LeeAnn

Plus keep a close eye on your account - you should be able to check online. I keep my ATM receipts until the deposit has cleared, which is not always immediately or within a day or so, especially if you have had trouble on the account (bounced a check, or something along those lines.)

Find out now what occurs if something happens to your card. My Dad once lost his card after withdrawing from an ATM. All the bank would tell him is that they will send him another card. They never mentioned freezing the account (it's a joint one with my Mom), or changing numbers, any of the ideas that immediately came to my mind.

Also, as a warning, I would have accounts at more than one bank. Legally, if you have a loan or large payment, a bank can automatically take the money in your account and any savings account you have with them to pay it? This was on the news some years ago - a couple bought a truck and were late with the loan payment. They paid, but it didn't hit that account in time; the reason was a legitimate one that I have forgotten.

The bank cleared out not only their checking account, but their savings as well, without authorization. The couple did not have an agreement with the bank to pull money out of their savings when necessary, as has been suggested.

Since then, I keep a checking and one savings account in one bank, and several savings accounts in another. We are considering moving, and if we do, I may open a savings account or two in the bank that then will be closest to us. I have not decided yet.

LeeAnn