There are lots of reasons you may be looking for a bank near you. Whether you are looking for a nearby location for your current bank or looking for a brand new company to entrust with your money, you’ll need to do some research before making a decision.

If you are happy with your current bank, but, have moved and want to find a nearby branch, it’s really about location and hours.

You can go to your bank’s website to find branch locations and see what is convenient to your new location. Be sure to check the branch’s hours and look into access to an ATM.

If you are looking to switch to a new bank, there are more things to consider.

First, you’ll want to decide if you want a bank or a credit union. Banks, which are for-profit companies, tend to have more branches and more ATMs. Credit unions, which are non-profit companies, may require that you are part of a specific group, like a company or school or organization, to become a member. Credit unions may also have better rates.

Every bank and credit union is different, so, be sure to inquire specifically about the products offered and the rates.

The other important thing to think about and research is what products and services you want to get from your bank. For some people, it’s just about a checking and savings account. You’ll want to research interest rates, minimum balances, and maintenance fees. You will likely be able to find this information on the company website. You can also look into information about loans and credit cards.

If you also are interested in a mortgage or retirement account or other services, you can ask to speak to someone at the branch to make sure you understand all the details.

Depending on the information you get, you may need to decide which is more important to you – the best rates for each individual product or the overall advantage of having all of your banking done with one company.

 

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