checking accounts

Tag Archives for checking accounts.

Need a Checking Account With NO Fees, Minimums, or ATM Charges EVER? Try These.

November 10, 2019 by Harlan 22 Comments

It’s been over 4 years since I first professed my love for the Fidelity Cash Management account – one of the best no fee checking accounts. And about the same amount of time since I wrote about the Aspiration Summit account.

But that was before SoFi Money came on the scene. That account has no fees – but also free unlimited ATM withdrawals worldwide AND 1.6% APY on any balance you carry. It’s now the one I recommend most if you’re looking to dump your brick-and-mortar bank (and you probably should).

There’s a new sheriff in town, and it’s SoFI Money

All are fantastic checking account options because there are no fees, no minimum balances, and no direct deposit requirements. Essentially they’re free to open and keep forever, even if you never use them. Even better, these accounts reimburse ATM fees from ANY ATM in the world. And there are no hard credit pulls to open.

There are a couple of key differences. But, bottom line, you should have at least one of these accounts!

Best no fee checking accounts

1. SoFi Money

STOP Leaving Your Money in Checking Accounts! Make It Earn FREE Interest Instead!

October 30, 2018 by Harlan 7 Comments

When I pull cash out of an ATM, the receipt always says I have something like $100 in my account. Yeah, in my checking account.

The truth is I keep my checking account balance low on purpose. Because money in a checking account ain’t doing nothing but sittin’ like a bump on a pickle (#SouthernSayins).

I want my money to work for me. Every day, for years. Compound interest is a wonderful tool that can work for you – or against you. So make it work FOR you!

At the very least, keep your money in an interest-bearing savings account. Pay your bills from checking, then transfer the excess to a high-interest savings or investment account.

Compound interest is one of the most powerful forces in the universe

Whatever you do, stop using checking accounts to park your money!

Get an interest savings account and/or an investment account to earn free interest

Everyone Should Dump Stupid Bank Fees (5 Options to Consider)

March 15, 2018 by Harlan 17 Comments

Also see:

Need a Checking Account With NO Fees, Minimums, or ATM Charges EVER? Try These.

If you’re paying fees to access your own money, it’s time to dump your stupid bank.

Do it now do it now DO IT NOW. If you pay $10 a month for not carrying a minimum balance, $2 to request a balance, or ATM fees when you need to withdraw money, vote with your feet. Get. Out. NOW.

Nope nope nope

I’ll share bank accounts that are completely FREE to have and use with NO minimum. Oh, and you don’t need a physical branch.

Get a FREE bank account (don’t pay to access your own money!)

Are Checking Account Bonuses the New Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus?

February 6, 2017 by Harlan 23 Comments

I opened 3 new checking accounts last week. And will earn a total bonus of $900 after making the required number of transactions and/or direct deposits.

That’s a super easy way to make $900. And I didn’t even have a credit pull.

Boom

I have around 30 credit cards. And currently can’t get most Chase, Citi, or Amex cards because:

Chase has 5/24
Citi limits to “family of brands” every 24 months when you open OR close an account
Amex has the once per lifetime (AKA every ~7 years) rule

I’m not interested in any Barclaycards. Or US Bank cards. And I can’t get more Discover cards (limit 2).

I’m really only dealing with Bank of America these days for Alaska miles from credit card sign-up bonuses. Except for when there’s an odd offer here or there.

So, scraping the bottom of the barrel. But it’s not so bad down here! I’ve been following more checking account bonuses recently – a new world indeed.

How I got $900 in a week from checking account bonuses

Get Instant Access to Aspiration Summit, the Best Checking Account in America

November 3, 2015 by Harlan 13 Comments

Also see:

Time Magazine just named Aspiration Summit the best bank account in America for 2015.

#1… I’d agree!

I’m glad I got in on the ground floor of this account. You can sign up too if you’d like!