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Financial Literacy Basics: W

hat to Know

About C

hecking Accounts

2017

Box Set: 978-1-68217-614-6

Financial Ratings Series

Financial Literacy Basics:

What to Know AboutChecking Accounts

G R E Y H O U S E P U B L I S H I N G

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What to Know About Checking Accounts

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What to Know About Checking Accounts

2017 Edition

GREY HOUSE PUBLISHING


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Financial Literacy Basics - FINAL Checking Accounts.pdf 4 5/18/2017 10:37:42 AM

Table of Contents Checking Accounts ............................................................................... 1 Benefits of Having a Checking Account ............................................... 2 How to Choose a Bank ......................................................................... 2 Types of Checking Accounts ................................................................ 5 How to Open a Checking Account ...................................................... 7 Debit Cards (Check Cards) ................................................................... 7 Check Register ..................................................................................... 8 How to Balance a Checking Account ................................................... 9 Steps to Balancing a Checking Account .............................................. 10 Checkbook Worksheet ......................................................................... 16 Account Balancing Software ................................................................ 17 How to Avoid Overdraft Fees .............................................................. 17 How to Avoid Other Bank Fees ........................................................... 18 Weiss Ratings’ Highly Recommended Banks by State ......................... 19 Weiss Ratings’ Weakest Banks by State ............................................... 33 Weiss Ratings’ Highly Recommended Credit Unions by State ............ 39 Weiss Ratings’ Weakest Credit Unions by State .................................. 49 Appendices .......................................................................................... 61 2017 Rankings of the Best Checking Accounts .......................... 62 Helpful Resources ....................................................................... 64 Glossary ....................................................................................... 65 Sources ........................................................................................ 66 What Our Ratings Mean .............................................................. 67 Terms & Conditions .................................................................... 68


Welcome!

Grey House Publishing and Weiss Ratings are proud to announce its newest series, Financial Literacy Basics. Each volume in this series provides readers with easy-to-understand guidance on how to manage their finances. Designed for those who are just starting out and for those who may need help handling their finances, volumes in this series outline, step-by-step, how to make the most of your money, which pitfalls to avoid, and what to watch out for, and give you the necessary tools to make sure you are fully equipped to manage your finances.

Volumes in this series take the guesswork out of financial planning—how to manage a checking account, how to stick to a budget, how to pay back student loans quickly—information necessary to get started on your financial future. Each volume is devoted to a specific topic. Combined, they provide you with a full range of helpful information on how to best manage your money. Individual volumes are:

Guide to Understanding Health Insurance Plans How to Make and Stick to a Budget How to Manage Debt Starting a 401(k) Tips for Paying Back Student Loans Understanding Renters Insurance What to Know About Auto Insurance What to Know About Checking Accounts

Filled with valuable information alongside helpful worksheets and planners, these volumes are designed to point you in the right direction toward a solid financial future, and give you helpful guidance along the way.


What to Know About Checking Accounts 1

Financial Literacy Basics: What to Know About Checking Accounts

Checking Accounts

If you were like most children, you were probably

introduced to the idea of managing money at a young age by a very simple concept: the piggy bank. It was a good place to keep the few dollars you received as an allowance or the birthday money your grandmother gave you. If you wanted to save for a new toy, you would just put your money into your piggy bank and take it out when you needed it.

Now that you are older and possibly starting a job or going to college, a piggy bank just won’t be enough to help you manage your money. For the first time in your life, you may have your own bills to pay. You may need to buy gas for your car and food at a grocery store. You may want cash to go on a date. You now need a safe, reliable place to keep your money. You need a checking account.

A cchecking account is a type of bank account that allows you to easily access your funds while keeping your

money safe. It is like a storehouse for your money that you can draw from to pay bills and buy items. When you receive an amount of money, such as a weekly paycheck, you deposit it into your checking account. The amount of money in your checking account is called the bbalance.

You can access the money in your checking account using a paper check or a debit card to withdraw or transfer funds electronically. Your bank may offer several kinds of checking accounts. The one you choose depends on your financial needs. It is your responsibility to keep track of the money in the account and the amount you spend. If you write out a check worth more than your balance, your bank may send the check back to the person or business you gave it to.

A checking account within a bank is a safe place

to store your money.


2 What to Know About Checking Accounts

This is called “bouncing a check” and usually results in the bank charging you extra fees.

Benefits of Having a Checking Account

A checking account gives you a safe place to keep your money, which is an obvious benefit. Most people do not like to carry around large amounts of cash because of the danger that it can be lost or stolen. A checking account gives you a place to store your money and allows you to use it when you need it.

While paper checks are still widely used, most banks also issue a debit card that you can use to access your funds. These are also known as check cards and act just like a paper check, except without the hassle of having to write one out. If you open a checking account and receive a debit card, you will be able to access your money at automated teller machines (ATMs). These are often conveniently located and easy to use. Be aware that many ATMs charge extra fees when you use them. However, when you use an ATM associated with your bank, there usually isn’t a fee.

If you do not have a checking account, some banks may charge you

a fee to cash a check or paycheck. Stores and check-cashing businesses also take a specific amount of money from your paycheck when you cash it. These fees may be a percentage of the check amount or a standard rate, such as $1, $3, or $5. Opening a checking account with a bank will allow you to cash checks at that bank without being charged a fee.

How to Choose a Bank

Consider these questions when choosing a bank:

Do you need a bank that’s close to work or home? Since many employers use an electronic direct deposit to transfer your paycheck into your account, the location of your bank may not be that important. Even if you receive your paycheck in paper form, many modern banks give you the option to deposit your money by taking a picture of your check and submitting it online or through your mobile phone. If you do not have access to these services or need to make frequent cash deposits, then you may want to choose a bank conveniently located near your work or home.



How many checks do you write a month? Some banks charge a fee if you write more than a certain number of checks per month. If you need to write a large number of checks per month, then look for a bank that does not charge a fee. Because banks are competing for your business, many offer checking accounts that do not charge this type of fee. And even some banks that do will waive the extra charge if you have your paycheck direct deposited into your account.

What is the fee for bounced checks? If you write a check and there is not enough money in your account to cover the amount of the check, it may be returned to the person or place you gave it to. Banks refer to this as nonsufficient funds (NSF), but most people call it “bouncing a check.” If this happens, banks will charge you a fee for each check that bounces. These fees vary by bank, and some may be subject to state laws. Fees often range from between $25 to $35. In addition, many businesses will also charge you a fee for each returned check. These charges are regulated by state laws and typically range from $20 to $40.

