How to Open a Checking Account

[Angela Caban USAA]

There are many reasons why people need a checking account – it is still a necessary part of personal finance. A checking account enables you to pay bills, have your pay automatically deposited… and possibly the biggest use of a checking account – it fuels your debit card.

Other reasons why you should have a checking account are:

Checking Accounts Are Proof of Payment: Whether you are using a physical check to pay a bill or doing it online – there is always written proof on your account that you made a payment. Down the road this may be needed for tax purposes or proof of income.

Budgeting Made Easy: A checking account helps with budgeting since you can track income and expenses in the account. You are then able to link the account to automated budgeting tools like USAA’s Money Manager.

Safer and Cheaper: There are certain circumstances where it is not a smart move to pay with cash. While actual paper checks may seem prehistoric to many, they are a guaranteed way to pay and have proof of payment – plus they don’t cost anything compared to a money order or cashier’s check. Checks are also great when sending money for a birthday or holiday gift, it just isn’t safe to send cash via mail.

Free Bill Pay: Wouldn’t it be great to pay all your bills with just the click of a button? You are able to link your checking account and manage and pay all your bills online. This cuts down on late payments, paper clutter at home and a great way to keep track of what you are paying.

So how do you open a checking account?             

It isn’t difficult at all, and takes no more than 5 minutes from start to finish.

1. Go to the Checking Account
2. Click on “Get Started”.
3. Log into your USAA Member account. If you are not a USAA member and are not sure if you qualify as a member, click here.
4. Have all your personal information for all account holders, including social security numbers, date of birth and physical address ready. You must also have a minimum of $25 to open the account. You can use a checking, savings, Visa or MasterCard account.
5. Follow the step-by-step instructions: 1- about the account you want, 2- your personal information or account holder information, 3- read and verify, and 4- sign your tax document and confirm your account.

That’s all, pretty easy huh? If you should run into any issues or have any questions, feel free to call and speak with a representative toll free at 1-800-531-8722. Click here if you are calling from outside the U.S.

About the blogger:
Angela Caban is an Army National Guard spouse, freelance writer, published author and branding expert. Her husband was one of the many soldiers impacted by the unprecedented activation of the National Guard in 2008. In 2010, she founded the Homefront United Network , a military spouse and family support blog created to assist spouses who do not live near an installation, but also focusing on bridging the gap between National Guard, Reserve and Active Duty spouses. She is also co-founder of SpouseTalks . As a branding and digital influencer, she has created content for A&E, Lifetime Network and PBS. She has an extensive background in Human Resources and Communications, with her Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Human Resources. Angela resides in the beautiful Garden State of New Jersey with her husband of 11 years and two children.

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