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Discusses bounce-protection plans for low-income customers who don't qualify for traditional overdraft credit lines. Fact that instead of charging interest on the money advanced, these accounts levy hefty flat fees; Hope among consumer groups that the Federal Reserve would block these plans; Importance of looking for a bank that offers market interest rates to cover bounced checks instead of fees.

Discusses why investors who have moved funds into investments like mortgage-backed mutual funds, Treasuries and real-estate funds could lose money. View that all these long-term investments could lose value once the U.S. Federal Reserve starts raising interest rates; Suggestion that now is a good time to bring emergency money back to a money-market mutual fund, interest-paying checking account or bank money-market deposit account.

Focuses on how banks are beginning to offer incentives to consumers to join their financial institution. Starting a checking account; Importance of being aware of the amount of money you have in checking.

This article reports on rewards checking, a bank account that pays up to five percent interest without fees, and presents information that consumers should have before opening an account. The article warns that many accounts require debit card usage and online statements. Banks that offer the accounts might be difficult to find because they are mostly community institutions. The article also provides a website for finding local banks that offer rewards checking accounts.

The article provides advice to consumers on how to get the most out of their debit cards. Card users should chose a bank that offers rewards for card use. Vigilance is important, since a theft means money debited directly from a bank account, rather than a line of credit. Keep track of your bank balance and consider using credit cards and then paying them off for the rewards points.

The article reports a growing trend for banks to move their business online and for new internet-only banks to offer high interest rates on checking accounts. The article offers tips to consumers considering banking with these services, including checking into hidden costs after an introductory period or fees for withdrawing cash.

Offers advice for investments and savings for retirement. Impact of interest rates on savings accounts in the U.S.; Efforts of banks to offer interest rates on certificates of deposit higher than those of the national average; Potential benefits of online banks; High interest rate yields offered by money-market funds, which operate like interest-bearing checking accounts; Tips for balancing savings in investments and cash.

Discusses why it is in banks' best interests to offer free checking accounts. Popularity of free checking accounts in the United States as of November, 2002; How banks make money by charging overdraft fees; Comparison of overdraft loan rates to those of so-called payday loans.