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Routing Number256078501Tel.**703-218-9900**
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Routing Number256078501
Tel.**703-218-9900**
# 9 Checking Account Features You Should Know About
Once upon a time, a  was just a checking account, with pretty much the same vanilla services wherever you went. These days things are a lot more competitive, with credit unions and banks all vying for your dollar with a wide array of benefits, features, special offers, and rewards.
Below we take a careful look at some of the most important checking account features you might expect, plus a range of perks and benefits that help to make life easier. Read on to find out if you’re getting everything you deserve from your checking account.
## **9 CHECKING ACCOUNT FEATURES TO LOOK FOR**
Whether you’re actively on the hunt for a new checking account or just “checking in” to make sure you’re getting all the benefits you should, here’s our handy list of features to look out for in the optimal account.
### **1. No Minimum Balance**
Having a checking account with no minimum balance can be important, especially when you’re just starting out and need every penny to get by. Worrying about whether you’ll be charged because your balance fell below a certain threshold is an unnecessary hassle in your already busy life. After all, why should cash sit unused in your account when you could put it to use?
### **2. No Monthly Service Charge**
Paying a monthly fee for your checking account is another expense you could do without. While checking accounts that offer advanced money management features may incur fees, it’s common for many basic checking accounts to waive monthly service charges altogether. NextMark Credit Union charges no monthly service fees on any of our checking accounts.
### **3. Early Pay Direct Deposit**
Arranging to have your salary or other income paid directly into your checking account is convenient because you no longer have to go to your financial institution to cash a check and wait for it to clear. And, receiving the deposit early is a valuable perk, especially if you do not have a lot of cash reserves.
Early pay direct deposit can mean getting your money several days early. Many checking accounts also link direct deposits to other benefits or perks, such as overdraft protection, reduced minimum balances, or monthly service fees.
### **4. Online Banking Services**
These days, any checking account should allow you to monitor your balance from your computer or mobile devices, receive alerts when your debit card is used or your balance is low, and transfer money between accounts.
### **5. Online Bill Pay**
You should also expect your checking account to include online bill pay, making it easier to settle accounts quickly and even automatically without providing your card or banking details to a merchant.
### **6. Overdraft Protection**
Paying an extra charge when you accidentally overspend is not fun, and overdraft fees can add up quickly if you’re hit with a flurry of unexpected expenses at month’s end.
Many checking accounts offer built-in or opt-in overdraft protection for ATM and debit card transactions. This might involve your financial institution covering overspending to a certain limit, or a standing order to transfer money from your savings account to cover the overdraft.
NextMark covers accidental overdrafts of your checking account. You can also opt in to overdraft protection for everyday debit card transactions.
### **7. Rewards for Maintaining Higher Balances**
It’s valuable for a financial institution to have access to your money, so it only seems fair that you should be rewarded for providing it. In some cases, maintaining a certain balance in your checking account can unlock other privileges, such as a reduced rate on auto or home loans.
### **8. Dividends on your Deposit**
An increasing number of checking accounts now pay dividends or interest on deposits above a certain threshold, something once associated with savings accounts. NextMark’s Pinnacle checking account pays generous rewards on your deposits with no monthly service charge.
### **9. Strategic Money Management**
If you’re an established saver with significant reserves, it makes a big difference where you keep your money. If you’re looking to invest or , it’s valuable to have  on where to put your hard-earned cash, whether in savings accounts, certificates, retirement, or stocks and bonds.
NextMark offers strategic money management on our full-service checking accounts, so you can make the most of your time and money.
## **CHECKING ACCOUNT BENEFITS AND PERKS**
You may not think of these benefits and perks upfront, but they can save you a significant amount of money — and make your life a lot easier.
* **Surcharge-free ATMs**: You should be able to access cash for free. Look for a credit union or bank with a large network of fee-free ATMs.NextMark offers a network of over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs.
* **First box of checks free:** Having to pay for your first box of checks can add to the expense of setting up your checking account. Many financial institutions offer your first box for free.
* **Contactless Card Payments:** Tap-and-go payments are quicker and more secure than swiping or inserting your card. Make sure your checking debit card is equipped with EMV chip security.
* **Digital wallet integration:** More and more merchants allow you to pay directly from your phone using digital wallet technology. Look for a card that supports your phone’s payment system.
* **Free debit card replacement:** Card fraud affects millions of people every year. It helps to have a credit union or bank that replaces lost or compromised cards for free.
* **Remote check deposit:** You shouldn’t have to come into a branch just to deposit a check. Leading financial institutions offer remote check deposits using your cellphone.
* **Fraud monitoring:** Look for free or opt-in fraud monitoring services to help keep your money and personal information safe.
* **Free credit scores:** Some checking accounts also offer free access to your credit score through one of the major credit bureaus.
* **Free notary public:** Using the services of an in-branch notary public can save you money when you need to have documents verified.
## **NEXTMARK: YOUR PERSONAL CHECKING PARTNER**
Life moves fast, and your checking account needs to keep up, meeting your daily money requirements while allowing you to plan for the future. NextMark Credit Union offers our members a range of checking accounts designed to meet their needs at every stage of life while making the most of their money:
* **Simply Free:** A hassle-free checking account with no minimum balance requirements and no monthly fee makes managing your money simple.
* **Direct Pay:** An easy-to-maintain account with all the benefits of direct deposit payment, so you can get your money sooner.
* **Pinnacle:** Get rewarded for maintaining a higher balance in your account.
* **50+ Prestige:** Strategic money management to help you invest your hard-earned savings wisely as you prepare to retire.
In addition, all NextMark checking accounts include:
* No minimum balance requirements or monthly service fee
* Dividend payments ( vary)
* Access to 30,000 surcharge-free  (including 7 Eleven® locations nationwide)
* Your first box of checks free
* 24/7 access to our .
Let us help you find an affordable, rewarding checking account that works for you now and into the future. Click below to learn more.
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