Focus

Banking
on Your
Terms
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When it comes to managing their money, people often use
the same banking provider for a number of years. Whether
you’re loyal to your current bank or are looking for a better
option, it’s important to review the available benefits to
ensure your financial needs are fully met.
In an industry driven by technology, banks now serve up a
platter of benefits to their account holders. From accounts
that reimburse ATM fees to mobile apps, which allow upto-date
monitoring of funds, today’s banking is better than
ever before. By making smart choices and using new technologies
and resources, account holders are able to minimize
their banking costs and have a clearer understanding
of their finances.
holders at various banks, 83 percent stated that they are
satisfied with their day-to-day experience. But the survey
also revealed that 36 percent are extremely or very likely
to switch banks to avoid fees. Armed with the proper information,
account holders who share these feelings will be
pleased to know of the various fee-free options available
to them.
Here are some of the other benefits today’s banking customer
can receive:
Checking
All checking accounts are not created equal. Taking the
time to find an account that aligns with individual needs
“Consumers should investigate what
options are available to them,” said
Ryan Bailey, executive vice president
of deposit and payments, TD Bank.
“For example, certain checking accounts
waive non-bank ATM fees
and some, such as our Convenience
Checking account, offer a low minimum
balance. By doing a little bit of
homework, consumers can choose a
product and an institution that matches
up with their banking needs.”
Banking benefits
Getting the most from your bank involves
a general knowledge of the
products and services that are out
there, which may exceed the offerings
of your current provider. In fact, according
to the TD Bank Checking Experience
Index, a nationwide survey
of more than 3,000 checking account
74 FOCUS of SWFL 2014