1. Are you earning money on your account?
Not all checking accounts work the same way. Some simply give you a safe place to store and spend your money, while others allow your balance to grow over time by earning interest. Understanding whether—or how—your account earns money starts with knowing a few key terms lenders and financial institutions use.
APY (Annual Percentage Yield) shows how much interest you earn on the money in your account over a year. It includes the effect of compound interest, meaning you earn interest not just on your original balance, but also on the interest you’ve already earned.
APR (Annual Percentage Rate), by contrast, applies to borrowing. It reflects the yearly cost of a loan or line of credit and helps you understand how much interest you’ll pay if you borrow money.
If your checking account doesn’t offer an APY, your money may not be working for you, and you could be missing an opportunity to earn more just by keeping a balance.
💡 Tip: Everwise Max Checking, Boost High Yield Savings, and certificates are designed to help your money grow.
2. Am I saving automatically?
If saving seems difficult, your account may not be set up to support your savings goals. Automatic transfers help move money from checking into savings without lifting a finger. This can help you build savings over time for vacations, home projects, or emergency funds.
💡Tip: Select monthly, weekly, quarterly, or whatever interval and amount you want to start automatically moving money over.
3. Are you using Round Up Savings?
One of the easiest ways to build savings is with Round-Up Savings. Every debit card purchase gets rounded up to the next dollar amount, and the difference is automatically transferred to your savings. Those small amounts add up faster than you think, helping you save more without changing how you spend.
💡Tip: You can enroll in Round Up Savings quickly and easily through the Everwise mobile app.
4. Is your account helping you stay on track?
Your checking account should help you stay on top of your important bills. Automatic bill pay helps ensure your payments go out on time, reducing the risk of late fees while reinforcing healthy financial habits.
5. Are you being rewarded for everyday spending?
If you’re already spending money on everyday essentials, why not earn something back? Some checking accounts offer cash back on debit card purchases, allowing you to earn rewards when you buy groceries, fill up your tank, shop for your wardrobe, and everything in between.
💡Tip: Everwise checking accounts earn cash back on all debit card purchases automatically.
6. Are fees cutting into your balance?
Unexpected fees can quietly chip away at your money. Knowing which fees apply—and how to avoid them—can help you keep more of what you earn and feel more in control of your account.
7. Do you know how your account works?
It’s easy to overlook the details, but understanding your checking account matters.
Reviewing things like transfer limits, balance requirements, and key account features can help you avoid any surprises and manage your money with confidence.
8. Can you access your money anytime?
Easy access is essential. A robust mobile app paired with a broad ATM network makes it easy to check balances, make transfers, and withdraw cash wherever you need it.
💡Tip: Everwise members have access to more than 700 no-fee ATMs locally and over 30,000 ATMs nationwide.
9. Are you getting paid earlier?
Direct deposit makes receiving your paycheck, tax refund, or benefits simple and secure. And while most checking accounts offer direct deposit, some accounts go even further. Early Pay gives members access to their paychecks up to two days sooner, helping you stay ahead of payday.
💡Tip: Simply, Plus, and Max Checking all include Early Pay.
10. Is your account protecting you?
Security features are a staple of modern banking offerings. Real time alerts, fraud monitoring, and the ability to lock your debit card instantly all help safeguard your money and give you peace of mind.
