Your money is always supposed to be kept safely in the form of an account, and you can try to avoid being charged unnecessary fees when it comes to checking accounts. No matter how small the amount, it does have an effect on your money. So, we’ve provided some tips for optimizing a checking account.

Checking Account Fees
You need to ask your bank about the service fees charged to your checking account. Ask them what is the fees and how will you be charged. Try and use a free savings and checking account, as many banks offer this service.

Inactivity Fee
If your checking or savings account is not used, you incur maintenance costs. Talk to your bank about how to avoid these charges and inactivity charges. This is one of the most important tips for optimizing a checking account and saving on charges.

Account Closing Fee
A few banks levy charges to customers when they decide to close the accounts. Check with the bank for termination charges and procedures and the amount you will have to pay before you close the account.

Minimum Balance Charge
Once you have created a checking and savings account, check what is the minimum balance required in them. These are regulated accounts and need a minimum balance to be maintained on average every month or at any time of the month. You can avoid the fees if you chose an account that has a minimum balance requirement, which is in line with your budget and how much you want to keep in the bank. You can also go for a direct deposit. Your checking account allows for the automatic deposit of paychecks each month to minimize the risk of forgetting depositing the check.

Overdraft Charge
Making a financial commitment like a debit card charge or check and you will be charged an overdraft fee. It is charged when you spend more than what you have in the bank. Keep a check on what is there in your account. You can use a checkbook check register to record the transaction and maintain an accurate register. Thus, you can prevent work to avoid fees. You can use this technology to keep track of the account. You can have text alerts from the bank, emails from the bank and a budgeting app, where you can ask for an alert when the account falls below the balance.

Return Deposit fee
This fee is charged if a deposited check bounces and is the opposite of overdraft. This fee can be charged for unavailable funds, insufficient funds, closed accounts, stop payment and incomplete checks.

Hard Copy Statement Fee
You receive this charge when you ask for a statement on paper due to postal costs and administrative costs. You can also ask for electronic statements.

Foreign Transaction Charge fee
You can avoid transaction fees if you are traveling abroad and use it for more activities. You incur ATM fees when you withdraw money. These can be reduced if you withdraw from an ATM that charges none or very little charges. You can also carry cash as much as you can. Alternatively, you can withdraw from banks, which have waived fees for the ATM withdrawal.

These tips for optimizing a checking account will help you save on a lot of money and use it for something better than frivolous bank fees.