This type of account is great for students and other people who generally maintain a low balance and don't need to write many checks. Checking accounts that pay interest sound more appealing than the really are. You need to keep your balance high to avoid fees. If you maintain these accounts' high minimum balances, you give up more in interest payments your cash could earn elsewhere than you save in fees. But if you ordinarily keep a high balance in your checking account, an interest-bearing account may be right for you.
Withdrawals are limited to a couple of checks a month.
The accounts target low-income customers. Express accounts usually allow unlimited free ATM transactions and checks. Most types of checking accounts can be held jointly. Once you have decided the type of checking account you want, compare your options at several banks. Most banks now charge for returning your cashed checks.