Banking 101 - MoneySmartKC (2024)

  • Banking 101 Overview

Banking 101 Overview

Choosing and Using the Right Bank Account

Tips for getting more out of your checking and savings

When managing your money, the right tools can make all the difference. That’s why it helps to start by opening a bank account that best fits your lifestyle and your financial goals. FDIC Consumer News provides some simple pointers to help you choose wisely and streamline how you manage your checking and savings accounts.

Please CLICK HERE for more information.

HERE

Financial Education

Before opening a bank account you may want to consider taking a financial education course. This link offers a computer based program that you can complete online. Please CLICK HERE for more information.

You can also review individual aspect of bank accounts at the Consumer Protection Bureau website.

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Visiting a Bank

You may want to visit a bank before you make a your final decision. When visiting a bank you may want to:

  • Ask bank staff to walk you through internet banking options
  • Ask bank staff to walk you through mobile banking options
  • Compare costs of saving and checking accounts

You may want to choose a bank that is close to your home, work or school or even where you shop. It is important that you feel completely comfortable with the bank you choose.

  • Budgeting

Budgeting

You can findmultiple ways to save money on almost everything that you purchase. Before you’re ready to save money on purchases, you need to keep track of your money to understand and recognize where you spend your money. We suggest that you consider taking afinancial educationcourse or talk to afinancial coachwhen establishing a spending plan.

Also, easy ways to keep that budget in plan is to find smart ways to save money.

You can find all this information and so much more HERE.

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Credit

Think of credit as a tool to be used wisely. Good credit saves money; bad credit costs money.

It can be difficult to pay cash for your car, home and college education and that’s where credit can be helpful. It’s important to have a plan to build and maintain a good credit history. Your credit impacts the way you live. For instance, it can help you get a car with a low interest rate loan and even help you get a lower rate on your car insurance. But if your credit isn’t good or if you don’t have a credit score, your credit can work against you and cost you money.

You can find lots of information on Credit HERE.

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  • Economic Mobility

Economic Mobility

Housing + Employment + Education/Training + Life Skills + Financial Literacy + Asset Development = Economic Mobility

According toPEW Charitable Trusts, economic opportunity and upward mobility have formed the foundation of the American Dream for centuries and remain at the core of our nation’s identity. Yet research shows that the ability to move up the economic ladder from one generation to the next is more limited in the United States than you maythink.

Find out information about Economic Mobility HERE.

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  • Financial Coaching

Financial Coaching

Find financial education programs and services, as well as financial coaching in Metropolitan Kansas City. Find programs to suite any need.

Find programs, providers, organizations, housing coaches, and even small business coaches all HERE.

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  • Financial Education

Financial Education

Completing a financial education curriculum can help you obtain knowledge and an understanding of financial matters. Financial education is the building block of financial capability and can eventually lead toeconomic mobility. Financial education classes and events can be found on theMoney Smart KCcalendar.

Find lots of different learning curriculum for different age groups and organizations HERE.

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  • Financial Protection

Financial Protection

How Can You Best Protect Yourself and Your Information

What can you do to keep your personal info secure? Are identity protection services worth the cost? What about credit freezes? Check out theFTC’s identity theft articlesto find out. You can help people learn about identity theft — whether you’re chatting with friends and family, sharing info on a social networking site, or taking resources to a religious group or PTA meeting. It’s easy to use and share these free resources from the FTC.

Find lots of information about identity theft, fraud, and how to get your life back together after falling victim HERE.

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  • Financial Services

Financial Services

There are many financial institutions that can help you manage your money conveniently, while keeping your money safe.

Learn where and what is the best financial institution for you, How to open an account, and lots more helpful information HERE.

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  • Loans

Loans

Access to loans can be helpful for covering expenses, making a large purchase, starting a business, or for the cost of continuing education. Several types of loans are available and each can offer an avenue to purchase items that you wouldn’t have access to otherwise. It is important to know the facts about the various types of loans and the true cost of borrowing.

What Loan Is Best For You? Find all this information for whatever needs you have HERE!

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  • Online/Mobile Finances

Online/Mobile Finances

Online / Mobile Banking can help you save time and money. Learn more on what you should know about it and how it can help you.

Find lots more information on this topic HERE.

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  • Order Free Handouts
  • Saving

Saving

Saving can help you achieve any financial goal. Whether it’s a down payment on a house or car, new furniture, college tuition or retirement, you can get there by setting money aside for your goals. Saving gives YOU control of your money, prevents debt and helps you reach your financial goals.
Saving is easier when you set goals. Be sure to define your goal, define the timetable, and define the cost. Ask yourself …What’s important to me? What do I need? What do I want?

Find out all the information you could need to help get you saving now HERE!

