Banks offer a variety of checking accounts to appeal to different customers. The one that's right for you depends on your spending patterns and your typical balance, or amount on deposit. So you may want to ask a few questions.

Ask yourself

• How many checks do you expect to write a month?
• How much money do you expect to keep in your checking account in an average month?
• How many times will you use the ATM?
• Is online banking and electronic bill paying important to you?

Ask the banks you're considering

• What's the minimum balance for opening a checking account?

• What are the fees to use the account (including any minimum balance fees)?
• Are there any special accounts that cost less?