Monday, August 2, 2021

The Penny Hoarder

The Penny Hoarder


People Say to Give Up These 4 Things and Retire Early — They’re Wrong

Posted: 22 Jul 2021 01:41 PM PDT

Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners.

If you're not already rich, the race to early retirement can feel like it's marred by sacrifice. Give up this, give up that — like the only way to retire before 65 is if you suffer now.

Sure, you want to be able to enjoy early retirement, and that means having enough money saved to do so. But you also want to live your life now in a way that brings you joy.

A study from annuity.com found that people would be willing to sacrifice several of life's greatest conveniences to be able to achieve FIRE (financial independence, retire early):

The study shows that 20% of people would forgo having children, 27% would live without a pet and 28% would give up dining out just to have their retirement party a decade or two earlier. Some people would even move into a tiny home or sell their car!

But we know there are better ways. You don't have to give up the things you love just to retire when you'd like to. Here are a few things people suggest giving up to accelerate their retirement timeline — and why we think you shouldn't.

1. What They Say: 'Give Up Your Vehicle'

Between car payments, insurance and repairs, having a car can be a big expense. And people eyeing early retirement do tend toward a minimalist lifestyle, so getting rid of your vehicle can be a tempting expense to cut.

But unless you live in a city that's bikeable or has great public transportation, you're going to need your own way to get from point A to point B. So instead of selling or letting your lease run out, here are a few tips to cut your car expenses down:

  • Buy a used car. Even though the average interest rate to finance a used car is higher than a new car or leasing one, financially you can save thousands of dollars over the course of a few years.
  • Cut your car insurance costs. By checking quotes every six months, you can save an average of $489 a year on your insurance payments. A website called Insure.com makes it super easy to compare car insurance prices. All you have to do is enter your ZIP code and your age, and it'll show you your options.

2. What They Say: 'Give Up Online Shopping'

Online shopping can be an account drainer — it's so easy to put things into your cart, click a few buttons and wait for your package to arrive a few days later. And if your aim is to save a lot of money over the next decade or two, online shopping can be a major roadblock.

But here's the thing — you can still shop online. You just need to be smart about it: Never overpay, and get cash rewards.

That's exactly what this free service does for you.

Just add it to your browser for free*, and before you check out, it'll check other websites, including Walmart, eBay and others to see if your item is available for cheaper. Plus, you can get coupon codes, set up price-drop alerts and even see the item's price history.

Let's say you're shopping for a new TV, and you assume you've found the best price. Here's when you'll get a pop-up letting you know if that exact TV is available elsewhere for cheaper. If there are any available coupon codes, they'll also automatically be applied to your order.

In the last year, this has saved people $160 million.

You can get started in just a few clicks to see if you're overpaying online.

3. What They Say: 'Give Up Dining Out'

While the world was in quarantine, we learned to be more self-reliant in the kitchen, and many of us saw a significant drop in our dining-out expenditures (take-out, maybe not so much). So it's understandable that 28% of people say they'd give it up entirely to reach their early retirement goals.

But for the other 72% who love going to restaurants and ordering delivery, financial independence isn't off the table. There are just some strategic moves to make so you can keep supporting your favorite local spots and give your family a break from all the dishes.

First, look for discounts: You can find them on Groupon or with a AAA discount. You can even buy discounted gift cards on websites like Restaurant.com. If you have kids, check out restaurants that let them eat free on certain days of the week.

Next, make sure you're getting cash back every time you go out to eat (or swipe your debit card in general).

If you're not using Aspiration's debit card, you're missing out on extra cash. And who doesn't want extra cash right now?

Yep. A debit card called Aspiration gives you up to a 5% back every time you swipe.

Need to buy groceries? Extra cash.

Need to fill up the tank? Bam. Even more extra cash.

You were going to buy these things anyway — why not get this extra money in the process?

Enter your email address here, and link your bank account to see how much extra cash you can get with your free Aspiration account. And don't worry. Your money is FDIC insured and under a military-grade encryption. That's nerd talk for "this is totally safe."

4. What They Say: 'Give Up More Living Space'

The tiny home — or small space — lifestyle has become increasingly popular among the retire-early crowd. It's cheaper to own, likely includes no mortgage and is less expensive to upkeep, as well.

In fact, 17% of people surveyed said they would live in a space smaller than 700 square feet, if it meant they could retire early. For a single person that may be fine, but for couples or families — it might just not be enough.