What is the fee for deposited checks that bounce?

If you deposit a check from someone else into your account and that check bounces, your bank may also charge you a fee. This fee is not as high as if you wrote the bad check yourself but can still range from about $12 to $19.

What type of overdraft protection does the bank have? Most banks offer you the option of signing up for ooverdraft protection. This means the bank will cover the cost of any bounced checks or debit card charges that are more than your account balance. In return, the bank will not send the check back to the person you wrote it to or the transaction back to the business where you made the purchase. The catch is, your bank will usually charge you an overdraft fee for transactions that result in nonsufficient funds. While overdraft protection policies vary by bank, federal law says that you must request the service to be eligible. Banks will not sign you up for overdraft protection without your consent. Typically, most banks will cover NSF by charging a fee to your account. This fee can range from $15 to $40, with an average fee of about $34. Some banks limit the number of fees that can be charged per day, while others have no limits. And some banks do not offer this service at all. These banks simply reject any transaction that exceeds the balance in a checking account.



Other banks may allow you to link your checking account to a savings account or credit card. If you go over your account balance, your bank will take the overdraft from these linked accounts. They may also charge a fee for this service but at about $10 to $12, it is much less than standard overdraft fees.

Will you have online account access? Almost all traditional brick-and-mortar banks offer some form of online access to your checking account. Many offer services that let you pay your bills or transfer money online. In

most cases, these services are free, but check to see if a bank charges a fee before making a decision. Some banks prefer that you do your business online and may charge a monthly fee if you make a transaction in person. A growing number of online-only banks offer traditional bank services with more user-friendly fees. They can do this because they do not have to cover the cost of operating branch offices.

Bank Overdraft Fee per Item

Maximum Fees per Day

Total Possible Cost in a Day

Ally Bank $25 1 $25 Bank of America $35 4 $140 Chase $34 3 $102 Citibank $34 4 $136 M&T Bank $38.50 5 $192.50 Santander Bank $35 6 $210 TD Bank $35 5 $175 USAA $25 2 $50 Wells Fargo $35 4 $140

SAMPLE OVERDRAFT FEES



Types of Checking Accounts

There are many different types of

checking accounts and these vary from bank to bank. In most cases, banks offer a variety of checking accounts, each designed to fit the need of a particular customer. Before making a decision, ask yourself how you plan to use the account. Do you need it for day-to-day expenses or to pay an occasional bill? You can also ask a bank representative to help you choose the type of account that is right for you.

Basic Checking Account

This type of checking account is useful for people who do not make many transactions. Banks may charge a monthly maintenance fee for basic checking. However, if you keep a

minimum balance in the account or have your paycheck direct deposited into the account, they may waive this fee. Many banks charge an extra fee for each paper check you write out and for each ATM withdrawal.

Free Checking Account

As the name suggests, this type of checking account does not charge monthly maintenance fees or fees per transaction. Some banks may charge a fee if your balance falls below a minimum amount. However, many banks will omit the fee if you use direct deposit. The type of account is useful if you do not have the money to keep a minimum balance and make many transactions. Both basic and free checking do not pay you interest. Interest is a small fee the bank pays you for keeping your money in their bank. It is usually a percentage of the amount you have in the checking account.

Interest-Bearing Checking Account

These accounts almost always require you to keep a minimum balance to avoid service fees. They also require you to make a minimum deposit to open one. The amount of money you must leave in your account varies by bank, but some require you to have $1,500 or more. Interest is paid monthly, but the rates are usually low, often 1 to 2 percent.

Most people today utilize online banking to

pay bills and transfer money between

accounts.



Joint Checking Account

This is an account owned by two or more people who have equal access to it. Most types of checking accounts can also be set up as a joint account. These accounts are most often used by a husband and wife who share household expenses. They can also be set up between a parent and a teenager or an older parent and an adult child. In that way, the parent or adult child can keep an eye on the account’s activity.

Express Checking Account

This is a relatively modern type of account that is made for people who prefer to bank online, by phone, or through ATMs. With this type of account, you are not usually charged a fee for writing checks or a monthly fee, and the minimum balance requirements are typically low or non-existent. If you need to make a transaction through a bank teller, however, you will be charged a fee. These fees can be charged per-visit or by a monthly flat rate. Express accounts are popular among young people who often do not have time to go to a bank.

Lifeline Checking Account

These are bare-bones accounts designed for people with a low income. The accounts tend to have very low monthly fees, ranging from free to $6. Minimum balance

requirements, if they exist, are low, and users are limited in the number of checks they can write per month. Several states have passed laws that require banks to offer lifeline accounts. In these states—New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts and Vermont—the fees and policies governing lifeline accounts are set by law and not by banks.

Student/Senior Checking Account

Banks may offer special incentives to college students or people over the age of fifty-five. These special offers may include offering free checks, offering lower interest rates, or waiving maintenance or ATM fees. Each bank has its own guidelines for student or senior checking, so make sure you ask which services are available.

Money-Market Checking Account

This is more of an investment account that requires a high initial deposit and higher minimum balances. To open a money-market account, you typically need to deposit $1,000 to $10,000 and keep your balance relatively high to avoid fees. These accounts tend to pay out larger interest rates but are not useful for people who plan to make many transactions.



How to Open a Checking Account

After you determine what

type of checking account is best for you, you need to open the account. This is relatively easy. If you are going the more traditional brick-and-mortar route, then remember to bring along two forms of government-issued proof of identification, such as your driver’s license, photo ID, military ID, passport, or Social Security card. Some banks also require you to prove your address with a renter’s lease or a utility bill with your name on it.

Online accounts require the same identification, but it is usually enough to just enter your information on the online application. To open an account, you also have to bring an initial deposit. This can be done in cash or with a check or an electronic fund transfer (EFT). Most banks require between $25 and $100 for a first deposit, although the amount may be higher for interest-bearing or money-market accounts. If you are opening an account online, you will need to deposit those funds through a credit card, a debit card, or an EFT.

Debit Cards (Check Cards)

Using a debit card is just like writing a check, except the

transaction is often immediate; it may take a day or two for a paper check to process. Most banks offer you a debit card when you open a checking account.

