Bank fees may seem small, but they really add up. As with anything else, the best deal isn't likely to find you, so you have to look around to find it. The internet is a great way to search. You can use the links we provide to compare fees, yields and minimum deposit requirements for banks all over the country. Buy your checks direct rather than from the bank.
Banks usually charge three or four times what the discount printers charge.
If there's any chance you might bounce a check, you should ask for overdraft protection. The interest rate will be exorbitant, but if you pay it off quickly it should be much less expensive than the bounced check fee. Consider banking online. The low interest and high fees on your account are partially due to the bank's need to pay rent on that building and keep tellers behind those windows. You should consider opening an account online.