Tony Armstrong

Banks may cause some headaches, but not having access to one is even worse for your financial health, as extra fees for basic transactions take their toll.

Steep fees and less-than-stellar customer service drive some people away from banks, but the reasons for joining one are far stronger.

While some of the basic principles of banking have stayed the same, the way people manage and interact with their deposits has changed radically.

Online Banks Give Consumers More Options

Although faulty ATMs can make you feel extremely powerless, the ball is very much in your court to fix the situation.

M&T Bank is a prominent regional bank with hundreds of branches in New York and the mid-Atlantic. If you’re in the area, it could be a good choice for you.

FNBO’s fees aren’t particularly high, but neither are its savings rates. Its online banking platform has all the basics, but little else.

If you live in Illinois, Minnesota or Wisconsin and need a straightforward checking or savings account, Associated Bank might be the right choice for you.

The best national banks are Ally, Chase, Charles Schwab, SoFi and UFB Direct.

First Tech offers solid checking options and free access to a large network of ATMs and branches. But overdraft fees are high and you’ll need to meet requirements to earn the best interest rates.

Deciding whether or not to combine finances can be one of the biggest decisions couples face. Kimberly Palmer, personal finance expert at NerdWallet, explores the pros and cons of opening a joint bank account and gives couples tips for approaching the topic. Does marriage have to mean merging money? https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/banking/marrying-money-how-to-join-your-finances-after-marriage/ Joint bank accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/banking/joint-checking-account What is a high-…

Bank of America and Chase offer thousands of branches and ATMs, and a wide selection of checking and savings accounts. Here’s how to choose between them.

Ally Bank and Capital One 360 are among the strongest online banks. Both offer free checking and high-interest savings options. See which works for you.

How to write a check. To fill out a check, 1. Include the date. 2. Name the recipient. 3. Fill in the amount with numerals. In total, follow six easy steps.

Axos Bank is an online institution offering rewards on checking, plus ATM fee reimbursements. But its CD and savings rates could be better.