Savings vs Checking Account
Savings accounts and checking accounts are the two most common types of accounts that are maintained by businesses and individuals. While both savings accounts and checking accounts help the individual or business to manage their funds in some way, they are quite different to one another in terms of the purposes for which they are used, their features, fees charged, interest earned, etc. Understanding the difference between savings and checking account is essential, as this will help anyone who is interested in maintaining their funds in a bank account. The article offers a clear overview of savings and checking Account and explains how they are similar and different to one another.
Savings Account
Savings accounts as the name suggests are mainly opened for the purpose of saving funds. Savings accounts usually offer the account holder a larger percentage of interest on the funds held. The percentage of interest can depend on the bank, amount that is maintained in the account, and the type of account. Savings accounts have a limit on the number of withdrawals that can be made within a month, and a small charge will be made for any funds that are withdrawn from thereon. There are, however, no limits on the number of deposits that can be made. Savings accounts only allow the account holder to withdraw funds up to the amount that exists in the account, and no overdraft facilities are available for savings accounts. Savings accounts may have a minimum balance requirement, depending on the bank, amount of interest paid, and type of account.
Checking Account
Checking accounts are used as a means to deposit checks and for bill payment purposes. Checking accounts generally do not offer the account holder interest on the funds held, however, depending on the bank or type of account there may be some exceptions. Checking accounts usually do not have limits on the number of withdrawals that can be made; which means that account holders will not be charged an extra fee if excess withdrawals are made. It is easier to access funds with a checking account, and an account holder can access more funding (than the amount of money in their account) as long as they have arranged an overdraft facility with the bank. Checking accounts usually have a number of fees that need to be paid including fees for ATM, overdraft facilities, online bill payment facilities, etc. Most checking accounts also require a minimum balance to be maintained in order that the account will have sufficient funds to meet the bill payments that have been scheduled.
What is the difference between Savings and Checking Account?
Checking accounts and savings accounts are quite distinct from each other due to their various features and the purposes for which they are used. However, it must be kept in mind that banks have modified their various types of savings and checking accounts and the line between the two are starting to blur. There are, however, a number of differences that stand out. The main purpose of a savings account is to save funds for the future. The purpose of opening a checking account is to deposit check and manage payments. Savings accounts pay a higher rate of interest while checking accounts usually do not pay interest. Checking accounts also offer overdraft facilities, online payment facilities, and automatic bill payment facilities that are usually not provided to savings account holders.
Summary:
Savings Account vs Checking Account
• Savings accounts and checking accounts are the two most common types of accounts that are maintained by businesses and individuals.
• Savings accounts as the name suggests are mainly opened for the purpose of savings funds.
• Checking accounts are used as a means to deposit checks and for bill payment purposes.
• Savings accounts pay a higher rate of interest while checking accounts usually do not pay interest.
• Checking accounts offer overdraft facilities, online payment facilities, and automatic bill payment facilities that are usually not provided to savings account holders.