Checking & Savings Accounts

A checking account allows you to use your money easily through a form of payment called a check. You can use checks to bay bills and make purchases in place of cash, provided there is money in your account. You may use either paper checks or a check card, or you may withdraw money using an ATM.

A savings account is a different kind of account. This account earns interest (extra money the bank puts into your account for keeping your money at that bank). You may withdraw money from this account by going to the bank or using an ATM.

To open one of these accounts you must complete an application at the bank, and show two pieces of identification. One must be a photo ID, the other may be a piece of mail with your address on it, such as an utility bill. You will also need to deposit some money in your account.