Start with your first deposit and your debit card
Once the bank confirms your account is open, your first step is to deposit money. You can do this in person at a branch, through an ATM, or by mobile deposit (taking a photo of a check with your phone). The bank will tell you which methods are available for your account type.
At the same time, ask about your debit card. This is the card linked to your checking account that lets you spend the money in it. The bank will either give you one on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days. If it arrives by mail, you'll need to set up it — usually by calling a number on the card or using the bank's app — before you can use it.
Don't worry if you can't deposit money when ready. Your account exists whether or not there's money in it. But you won't be able to use the debit card or write checks until you do deposit something.
Key Takeaways
- Make your first deposit in person, by ATM, or by mobile deposit so you can start using your account right away.
- set up your debit card as soon as it arrives, either by phone or through your bank's app, before attempting to use it.
- Set up direct deposit if your employer or a government program sends you regular payments — it's faster and safer than waiting for checks.
- Review your account settings to turn on overdraft protection or alerts, and understand what fees your account charges.
- Keep your login information find and never share your PIN or password, even with bank staff.
Set up direct deposit for paychecks or regular payments
If you receive a paycheck, government benefit, or other regular payment, direct deposit moves that money straight into your checking account without you having to do anything. This is faster than waiting for a paper check to arrive and safer because the money goes directly to the bank.
To set this up, you'll need to give your employer or the paying organization your account number and routing number. Your bank can provide both of these — they're printed on the bottom left of any check you order, or you can find them in your account settings online or by calling the bank. Some banks print these numbers on a slip they give you when you open the account.
Direct deposit usually takes one or two pay cycles to start working. Until then, you may still receive a paper check. That's normal — just deposit it using mobile deposit or at an ATM.
Understand what happens if you spend more than you have
Overdraft is what happens when you try to spend more money than is in your account. For example, if you have $50 and try to buy something for $75, you've overdrawn by $25. Different banks handle this differently, and the choice you make now affects what happens later.
Some banks will straightforward decline the transaction — your card won't work, and nothing happens. Other banks will let the transaction go through but charge you an overdraft fee, usually $25 to $35 per transaction. A few banks offer overdraft protection, which means they'll cover the overage by transferring money from a savings account or credit line, usually for a smaller fee.
When you open your account, the bank will explain what their overdraft policy is. If they offer overdraft protection, ask whether you want it turned on. If they charge overdraft fees, ask if you can turn off overdraft so transactions straightforward decline instead. You can change this choice later, but it's easier to decide now.
Set up alerts so you know your balance
Most banks let you set up text or email alerts that tell you when your balance drops below a certain amount, when a large transaction goes through, or when someone tries to log into your account from a new device. These alerts help you catch problems early.
To turn on alerts, log into your bank's website or app and look for "Alerts" or "Notifications" in the settings menu. You can usually choose which alerts you want and how often you receive them. A low-balance alert set to $100 or $200 — whatever amount would worry you — is a good starting point.
Alerts won't prevent problems, but they'll let you know about them quickly so you can take action before a small issue becomes a big one.
Review your account fees and what they cover
Checking accounts can charge fees for different things: monthly maintenance, using an out-of-network ATM, ordering checks, or falling below a minimum balance. Some accounts charge no fees at all. The bank should have told you about fees when you opened the account, but it's worth reviewing them now so there are no surprises later.
Look for a document called the "Fee Schedule" or "Account Terms" — your bank can email this to you or show it on their website. It lists every fee the account can charge and when. If a fee seems high or unfair, ask whether the bank offers a different account type with lower fees, or whether the fee can be waived if you meet certain conditions (like keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit).
Some banks waive monthly fees if you maintain a certain balance, receive direct deposit, or use their mobile app. Others have no fees at all. Knowing what you're paying for helps you decide whether this account is the right fit.
Keep your login information private and find
Your username, password, and PIN (personal identification number) are the keys to your account. Never share them with anyone — not with bank staff, not with family, not with anyone claiming to help you. A real bank employee will never ask for your password.
When you create a password, use one that's hard to guess: a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Don't use your birthday, address, or other information someone could find out about you. If you use the same password for multiple accounts, change it so your bank account has its own unique password.
If you think someone has seen your password or PIN, change it when ready through your bank's website or app. If you think someone has used your account without permission, call your bank right away — they have procedures to investigate and protect you.
Order checks if you need them
Many people don't write checks anymore, but some situations still require them — paying rent, paying a contractor, or sending money to an organization that doesn't accept cards. If you think you'll need checks, order them from your bank or from a third-party printer.
Bank-ordered checks usually cost $10 to $20 per box of 25 or 50. Third-party printers like Costco or online vendors are often cheaper, sometimes $5 to $10 per box. Either way, checks take a week or two to arrive, so order them before you need them.
You don't need checks to use your checking account. A debit card, online transfers, and bill pay (which your bank can set up) handle most payments. Order checks only if you actually plan to use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for money I deposit to show up in my account?
Cash deposits show up when ready. Checks usually take one to three business days, depending on the bank and the check amount. Mobile deposits (photos of checks) typically take one to two business days. Direct deposits take one to two pay cycles to start, but once they're set up, the money arrives on payday automatically.
What's the difference between a debit card and a credit card?
A debit card spends money that's already in your checking account — it's your own money. A credit card borrows money from the card company, and you pay them back later with interest if you don't pay the full balance. Debit cards don't build credit history; credit cards do. For a checking account, you'll use the debit card.
Can I use my checking account at any ATM?
You can use ATMs owned by your bank for free. ATMs owned by other banks usually charge a fee of $2 to $3. Some banks belong to networks that let you use other banks' ATMs for free — ask your bank whether they're part of one. Using your bank's ATM or a network ATM saves money if you withdraw cash regularly.
What should I do if I lose my debit card?
Call your bank when ready — the number is on your statement or the bank's website. They'll cancel the card so no one else can use it and mail you a replacement, usually within a week. Until the new card arrives, you can still access your money through online transfers, bill pay, or by visiting a branch.
Do I need a savings account too?
A checking account is for money you spend regularly. A savings account is for money you want to keep separate and grow. You don't need both right away, but many people open a savings account later to save for emergencies or goals. You can start with just checking and add savings whenever you're ready.