5 Benefits of Opening a Personal Banking Account

5 Benefits of Opening a Personal Banking Account

Personal banking refers to the services offered by a financial institution to individuals to meet their primary financial needs. This may include a personal checking account, a savings account, or services such as personal loans or credit cards.

There are many benefits to having a personal banking account with a local financial institution. Some of these advantages include:

  1. Convenience. Paying your bills online is faster and cheaper than buying a money order. With a debit card or ATM card, you can withdraw money or make purchases anywhere credit cards are accepted.
  2. Safety. In a bank account, your money is no longer at risk from things like theft or fires. Plus, you can insure up to $100,000, so that if your bank closes, you still have access to your money.
  3. Easy savings. Your savings can earn even more money for you just by sitting in a bank account. Most banks offer an interest rate on savings accounts, which means your money will grow over time.
  4. Lower feeds. One great benefit of opening an account at a bank is the reduced fees and free services offered to members. These may include bill paying services, check cashing services, and cash withdrawals.
  5. Access to credit. Looking to buy a car, a home, or even take out a personal loan? Banks tend to favor their members, which means having a bank account will give you more access to loans at rates that are better than small loan lenders.

Because every individual has different banking and financial needs, they may require different services from a personal banking account. However, in general, personal banking gives individuals more control over their money, more organized spending and saving, and a safeguard against any unexpected costs. In addition, personal banking services allow individuals to make their money work for them and earn even more through features such as savings accounts with interest, rewards checking accounts, and money market accounts.

Before choosing a financial institution through which to open a personal account or utilize personal banking services, it is important to thoroughly research your options to ensure your needs will be met.

Why You Need A Business Checking Account

Why You Need A Business Checking Account

Using the same account for your personal and business needs can lead to complications and challenges down the line. Opening a business banking account will help keep those finances separate, making it easier to track your business expenses and giving you access to a number of different services and tax benefits.

Whether you are founding a new business for the first time or are looking to improve your company’s financial processes, there are many advantages to opening a business checking account. Here are five of the major benefits:

  1. Track expenses easily.Combining your business and personal bank accounts can make it confusing and difficult to decipher how much money is actually coming into and going out of your business. In addition, it makes filing sales taxes and income taxes much harder. Opening a business account helps you easily track expenses and run reports that can show you how much you spent and when.
  2. Meet IRS requirements. Many businesses are required to have a business bank account by law. For example, the IRS requires incorporated businesses to have a separate business checking account. This applies to sole proprietors, partnerships and corporations.
  3. Access business loans. Opening a business bank account can assist you in applying for and accessing business loans. Without a business account, it is more likely that your loan request will be delayed or rejected.
  4. Protect your assets. Keeping your personal bank account and business bank account separate can help you protect your private assets and personal funds. For example, if your LLC encounters any financial or legal trouble, your personal credit score and finances won’t be affected.
  5. Present a professional image. If you want your clients, customers, and partners to take you seriously, you should manage your business’ finances through a business checking account. Having this account presents both you and your business as reliable, professional, and above board.

There are many benefits to opening a business checking account, however, not all business accounts are created equal. Depending on the financial institution, you may be charged a fee or you may have access to special services and benefits. It is important to fully research a financial institution and its business account options before opening an account.

How To Choose A Business Checking Account

How To Choose A Business Checking Account

Whether you are getting ready to launch your business or have been operating for some time and are looking to make some financial upgrades, choosing the right business checking account is an important step. Business checking accounts can vary widely depending on the financial institution you choose and the resources you have at your disposal. If you are considering opening a business checking account or switching your current account, here are five important factors to consider when making your decision. 

    1. Monthly fees. Business account fees differ from bank to bank. Some banks offer these accounts and services for free while others may charge thousands of dollars per month. There may be options for waiving your fee, such as by keeping a certain amount of money in your account or limiting your transactions. By researching and choosing the right bank, you can reduce your fees and make the best choice for your business. 
    2. Types of services offered. Your business bank account should be able to offer you all the financial tools you need to run your business, including in-branch services and online services. You should be able to view balances and activities, pay bills, manage company credit cards and more online. It may be convenient to open your business account at the same institution where you have your personal accounts to make transferring money and accessing services easier. 
    3. Cash and transaction limits. With a business account, you may be charged a fee after a certain number of transactions. For example, some banks have a cash deposit limit or a total deposit and withdrawal limit. If you make a lot of sales or withdrawals each month for your business, be aware that these fees can add up. 
    4. Flexible debit cards. If your business has multiple employees, or you expect to hire them in the future, you will likely need to issue them a credit or debit card for business-related purchases. While most business accounts include this feature, some banks may charge for it. 
    5. Integrations. Your business bank account should connect to your current accounting software, such as Quickbooks, to allow for easy budgeting and finance decisions. 

When it comes to choosing a bank for your business checking needs, there are many factors to consider. Ultimately there is no right or wrong answer. Everything comes down to what will best serve the needs of you and your business.