These include fees for bounced checks, returned deposits and stop payments, among other fees routinely imposed by banks regardless of whether the account carries a monthly service charge or not. Tips for saving money on your checking account Ask for a statement of fees when you open a new account. It will list all the possible charges you could incur. Review the inserts that come with your monthly statement, because this is how banks notify you of changes in fees or terms. If the account requires that you conduct certain transactions at ATMs, make sure you understand in which situations you are allowed to visit a teller without incurring an additional fee.
Banks usually charge more for checks than do other companies.
Mail order check printing firms offer better bargains-and a wider selection of designs and varieties. Or look for an account which offers you free access to other banks' ATMs.