Focus

improves the banking experience while minimizing costs.
Some bank benefits include instantly issued free debit
cards upon opening an account. For those looking for added
convenience, free direct deposit may be just the ticket
to make payday a breeze.
And, while technology may be top of mind to many, banks
are finding that good old-fashioned customer service is an
equally essential part of today’s banking experience. Account
holders seek branches that offer more hours in the
evenings, on weekends and on holidays when banks are
traditionally closed. The ability to speak with a live customer
service representative 24/7 is also a highly valued asset.
Online Banking
The convenience of smartphone and tablet technology has
made banking at your fingertips a daily ritual for many
account holders. This ability to review the status of funds
at any time, day or night, has proven to be essential for
today’s device-driven world. Forgetful account holders
rejoice — online bill pay is another helpful program offered
by many banks. This organizational tool allows you
to manage and pay all your monthly bills so they’re always
received on time. As an added bonus, this form of paperfree
banking is the environmentally-friendly way to manage
your money.
ATMs
Checking account holders who tend to use ATMs outside
of their bank’s network should look to financial institutions
with more convenient locations and specific accounts that
reimburse these costs. For example, the Premier Checking
account from TD Bank waives fees at non-affiliated ATMs
when the account holder keeps a low minimum daily balance.
For more information, visit www.tdbank.com.
Protect Against Theft
It seems like every day the media reports another story
about identity theft, security breaches and other situations
of fraudulent behavior. While it may seem that thieves are
always devising new ways to steal, there are ways to protect
your funds and your family. Here are three helpful tips
to keep your money safe and secure:
• Be Aware of Your Balance: While it may not be possible
to write down every transaction that occurs throughout
your busy day, having a good idea of your balance is essential.
An awareness of this figure will keep you alert of
any strange activity should you become a target.
• Monitor Your Account Daily: The tools of online and mobile
banking apps can make checking funds simple. If you
don’t have online access, see if your bank offers a toll-free
phone line to access your account information.
• Cover the Keypad: When using an ATM to check your balance
or receive cash, always cover the keypad while entering
your PIN number. Thieves are now using cameras and
other tactics to steal this confidential information as you
are pressing down on those buttons. Keeping it covered
reduces the chance of having your account compromised.
www.tdbank.com
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