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Basics

Checklist for opening a new bank or credit union account 

You may decide that a checking or savings account is right for you. Use this checklist to help you gather the information you’ll need to open an account and understand your choices. Read more  

Learn when your funds from a deposited check will be available

Each bank or credit union has its own rules as to when it will let you access money after you deposit a check, but federal law establishes the maximum length of time a bank or credit union can make you wait. Read more

Understand what it means to “opt-in” to overdraft coverage

You could be charged overdraft fees in connection with checks, electronic payments, or debit cards. There are steps you can take to reduce or eliminate overdraft fees associated with your account. Read more

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Key terms

  • Automated Clearing House (ACH)
  • Automatic debit payment
  • Deposit hold
  • Fiduciary
  • Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)
  • Joint account
  • Non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee
  • Overdraft
  • Personal line of credit
  • Power of attorney
  • Representative payee
  • Explore key terms

Understand your situation

Common issues

  • You have found an unauthorized transaction on your bank or credit union account
  • You would like help from friends or family in managing your bank or credit union account
  • You want to know if you can cash a check at any bank or credit union
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Know your rights

  • You do not need a social security number to get a bank or credit union account
  • Your federal benefits may be protected from being taken or “garnished” by debt collectors
  • You have options if you have been denied a checking account based on past banking history
  • Explore your rights

Take action

How-to guides

  • How to stop automatic payments from your bank or credit union account
  • How to use online bill pay and other account features 
  • How to move your checking account to another bank or credit union
  • Explore how-to guides

Submit a complaint

Having trouble with a financial product or service? If you've already tried reaching out to the company and still have an issue, you can submit a complaint. Tell us about your issue—we'll forward it to the company and work to get you a response, generally within 15 days.

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