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Banking
U.S. banks offer many kinds of financial services, including checking and savings accounts, foreign currency conversion, bank drafts, money orders, credit cards, loans, inter-bank transfers, traveler's checks, and safe-deposit boxes.
Websites for a few of the banks in the ULV area are:
- Bank of America: http://www.bankofamerica.com/
- PFF Bank & Trust: http://www.pffbank.com/
- IndyMac Bank: http://www.indymacbank.com/
Checking Account
A checking account gives you the convenience of paying for something without having to carry cash with you. Once you open an account, you will be given blank checks and a check register. Most stores will accept checks as payment for goods if the checks are signed and have your name, local address, and telephone number printed on them. Each check is numbered and you keep a record of the checks you write in the register.
Savings Account
A savings account is for saving money for special use. You will find different banks offering savings accounts with varying rates of interest depending upon the terms of the account and the amount of money in the account. Many people have both a checking account for their daily expenses and a savings account for reserve funds. It is easy to transfer money from one account to the other.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)
The automatic teller allows bank customers to make deposits or withdrawals at any time. To operate an ATM, the customer needs a plastic card (called an "instant access card" or "ATM card") and a personal identification number (or "PIN") that the bank provides. Instructions for operating the automatic teller are given on the machine itself. Automatic tellers are located at banks and at many other locations.
