There are a number of things to consider before opening your first bank account. The first thing to consider before opening your first bank account is whether or not you have enough money to warrant opening such an account. If you don't have a job or some other source of income (parents? inheritance? lottery money?) then there is no point in bothering. If you do have some income and want a safe place for your money, here are some things to consider when trying to find the right bank for you.



Some banks require that you keep a certain amount of money in your account at all times and if you fall below this amount, you will be charged. Some banks charge a monthly service fee just for having the account open. If you don't have an income to put in the bank this can add up over time and you may end up in the red with no money to cover this expense.

Most bank accounts will allow for automated banking services, but you will have to pay. There is a limit on the number of free transactions and always a fee if you use another bank's ATM machine.

When opening your first account, you must consider convenience, such as how numerous are their ATM machines and whether they have branches in most countries in the world. You need to consider the hours the bank is open and accessibility to ATM's after hours. It is convenient to have a bank located close to home so that when you need to go to the bank in person, it's not a huge hassle. Try to choose a bank that's been around for awhile with a solid reputation in the banking world. Look for a bank with friendly service that will treat you like a VIP even if your account balance is only $100.

You must be eighteen years of age to open a bank account and have a piece of identification such as a driver's license or birth certificate to offer as proof. Most banks will want your social security number and a passport to prove you are who you say you are.

Some questions to ask a potential banking institutions before you commit are: ?Is there a minimum balance? What is the interest rate of my account? And is your bank insured? (You want the bank to be insured so you get your money back in case it ever goes bankrupt)