your application with the bank - this can be in person or online. You’ll need to give them your name, address, date of birth and a form of identification. You will most likely then need to provide some further information, including your driver’s license, passport, state ID or social security card. You will probably need to sign some paperwork before your account is opened. If you are at all confused, speak to the bank - they should be able to provide you with further guidance.
Look For Access To A Physical Bank
Having online access to your bank is important, but it’s also important to be able to go to a physical bank too. There may be things that you need to do in the actual building sometimes, such as speak with a financial advisor. You should try to ensure that you live relatively close to your nearest bank so you’re not doing excessively long trips to get to your bank provider. There are some things that are just easier to do in person than they are over the phone.
Check For Other Perks
Banks aren’t just there for storing your money - they also come with a lot of different benefits if you choose the right provider. For instance, some banks will pay you interest depending on the amount of money that’s in the account after a certain amount of time. Some accounts may come with a free rail card, or money off from certain leisure establishments. It’s certainly worth looking into these perks before you choose a banking provider as you can potentially get a lot of use out of them.
Think About The Customer Service
If you’re lucky, you won’t need to speak to your bank provider very often. There comes a time that every person will need to speak to their provider though, whether it’s because you’ve been hacked or lost your card, or anything else in between. For this reason, you should think about using a provider that will give you the customer service that you need.
The Bottom Line For Beginner Banking
Banking can be difficult when you get started, but if you choose the correct provider it can become a lot easier. By following these tips, you can choose the correct provider and ensure that your banking journey is successful going forward. It's time to bank better!
