Select account options that best suit your lifestyle. Don't pay fees for features you don't use. Evaluate the benefits of an interest-bearing checking account versus a checking account that doesn't pay interest but has a lower service fee. Some banks offer interest-bearing checking accounts that include a monthly service fee if you don't maintain a large balance.

Decide how you will handle your savings account. If you don't plan on withdrawing very often, look into an account that offers a lower fee in return for fewer withdrawals.

Balance your checking account regularly to avoid writing checks with insufficient funds and to confirm that all your transactions are properly reflected in your account.

Avoid paying a bounced-check fee through overdraft protection. Some banks will link your checking account to a credit card, savings account, or line of credit so you won't bounce checks.

Use your own bank's ATMs. Most banks offer their customers free use of their own ATMs. When their customers use the ATM of another financial institution, most banks will charge a fee to cover processing costs. If you use an ATM frequently, choose a bank with ATMs convenient to where you most often use them.

Re-examine your accounts periodically to be sure you are using the ones that best meet your needs.