Openikng a checking account

[JonJT 10+ year member]

I'm 17 years old and want to put my money in a traditional brick-and-mortar lending institution. I've never done this before so I need some help. I don't have a lot of money, about 300 dollars and I don't have a job because football has started. Due to the small amount of money I've got, I'm looking for a no interest free checking account. Wachovia has numerous franchaises near me, so I checked their website and the free checking account fits my needs, but I have some questions.

* No monthly service fee

* No minimum balance requirement

* No direct deposit requirement

* Free Check Card with free Visa Extras

* Free Online Banking with BillPay

* Free automated telephone service

* Unlimited use of Wachovia ATMs

* Unlimited check writing

I get a Visa check card. Is this card a debit card that I can use to withdraw money and to make direct payments? Is interest charged to a purchase made with a debit card?

Thanks.

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[Randy Savage 5,000+ posts]

It can most likely be used as both a credit card and a debit card. My bank charges me a dollar every time I use it as a debit (save their ATM's), but there is no charge to use it as a credit. You will be able to use the check card at ATM's to withdraw money, and at any Wachovia bank to depost money (in the bank and as well as the ATM's in their bank).

 

[SSS 18734 5,000+ posts]

im 16 and I just got a checking acount opened a few weeks ago. It's pretty nice. And whenever your asked "credit or debit" always say credit, because you will never have to enter your pin number in front of people.

 

[Randy Savage 5,000+ posts]

I'd say your best bet is going down to the bank and sitting down with one of the advisors or whatever they call them nowadays. They'll tell you everything you want to know.

 

[SSS 18734 5,000+ posts]

I'd say your best bet is going down to the bank and sitting down with one of the advisors or whatever they call them nowadays. They'll tell you everything you want to know.

yup thats what I did. They'll set it up for you and answer all your questions. And if theres anything your unsure about, ASK!

 

[80INCHES 5,000+ posts]

open an account with this bank http://www.ing.com/index.jsp

i just opened up an account for my newborn 2weeks ago and i just put 20bucks in there just to get it open and already it grew to $23.30...

so being that your 17 i would do it........i'm 25 and i have 3 different bank accounts....u need to have money comming from different areas..but at the same time keep track of it

 

[SSS 18734 5,000+ posts]

open an account with this bank http://www.ing.com/index.jspi just opened up an account for my newborn 2weeks ago and i just put 20bucks in there just to get it open and already it grew to $23.30...

so being that your 17 i would do it........i'm 25 and i have 3 different bank accounts....u need to have money comming from different areas..but at the same time keep track of it

I wouldnt trust this guy with my money

 

[JonJT 10+ year member]

I will have a talk with the lending officer when I go to the bank, but I can't do that untill next week so I decided to ask here. It won't hurt.

I have a question about credit or debit. When you say credit, does that induce any interest or fees?

And, I wanted to use a brick-and-mortar instutition because I have cash I want to put into the account and ING doesn't have any buildings near me, but I will still check it out.

 

[JonJT 10+ year member]

Guys, I'm looking for a checking account, not a savings account. When I get a job, then I'll get a savings account.

 

[Silver 10+ year member]

Credit Unions own.

 

[JonJT 10+ year member]

That's nice and all, but I don't need a line of credit or a loan, I need a checking account and a debit card.

 

[joeboxer5876 10+ year member]

Credit Unions own.

credit unions are a good way to go. they offer most anything a major bank offers but you dont get charged any fees. credit unions are also more willing to give you a loan. loans are a great way to build credit.

 

[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

I have a question about credit or debit. When you say credit, does that induce any interest or fees?

Just to be sure you understood; Don't ask the bank for credit. He was talking about when using the debit card at a store and the clerk asks "debit or credit", tell them credit.

And no, no fees or interest. You'll just have the sign the sales slip rather than enter your pin number in the swipe machine. Saves you from people who are standing around you seeing your PIN number.

 

[AVSTANG02]

oops nm

 

[Nikuk 5,000+ posts]

Also... most PIN related transactions will cost YOU an access fee. $0.50 / per or similar.

Outside of "home" atm's that is.