Protection and convenience are important reasons not to keep your money under the mattress.
Believe it or not, there are people who don't have a bank account. The reasons why they have been hanging on to their cash vary, but some think the fees and hassles of a bank account just aren't worth it. Instead, they use money orders, prepaid debit cards or plain old cash. But not having a bank account can put limitations on your financial life.
Having a bank account is a personal choice, not a requirement. However there are times when you may not be able to skirt by the fact you will need to open a bank account. Here are some of those reasons:
Lender/creditor requirements: Some situations will require you to have a bank account, because the information will be necessary on an application for a loan or mortgage. Lenders and other creditors may not have a lot of faith in your financial abilities if you are not keeping even a basic checking or savings account.
Check cashing: You may have to contend with other issues throughout your life, such as how to get a check cashed. Personal checks, payroll checks and other incoming monies may dictate your need for a bank account, if you receive checks frequently. You can cash checks without a personal bank account, but it may cost you fees for the service. If the check is written on an out-of-town bank, you may have to go to a check-cashing business, which will typically take a percentage of the check amount.
Bill payments: It can be hard to imagine paying bills via the mail without having a checking account, but some consumers bypass the banks and use money orders rather than checks. It's a lot harder to go through this process, including paying for the money orders each month, but the person will be able to skirt some bank fees. However, doing so poses a paper-trail concern. While money orders can be tracked, it may not be as convenient as having the backing of the bank in the event your payment doesn't make it to your creditor.
Lack of protection: Banks that are FDIC-insured will guarantee the safety and accessibility of your money. When you keep your cash in your drawer or under the mattress, there is no such guarantee. If your home catches fire or you are the victim of a burglary and your cash is gone, it is most likely gone forever. If the same situation strikes your bank, your money is protected.
No record of spending: If you spend only in cash and do not write down what you spend or where, you lose the ability to have accurate financial records for planning purposes. A bank account provides a monthly statement, which shows what you spend and where you spend it. These statements may be necessary at some point in your life, especially if you want to buy a home or qualify for a personal loan.
Exploring your options
Even if you have lived blissfully over the years without a bank account, there may still come a time when you will need proof of one to proceed in your financial life. There are several options other than traditional checking accounts. While fees for maintaining a bank account are certainly increasing, consumers can compare the many different features of bank accounts in both the online and offline markets.
Depending on your needs, you may be able to open a bank account that is reasonably priced and offers only the services you need. If you are just looking for a simple account that allows you to direct-deposit your payroll check or pay some monthly bills, make sure to compare several banks before making a commitment.
Check for the requirements on minimum balances, cost of account maintenance, ongoing fees for banking services and other features you might need. With a little research and comparison shopping, you will likely find an account that fits your needs without costing you a small fortune.
From MSNMoney.com/ Posted by Mags
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