the Price of Overdraft Protection

The service is a checking account that includes unlimited check writing and a debit card as well as $500 overdraft protection.

The fee for this service is a $6 per month, which is only applicable if the balance in the checking account goes below $500.

The bank lobby closes by 3:30 Monday - Thursday, but it's open until 5:00 on Friday. The drive through is open until 5:00 Monday - Thursday and until 7:00 on Friday. The lobby is closed on Saturday, but the drive through is open until noon.

Although the bank is open on Saturday, it is in a limited capacity. Deposits made on Saturday are not posted until the following Monday, or the next business day if Monday is a bank holiday. The service is efficient and most of the people are friendly.

The biggest problem with this account is the fact that the debit card information is not always updated in a timely manner, even though the deposits have been posted. It's frustrating to know the money is there but not being able to access it via the card, sometimes for up to 48 hours.

I like the fact that I can call a 24-hour help line for inquiries about the account, or I can check it online.

Inquire about overdraft protection. If you ever make a mistake when balancing your checking account, overdraft protection will ensure that any checks you write are paid (up to the amount of your protection).

Also, be sure to ask how long it takes for deposits to post -and for that money to be available- via both check and debit card.

Ask about a help line and/or online banking.