Instead, you could keep the space you love and find ways to save money and make money with it:

Stop overpaying $690 on homeowners insurance

Luckily, an insurance company called Policygenius makes it easy to find out how much you're overpaying. It finds you cheaper policies and special discounts in minutes.

In fact, it saves users an average of $690 a year — or $57.50 a month. It'll even help you break up with your old insurance company. (You're allowed to cancel your policy at any time, and your company should issue you a refund.)

And just because you're saving money doesn't mean you're skimping on coverage. Policygenius will make sure you have what you need.

Just answer a few questions about your home to see how much money you're wasting.

Make up to $300 a month from your empty garage

Extra rooms in your house don't need to be left empty. You can rent out unused storage space — your shed, or your garage — to your neighbors who need it. A website and app called Neighbor can help you earn up to $300 a month, on your terms. Use this calculator to see how much your available storage space is worth.

Kari Faber is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.

*Capital One Shopping compensates us when you get the extension using the links provided.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Do You Qualify for Any of August’s Class-Action Settlements?

Posted: 02 Aug 2021 09:00 AM PDT

Need a little extra cash this month? There's still time to file a claim in several class action settlements — some without proof of purchase needed.

Read on to find out which ones you qualify for.

Hyundai Theta Engine Settlement

Consumers who experienced problems with their Hyundai's Theta engine may be able to benefit from a recent class action settlement.

The Class includes individuals who bought or leased any of the following vehicles: 2011-2018 and certain 2019 Hyundai Sonata, 2013–2018 and certain 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, and 2014–2015, 2018, and certain 2019 Hyundai Tucson vehicles equipped with or replaced with a genuine Theta II 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection engine within OEM specifications.

The noted 2019 vehicles are eligible if they were manufactured before the Knock Sensor Detection System technology was incorporated into production.

Plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit claimed some Hyundai vehicles are defective and prone to engine problems, including seizing, stalling, engine failure and engine fire.

Several types of relief are available, including reimbursement for repairs and items such as rental cars; compensation for reduced trade-in value and engine fires; and rebates on the purchase of a replacement vehicle, among other things.

Claims are due by Aug. 10, 2021.

Dollar General DG Auto Motor Oil $28.5M Class Action Settlement

Consumers who purchased certain DG Auto motor oils between Sept. 1, 2010, and Dec. 31, 2017, may be eligible to file claims for property damage thanks to a $28.5 million settlement.

The Class is made up of anyone living in the U.S. who purchased any of the following DG Auto motor oils for personal use, not for resale, between Sept. 1, 2010, and Dec. 31, 2017:

  • DG SAE 10W-30 (SF specification) for use in vehicles manufactured after 1988
  • DG SAE 10W-40 (SF specification) for use in vehicles manufactured after 1988
  • DG SAE 30 (SA specification) for use in vehicles manufactured after 1930

Plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit had alleged the defendants deceptively marketed and sold oils that were obsolete and had the potential to harm vehicles.

Payments for property damage claims are expected to be up to $2,250, depending on the vehicle's mileage and model year.

Claims for property damage benefits must be filed by Aug. 23, 2021.

Kia Engine Failure Class Action Settlement

Hyundai has agreed to resolve Kia engine failure class action claims in a settlement deal benefiting Kia owners whose vehicles are allegedly equipped with defective engines.

Owners and lessees of Class vehicles originally equipped with or fitted with a replacement genuine Theta II 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection engine are eligible Class Members.

The Class vehicles include:

  • 2011-2018 and certain 2019 model year Kia Optima vehicles
  • 2012-2018 and certain 2019 model year Kia Sorento vehicles
  • 2011-2018 and certain 2019 model year Kia Sportage vehicles

The plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit claimed several Hyundai and Kia vehicle models were equipped with a defective Theta engine prone to fire and failure.

Eligible Kia owners can collect a variety of benefits thanks to the settlement, such as extended warranties, reimbursements, rebates and other compensation.

The claim deadline is Aug. 9, 2021, so file a claim ASAP.

AT&T Unlimited Data Throttling $12M Class Action Settlement

AT&T customers with unlimited data plans may be eligible to claim up to $23 under a $12 million settlement agreement with the company over alleged data throttling.

