Checking on my checking account

I’m trying to figure out exactly what documentation I need to open a checking account at a bank; I have a specific reason for this. I submitted a news tip to ABC News regarding an article they just published 🙂 ; and now they need my account details to wire over a certain amount of money.

Honestly, it doesn't matter which bank I use.

Thanks for the help.

Joseph Carter9 said:I’m trying to figure out exactly what documentation I need to open a checking account at a bank; I have a specific reason for this. I submitted a news tip to ABC News regarding an article they just published 🙂 ; and now they need my account details to wire over a certain amount of money.

Honestly, it doesn't matter which bank I use.

Thanks for the help.

Probably just a driver's license. At least that's how it works for foreign currency accounts.

Look, I’m telling you from experience here; all you really need is a valid ID, and maybe have about $5 on you just to cover the initial account activation fee—though the bank usually just hits you for the debit card and PIN setup later anyway. You don't even need to close it, since they don't charge you monthly maintenance fees like they do with a standard checking account, and honestly, you never know when you might actually need it again.

A driver's license—and even if you haven't held an account at that bank before, some kind of document featuring a Social Security number

Yeah, I went ahead and opened it at Chase yesterday. They required my Social Security number and ID, plus $10 the funds had to be transferred into the account. Thanks for all the input.

As far as I'm concerned, you can go ahead and close this thread.

hello

So, I’ve actually never needed a checking account before—it just never really came up in my life—but now that work is picking up, I finally need one. I'm curious to hear about your experiences: which banks would you recommend I look into? I'm thinking about heading over to a local branch, perhaps something like a Wells Fargo or a Bank of America, but I want to be smart about it. Specifically, if things ever get a little tight—heaven forbid!—which bank is the most flexible with overdrafts? Also, what kind of debit or credit card options do they typically offer? Any advice would be a huge help!

Are you sure you actually need a checking account? You aren't even running a deficit right now.

btw. at Chase, opening and maintaining a checking account is free for individuals.

I need to set up both a savings and a checking account—mostly because my paycheck gets split between the two. To be honest, I’m still a little confused about which one actually counts as my primary account for tax purposes... though, if I have any say in the matter, I’m hoping it’s whichever one holds more cash! 😁

I’ve been pretty happy with my setup at Chase. They give you a free checking account, most cards are included except for the Diners Club one, and you get the prime rate on purchases if you don't pay them off right away. I'm not entirely sure how they handle overdrafts, though...🤷

I’m honestly feeling a bit indecisive about my next move—it seems like Chase offers some pretty solid packages with decent perks. Ultimately, though, I just need to know I can rely on a bank if I ever find myself needing a significant overdraft or extra cushion. Right now, I’ve just set up my account at $1000, and since it’s only my first month, I’m already wondering if I should look elsewhere. If I eventually decide to take out a loan for a new car or just need some cash, which bank would you say is actually the best choice?

I’m assuming you’re looking for a checking account rather than a savings account.
Are we talking about a contract with a fixed term or permanent employment?
If it's just a temporary gig, you probably won't even qualify for a loan.
In that case, your priority should be minimizing fees.
You can always jump ship to a different bank later on.
Whatever they offer you at the branch, don't let your overdraft limit exceed one month's salary.
Interest rates on those overdrafts hit 14%.
Maybe try to snag a charge card—something like a Diners Club or an American Express—as long as there aren't any upfront fees or annual dues for the first year. Avoid revolving credit if you can help it.
If you're already planning on going into the red, you might as well stop paying interest altogether.

As far as those monthly "package" fees go, there’s zero chance I’m handing them an extra $10 every single month.
That adds up to $200 over the course of a year.
A standard annual fee for a Visa Classic is usually around $53.
Mastercard is roughly in that same ballpark, while Diners Club or American Express will run you a bit more.
You might want to look into this: Wells Fargo offers a Diners Club card with the first year waived if you open a checking account with them.
Do you actually need online banking, a foreign currency account, or a specific checking account?
All those little extras are just ways for the bank to nickel and dime you with extra fees.

Not even worth a comment...

I don't usually start threads over small things, but I had to reach out after turning Google upside down trying to find anything regarding account expiration dates.

Maybe this question is too silly to even have an answer—so please, enlighten me...

Here’s my situation: Back in 2007, I opened a checking account at a Chase branch in Phoenix for some quick gig work through a campus job service. They gave me one of those black Visa cards and everything. Since then, I haven't touched the account. Now, I actually need it again, so I'm wondering: is the account still active even though I haven't used it in about three and a half years?🙄
The contract says it's an indefinite account, but the card itself shows an expiration date from 2009 (so yeah, long gone). As far as I can remember, I never got a replacement card or any notice from the bank about it.🙂...

So, help a guy out! I'm heading to the campus office tomorrow to get a new ID, and I really want to avoid waiting in line at the bank if I can help it. Doing it here is just easier.😁

Kill two birds with one stone. Head over to Chase to grab that new card and check on your account balance at the same time.

Greetings. I am somewhat unversed in the intricacies of banking matters, so I find myself wondering: does the process of opening a checking account vary significantly between institutions like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, or Citibank? Furthermore, what are the associated costs for opening an account, and are there recurring monthly fees to consider? Or is there perhaps a venue where one might find such services free of charge?

Tyler Vaughn5 said:Greetings. I am somewhat unversed in the intricacies of banking matters, so I find myself wondering: does the process of opening a checking account vary significantly between institutions like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, or Citibank? Furthermore, what are the associated costs for opening an account, and are there recurring monthly fees to consider? Or is there perhaps a venue where one might find such services free of charge?

Honestly, it’s all basically the same shit. I guess the only smart move is to just pick whichever branch is closest to you. Just be careful that they don't try to upsell you on mobile banking features you don't need, insurance, or other random nonsense. 😎

Tyler Vaughn5 said:Greetings. I am somewhat unversed in the intricacies of banking matters, so I find myself wondering: does the process of opening a checking account vary significantly between institutions like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, or Citibank? Furthermore, what are the associated costs for opening an account, and are there recurring monthly fees to consider? Or is there perhaps a venue where one might find such services free of charge?

I noticed nobody jumped in here yet, and I'm stuck with the exact same question. 😁
Basically, do they charge you a monthly maintenance fee just for having a checking account open? Or does that kind of thing change depending on which bank you go with?

Hi everyone..

I have an outstanding balance with T-Mobile, and they’ve gone ahead and frozen my primary checking account.. I'm wondering if my savings account is also off-limits now, or if that one stays safe from them... I did some digging online and saw that businesses can freeze a savings account, but does that apply here? Does anyone have more insight on this..

If you don't have enough cash in your checking account, they’ll freeze every single one of your accounts—savings, checking, everything—across all banks in the country based on your Social Security number.