5 Perks Every Checking Account Should Have—and How to Switch Banks If Yours Doesn’t

Is there more that your checking account could be doing for you? Sticking with what you know can seem comfortable, but it pays to explore checking accounts offered by other banks, so you can reap valuable benefits and perks that translate into more savings.

Does your current checking account offer these five benefits? If not, it’s time to switch to one that does.

Many banks require between $25 and $100 to open a checking account—and then they charge you monthly fees! So it pays to do a little research. Primis Bank, for example, has two great options: Whether you choose the Primis Perks checking account or the Primis Premium account—which offers a straightforward, non-tiered interest rate (3.98%), with a 5.03% APY*—you’ll only need a $1 balance to open the account. You could find that in a couch cushion!

Chances are that you’re using a debit card to make many of your in-store and online purchases. Why not use a card that rewards you for swiping it? With the Primis Perks Checking Account, your debit card gives you $0.50 back every time you use it (except at ATMs)—with no caps. Swipe it once daily? That’s roughly $180 back each year. Cha-ching!

Quite a few banks charge at least $5 a month to use their checking account services and/or require average monthly balances and deposits in order to waive fees. Use a bank such as Primis that doesn’t charge monthly fees or require a minimum monthly balance to avoid service charges.

Ever have too many bills unexpectedly hit your checking account at once and then your balance was in the red? These kinds of things occasionally happen in life and Primis Bank gets it. That’s why they never charge overdraft fees.

Unexpected expenses arise, so sometimes, waiting for pay day to access your paycheck is a challenge. With both Primis Perks and Primis Premium checking accounts, you can get your paycheck deposited up to two days early! Once Primis is notified of an upcoming direct deposit, the bank will credit your account, up to two days early so you can pay the plumber for unstopping your sink, or the dog walker who came to the rescue when you were knocked out with the flu. And the cutting-edge app that Primis offers makes it ridiculously simple to bank from your sickbed—or on the go.

Ready to get a new checking account? Opening an account with a new bank and transferring your money over is easier than you think. Do it today—in six easy steps:

• Open your checking account with the new bank. Call ahead or check their website to see what documentation they require. Primis makes it easy by letting you apply online in five minutes or less, and with easy verification steps.
• Review your current bank statements to see where money is automatically deposited or withdrawn each month and set up Direct Deposit with your new bank. At Primis, qualifying direct deposits are paid up to two days early.
• Call your first bank to let them know you’ll be closing your account. Follow their process. Prepare for their attempts to keep you, but stay strong and focus on getting the rewards you deserve.
• Make sure your old account balance is settled. Address any overdraft fees or a negative balance before closing your account.
• Keep some money in the old account for the next 30 to 60 days in case any bills hit that you weren’t expecting.
• Close the account. Get it in writing that the account is closed. Keep that paperwork somewhere safe.

Then, reap the benefits of your new checking account—and tell your friends!

Find out more about the benefits of opening a personal checking (or savings!) account with Primis Bank today.