Banks provide a written report each month showing all activity in your account that you can use to keep track of your expenses. Many banks offer an option to pay bills directly from your account. Direct Deposit can save you money. Keeping your money in a bank account is often cheaper than using other businesses to cash checks or buy money orders. Most banks do not charge account-holders a fee for using one of the bank's own ATM machines.
Many financial institutions have basic, low-cost accounts.
Some of the banks in Illinois offer basic, low-cost checking accounts. Shop around for an account that meets your needs. Be sure you understand the costs of any account that you choose. Signing up for Direct Deposit is easy. After you open an account, just ask your caseworker to help you fill out the forms that tell your bank and the State of Illinois Comptroller that you want your cash benefits directly deposited into your account.