Debit cards may look like credit cards, but they are not the same. A debit card pulls the money directly from your checking account and only allows you to access the amount you have in the account. Debit cards won’t let you make purchases on credit and do not affect your credit rating. Be aware that some businesses may charge you an extra fee to use a debit card, and some banks may limit the number of times per day you can use one.

Most debit cards also double as ATM cards and can be used to withdraw or deposit money from an ATM. Banks will often charge you a fee, however, if you use your card at an ATM not associated with your bank. Many businesses allow you to “sign” for your debit card purchases using a four-digit personal identification number, or PIN. The bank usually assigns you a PIN number when you receive your card, but you may choose to change it if you wish. If you forget your PIN number, you can usually call your bank and a new one



will be mailed to you within a few days. Choose a PIN number that is easy for you to remember, yet difficult for others to figure out. Experts suggest avoiding numbers such as 1234, 0000, and 1111. These may be easy for you to keep track of, but they are also the most common PIN numbers in use and are the first guessed by criminals who may have stolen your card.

While using a debit card may be more convenient than writing paper checks, it increases the likelihood of fraud and identity theft. Many banks offer protections if your card is lost or stolen. Some offer unlimited fraud protection and will cover any unauthorized purchases made with

the card as long as you report the incident in a timely manner. If you wait until fraudulent charges appear on your account, some banks may hold you responsible for a certain amount of the charges but will cover anything above that. If you lose your card, inform your bank immediately. Your bank will cancel your card and issue you a new one. Some banks charge a fee to replace your card.

Check Register

A ccheck register acts as a personal record of the

activity in your checking account. While your bank may keep track of your account, your bank register allows you to keep a running tally of how much you have spent and how much money you have left.

IMPORTANT! Keeping your bank register up to date is essential to make sure

you do not bounce a check or overdraw your account.

Banks typically give you a number of paper bank registers when you open an account or order new checks. You can also get registers by downloading them online or through companies that print personalized checks.

Bank Out-of-

Network ATM Fees

Bank of America $2.50

BB&T $2.50 Capital One $2.00 Chase $2.50 Citibank $2.50 PNC Bank $2.50 SunTrust $2.50 TD Bank $3.00 US Bank $2.50 Wells Fargo $2.50

SAMPLE ATM FEES



Most check registers consist of columns for you to record the following:

Check or transaction number Date of the transaction Description of the transaction (for example, “phone bill” or “grocery store”) Amount of the transaction Any fees that may apply The amount of a deposit Balance of the account after the transaction

How to Balance a Checking Account

If you use your checking account to make numerous transactions, it can be difficult to keep track of your spending. Making sure your checking account is current and reflects the true status of your available funds is called balancing a checking account. This is also called reconciling a checking account.



Keeping an accurate check register is the first step in this process. If you plan on using many checks, you may want to invest in duplicate checks. These cost a little more to order, but they keep a carbon copy of each check in your checkbook for your records.

A check register can help you find any mistakes you may have made, note any extra fees, and help you avoid bouncing checks or overdrawing your account. It can also help you spot possible identity theft more quickly and give you an early warning so you can notify your bank.

Steps to Balancing a Checking Account

You should balance your checking account at least once a month.

Gather supplies

The first thing to do is gather any supplies or information you may need. The most important of these are your check register and bank statements. Many banks will mail you a statement each month, but you can also access it online. You may also want to include copies of your duplicate checks and any paystubs, store receipts, or ATM receipts you have saved. You will also

need a pen and a calculator to record your information and help with the math. If you feel more comfortable seeing your calculations, you may want to add and subtract on a piece of paper. You can also print a worksheet that can help with the task. These are commonly found online, or see page 16.

Compare your register and bank statement

The next step is to compare your check register to your bank statement.

Put a checkmark by all the items on your check register that match your bank statement. Many check registers provide a specific column for you to do this. This allows you to see the transactions that have been processed by your bank and those that are still pending.

Add the number of pending transactions on your check register and subtract that amount from your bank statement. If this number and the balance in your check register match exactly, congratulations! You have balanced your checking account.



Reexamine your information

Balancing a checking account, however, is often easier said than done. Banks and businesses sometimes charge so many fees that it may be hard to keep track of them all.

The popularity of online bill paying and electronic fund transfers may mean that a transaction has gone through that you may not be aware of. If you take into account pending transactions and notice your check register and bank statements do not match, you should first go back and reexamine your information.

Note the items that do not have checkmarks

Look for items on your check register that do not have checkmarks and make sure you did not miss any when you added them the first time around. Check your bank statement for any ATM or overdraft fees you may have missed. If you find any, add them to your check register.

Add any electronic transfers

Finally, make sure you note any EFTs that may have occurred. These would be recorded on your bank statement, but you may not have added them to your check register. Common EFTs include direct deposits, electronic withdrawals from ATMs, or online bill payments. If you take all these elements into consideration and you still find a discrepancy in your checking account, contact your bank. They should be able to help you solve the problem.



Put a checkmark (see below) by all the items on your check register that match your bank statement.

Check your bank statement for any ATM or overdraft fees you may have missed. If you find any (see arrows above), add them to your check register.



Take your balance at the end of the month and subtract the two fees (from previous page) that you just added to your check register. 1772.49 - 1.50 - 7.99 = 1763.00 This amount matches your bank statement at the end of the month, which means that your records match your bank’s records exactly. So far, so good. What about the rest items on check register? Use a CCheckbook Worksheet to confirm the balance in your checkbook is correct.





Write in the Ending Balance On Your Bank Statement

Balance: CHECKBOOK BALANCE

$ 1763.00

List & Total All Deposits and Additions Not Shown on Your Statement 9/15 Deposit $ 800.00 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Total $ 800.00

Additions: TOTAL ADDITIONS

$ 800.00

Add Step 1 (Balance) to Step 2 (Additions)

Total: ADD STEP 1 + STEP 2

$ 2563.00

List & Total All Checks, ATM Withdrawals, Debit Card Purchases , and Other Withdrawals Not Shown on Your Statement 9/1 Dry Cleaner $ 25.15 $ 9/2 ATM $ 200.00 $ 9/3 Gas $ 65.99 $ 9/3 Grocery $ 145.63 $ 9/4 Flowers $ 76.00 $ 9/7 House Phone $ 39.99 $ 9/12 Electric $ 62.99 $ $ $ $ Total $ 615.75

Withdrawals: TOTAL WITHDRAWALS

$ 615.75

Take Step 3 (Total), Subtract Step 4 (Withdrawals) This should match the ending balance written in your checkbook. It does! Our checkbook is balanced! SUCCESS!

