A written contract between you and your bank. When you write a check, you’re asking the bank to take money from your account and give it to someone else.

An account that allows you to write checks to pay bills and buy goods. The financial institution will send you a monthly statement that lists the deposits, withdrawals, and purchases you made

A booklet to write down all of your deposits and withdrawals from your account, including fees and monthly charges.

A card that allows you to deposit cash into and withdraw money from your checking account at many Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), and make purchases at retail locations that accept credit cards (e.g., department stores or gas stations).

A transaction in which money is added to your account (e.g., you deposit money, the bank pays you interest, or a check is direct deposited into your account).

A slip used to let the teller know how much money you’re depositing.

An electronic method for transferring and depositing money directly into your account.

The act of signing the back of a check so that you can deposit or cash it.

The use of computers to move money to and from your account, instead of using checks and other paper transactions. Electronic banking includes debit card transactions, electronic bill pay, and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transactions.

A service that automatically takes money from your account to pay your bills.

The amount charged by financial institutions for account activities and services.

A bank document that lists the fees you might be charged for certain account activities.

The extra money in your account that the bank pays you for keeping your money.

Time and place where a retail transaction is completed. In this case it refers to merchants where purchases can be made using a debit card.

The act of resolving the difference between the statement balance and your check register balance.

A form you complete and sign when you open an account indicating you’re the account owner.

An electronic image of your check that has the same standing as the actual check.

A banking activity (e.g., depositing or withdrawing money, using your Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or debit card, or having checks direct-deposited into your account).

The process of taking money from your bank account.