Banking

When it comes to banking, not everyone is interested in a traditional bank account. Additionally, in some cases, getting past the ChexSystems check can be a daunting task. As a result, some consumers prefer prepaid debit cards. Today, prepaid debit cards fulfill a lot of the same functions as a bank account. It’s possible to…

Wiring money can be a secure way to move funds quickly, but it often comes with a hefty fee. There are ways to reduce wire transfer fees or avoid them altogether if you know how. Banks charge wire transfer fees both on outgoing and incoming wires. This means that if you want to wire someone…

About HSBC HSBC is the largest bank in Europe and the seventh-largest in the world. The bank handles both business and personal clients, as well as corporate accounts. In the US, they operate as HSBC Bank USA, NA, headquartered in both New York City and McLean, Virginia, and employ 43,000 workers nationwide. They offer the…

Synchrony Bank is a newcomer to the online banking market, and it offers an interesting blend of old-fashioned and high-tech banking. Like many online banks, it runs on a lightweight business model so it can offer lower fees and higher rates of return. Unlike online-only banks like Ally, Synchrony has a physical location in Bridgewater,…

Over the years a number of readers have asked me how to transfer money to and from a PayPal account. I use a PayPal account, and I always transfer funds via my online checking account. But many readers don’t have and don’t want (or can’t get) a checking account. So for these folks, today we’ll…

Have you ever been turned down for a checking account? While denials are more common when applying for credit, you can also be declined when applying for a bank account. If you have been declined, it’s likely due to a reporting agency that many have never heard of, but who has a lot of information…

According to credit behemoth Discover, 82% of U.S. customers used online banking in the last 30 days. But they aren’t just using a standalone computer for their banking needs; they’re turning to smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices to get the job done. In fact, according to recent data, the number of people banking on…

Although rare, banks can go bankrupt. However, your money can be protected if the bank you deposited money with is federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or FDIC. Since it’s so important that your deposits are FDIC-insured (the equivalent for credit unions is NCUA, or the National Credit Union Administration, which also operates…