Checkbook Balance: STEP 3 MINUS STEP 4

$ 1947.25

SAMPLE WORKSHEET



Write in the Ending Balance On Your Bank Statement

Balance: CHECKBOOK BALANCE

$

List & Total All Deposits and Additions Not Shown on Your Statement $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Total $

Additions: TOTAL ADDITIONS

$

Add Step 1 (Balance) to Step 2 (Additions)

Total: ADD STEP 1 + STEP 2

$

List & Total All Checks, ATM Withdrawals, Debit Card Purchases , and Other Withdrawals Not Shown on Your Statement $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Total $

Withdrawals: TOTAL WITHDRAWALS

$

Take Step 3 (Total), Subtract Step 4 (Withdrawals) This should match the ending balance written in your checkbook.

Checkbook Balance: STEP 3 MINUS STEP 4

$

CHECKBOOK WORKSHEET



Account-Balancing Software

If this process seems overwhelming, you may want to look into software that can help you manage your checking account. Many companies offer such software. The simplest of these programs are free, while those designed to handle more complicated financial management can range in price from about $10 to more than $40. The most popular money-management software is produced by Quicken, which offers a starter edition that imports your bank information, helps you track spending, and manages your bills. Other companies offering similar software are Moneydance, Intuit QuickBooks, and Checksoft. Be aware that these services may be more advanced than your needs. For simply managing a checkbook, there are many free downloads that may work better for you.

How to Avoid Overdraft Fees

The best way to avoid overdraft fees is to keep your check register up to date at all times.

1. Record all of the checks you write into your check register.

2. Record all of your ATM withdrawals, Check Card transactions, Automatic Bill Pays and any other withdrawals in your check register.

3. Record all of your deposits into your check register. If your employer makes direct deposit available, take advantage of it. Your payroll check will be automatically deposited into your checking account and you won’t have to remember to deposit it at the bank.

4. Balance your checkbook every month, so you’re sure about the balance in your account. You won’t have to pay an overdraft fee if you always have enough money in your account to cover your withdrawals.



How to Avoid Other Bank Fees

The more you know about your checking

account, and the fees your bank charges, the better equipped you will be to avoid those charges.

1. Shop Around. You have a lot of choices when choosing a checking account. With online banking and direct deposit, you don’t necessarily have to choose the bank that’s around the corner from your house or apartment. By simply exploring your options, you may be able to find a checking account that charges less fees, has a higher interest rate or better services. Your local credit union may also have checking account services available with lower fees and a higher interest rate than your local bank.

2. Be Informed. The more you know about your checking

account, and the fees your bank charges, the less you will be surprised by fees and charges. Make sure you find out about the minimum balance requirements, if your account dictates a maximum number of debit card charges in a month, or if you are charged for using an ATM machine out of your network.

3. Plan Ahead. If you know that you will need cash for a night out or for another reason, plan ahead to withdraw cash from an ATM that is in your network. Or, you can also add cash back to a debit card purchase in order to avoid an out-of-network ATM fee.

The more you know about the balance in your checking account, and the fees your bank charges, the better equipped you will be to avoid overdraft fees and bank charges. The less you pay in bank fees means more money for you!



Weiss’ Ratings’ Highly Recommended Banks by State

This list is derived from Weiss Ratings Guide to Banks, which rates the financial strength of nearly 6,000 banks nationwide. Visit www.greyhouse.com for more information about Weiss Ratings Guide to Banks. The following pages list Weiss Ratings’ Highly Recommended Banks (based strictly on financial safety) with branches in each state. These banks currently receive a Weiss Safety Rating of A+ or A, indicating their excellent financial position. Institutions are listed by their Safety Rating and then alphabetically within each Safety Rating grouping. If a bank is not on this list, it should not be automatically assumed that the institution is weak. Indeed, there are many institutions that have not achieved an A- or better rating but are in relatively good condition with adequate resources to cover their risk. Not being included in this list should not be construed as a recommendation to not work with a particular institution. To get Weiss Safety Rating for a company not included here, go to https://greyhouse.weissratings.com. Name The name under which the institution was chartered.

Weiss Safety Rating Our rating is measured on a scale from A to F and considers a wide range of factors. Highly rated companies are, in our opinion, less likely to experience financial difficulties than lower-rated firms. See "What Our Ratings Mean" in the Appendix for a definition of each rating category.

Telephone The telephone number to call for information on purchasing an

insurance policy from the company. The following list of highly recommended Banks by State is based on ratings as of the date of publication.


Alabama Name Rating Telephone First Bank of Boaz A+ (256) 593-8670 Armed Forces Bank, National Association A (913) 682-9090 Cheaha Bank A (256) 835-8855 Citizens Bank of Winfield A (205) 487-4277 First Metro Bank A (256) 386-0600 First National Bank A (205) 921-7435 HomeTown Bank of Alabama A (205) 625-4434 Metro City Bank A (770) 455-4988 Small Town Bank A (256) 357-4936 Town-Country National Bank A (334) 682-4155

Alaska Name Rating Telephone First National Bank Alaska A (907) 777-4362

Arizona Name Rating Telephone Armed Forces Bank, National Association A (913) 682-9090

Arkansas Name Rating Telephone First Security Bank A+ (501) 279-3400 First National Bank of Izard County A (870) 297-3711 FSNB, National Association A (580) 357-9880 Peoples Bank A (870) 942-5707

California Name Rating Telephone AltaPacific Bank A (707) 236-1500 Armed Forces Bank, National Association A (913) 682-9090 Bank of Hemet A (951) 248-2000 California Pacific Bank A (415) 399-8000 Citizens Business Bank A (909) 980-4030 Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach A (562) 437-0011 FSNB, National Association A (580) 357-9880 Home Bank of California A (858) 270-5881



California (continued) Name Rating Telephone Lighthouse Bank A (831) 600-4000 Malaga Bank F.S.B. A (310) 375-9000

Colorado Name Rating Telephone Armed Forces Bank, National Association A (913) 682-9090 Farmers Bank A (970) 834-2121 First National Bank A (605) 223-2521 First National Bank of Las Animas A (719) 456-1512 Frontier Bank A (719) 336-4351 North Valley Bank A (303) 452-5500 Verus Bank of Commerce A (970) 204-1010

Connecticut* *There are no A+ or A rated banks in this state. We have included all A- Banks for your reference.