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Banking 101 - MoneySmartKC (2024)

FAQs

Where can you get answers to your questions about opening bank accounts? ›

HelpWithMyBank.gov provides information and assistance for customers of national banks and federal savings associations.

What is 101 for banking? ›

In this Banking 101 course, you will learn about credit scores and how they work in different scenarios. You will see how lenders use credit reports to understand a person's credit history. This course is designed for anyone involved with making decisions about a person's credit risk.

Why do bank tellers ask so many questions? ›

Have you ever wondered why bank tellers often ask questions about your transaction? They are doing it for very good reasons! An important part of the teller's job is to protect customers by watching for potential fraud. Some transactions may require verification of identification, which is a government regulation.

How do I open a bank account 101? ›

You can open a bank account in person with some form of photo ID like a driver's license, passport, or state ID. You'll also need a Social Security number or ITIN for tax purposes.

Is opening a bank account a hard search? ›

Opening a bank account will not affect your credit score unless the bank conducts a hard credit check which is typically reserved for bank accounts that provide overdrafts. You're keen to open a new bank account but pause, worrying it might dent your credit score.

Is it better to open a bank account online or in person? ›

Online banks offer higher interest rates on savings products and lower interest rates on loans. If you need to deposit cash regularly, you'll likely want the convenience of a brick-and-mortar bank's ATM network.

What does check 101 mean? ›

Why Do Checks Start at 101? You can choose any starting number you'd like. Most people start with 001 but it's up to you. If you want the starting number to be 101, you would just specify 101 when you order your checks. This number is used to keep track of your own checks and the bank doesn't care what you start with.

What coding do banks use? ›

For instance, Java is still the preferred coding language in the banking sector because it is secure, reliable, and capable of processing enormous volumes of data.

What is 894 banking? ›

FAQs. What is 894? 894 is a quick, convenient, secure and easy way to perform your banking transactions (Transfer Money, Check Balance, Buy Airtime, Pay Bills and lots more) anytime and anywhere, using any type of phone without internet (data).

What annoys bank tellers? ›

Let's go!
  • #1 You don't know your account number. ...
  • #2 You don't know the last check you wrote. ...
  • #3 You cut in line. ...
  • #4 Yes, tellers have to take their lunches. ...
  • #5 You want a loan for $20,000. ...
  • #6 …Or you do have a lot of money and are a valued customer of the bank.
Jan 4, 2021

Can a bank ask why you are withdrawing money? ›

It is important to note that while bank tellers are allowed to ask about the purpose of a cash withdrawal, customers are not obligated to provide a detailed explanation. However, cooperating with the teller's questions can help ensure a smooth and secure transaction.

What do banks call tellers? ›

A bank teller (often abbreviated to simply teller) is an employee of a bank whose responsibilities include the handling of customer cash and negotiable instruments. In some places, this employee is known as a cashier or customer representative.

What are 3 requirements for opening a bank account? ›

Requirements for opening a checking account generally include a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID or passport. You'll also need basic personal information, such as your birthdate, Social Security number, taxpayer identification number or phone number.

What is the easiest bank account to open online? ›

  • Key takeaways.
  • What are the easiest bank accounts to open online?
  • Discover: Best for getting cash back on purchases.
  • SoFi Checking and Savings: Best for high APY.
  • U.S. Bank: Best mobile app.
  • Truist: Best for no overdraft fees.
  • Bank of America: Best for flexible banking.
  • Chime®: Best for bad credit.

Can I open a bank account without SSN? ›

Can I open a bank account without a SSN? Yes, it's possible to open a bank account as an undocumented immigrant or without having a Social Security number. You'll need to provide other forms of proof of ID, such as a passport, driver's license, consular ID or birth certificate.

What disqualifies you from opening a bank account? ›

Such negative activities that show up on your report and hurt your approval chances include bouncing checks, leaving an overdraft balance unpaid, abusing a debit card or applying for too many accounts in a short period of time, according to credit bureau Experian.

What are 3 questions you should ask when opening a bank account? ›

9 questions to ask before opening a bank account
  • What are the bank's fees? ...
  • Where are the bank's ATMs? ...
  • Is there a minimum balance required? ...
  • What's the accounts' interest rate? ...
  • Does the bank have good customer service? ...
  • Does the bank have online banking and a mobile app?

What is the easiest way to open a bank account? ›

To open a bank account you usually have to fill in an application form. Often, you can do this in a branch or online, and sometimes you can also do this over the phone. You will also have to provide proof of your identity including your full name, date of birth and address.

Which is the easiest bank to open? ›

Monzo: Monzo is a popular digital bank with an easy app and account opening. Its mobile app makes signup easy. Starling Bank: Like Monzo, Starling Bank has a quick account opening and mobile app. They prioritise a fast customer experience.

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