The Class consists of all consumers living in California who purchased an unlimited data plan from AT&T Mobility LLC and who, on or before March 31, 2021, exceeded the applicable data usage threshold for any user on the account for one or more monthly billing cycles such that the user would have been eligible for data usage slowing or deprioritization by AT&T in those billing cycles under AT&T's network management policies are considered Class Members.

The plaintiffs had accused AT&T of luring its customers into buying smartphones, wireless cards, and service plans through its promotion of "unlimited" data without telling those customers about its data-throttling practices.

Exact payment amounts will vary, depending on the number of claims filed and other factors, but are estimated to be $10, $13, or $23, based on which group the Class Member falls into.

File your claim by Aug. 13, 2021.

Vivid Seats $7.5M Event Cancellation Class Action Settlement

Anyone who purchased tickets from Vivid Seats for events canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic may be able to get some of that money back under the terms of a $7.5 million class action settlement.

The Class is made up of anyone residing in the United States, its territories, or Canada, who at any time on or before April 1, 2021, purchased a ticket through Vivid Seats to an event cancelled, postponed, or rescheduled between Sept. 29, 2016, and April 1, 2021, and has not yet occurred.

Plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit had alleged that early in the pandemic, Vivid Seats retroactively discontinued its long-standing "100% Buyer Guarantee," which provides ticket buyers with a legally required full cash refund.

Class Members who file a valid claim may be able to receive a payment up to the price of their ticket purchase.

The deadline to file a claim is Aug. 30, 2021.

Yes To Grapefruit Unicorn Mask $750K Class Action Settlement

Anyone who bought or used a Yes To Grapefruit Vitamin C Glow-Boosting Unicorn Mask may be eligible to claim an average of $3 per product without proof of purchase thanks to a $750,000 class action settlement with Yes To Inc.

The Class consists of anyone who bought or used the Yes To Grapefruit Vitamin C Glow-Boosting Unicorn Paper Mask in the U.S. at any time.

Consumers filed a class action lawsuit after the company recalled the product in January 2020 following customer complaints of redness and skin irritation after using the masks.

Class Members will be able to claim an average of $3 per product, for up to six, without providing proof of purchase.

Claims must be submitted by Aug. 13, 2021.

DG Health Infants' Acetaminophen $1.8M Class Action Settlement

Certain consumers who purchased Dollar General's DG Health Infants' Acetaminophen may be eligible to benefit from a $1.8 million class action settlement, regardless of whether they have proof of purchase.

Anyone in the U.S. who purchased DG Health Infants' Acetaminophen between Sept. 15, 2016, and June 8, 2021, for personal or household use is considered part of the Class.

A class action lawsuit had accused Dollar General of using deceptive practices to market and sell the infants' pain reliever and fever reducer.

Class Members who are able to provide proof of purchase for all their covered products during the Class Period will be eligible to receive a refund of $1.70 for every 1 fluid ounce and 2 fluid ounces bottle for which they have a valid proof of purchase. There is no limit on the compensation if the claim includes proof of purchase, but only one claim may be filed per household.

Those who do not have proof of purchase will be able to claim $1.70 for every 1 fluid ounce and 2 fluid ounces bottle of infants' acetaminophen for up to three bottles, for maximum payment of $5.10 per household.

Class Members will not be reimbursed for more than three bottles unless they have proof of purchase for every bottle.

The deadline to file a claim is Aug. 27, 2021.

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner $4.35M Class Action Settlement

Those who bought certain varieties of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner or other Simple Green products are eligible to claim up to $30 without proof of purchase as part of a $4.35 million class action settlement.

The Class consists of anyone who both purchased for personal use, and not for resale, one or more of the following Simple Green products in any size or packaging type between May 12, 2016, and May 17, 2021:

  • Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner
  • Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner (Fresh)
  • Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner (Lemon)
  • Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner (Lavender)
  • Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner
  • Simple Green Oxy Solve House and Siding Cleaner
  • Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete and Driveway Cleaner
  • Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Cleaner
  • Simple Green Wash & Wax
  • Simple Green All-Purpose Wipes
  • Simple Green All-Purpose Wipes (Lemon)
  • Simple Green Multi-Purpose Foaming Cleaner
  • Simple Green Carpet Cleaner
  • Simple Green Marine All-Purpose Boat Cleaner
  • Simple Green Heavy Duty BBQ & Grill Cleaner
  • Simple Green Heavy Duty BBQ & Grill Cleaner (Aerosol)
  • Simple Green Oxy Dog Stain & Odor Oxidizer
  • Simple Green Bio Dog
  • Simple Green Advanced Dog Bio Boost Stain & Odor Remover
  • Simple Green Cat Pet Stain & Odor Remover
  • Simple Green Outdoor Odor Eliminator

Plaintiffs in two class action lawsuits alleged the products' maker violated consumer protection laws by claiming on the products' labels that the formulas used are "non-toxic."

