Is the bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporate (FDIC)?
If so, your deposits will be protected up to $250,000, through December 31, 2009. After this date, the amount protected may be adjusted. • Does the bank offer debit cards? Debit cards look like credit cards but operate like a cash withdrawal or a personal check. When you use a debit card to purchase something, the cost of the item is automatically deducted directly from your checking or savings account. The debit card limits you to spending only what is in your account. It is generally accepted where credit cards are, and often can be used at locations that don’t accept personal checks. Using a debit card instead of writing checks saves you from showing identification or giving out personal information at the time of the transaction. • What special services does the bank offer, what are the costs, and are they the services you need? For example, banks may offer overdraft protection, direct deposit, loans and mortgages, retirement services or IRAs, credit cards, brokerage services for s
