Advice please?

[aesmael]

Right now I am considering switching banks. In part because my current account does not allow a debit card with the options I want, but it had been on my mind already. What I would like advice on, is what factors should I be looking at and comparing before making a decision about this? What is important to be aware of?

Comments

[pazi-ashfeather.livejournal.com]

Make sure you're banking at Imperial Dominion!

[aesmael.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure that is a bank any more than Lucy van Pelt is a psychologist.

[laura-seabrook.livejournal.com]

You might check out http://www.banks.com.au/

I bank with the ANZ because I have a mortgage with them. Because I'm on a disability allowance, I pay no monthly fees in the fpos/atm card account.

[flynnacatri.livejournal.com]

I'm not quite sure what you mean by 'debit' so I'll throw out generic advice.


Fees - and if you are elibible for any benefits (eg students don't pay transaction fees here)

Especially day to day transactions, setting up payments.
Interest.
- and whether you'll actually be paying back on time if it's a credit card (therefore it doesn't matter; just be very careful it doesn't matter)
- if, on a savings account, it's worth saving in. (Easily accessible usually means lower interest... the inverse of a credit card)

Can you do it online? Are you charged for that? What are the standard fees like? Are they likely to affect you?

Shop and compare, and use common sense, basically.

[lost-angelwings.livejournal.com]

fees.. definitely... does it cost you money to order cheques? or withdraw money? or transfer money from chequing to savings or other accounts you might have? and how much it'd be to withdraw from an ATM that's attached to their bank?

also that they have good coverage of banking machines around the city and wherever you frequent :)

interest rates are also important... and overdraft protection or fees relating to that (i.e. if you use more money than you have in your chequing account)

hmmm if i think of more I'll tell you :) remember if you talk to them, make sure to ask a lot of questions.. if you're not sure about it ask until they explain it in a way you understand.. it might help to write down questions beforehand too...