Class Members who submit a valid claim without proof of purchase are eligible for a refund of $3 per product purchased, up to 10 products, for a total of $30. Class Members who submit a claim with proof of purchase may claim up to $3 per covered, up to the total number of units purchased that are submitted with proof.

The claim deadline is Aug. 16, 2021.

USAA Car Insurance PIP Coverage Class Action Lawsuit Settlement

Certain policyholders with USAA car insurance and health care providers in Washington may be able to benefit from a class action lawsuit settlement.

Two Subclasses are included in this settlement:

The Insured Subclass will consist of anyone who was insured under the personal injury protection (PIP) coverage of a Washington automobile insurance policy issued by any of the USAA Entities — defendants United Services Automobile Association (USAA) and USAA Casualty Insurance Co., and USAA General Indemnity Co., and Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Co. — received medical, health care, or rehabilitation services, or medication or equipment, from one or more members of the Provider Subclass, and who made a claim under the PIP coverage of that policy, submitted (or whose health care provider submitted) to the USAA entities a bill for such services or products, and who had that bill reduced by a reason code stating that the billed amount exceeded the reasonable amount for the service provided from May 30, 2015, through Jan. 22, 2021.

Members of the Class certified by the federal court in Krista Peoples v. United Services Automobile Association, et al., Case No. 2:18-cv-01173- RSL in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, also are part of this subclass.

The Provider Subclass is made up of any Washington health care providers who provided medical, health care, or rehabilitation services, or medication or equipment to a person insured under the PIP coverage of a Washington automobile insurance policy issued by one of the USAA entities, and who submitted to the USAA entities bills for such services or products pursuant to the PIP coverage of that insurance policy, who received from the USAA entities as payment less than the full amount of the charges billed, and whose bill was reduced by a reason code stating that the billed amount exceeded the reasonable amount for the service provided May 30, 2015, through Jan. 22, 2021.

Plaintiffs in two class action lawsuits had challenged RF reductions made to health care bills that were submitted for payment in Washington under USAA car insurance PIP coverage.

While the exact amount of each Class Member's payment has yet to be determined, the payments will be calculated as 140 percent of the RF Reduction on each charge submitted on non-exhausted claims and 100 percent of the RF Reduction on each charge submitted on exhausted claims.

The deadline to file a claim is Aug. 11, 2021.

Pressed Juicery Greens Juices Ingredients $695K Class Action Settlement

Consumers who purchased Pressed Juicery Greens Juices between 2014 and 2020 may be eligible for a payment of up to $10 without providing proof of purchase thanks to a class action settlement.

The Class includes anyone who purchased Pressed Juicery's Greens 2, Greens 3, and Greens 5 juices in the U.S., its territories, or at any U.S. military facility or exchange between May 1, 2014, and May 19, 2021.

A class action lawsuit alleged Pressed Juicery falsely advertises the Greens Juices as containing green vegetables as primary ingredients when the first ingredients are actually sugary fruit juices, such as apple or pineapple.

Class Members submitting a valid claim form can receive up to $1 per Pressed Juicery Green Juices for up to 10 items purchased during the Class Period. That amount could be adjusted depending on the number of claims filed.

File a claim by Aug. 9, 2021.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best Checking Accounts August 2021

Posted: 02 Aug 2021 07:00 AM PDT

Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners.

Do you remember why you chose your current checking account?

If you got started early, your parents might have helped you open a kids' account at their bank's branch. Or maybe you went with the bank down the street from your work after getting your first W2 job.

Whatever the reason, location likely played a big part. Thankfully, you're no longer confined to a financial institution because of its proximity to you — or a brick-and-mortar site altogether, for that matter.

From higher interest rates to better benefits, it pays to expand your search beyond your local bank or credit union these days. Here's how to choose the right checking account for you.