Name Rating Telephone Signature Bank of New York A- (646) 822-1500

Delaware Name Rating Telephone FSNB, National Association A (580) 357-9880

District of Columbia* *There are no A+ or A rated banks in this state. We have included all A- Banks for your reference.

Name Rating Telephone EagleBank A- (240) 497-2075

Florida Name Rating Telephone Armed Forces Bank, National Association A (913) 682-9090 Paradise Bank A (561) 392-5444

Georgia Name Rating Telephone Armed Forces Bank, National Association A (913) 682-9090 Douglas National Bank A (912) 384-2233



Georgia (continued) Name Rating Telephone First Intercontinental Bank A (770) 451-7200 First Madison Bank & Trust A (706) 389-7979 First National Bank of Waynesboro A (706) 554-8100 First State Bank of Blakely A (229) 723-3711 Metro City Bank A (770) 455-4988 West Central Georgia Bank A (706) 647-8951

Hawaii* *There are no A+ or A rated banks in this state. We have included all A- Banks for your reference.

Name Rating Telephone Central Pacific Bank A- (808) 544-0500 Territorial Savings Bank A- (808) 946-1400

Idaho Name Rating Telephone Bank of Commerce A (208) 525-9108

Illinois Name Rating Telephone First National Bank in Taylorville A+ (217) 824-2241 Reynolds State Bank A+ (309) 372-4242 Armed Forces Bank, National Association A (913) 682-9090 Farmers National Bank A (785) 543-6541 Federal Savings Bank A (312) 738-6000 First Eagle Bank A (312) 850-2900 First Illinois Bank A (618) 271-8700 First Trust and Savings Bank of Watseka A (815) 432-2494 Germantown Trust & Savings Bank A (618) 526-4202 Gold Coast Bank A (312) 587-3200 Goodfield State Bank A (309) 965-2221 Lakeside Bank A (312) 435-5100 Milledgeville State Bank A (815) 225-7171 Municipal Trust and Savings Bank A (815) 935-8000 Park Ridge Community Bank A (847) 384-9200 Poplar Grove State Bank A (815) 765-3333 Soy Capital Bank and Trust Company A (217) 428-7781



Illinois (continued) Name Rating Telephone State Bank of Texas A (972) 252-6000 Teutopolis State Bank A (217) 857-3166 Vermilion Valley Bank A (815) 686-2258 Warren-Boynton State Bank A (217) 488-6091 Washington Federal Bank for Savings A (773) 254-3422

Indiana Name Rating Telephone Bank of Geneva A (260) 368-7288 Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company A (502) 582-2571

Iowa Name Rating Telephone Farmers Trust & Savings Bank A+ (319) 668-2525 Iowa State Bank A+ (515) 288-0111 New Albin Savings Bank A+ (563) 544-4214 Waukon State Bank A+ (563) 568-3451 Breda Savings Bank A (712) 673-2321 Chelsea Savings Bank A (319) 444-3144 Cherokee State Bank A (712) 225-3000 Citizens Savings Bank A (563) 562-3674 Citizens State Bank A (563) 488-2211 Corydon State Bank A (641) 872-2212 Decorah Bank & Trust Company A (563) 382-9661 Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank A (563) 568-3417 Farmers State Bank A (319) 377-4891 First Bank Hampton A (641) 456-4793 First Iowa State Bank A (641) 932-2144 First Iowa State Bank A (319) 293-3794 First State Bank A (641) 843-4411 First State Bank of Colfax A (515) 674-3533 Heartland Bank A (515) 467-5561 Hills Bank and Trust Company A (319) 679-2291 Liberty Trust & Savings Bank A (563) 785-4441 Marion County State Bank A (641) 628-2191 Maxwell State Bank A (515) 387-1175



Iowa (continued) Name Rating Telephone Midwest Heritage Bank, FSB A (515) 278-6541 Mount Vernon Bank and Trust Company A (319) 895-8835 Panora State Bank A (641) 755-2141 Pocahontas State Bank A (712) 335-3567 Victor State Bank A (319) 647-2231 Wayland State Bank A (319) 385-8189

Kansas Name Rating Telephone Armed Forces Bank, National Association A (913) 682-9090 Farmers & Merchants Bank of Colby A (785) 460-3321 Farmers Bank & Trust A (620) 792-2411 Farmers National Bank A (785) 543-6541 Farmers State Bank of Aliceville, Kansas A (785) 489-2468 First State Bank and Trust Company of Larned A (620) 285-6931 Kaw Valley State Bank and Trust Company A (785) 456-2021 Kearny County Bank A (620) 355-6222 NBKC Bank A (913) 905-2100 Solomon State Bank A (785) 655-2941

Kentucky Name Rating Telephone Armed Forces Bank, National Association A (913) 682-9090 Citizens Deposit Bank of Arlington, Inc. A (270) 655-6921 Cumberland Security Bank, Inc. A (606) 679-9361 Edmonton State Bank A (270) 432-3231 Farmers Bank and Trust Company A (270) 365-5526 Farmers Bank and Trust Company A (270) 965-3106 First United Bank and Trust Company A (270) 821-5555 Jackson County Bank A (606) 287-8484 Kentucky Farmers Bank Corporation A (606) 929-5000 Paducah Bank and Trust Company A (270) 575-5700 River City Bank, Inc. A (502) 585-4600 Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company A (502) 582-2571 Taylor County Bank A (270) 465-4196 United Community Bank of West Kentucky, Inc. A (270) 389-3232



Louisiana Name Rating Telephone FSNB, National Association A (580) 357-9880 Jonesboro State Bank A (318) 259-4411 MBL Bank A (318) 377-0523 Mississippi River Bank A (504) 392-1111 Peoples Bank and Trust Company of Pointe Coupee

Parish A (225) 638-3713

South Louisiana Bank A (985) 851-3434

Maine* *There are no A+ or A rated banks in this state. We have included all A- Banks for your reference.

Name Rating Telephone Franklin Savings Bank A- (207) 778-3339

Maryland* *There are no A+ or A rated banks in this state. We have included all A- Banks for your reference.

