Selecting the right account isn't as simple as it may appear.
Here is a list of the more popular checking accounts available at many financial banks:

   1. Basic checking - This is for people who just use a checking account to pay some bills and perhaps use a debit card to pay some daily expenses. Some basic accounts require direct deposit or a minimum balance to avoid monthly "maintenance" fees. You may be limited to a certain number of checks per month; exceed that number and you'll pay a "per item" fee for each additional check you write.

   2. Free checking - For most people, this is the best checking account. Free checking account has no monthly service charges or per-item fees. In other words, write all the checks you like and keep your balance as low as you like without worrying about paying a fee. Free checking doesn't mean you won't have to pay any fees.

   3. Interest-bearing - Usually requires a minimum balance to open, and you may need to maintain an even higher balance to avoid fees. For example, a bank may require just $100 to open an account, but will charge $20 in service fees each month if you don't maintain a $2,000 balance. Interest usually is paid monthly, but these accounts pay a notoriously low interest rate.

   4. Joint checking - An account owned by two or more people, usually sharing a household and expenses. Each co-owner has equal access to the account. Most types of accounts, whether it's basic checking, savings or money market, allow for joint use.

   5. Express - Designed for people who prefer to bank by ATM, telephone or personal computer, this account usually boasts unlimited check writing, low minimum balance requirements, and low or no monthly fees. The no-win situation is you pay a fee for using a teller.

   6. Senior/student checking - Many institutions offer special checking deals if you are a student or if you're age 55 or more. The benefit vary from bank to bank, but may include free checks, cashiers and traveler's checks, free ATM use, or discounts on everything from travel to prescriptions.

   7. Money market - This account combines checking with savings and/or investment opportunities to help you pursue higher earnings. It requires a high minimum deposit to open - usually $1,000 to $10,000, higher balances to maintain in order to avoid fees and has tighter limits on checking transactions than other accounts. It pays more interest than basic checking or savings accounts. This account is for people who can afford to maintain a high balance and do not write more than three to five checks each month.

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