
Personal banking has gotten so easy and ubiquitous, if you can connect to the Internet, preferably on a private computer, you can set up a checking and savings account. Many online banks come with higher Annual Percentage Yield (APY), the yield you earn on a deposit over a year, than your community bank. Many also have few to no fees.
Online Banking and Savings Accounts

There are many online banking institutions, each with varying amenities. Websites such as bankrate.com and doughroller.net list online banks and offer comparisons of such features as APYs, ATM surcharges and fees.

Many institutions have a minimum balance that can range from $1 to $1,000. The average minimum is $20. One needs to have a debit or credit card available to make the first deposit online and get the account open and functioning.
Have personal identification cards on hand. Provide your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, contact information, phone number and an email account when applying for the online account.
Most online banking institution offer the customer an immediate response, within five minutes. If further processing time is required, answers often come within 24 hours and a bank's customer service representative calls or emails acceptance or denial.
If you are denied an online account, you will be given the steps necessary to satisfy the institutions requirements and an outline as to when you may reapply. Or you may simply chose to apply to another institution.
Tips
Having a balance of $500 to open an account will afford you the highest interests rates and the best opportunity for immediate approval.
Be detail-oriented and read the fine print. Pay attention to interest rates and fees to maintain your account.
Warnings
The FDIC offers the following tips at http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/online/safe.html: Confirm that an online bank is legitimate and that your deposits are insured. Keep your personal information private and secure. Understand your rights as a consumer. Learn where to go for more assistance from banking regulators.
References
Tips
- Having a balance of $500 to open an account will afford you the highest interests rates and the best opportunity for immediate approval.
- Be detail-oriented and read the fine print. Pay attention to interest rates and fees to maintain your account.
Warnings
- The FDIC offers the following tips at http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/online/safe.html:
- Confirm that an online bank is legitimate and that your deposits are insured.
- Keep your personal information private and secure.
- Understand your rights as a consumer.
- Learn where to go for more assistance from banking regulators.
Writer Bio
Juel Andrea graduated Phi Beta Kappa with bachelor's degrees in psychology and English from the University of California, Berkeley. She then went on to receive a master's degree in education from the University of Virginia. First professionally published in 1992, Andrea's work has appeared in "Bankers," "Conde Naste Travel" and "Today's Christian Woman."