With a checking account you can deposit your money in the account and access those funds by writing personal checks. The bank will provide you with a checkbook and checks. Always be sure to have some form of identification with you if you plan to pay for something in a store with a personal check. When you buy something with a check, make sure that you have enough money in your account to cover the cost. If you don't understand how to keep records of your account, ask the customer representative at your bank for assistance.
Most checking accounts have a minimum balance requirement.
If you go below the minimum, you will be charged a fee. If you have money that you do not need to use immediately, you may want to open a savings account. The advantage of a savings account is that money in the account earns interest. You can usually deposit and withdraw money from a savings account as you wish. As with checking accounts, there is normally a minimum account balance requirement.