FAQ
How does ‘Find A Better Bank’ make money?
We sell aggregated (non-personal) information from users on our site to banks and credit unions to help them align their products and services with demand in their markets. FindABetterBank enables consumers to choose the best bank or credit union given their specific requirements. It’s critical comparisons are “fair and square.” Therefore, we don’t sell advertising or placement in search results. Also, we don’t make money if you visit a bank’s website from FindABetterBank or if you open an account as a result of using FindABetterBank.
Where do you get your information?
We have a full-time research staff that maintains all the account information on the site.
Our branch location database is sourced from the FDIC and is updated with information provided by banks and credit unions. In addition, we utilize Google’s Maps to identify which banks have locations near you.
What banks and credit unions do you cover?
We currently cover checking, savings and money market accounts at over 140 US banks and credit unions — representingover half of all branch locations in the US.
How often do you update your information?
We electronically monitor listed banks’ and credit unions’ websites to identify when they’ve updated information. We call institutions’ contact centers on a rolling schedule for any information not published on their websites. Inaccuracies brought to our attention are researched and updated immediately.
What is a ‘branchless or Internet bank’?
A “Branchless Bank” is an institution that does not have any physical bank locations to conduct business with it’s customers — instead it relies onthe Internet and other channels.
What is a ‘Student Account’?
A “Student Account” is a checking account with features that appeal to full-time students.
What is a checking account for people over 50?
Many banks offer checking accounts with features and benefits thatappeal to people who are 50 or older. The age thresholds requiredto qualify for theses accounts varies by bank.
How do you estimate annual fees?
We track over 30 different types of fees that banks charge their checking account customers andhave developed a method to estimate the fees you could expect based on your answers to a few questions.
What features do banks bundle with checking accounts?
We track 12 of the most common features banks bundle into their checking accounts (i.e., free onlinebanking, debit card reward programs). For the best comparisons, customize this list (in Step 3) so you’re onlycomparing accounts with all the features want.
How do my feature preferences affect my search results?
We exclude from the search results all checking accounts that do not fulfill 100% of the features you set as “Must have.”
How do my responses to your questions about my banking behavior affect my search results?
We use your question responses to filter out accounts where you don’t meet the requirements. For example, some checking accounts require a direct deposit. So if you indicate that you don’t have a direct deposit, we won’t include these accounts in your search results. Also, many banks have several checking account options, so we use your responses to show you the two best choices per bank.
How accurate are your prices for each fee?
Many banks charge different fees based on where you live. For example, a bank may charge $30 for an overdraft in one state and $34 in another. We attempt to collect the fee charges in the bank’s largest market. We suggest you verify our information with the bank prior to opening an account.
Find the Best Checking Account or Reloadable Debit Card
Compare checking accounts from banks and credit unions for free
- Requires no personal information
- Provides unbiased results
- Estimates bank fees
- Takes only minutes