Name Rating Telephone Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company of Berlin,

Maryland A- (410) 641-1700

EagleBank A- (240) 497-2075 Rosedale Federal Savings and Loan Association A- (410) 668-4400

Massachusetts Name Rating Telephone Leader Bank, National Association A (781) 646-3900

Michigan* *There are no A+ or A rated banks in this state. We have included all A- Banks for your reference.

Name Rating Telephone 1st Source Bank A- (574) 235-2000 Ann Arbor State Bank A- (734) 761-1475 Chelsea State Bank A- (734) 475-1355 Hantz Bank A- (248) 304-3500 Sterling Bank and Trust, FSB A- (248) 355-2400 Upper Peninsula State Bank A- (906) 789-7000



Minnesota Name Rating Telephone Vermillion State Bank A+ (651) 437-4433 Bank of Alma A (608) 685-4461 Fidelity Bank A (952) 831-6600 First National Bank of Bemidji A (218) 751-2430 First State Bank Southwest A (507) 376-9747 Liberty Bank Minnesota A (320) 252-2841 Northeast Bank A (612) 379-8811 Peoples Bank Midwest A (715) 634-2674 Wadena State Bank A (218) 631-1860

Mississippi Name Rating Telephone Commerce Bank A (662) 286-5577 FSNB, National Association A (580) 357-9880

Missouri Name Rating Telephone Armed Forces Bank, National Association A (913) 682-9090 Bank of Old Monroe A (636) 665-5601 Cass Commercial Bank A (314) 506-5500 Citizens-Farmers Bank of Cole Camp A (660) 668-4416 Community Bank of El Dorado Springs A (417) 876-6811 Community First Banking Company A (417) 255-2265 Home Exchange Bank A (660) 684-6114 Lindell Bank & Trust Company A (314) 645-7700 NBKC Bank A (913) 905-2100 Nodaway Valley Bank A (660) 562-3232 Peoples Community Bank A (573) 224-3267 West Plains Bank and Trust Company A (417) 256-2147

Montana Name Rating Telephone Bank of Commerce A (208) 525-9108 First State Bank of Shelby A (406) 434-5567 Independence Bank A (406) 265-1241 Yellowstone Bank A (406) 628-7951



Nebraska Name Rating Telephone American Interstate Bank A (402) 289-2551 Commercial State Bank A (308) 799-3995 First State Bank A (308) 569-2311 FirsTier Bank A (308) 235-4633 Heritage Bank A (308) 583-2262 Horizon Bank A (402) 786-2555 Madison County Bank A (402) 454-6511

Nevada Name Rating Telephone Armed Forces Bank, National Association A (913) 682-9090

New Hampshire* *There are no A+ or A rated banks in this state. We have included all B+ Banks for your reference.

Name Rating Telephone Cambridge Trust Company B+ (617) 876-5500

New Jersey Name Rating Telephone Armed Forces Bank, National Association A (913) 682-9090 Cross River Bank A (201) 808-7000 Metro City Bank A (770) 455-4988 NewBank A (718) 353-9100 Oritani Bank A (201) 664-5400

New Mexico Name Rating Telephone First National Bank A (575) 437-4880 First New Mexico Bank A (575) 546-2691 First New Mexico Bank, Las Cruces A (575) 556-3000

New York Name Rating Telephone Hamlin Bank and Trust Company A (814) 887-5555 Metro City Bank A (770) 455-4988 NewBank A (718) 353-9100



North Carolina Name Rating Telephone Benchmark Community Bank A (434) 676-9054 FSNB, National Association A (580) 357-9880 Surrey Bank & Trust A (336) 783-3900

North Dakota Name Rating Telephone Sargent County Bank A+ (701) 724-3216 Commercial Bank of Mott A (701) 824-2593 Ramsey National Bank A (701) 662-4024 Security First Bank of North Dakota A (701) 794-8758

Ohio Name Rating Telephone FDS Bank A+ (513) 573-2265 St. Henry Bank A+ (419) 678-2358 Citizens Bank Company A (740) 984-2381 Home Loan Savings Bank A (740) 622-0444 Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company A (502) 582-2571

Oklahoma Name Rating Telephone Bank of the Panhandle A (580) 338-2593 Cleo State Bank A (580) 438-2223 Community National Bank of Okarche A (405) 263-7491 Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Fairview A (580) 227-3773 First Bank & Trust Company A (580) 336-5562 First Bank of Okarche A (405) 263-7215 First Bank of Owasso A (918) 272-5301 FSNB, National Association A (580) 357-9880 International Bank of Commerce A (956) 722-7611 Payne County Bank A (405) 547-2436 Security State Bank A (580) 497-3354 Sooner State Bank A (405) 381-2326 State Bank of Wynnewood A (405) 665-2001 Welch State Bank of Welch, Oklahoma A (918) 788-3373



Oregon Name Rating Telephone Pioneer Trust Bank, National Association A+ (503) 363-3136 Clackamas County Bank A (503) 668-5501

Pennsylvania Name Rating Telephone Hamlin Bank and Trust Company A (814) 887-5555 Honesdale National Bank A (570) 253-3355 Neffs National Bank A (610) 767-3875 Turbotville National Bank A (570) 649-5118

Rhode Island* *There are no A+ or A rated banks in this state. We have included all B+ Banks for your reference.

Name Rating Telephone Washington Trust Company of Westerly B+ (401) 348-1200

South Carolina Name Rating Telephone First Piedmont Federal Savings and Loan Association

of Gaffney A+ (864) 489-6046

FSNB, National Association A (580) 357-9880 Palmetto State Bank A (803) 943-2671

South Dakota Name Rating Telephone Campbell County Bank, Inc. A (605) 437-2294 First National Bank A (605) 223-2521 First National Bank in Philip A (605) 859-2525 First Premier Bank A (605) 357-3000

Tennessee Name Rating Telephone Citizens Bank A+ (615) 735-1490 Financial Federal Bank A (901) 756-2848 First Bank and Trust Company A (276) 889-4622 First Community Bank of Tennessee A (931) 684-5800 FSNB, National Association A (580) 357-9880



