How to Save Money of Checking Accounts, Debit Accounts and Credit Cards

Ever look at how much money you are giving away to Banking Institutes for check cashing fees, withdrawals, ATM charges, and interest. It is enough to make a person sick. We have learned to economize our life styles and here are some tips for saving money.

Save more than $100 a year in fees by selecting a free checking account or one with no minimum balance requirement. When you open you account request a complete list of fees that are charged on these accounts, including ATM and debit card fees.

Do a little bit of leg work and check out several Banking Institutions, compare them on the internet or go into the bank itself, find out what they offer and then choose the one that is going to provide you the most in savings.

Ask for a free or lower cost checking through direct deposit or agreeing to ATM only use. There is no harm in asking.

Be aware of charges for using an ATM not associated with your financial institution.

Try to avoid using an ATM machine from another bank, the fees that are charged are outrageous.

Prior to opening a savings account, find out whether the account is insured by the federal government (FDIC for banks or NCUA for
credit unions). Your money is guaranteed by the Federal Government up to a certain dollar figure. Financial institutions offer a number of products, such as mutual funds and annuities, which are not insured.

Earn the highest return on savings (annual percentage yield) with little or no risk, consider certificates of deposit (CDs) or U.S. Savings Bonds (Series I or EE).

On your credit card payments, to avoid late payment fees and possible interest rate increases on your credit cards, make sure
you send in your payment a week to ten days before the statement due date.

Check out internet payments sites like my check free.com, there are a multitude of companies on that site that accept internet payment without a fee to you.

Late payments on one card can increase fees and interest rates on other cards. If you see a mistake on your bill do not hesitate to contact the credit card company, most of the time if you have had only one late fee and you talk to a supervisor, they will remove that fee.

You can avoid interest charges, which may be considerable, by paying off your entire bill each month. If you are unable to pay off a large balance, pay as much as you can.

Try to shift the remaining balance to a credit card with a lower annual percentage rate.

When you pay off one card, don't think that extra money belongs to you, shift those funds that you were paying on card A to Card B and pay double up on your payments.

Credit cards with rebates, cash back, travel awards, or other perks may carry higher rates or fees. Look at the brochures and your benefits before applying and using these type of card.