Advantages of Choosing the Right Checking Account

You probably already know that you need a checking account. It serves as the primary hub for your money. It's where your paychecks land, and, from there, you use the money to pay bills, buy the stuff you need and hopefully slide some of it into a savings account.

Picking a bank account is a surprisingly personal choice. What makes an account "good" depends largely on your financial situation and goals. Checking accounts come in a lot of varieties these days, each with different features and benefits. It's up to you to do the research and find the one that will benefit you and your lifestyle the most.

But we can tell you a few things that make any account good. Here are a few important features to keep in mind:

  • Fees: How much will it cost you to manage your money with this account?
  • Rewards: What do you earn in return for using the account?
  • Accessibility: What are the requirements to open this account and earn the rewards?
  • Mobility: Can this account travel and move with you?

Types of Checking Accounts

There are a few varieties of checking accounts out there that offer different benefits. You just need to figure out which kind will work best for you. Some of your options are:

  • Student Checking: These accounts usually feature minimal fees and no minimum balance. They also don't offer a lot of perks. They're bare-bones accounts designed for cash-strapped students who just need the basics.
  • Express Checking: This is the checking account for today's digital person. If you don't like going to the bank, this could be for you. These accounts are designed for use on computers, phone apps, ATMs or by telephone. You may actually get a fee for going to a live teller. The upside is fees are minimal as long as you keep banking digitally.
  • Joint Checking: Need to share a checking account with a spouse or another person? A joint account lets you both put money in and take money out as needed.
  • Fresh Start or Second Chance Checking: If you've run into financial trouble and have had your accounts closed, it can be tough to get a new account. These accounts are designed to minimize the bank's risk, but they allow you to open a new account. If you maintain it well for an extended period of time, it may open opportunities for you to upgrade.
  • Rewards Checking: Rewards checking offers the highest perks, such as annual percentage yield (APY) interest on the account balance. Debit card purchases could also receive cashback bonuses or earn points for things like airline travel or gift cards. Some, however, will come with an annual fee.
Pro Tip

Check out our current list of bank promotions for a chance to gain a monetary bonus when signing up for a new bank account.

So How Do You Choose? Our Methodology

We decided to see how some of our favorite checking accounts stack up against this criteria.

We graded 10 bank and credit union accounts on the factors that we like to see in any checking account — no fees, free ATMs, good rewards, easy set up and accessibility.

What Are the Best Checking Accounts of August 2021?

Based on these criteria, here are some institutions with the best accounts:

Banks Fees Rewards Accessibility Mobility Overall
Chime Spending A+ C A A- A-
Varo A+ A B- A A
Chase Total Checking C A B A B
TD Bank Convenience Checking C A C A- B
Axos Bank Essential Checking A A B B B+
Ally Interest Checking A D B A B
Consumer Credit Union Free Rewards Checking A A B A B
Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking B F D A C+
Chase College Checking C C A A B+
Montgomery Bank New Start Checking A F B B C+

1. Chime Spending Account

Overall: A-
Fees: A+

Rewards: C

Accessibility: A

Mobility: A-

Chime is an online checking account that offers some unique features with its online bank account that traditional banks haven't caught on to yet. Consider:

  • Chime doesn't charge overdraft fees, monthly maintenance fees, foreign transaction fees or minimum balance fees.
  • Chime customers have access to thousands of fee-free MoneyPass ATMs around the country.
  • When you set your payroll up for direct deposit to your Chime spending account, your paycheck will post up to two days before payday, giving you more time to plan, save and pay the bills.
  • You can open an easy-to-access connected savings account. It allows you to automate your savings with features like the round-up tool, which will round up your transactions to the nearest dollar and dump the change into savings.
  • Its mobile app is user-friendly, making managing money super accessible via iPhone or Android.
  • It has a "Pay Friends" feature, so you don't have to mess with cash, math or other apps to split the bill.

Plus, it takes about five minutes to sign up. The bank verifies your personal information, takes note that you're at least 18 or older, then you're good to go. No opening deposit required.

For an account that'll help you strike up savings — and that could pay you two days early — check out Chime.

Want more information about Chime? Read our full Chime Bank review.