Texas Name Rating Telephone Citizens 1st Bank A+ (903) 581-1900 Commercial National Bank of Brady A+ (325) 597-2961 TexasBank A+ (325) 649-9200 Waggoner National Bank of Vernon A+ (940) 552-2511 Armed Forces Bank, National Association A (913) 682-9090 Commerce Bank A (956) 724-1616 First National Bank of Hebbronville A (361) 527-3221 First National Bank of Hughes Springs A (903) 639-2521 First State Bank A (361) 293-3572 First State Bank A (903) 676-1900 First State Bank A (806) 832-4525 First State Bank and Trust Company A (903) 693-6606 First State Bank Central Texas A (512) 231-8821 First State Bank of Ben Wheeler, Texas A (903) 833-5861 FSNB, National Association A (580) 357-9880 Industry State Bank A (979) 357-4437 International Bank of Commerce A (956) 722-7611 International Bank of Commerce A (956) 547-1000 International Bank of Commerce A (956) 765-8361 Muenster State Bank A (940) 759-2257 PlainsCapital Bank A (214) 525-9100 Sanger Bank A (940) 458-4600 State Bank of De Kalb A (903) 667-2553 State Bank of Texas A (972) 252-6000 T Bank, National Association A (972) 720-9000 Trinity Bank, N.A. A (817) 763-9966



Utah Name Rating Telephone Optum Bank, Inc. A+ (866) 234-8913 Bank of Utah A (801) 409-5000 Central Bank A (801) 375-1000 LCA Bank Corporation A (435) 658-4824 Marlin Business Bank A (888) 479-9111 People's Intermountain Bank A (801) 756-7681 State Bank of Southern Utah A (435) 865-2300 WebBank A (801) 456-8350

Vermont* *There are no A+ or A rated banks in this state. We have included all B+ Banks for your reference.

Name Rating Telephone KeyBank National Association B+ (216) 689-3000 Ledyard National Bank B+ (802) 649-2050 NBT Bank, National Association B+ (607) 337-6416 TrustCo Bank B+ (518) 377-3311 Union Bank B+ (802) 888-6600 Wilmington Trust, National Association B+ (716) 635-4000

Virginia Name Rating Telephone Armed Forces Bank, National Association A (913) 682-9090 Bank of Southside Virginia A (434) 246-5211 Benchmark Community Bank A (434) 676-9054 First Bank and Trust Company A (276) 889-4622 Metro City Bank A (770) 455-4988 National Bank of Blacksburg A (540) 951-6205 Surrey Bank & Trust A (336) 783-3900

Washington Name Rating Telephone Armed Forces Bank, National Association A (913) 682-9090



West Virginia* *There are no A+ or A rated banks in this state. We have included all A- Banks for your reference.

Name Rating Telephone Clay County Bank, Inc. A- (304) 587-4221 Community Bank of Parkersburg A- (304) 485-7991 Woodforest National Bank A- (832) 375-2505

Wisconsin Name Rating Telephone Bank of Prairie Du Sac A+ (608) 643-3393 Bank of Alma A (608) 685-4461 Bank of Deerfield A (608) 764-5411 Charter Bank A (715) 832-4254 Farmers State Bank of Waupaca A (715) 258-1400 National Exchange Bank and Trust A (920) 921-7700 Peoples Bank Midwest A (715) 634-2674

Wyoming Name Rating Telephone FirsTier Bank A (308) 235-4633



Weiss Ratings’ Weakest Banks by State This list is derived from Weiss Ratings Guide to Banks, which rates the financial strength of nearly 6,000 banks nationwide. Visit www.greyhouse.com for more information about Weiss Ratings Guide to Banks. The following pages list Weiss Ratings’ Weakest Banks (based strictly on financial safety) with branches in each state. These banks currently receive a Weiss Safety Rating of E+, E or E-, indicating their very weak financial position and the possibility of failure. If your checking account is with one of these credit unions, you might want to consider moving your funds to a more financially secure institution. Institutions are listed by their Safety Rating and then alphabetically within each Safety Rating grouping. To get Weiss Safety Rating for a company not included here, go to https://greyhouse.weissratings.com. Name The name under which the institution was chartered.

Weiss Safety Rating Our rating is measured on a scale from A to F and considers a wide range of factors. Lower-rated companies are, in our opinion, more likely to experience financial difficulties than highly rated firms. See "What Our Ratings Mean" in the Appendix for a definition of each rating category.


insurance policy from the company. The following list of Weakest Banks by State is based on ratings as of the date of publication.


Alabama Name Rating Telephone Community Bank & Trust - Alabama E (334) 738-5322 Covenant Bank E- (205) 702-2265 SunSouth Bank E- (334) 677-4411

Arkansas Name Rating Telephone Commerce Bank of Arizona, Inc. E- (520) 325-9070 One Bank & Trust, National Association E- (501) 370-4400

California Name Rating Telephone Gateway Bank, F.S.B. E- (510) 268-8108

Florida Name Rating Telephone Brickell Bank E+ (305) 347-8300 Beach Community Bank E- (850) 244-9900 First City Bank of Florida E- (850) 244-5151 First NBC Bank E- (504) 566-8000 Lafayette State Bank E- (386) 294-1901 Pinnacle Bank E- (386) 774-2001

Georgia Name Rating Telephone Persons Banking Company E+ (478) 994-5146 Affinity Bank E- (866) 736-8194 Community Bank & Trust - West Georgia E- (706) 884-7999 Cornerstone Bank E- (404) 601-1250 F & M Bank and Trust Company E- (706) 846-8415 Farmers & Merchants Bank E- (229) 482-3585 First Chatham Bank E- (912) 629-2900 First Southern Bank E- (912) 647-5332 Guaranty Bank (MHC) E- (414) 362-4000 Gwinnett Community Bank E- (770) 476-2775 Legacy State Bank E- (770) 554-2265 Northside Bank E- (770) 773-7300 Peoples Bank E- (706) 485-8542



Illinois Name Rating Telephone Citizens Bank of Chatsworth E- (815) 635-3134 Fayette County Bank E- (618) 829-3225 Grand Rivers Community Bank E- (618) 634-2208 Guaranty Bank (MHC) E- (414) 362-4000 McHenry Savings Bank E- (815) 385-3000 United Trust Bank E- (708) 728-9900 Urban Partnership Bank E- (773) 420-5050

Iowa Name Rating Telephone Dysart State Bank E (319) 476-4900

Kansas Name Rating Telephone Towanda State Bank E (316) 536-2282

Kentucky Name Rating Telephone Citizens Commerce National Bank E+ (859) 879-9455 PBI Bank, Inc. E- (502) 499-4800

