Savings Accounts

How are checking accounts different from savings accounts?

Last Updated: 2023-02-26

When it comes to managing your finances, one of the most basic decisions you'll need to make is which type of bank account to use. Checking accounts and savings accounts are two of the most common types of accounts, and they serve different purposes. In this article, we'll discuss the differences between checking accounts and savings accounts, as well as the similarities.

Checking Accounts

A checking account is a bank account that is designed for everyday spending. It's meant to be used to pay bills, make purchases, and withdraw cash. Checking accounts usually come with a debit card or checkbook that you can use to access your funds. Some key features of checking accounts include:

  1. Low interest rates: Checking accounts typically offer very low interest rates, if any at all. This is because they are designed for spending, not saving.

  2. No transaction limits: Unlike savings accounts, there are usually no limits on the number of transactions you can make with a checking account. This means you can use it as often as you need to for everyday spending.

  3. Overdraft protection: Many checking accounts come with overdraft protection, which allows you to overdraw your account in certain circumstances. However, this protection usually comes with fees.

Savings Accounts

A savings account, on the other hand, is designed for saving money. It's meant to be used to store funds that you don't need to access on a regular basis. Savings accounts usually offer higher interest rates than checking accounts, and they may have some restrictions on how you can access your funds. Some key features of savings accounts include:

  1. Higher interest rates: Savings accounts typically offer higher interest rates than checking accounts. This is because they are designed for saving, not spending.

  2. Transaction limits: Federal law limits the number of withdrawals or transfers from a savings account to six per month. This means you can't use a savings account for everyday spending.

  3. No overdraft protection: Savings accounts do not come with overdraft protection, which means you can't overdraw your account. This can be a good thing if you're trying to save money, but it also means you need to be careful not to withdraw more than you have in your account.

Similarities

While checking accounts and savings accounts have some key differences, there are also some similarities. For example:

  1. Both are FDIC insured: Both checking accounts and savings accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This means that if the bank fails, your deposits are insured up to $250,000.

  2. Both are offered by banks: Both types of accounts are offered by banks, although some banks may offer better rates or terms than others.

  3. Both require account maintenance: Both checking accounts and savings accounts require some level of account maintenance, such as keeping a minimum balance or paying monthly fees.

To recap, checking accounts and savings accounts serve different purposes, and understanding the differences between them can help you make better financial decisions. If you need an account for everyday spending, a checking account is the way to go. If you want to save money and earn interest, a savings account is the better choice. However, both types of accounts have some similarities, including FDIC insurance and account maintenance requirements. Ultimately, the type of account you choose will depend on your financial goals and needs.

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