2. Varo Checking Account

Overall: A
Fees: A+
Rewards: A
Accessibility: B-
Mobility: A

Varo has combined traditional banking tools with modern technology to help its customers become financially healthy. Its big selling points include:

  • No hidden fees: With Varo, as long as you use one of more than 55,000 Allpoint® ATMs across the world, you'll never pay fees. Additionally, you'll pay no monthly service fees, no minimum balance fees, no foreign transaction fees and no cash replacement fees. You'll just pay out-of-network ATM fees and cash deposit fees if you deposit cash in-store through Green Dot®.
  • All-in-one: In addition to a bank account, you can open a Varo Savings Account (earning from 0.20% to 3.00% APY), connect your credit cards and more.
  • Early access to your paycheck: Get paid up to two days before your check is typically posted when you set up direct deposit with Varo.
  • Varo Forecast: Varo keeps tabs on how much you spend across all your accounts, so you can better analyze and project your cash flow. It also allows you to set spending caps.

To sign up for Varo, you'll have to download its free app.

3. Chase Total Checking® Account

Overall: B
Fees: C
Rewards: A
Accessibility: B
Mobility: A

Here's another account with stellar rewards: You can get a $225 bonus when you open a new Chase Total Checking account.

Getting the bonus is pretty simple, compared with similar offers. Open a new Chase Total Checking® account* with $0, and set up direct deposit within 90 days of opening.

Keep your account open for at least six months, or you'll lose the bonus at closing.

The account comes with a $12 monthly service fee, but it'll be waived if you have monthly direct deposits of at least $500. If you don't have direct deposit, you can also have the fee waived with a minimum daily balance of $1,500 (or $5,000 across multiple Chase accounts).

Chase offers online, mobile and text banking at no extra charge, and you can deposit checks from anywhere using the Chase mobile app.

You can use a Chase ATM for free, but you'll pay a $2.50 fee for non-Chase ATMs in the U.S., $5 for international withdrawals — so this account isn't the best for frequent international travelers. The bank has branches and ATMs in 33 states around the U.S., so you can avoid the fees if you've got one nearby.

young woman mobile depositing a check

4. TD Bank Convenience Checking Account

Overall: B
Fees: C
Rewards: A
Accessibility: C
Mobility: A-

The best thing about TD Bank is it'll pay you just for opening an account. You'll get $150 when you open a Convenience Checking account online (but hurry — this offer expires Aug. 3).

To get your bonus, you'll have to sign up for direct deposit and receive a total of $500 or more into your new account within 60 days of opening. Should be easy to achieve if you set your main paycheck up for direct deposit.

Your money won't earn interest in this account, but the new-account bonus is worth a few years of the interest you'd see in most checking accounts.

The $15 monthly fee on this account sounds hefty at first, but it's waived if you maintain a $100 minimum daily balance. If you tend to keep a low balance, that fee — and the account's $35 overdraft fee — could pinch your wallet.

All TD accounts include free online and mobile banking, including mobile check deposit.

Anyone can open an account online, but the brick-and-mortar banks (and ATMs) are mostly located along the East Coast. With a $3 fee for using an out-of-network ATM, you might want to have a physical location nearby

For a $300 bonus and an interest-yielding account, consider TD Bank's higher-tier Beyond Checking account. You must meet certain criteria (and be a new customer) to earn this bonus.

5. Axos Bank Essential Checking Account

Overall: B+
Fees: A
Rewards: A
Accessibility: B
Mobility: B

Axos' Essential Checking account comes with no monthly or annual fees and no overdraft fees.

An Axos representative told TPH all its checking accounts require a $100 minimum opening deposit, but after that require a minimum balance of only $1. Despite the low minimum balance, this bank rewards its customers with up to 1.25% APY  on their balance (though Essential Checking accounts are not eligible).

It will also reimburse you by the end of the next business day for unlimited ATM fees within the U.S.

Per a rep via live chat, you'll pay a 1% service transaction charge on purchases made in other countries. So even though this online bank account is flexible, it isn't ideal for international travelers.

6. Ally Interest Checking Account

Overall: B
Fees: A
Rewards: D
Accessibility: B
Mobility: A

With Ally's free, online Interest Checking account, you can use any Allpoint ATMs in the U.S. for free, plus Ally will reimburse you up to $10 — three average transactions per statement cycle — for other ATM fees within the U.S.

Another bonus is that in early June 2021, Ally permanently suspended overdraft fees for all accounts. It's the first U.S. bank to do this.

An Ally representative told The Penny Hoarder this checking account has no required minimum deposit to get started.

