A bank account is a record of the financial transactions between the customer and the banking institution. The banking institutions have provided several types of accounts to cater to the needs of all sorts of individuals. One of the most important functions of banks is accepting deposits, which is aimed towards generating savings for the purpose of utilizing them in profitable investments. People, on the other hand, also prefer to deposit their savings in the banks, as they can earn interest and also avoid the danger of theft.
Types of Bank Accounts
Though, the types of accounts offered can vary from bank to bank, here are some of the common bank accounts offered by commercial banks.
Checking Account
A checking account is also known as a current account or a transactional account. Money deposited in this type of account can be withdrawn at any time, as there in no restriction on the number of withdrawals and the amount of money withdrawn. Customers are generally given paper checks to carry out day-to-day transactions, like paying bills, making purchases, or transferring money to another account. ATM (Automated Teller Machine) facility is also provided to the customers. However, no interest is paid on the deposited money and sometimes, customers have to pay a charge to the banks for rendering this service. This type of account is generally maintained by businessmen or concerns, as they have to make a number of financial transactions each day. A transactional account is sometimes called a demand deposit account, as no notice is required to withdraw money, i.e. money is available on demand.
Savings Account
Savings accounts are aimed towards mobilizing small savings from the general public. There are certain restrictions regarding the number of withdrawals and the amount to be withdrawn in a particular time period. However, money deposited in this account, earns a fair rate of interest. Though the customers can’t withdraw their money with checks, they can avail the ATM facility for the same. A passbook is also provided, which keeps track of all the financial transactions.
Money Market Account
A money market account is a type of deposit account, in which money can be deposited to earn a higher rate of interest than the savings account. However, a minimum balance is required to be maintained to earn interest and avoid fees. There is also a limit on the number of transactions that can be carried out in a particular month. The customers are usually allowed to make 6 withdrawals per month.
Certificate of Deposit
A certificate of deposit is also known as time deposit or fixed deposit account. This type of bank account requires the customers to deposit a certain sum of money for a fixed time period. The money deposited in this account can’t be withdrawn before the date of maturity. However, some banks allow customers to withdraw money before maturity, by charging a penalty. The rate of interest paid on time deposits is usually higher than the other types of bank accounts. In addition to this, the interest paid on this account depends on the maturity period, i.e. longer the maturity period, the higher is the rate of interest paid.
Banking institutions offer several different types of bank accounts to satisfy the individual needs of their customers. These bank accounts enable the public to deposit their money in banks and thereby earn a monetary return.
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