Is It Bad to Have Multiple Checking Accounts?
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Thinking of getting another checking account? First, find out the effects of multiple banks on your credit score and finances.
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There are plenty of reasons why it makes sense to have multiple checking accounts.
Maybe you want to take advantage of new account bonuses. Or you want the high APY of an online bank and the convenience of a brick-and-mortar bank.
Here's the good news: It's totally okay to open multiple checking accounts as long as you keep the accounts in good standing. Learn how to safely keep multiple checking accounts in the guide below.
Citi Priority - Earn up to $2,000 Cash Bonus
- Earn up to $2,000 when you open a new eligible Citi checking account and enroll in the offer the same day
- New to Relationship customers can choose their Relationship Tier.
- Within 20 days of opening, deposit the minimum amount of new-to-Citibank funds.
- Maintain a minimum balance for 60 consecutive calendar days from the 21st day.
- If your balance falls to a lower Balance Level at any point during the maintenance period, the bonus changes.
- Bonus will be paid within 30 days after you successfully complete all required activities.
- Restrictions apply.
Does having multiple checking accounts hurt your credit?
The number of checking accounts you have, and the balance of those accounts, does not affect your credit score. Your credit score is more influenced by credit accounts and debt.
It's fine to have more than a couple bank accounts as long as they are in good standing. This means you have a positive balance and avoid excessive overdrafts.
On average, Americans own 5 accounts across all types of financial institutions. Most consumers spread them across three different banks.[1]
How many checking accounts should you have?
There's no limit on the number of checking accounts you can open. The number of checking accounts you should have will depend on your personal finance goals.
Here are a few reasons why you might need multiple checking accounts:
- Almost everyone needs a basic checking account
- Business owners can separate finances with a business checking account
- Consider opening a joint checking account with a spouse or partner
- Opt for a high-yield checking if you want high APY and accessibility
Just remember, multiple checking accounts means more maintenance fees. Usually, you need to maintain a certain balance to waive monthly service fees. Stay on top of your finance to avoid unnecessary fees.
Note: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) limits how much money is insured in your checking account. The standard FDIC coverage amount is $250,000 per depositor across all accounts with the same bank.
BMO Smart Advantage Checking - $400 Cash Bonus
Open a new BMO Smart Advantage Checking online and get a $400 cash bonus when you have a total of at least $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 120 days of account opening. Offer is limited to one per customer and is not available for existing BMO personal checking customers (including signers on joint accounts) or those who have closed a BMO personal checking account within the past 12 months. Conditions apply.
Is it ok to bank with more than one bank?
It's fine to have a checking account at more than one bank. You might want to do this for reasons like:
- Other banks might offer interest-bearing checking
- Other banks may have more convenient branch access
- You may have a separate joint account with a spouse at a different bank than your personal account
You can have more than one checking account with the same bank. Some banks even give you relationship benefits in the form of a higher savings interest rate or waive the monthly fee.
Is it bad to have bank accounts at different banks?
It's completely okay to have checking accounts at different banks. Just make sure you can successfully manage each account. You don't want to accidentally use the wrong account or bounce checks. Banks can close your account for these mishaps.
If you have more bank accounts than you can carefully manage, then you have too many accounts and that's a bad thing.
Pros and Cons of multiple checking accounts
Here are the advantages and downsides of more than one checking account to consider:
Pros
- Can be easier to manage finances
- Take advantage of new checking account bonuses
- Married folks and partners can easily separate finances
- Cover more of your money under FDIC (if accounts are with different banks)
- Separate accounts prevent business and personal expenses from being mixed up (and decrease risk of fraud)
Cons
- Requires good organization
- Monthly service fees can add up
- Greater risk of overdraft and insufficient funds fees
- Harder to keep track of deposits and withdrawals
- Harder to meet minimum balance requirements for multiple accounts
5 types of checking accounts
There are multiple kinds of checking accounts, each with its own perks and features. Consider your financial needs and goals to choose the right fit for you.
Basic Checking Account
A basic checking account is best for performing everyday transactions, like withdrawing money, paying bills, and making purchases. It usually does not pay interest; it also comes with checks and a debit card.
High-Yield Checking Account
These interest-bearing accounts allow you to earn interest on your checking balance. Some banks also call this type of account by a different name, like "Rewards Checking" or "Premium Checking."
Business Checking Account
If you own a small business, it's best to keep your business expenses separate from your personal ones. There are lots of business checking account options for all business sizes - from small freelancers to enterprises.
Student/Teen/Kids Checking Account
Student checking accounts are for college students, usually age 17-24. You must be enrolled in a school to open an account.
Teen and kids accounts are usually for kids younger than 18; they require parent access and approval to open.
Senior Checking Account
These special checking accounts are designed to offer more stress-free banking for seniors. They may include advantages like lower fees and free checks.
Compare Checking Accounts
Citi Priority - Earn up to $2,000 Cash Bonus
- Earn up to $2,000 when you open a new eligible Citi checking account and enroll in the offer the same day
- New to Relationship customers can choose their Relationship Tier.
- Within 20 days of opening, deposit the minimum amount of new-to-Citibank funds.
- Maintain a minimum balance for 60 consecutive calendar days from the 21st day.
- If your balance falls to a lower Balance Level at any point during the maintenance period, the bonus changes.
- Bonus will be paid within 30 days after you successfully complete all required activities.
- Restrictions apply.
BMO Smart Advantage Checking - $400 Cash Bonus
Open a new BMO Smart Advantage Checking online and get a $400 cash bonus when you have a total of at least $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 120 days of account opening. Offer is limited to one per customer and is not available for existing BMO personal checking customers (including signers on joint accounts) or those who have closed a BMO personal checking account within the past 12 months. Conditions apply.
Chase Total Checking® - $200 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $200 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- Access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
BMO Smart Money Checking - $400 Cash Bonus
Open a new BMO Smart Money Checking online and get a $400 cash bonus when you have a total of at least $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 120 days of account opening. Offer is limited to one per customer and is not available for existing BMO personal checking customers (including signers on joint accounts) or those who have closed a BMO personal checking account within the past 12 months. Conditions apply.
BMO Relationship Checking - $600 Cash Bonus
Open a new BMO Relationship Checking and get a $600 cash bonus when you have a total of at least $7,500 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 120 days of account opening. Offer is limited to one per customer and is not available for existing BMO personal checking customers (including signers on joint accounts) or those who have closed a BMO personal checking account within the past 12 months. Conditions apply.
Bottom Line
There's no set number for how many checking accounts you should have. How many accounts you should have depends on your personal circumstances and financial situation.
If you're in the market for a checking account, be sure to check out these free checking options and bank bonuses without direct deposit requirements.
References
- ^ "ATM Banking: It's Not Just About Cash Withdrawal Anymore": Mercator Advisory Group, 2019.
Amber Kong is a content specialist at CreditDonkey, a bank comparison and reviews website. Write to Amber Kong at amber.kong@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
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