With a daily balance of $15,000 or more, this checking account yields 0.25% interest. Below $15,000, it's 0.10%. That tops a lot of bank accounts, but it's not as impressive as we'd expect for an account with "interest" in the name — and that balance requirement is a beast.

You can access this account online or through the Ally app, so it's an accessible choice for anyone within the U.S.

two women withdrawing money from atm

7. Consumer Credit Union Free Rewards Checking Account

Overall: B
Fees: A
Rewards: A
Accessibility: D
Mobility: B

The rewards on Consumer Credit Union's Free Rewards Checking are pretty sweet, but the requirements are hefty.

You'll earn 2.09% interest on your balance up to $10,000 and have all ATM fees reimbursed, as long as you:

  • Make 12 debit card purchases each month without using the PIN (as a credit transaction).
  • Have at least one direct deposit or ACH credit of $500 or more each month.
  • Enroll in e-documents.

In addition to that, you can earn 3.09% or 4.09% APY on balances up to $10,000 if you meet CCU Visa credit card spending requirements: $500 and $1,000, respectively.

All CCU branches are in Illinois, but anyone can open and manage an account online and through the mobile app.

8. Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking Account

Overall: C+

Fees: B
Rewards: F
Accessibility: D
Mobility: A

Schwab Bank is loved by international travelers. The account offers unlimited ATM fee rebates for cash withdrawals at ATMs anywhere in the world.

You can manage your account online or through the Schwab app for iPhone, and make deposits through the app, so this account keeps up with jet-setters.

The downside? Schwab's online-only High Yield Investor Checking account must be linked to a Schwab One brokerage account. Luckily, there are no fees or minimum deposits to open either account, as long as you open them together.

Neither account comes with monthly fees or a minimum balance, but "other account fees, fund expenses and brokerage commissions may apply" to the brokerage account once you begin investing, according to the Schwab site.

The checking account offers a variable interest rate. If you want to grow your savings through Schwab, you'll want to invest through the brokerage account.

9. Chase College Checking Account

Overall: B+
Fees: C
Rewards: C
Accessibility: A
Mobility: A

The Chase College Checking Account is designed with the college student in mind. For anyone ages 17 to 24 with proof of college enrollment, there is no monthly service fee.

However, it does come with some hefty insufficient-funds fees and fees for using non-Chase ATMs.

New applicants can get a $100 bonus in their account just for signing up for paperless statements and making 10 qualifying transactions within the first 60 days. Debit card transactions count, so that should be easy.

No other rewards are a part of this account, but that's typical with a student checking account.

Beyond that, the account comes with the accessibility of one of the nation's largest banks, so ATMs are plentiful and online and mobile banking is available.

10. Montgomery Bank New Start Checking Account

Overall: C+

Fees: A
Rewards: F
Accessibility: B
Mobility: B

The Montgomery Bank New Start Checking account is what you want in a second chance banking account. No frills, but no unnecessary fees, either.

All it takes is a $20 minimum deposit to open the account. While this is a no-frills account, it offers a lot of benefits for those who are looking to get back on their financial feet again.

This account is loaded with free options, which is what a student checking account should be all about. Check these out:

  • No monthly service fee
  • No minimum balance
  • A free debit card
  • Free direct deposit and unlimited check writing
  • Access to no-fee MoneyPass ATMs

*Chase Fine print:

"Checking offer is not available to existing Chase checking customers, those with fiduciary accounts, or those whose accounts have been closed within 90 days or closed with a negative balance. To receive the $225 checking bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval AND 2) Have your direct deposit made to this account within 60 days of account opening. Your direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. After you have completed all the above requirements, we'll deposit the bonus in your new account within 10 business days. You can only receive one new checking account-related bonus per calendar year. Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT.

"Account Closing: If your checking account is closed within six months after opening, we will deduct the bonus amount at closing."

Editorial Disclosure

This content is not provided by the bank advertiser. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of the bank advertiser. This site may be compensated through the bank advertiser Affiliate Program.

Contributor Kathleen Garvin (@itskgarvin) is a personal finance writer based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and former editor and marketer at The Penny Hoarder. She owns a content-writing business and her work has appeared in U.S. News, Clark.com and Well Kept Wallet.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

No comments:

Post a Comment

How Healthy Is This Weight Loss Health Food Writer? You Might Want To Listen To This Old Guy…

I recommend eating the way I do, but very few will do it. Too strict. Probably l...