Finance Australia :: Articles

Choosing the Right Bank

How do I choose the right bank for my savings or transactional account?

Choosing the Right Bank

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Financial institutions are located all around the world. If you are looking to open a bank account, whether that bank account is a transactional account or a savings account, you have a number of banking options.

In fact, you have so many options that choosing the right bank may seem like an overwhelming process.

To make that process easier, you will need to know what to look for in a bank.

Location is the key to many.

If you are interested in having easy access to a bank, you may want to consider doing business with a local bank or a national bank that has a local office in your area.

These banks are ideal for those with cheque accounts or debit cards.

You may find that using an ATM machine, other than the one provided at your bank, results in extra fees.

This is one of the many reasons why banking with a local institution is popular, because you will have easy access to your money.

Time to Refinance?
Image for Time to Refinance?If you are seeking lower rates, lower fees and more flexibility in your home loan. you are in luck! Our national panel of mortgage brokers is looking forward to an opportunity to assist you. Apply online for a free eligibility assessment and one of our broker network refinance specialists will get on the case to track down the best deal for your individual circumstances. Without any obligation and at no charge to you!

When finding the perfect bank for you to do business with, it is also important to determine what you want and need from a bank.

Whether you are interested in opening a savings account or a cheque account, it is important to examine the fees that each bank will charge.

If you are interested in opening a savings account for someone under the age of eighteen, you may find that you are able to receive a free account.

Adults, on the other hand, are often required to pay a monthly fee or maintain a certain balance in their account.

If you are interested in opening a cheque account, there are also a number of fees that you should be on the lookout for.

It is possible to obtain a free cheque account, but many of these accounts come with specific requirements.

You are likely to come across a number of financial institutions that require you to have a set amount of money in your account at all times.

It is also possible to find banks that grant you free cheques as long as you have your pay directly deposited into your account.

There are a large number of banks that will allow you to carry a debit card.

These debit cards can often be linked directly to a savings account or a cheque account.

It is important to determine if you will be charged for obtaining a debit card. Many banks charge an upfront fee, typically less than five dollars, for requesting a debit card.

A number of banks also change monthly fees for using a debit card.

The same can be said for cheques.

In addition to paying for new cheques, there are many financial institutions that charge their clients a set amount of money each time they want to write a cheque.

It is important to keep all of the above mentioned points in mind when searching for a bank.

In addition to determining the cost of banking with a specific institution, you are also encouraged to examine the level of service that you will receive.

You will want to do business with a bank that has a friendly and knowledgeable staff.

By visiting the bank or calling to speak with an employee, you can easily determine the level of service that you should expect to receive.

Choosing a bank is not a decision that should be made on a whim.

A bank is supposed to save you money, but without the proper amount of research it is possible to end up with one that costs you money.

Published: Wednesday, 25th Aug 2021
Author: 10


Finance Articles

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Business Loan Approved
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Business Loan Approved
Welcome, Australian entrepreneurs and business owners! Whether you're just setting down the foundation of a startup or steering a well-established enterprise, access to capital remains a critical ingredient for business growth and survival. In the bustling economy of Australia, a well-structured business loan can be the catalyst that propels your business forward, aiding in expansion, the acquisition of new equipment, or simply ensuring smooth operational cash flow during lean periods. - read more
Online Home Loan Calculators: How to Use Them in Your Loan Comparison
Online Home Loan Calculators: How to Use Them in Your Loan Comparison
Welcome to the world of savvy home financing! Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or seasoned investor, navigating the ocean of home loan options can be daunting. In this digital era, one tool stands out for its effectiveness in simplifying this journey: the online home loan calculator. - read more
The Ultimate Car Loan Checklist for First-Time Borrowers in Australia
The Ultimate Car Loan Checklist for First-Time Borrowers in Australia
Welcome to the world of car ownership! If you're a first-time borrower in Australia, you're likely to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Acquiring a car loan is a significant financial responsibility, and navigating through the options can be daunting. This introductory guide is designed to set you on the right path to making a well-informed decision. - read more

Finance News

Economic Downturns and Tech Challenges Top Concerns for Australian Executives
Economic Downturns and Tech Challenges Top Concerns for Australian Executives
09 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Australian business leaders are increasingly worried about the potential for an economic downturn, which they have identified as the most significant threat facing the country in the next couple of years. This insight comes from a wide-reaching survey conducted by the World Economic Forum, highlighting key concerns in the business sector. - read more
ANZ's Nuno Matos Takes Helm at Australian Banking Association
ANZ's Nuno Matos Takes Helm at Australian Banking Association
08 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant leadership transition within Australia's banking sector, Nuno Matos, Chief Executive Officer of ANZ Group, has been appointed as the new chair of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) council. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the ABA, an organisation that plays a central role in shaping industry policies, consumer protections, and regulatory frameworks across the nation's banking landscape. - read more
LMG's Asset Finance Exchange Hits $80 Million Milestone
LMG's Asset Finance Exchange Hits $80 Million Milestone
08 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Loan Market Group's Asset Finance Exchange (AFX) has reported a remarkable achievement, settling approximately $80 million in its inaugural year. This milestone underscores the burgeoning growth of Australia's asset finance sector and highlights the platform's effectiveness in connecting brokers with asset finance specialists. - read more

Free Loan Eligibility Assessment

Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Interest Rate:
A rate which is charged or paid for the use of money. An interest rate is often expressed as an annual percentage of the principal. It is calculated by dividing the amount of interest by the amount of principal. Interest rates often change as a resul