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![]() Not all savings accounts are created equal. Dividend/interest rates, service fees, and transaction limitations differ from one institution to another. As you shop for a savings account, ask the following questions to find the safety net that will best protect your interests. |
Is the institution insured? Think of insurance as the cushion below your savings safety net. If the institution goes bust, your deposits--usually up to $100,000 at an individual institution--are protected. At a bank, you want to see proof of Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) insurance, says Warren G. Heller, research director for Veribanc, a Wakefield, Mass. bank-rating and research firm. At a credit union, look for a National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) insurance sticker or sign displayed prominently. If nothing is posted, ask why. State-chartered credit unions may provide private insurance coverage. If your credit union is privately insured, ask a member services representative for more information about your deposit insurance. |
Passbook or statement account? Many people remember passbook accounts from their childhood. A teller entered every withdrawal and every deposit of birthday money into your passbook. Today, statement accounts prevail. The institution mails a monthly statement that lists all transactions. If you have both your share draft/checking and savings accounts at the same institution, you'll usually receive one statement listing all accounts. Which is better? Older customers may prefer the familiarity of a passbook account. Statement accounts offer better terms, Heller says, but combined account information may confuse some consumers. |
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What is the dividend/interest rate? While lower than for other investments, a savings account's dividend/interest rate often is what entices consumers to one institution rather than another. Credit union savings accounts average 50 basis points--that�s half a percentage point--more than accounts other institutions offer. Ask the following questions:
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What fees apply to savings accounts? TIS also generally requires financial institutions to include fee information in statements. Check for these common charges:
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Multi-state banks charge significantly higher fees than credit unions. |
What transaction limitations are there? Complying with federal regulations, some institutions may limit the number or dollar amount of your monthly transactions. Others may require direct deposit of your paycheck for you to qualify for free or reduced fees on savings or share draft/checking accounts. What's the bottom line? Convenience. You use a savings account for the quick access it provides you to your money. If one institution's rules make it cumbersome to conduct business, keep shopping. |
What are the benefits of having multiple accounts with the same institution? Institutions do make exceptions for customers having multiple accounts. Some may forgive the fee for an occasional bounced check. Others may offer more-lucrative rates. Still others may waive the monthly fee for a share draft/checking account if you maintain the required minimum in a savings account. The advantages and, again, the convenience may be worth consolidating your accounts at one institution. But first make sure the individual terms for each account meet your needs. If you're comfortable with how an institution handles your savings account, check out other ways it can help put your money to work for you. | ![]() |
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