A Guide to Personal Banking
Personal banking services are for individual consumers. Through personal banking, individuals can manage money transfers, deposits, and more safely. However, there are many services available under personal banking. Thus, it helps to know the wide range of banking services available to new and existing account holders to get the most out of the financial institution. This post highlights the major personal banking services available in the market.
Checking Accounts
A checking account facilitates the account holder to make money deposits and withdrawals. Ordinarily, this type of account is very liquid. The account holder can access and remove money on demand using checks, automated teller machines, or direct bank transactions. However, due to the high liquidity, the checking accounts offer minimal interest on the deposits. Thus, the main characteristic of the checking account is that they allow the client to make unlimited deposits and numerous withdrawals.
Savings Accounts
A savings account is a personal banking deposit account that earns interest. The goal of a savings account is to help individuals achieve their savings objectives. Thus, individuals wishing to save money for a particular project can deposit their cash in a savings account for a short term or a long term. Typically, the interest rate you earn on the savings depends on the duration and whether the interest is fixed or adjustable. Notably, opening your savings account in the same bank holding your checking account ensures easy money transfers between the accounts.
Credit and Debit Cards
One can also access credit and debit cards through personal banking. These cards are meant to facilitate purchases in stores and online shops. However, there is a difference between the two cards. In this case, a debit card allows the cardholder to spend by drawing money from your bank account deposits. In comparison, one can borrow a limited amount of money through a credit card. When applying for a credit or debit card, consider the fees, benefits, and risks applicable.
ATM Services
Personal banking also provides automatic teller machine (ATM) services to the account holders. The ATMs are supposed to replace the human bank tellers for convenience. Typically, the ATM card allows the account holder to check account balances, make deposits, and cash withdrawals from a personal account. The advantage of the ATM services is that they are available in multiple locations, and they offer 24-hour availability.
Online and Mobile Banking
Online and mobile banking options allow individuals to access personal banking services through internet-based platforms. An account holder can perform routine money transfers, pay bills, access loans, and check account balances through online banking. These services are available through websites and applications accessed through computer devices. In addition, personal banking clients can also access services through mobile phone devices. Essentially, mobile and online banking are available remotely, which eliminates the need for physical banking.
Loans
There are several loan products available to personal account holders. These loans include mortgage, medical, education, car, and personal loans. More so, the banks avail loans on a short-term, medium-term, and long-term basis. However, one pays interest on top of the loan principal as the cost of borrowing. More so, the bank will require you to have a good credit score to qualify for loan financing.
Personal banking services can support individual consumers to achieve their financial goals. Consult your bank to explore the full range of personal banking services and their benefits.