Interest Checking Allows Bank Clients to Earn Interest on Easily Accessible Cash

Typically, we associate savings, CDs or money market accounts with earning interest on our money. But that means the finances are less quickly available. With interest checking money is as accessible as a traditional checking account but it earns interest as well. Think of it as blending a checking and savings account. Given the low interest rates these days, interest checking may be a viable tool for those wanting to make the most of their cash any way they can.

When choosing an interest checking account, take a look at how much interest is being applied to the account. There are some that will pay as much and perhaps more than a savings account while still providing access to the cash via a checkbook and debit card. Choosing an interest checking account that also includes online banking is another beneficial way to manage finances. With it, bank clients have greater management control including 24/7 access, the ability to view account balances, execute transfers, and make online bill payments to entities such as a utility or cable company. With direct deposit, funds can easily be directed to both interest-bearing checking and savings accounts. The interest checking account may also be a viable option for making electronic mortgage or other scheduled payments. Why not generate some additional income on money that has to sit in the account each month anyway?

Traditionally, bank clients had to make a tradeoff between having access to their cash via a checking account or a higher interest-earning savings account. With interest checking accounts, clients have the ability to make withdrawals, write checks or use their debit card while at the same time earning a competitive return.

There may be some restrictions applied to interest checking accounts of which to be aware. Before opening such an account, consider first your needs. How will the account be best utilized? For instance, there may be minimum balance requirements. Will frequent use of the account compromise the ability to maintain the minimum balance? Interest checking accounts may not be the best choice for daily use. In fact, the account may allow only a limited number of transfers in the account per month. So this may not be the best choice for daily use. However, as mentioned before, it might be a good choice for those who need access to the funds but on a limited basis.

The two most available types of interest checking accounts offer different features. The first, a more general type of account, features basic checking privileges while paying interest. The second, called reward checking, feature more restrictions but offer higher interest yields. Some even offer higher returns than long term CDs in some cases.

Reward checking can be a great deal for bank clients who meet specific qualifications. Some restrictions to qualify include setting up direct deposit and receiving only online bank statements. Statements are not mailed to clients. The use of a debit card may be restricted to only 10 times per month, for example. Most clients will have to actually visit the bank in person to set up the account. Some reward checking accounts also allow earnings on a portion of the deposits; perhaps the first $25,000, for instance.

For those who would rather not deal with those types of restrictions, there are alternatives which feature the advantages of a checking account while still earning a competitive return. These days, consumers are looking to make a solid, no-risk return on their funds. Interest checking is an attractive choice which may complement a client's overall portfolio.

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Comments

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 at 11:18 PM, by Erik
A great tool for finding community banks/credit unions offering good reward checking percentages is CheckingFinder.com. This identifies local banks paying up to 6% interest.

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