How To Get A Checking Account

Getting a checking account is not as hard as you might think. If you were turned down due to a credit check at a local bank, you should realize this happens to millions of people, but it is not the end of the road. There are actually cheaper, smarter methods to go about setting up a checking account.

Greendot

One answer to most checking account questions is Greendot." Greendot is a type of pre-paid credit card that you can pick up from most Walmart or Walgreens. This card, once activated, is usable just as any other credit or debit card. The catch is, it comes with an attached bank account from GE MoneyBank. This is for the same services as any other bank account, such as Paypal, direct deposit or ATM withdrawals. You can store money in this account and withdraw it whenever you believe necessary. It comes with the same routing and account numbers as any traditional checking account.

Store cards

Greendot is not the only company that realizes people need bank accounts, even with bad credit. Many stores offer in-store credit or debit cards. These cards all contain the same attached bank account that you can use for direct deposits or ATM withdrawals. This is always a great alternative when the local bank does not allow you to set up an account. These cards are often cheaper and come with less strings attached than the usual checking accounts.

Always stay safe when you are setting up an account of any kind and make sure it is through a reputable source. Do not open up more cards than you can pay for, and try to keep your purchases limited when necessary. These cards are a great solution for when you need to set up a checking account in a hurry, but you still want to remain secure.

Cards are a great solution for when you need to set up a checking account

by Jacob Wunderlich, Finance writer