Louisiana Name Rating Telephone First NBC Bank E- (504) 566-8000

Maryland Name Rating Telephone Maryland Financial Bank E+ (410) 825-4440 Cecil Bank E- (410) 398-1650

Massachusetts Name Rating Telephone Colonial Co-operative Bank E- (978) 632-0171



Michigan Name Rating Telephone OSB Community Bank E+ (517) 592-3205 Guaranty Bank (MHC) E- (414) 362-4000 Homestead Savings Bank E- (517) 629-5588 Urban Partnership Bank E- (773) 420-5050

Minnesota Name Rating Telephone First National Bank of Buhl E (218) 749-3190 First State Bank of Rosemount E (651) 423-1121 State Bank of Hamburg E (952) 467-2992 Americana Community Bank E- (507) 794-3551 Eagle Community Bank E- (763) 494-9800 Guaranty Bank (MHC) E- (414) 362-4000

Missouri Name Rating Telephone Horizon State Bank E (816) 632-7000 Bank of Fairport E- (507) 794-3551

Montana Name Rating Telephone First Citizens Bank of Polson, National Association E- (406) 883-4358

Nebraska Name Rating Telephone Sidney Federal Savings and Loan Association E+ (308) 254-2401 Commercial State Bank E (402) 628-2155

New Jersey Name Rating Telephone Liberty Bell Bank E+ (856) 830-1130 City National Bank of New Jersey E (973) 624-0865 Cornerstone Bank E- (404) 601-1250 Cornerstone Bank E- (856) 439-0300



New Mexico Name Rating Telephone Community 1st Bank Las Vegas E- (505) 425-7584

New York Name Rating Telephone City National Bank of New Jersey E (973) 624-0865 Hometown Bank of the Hudson Valley (MHC) E- (845) 778-2171

North Carolina Name Rating Telephone Alliance Bank & Trust Company E (704) 867-5828 Nantahala Bank & Trust Company E- (828) 369-2265

Ohio Name Rating Telephone Buckeye State Bank E+ (937) 585-4301

Oklahoma Name Rating Telephone High Desert Bank E- (541) 848-4444 Liberty Federal Savings Bank E- (580) 234-5313

Pennsylvania Name Rating Telephone Stonebridge Bank E- (800) 807-1666 United Bank of Philadelphia E- (215) 351-4600

South Carolina Name Rating Telephone South Carolina Community Bank E+ (803) 733-8100 Enterprise Bank of South Carolina E- (803) 267-3191 First South Bank E- (864) 595-0455



Tennessee Name Rating Telephone Brighton Bank E (901) 476-5353 Civis Bank E- (423) 272-2200 Sevier County Bank E- (865) 453-6101

Texas Name Rating Telephone First State Bank E- (325) 677-3000 Liberty Bank, Inc. E- (801) 355-7411 Liberty Federal Savings Bank E- (580) 234-5313

Virginia Name Rating Telephone Bank of Fincastle E (540) 473-2761 First State Bank E- (434) 792-0198

West Virginia Name Rating Telephone Bank of Mingo E+ (304) 475-1900 First State Bank E- (304) 736-5271

Wisconsin Name Rating Telephone Columbia Savings and Loan Association E- (414) 374-0486 Equitable Bank, S.S.B. E- (414) 476-6434 Guaranty Bank (MHC) E- (414) 362-4000



Weiss Ratings’ Highly Recommended Credit Unions by State

This list is derived from Weiss Ratings Guide to Credit Unions, which rates the financial strength of nearly 6,000 credit unions nationwide. Visit www.greyhouse.com for more information about Weiss Ratings Guide to Credit Unions. The following pages list Weiss Ratings’ Highly Recommended Credit Unions (based strictly on financial safety), arranged by headquarters state. These credit unions currently receive a Weiss Safety Rating of A+ or A, indicating their excellent financial position. Institutions are listed by their Safety Rating and then alphabetically within each Safety Rating grouping. If a credit union is not on this list, it should not be automatically assumed that the institution is weak. Indeed, there are many institutions that have not achieved an A- or better rating but are in relatively good condition with adequate resources to cover their risk. Not being included in this list should not be construed as a recommendation to not work with a particular institution. To get Weiss Safety Rating for a company not included here, go to https://greyhouse.weissratings.com. Name The name under which the institution was chartered.

Weiss Safety Rating Our rating is measured on a scale from A to F and considers a wide range of factors. Highly rated companies are, in our opinion, less likely to experience financial difficulties than lower-rated firms. See "What Our Ratings Mean" in the Appendix for a definition of each rating category.


insurance policy from the company. The following list of highly recommended Credit Unions by State is based on ratings as of the date of publication.


Alabama Name Rating Telephone ACIPCO Federal Credit Union A (205) 328-4371 Family Security Credit Union A (256) 340-2000

Arizona Name Rating Telephone Arizona Federal Credit Union A (602) 683-1000 Desert Schools Federal Credit Union A (602) 433-7000

Arkansas Name Rating Telephone Arkansas Superior Federal Credit Union A (870) 226-3534

California Name Rating Telephone Arrowhead Central Credit Union A+ (909) 383-7300 Long Beach Firemen's Credit Union A+ (562) 597-0351 San Diego County Credit Union A+ (877) 732-2848 Vons Employees Federal Credit Union A+ (626) 444-1972 California Lithuanian Credit Union A (310) 828-7095 Credit Union of Southern California A (866) 287-6225 Educational Employees Credit Union A (559) 437-7700 F&A Federal Credit Union A (323) 268-1226 Foothill Federal Credit Union A (626) 445-0950 Fresno County Federal Credit Union A (559) 252-5000 Golden 1 Credit Union A (916) 732-2900 Logix Federal Credit Union A (800) 328-5328 Mission Federal Credit Union A (858) 524-2850 Operating Engineers Local Union #3 Federal

Credit Union A (925) 454-4000

Redwood Credit Union A (707) 545-4000 Sacramento Credit Union A (916) 444-6070 Safe 1 Credit Union A (661) 327-3818 SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union A (714) 258-4000 Travis Credit Union A (707) 449-4000



Colorado Name Rating Telephone Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Federal

Credit Union A+ (303) 458-6660

Aurora Federal Credit Union A (303) 755-2572 BellCo Credit Union A (303) 689-7800 Credit Union of Denver A (303) 234-1700 Ent Credit Union A (719) 574-1100 On Tap Credit Union A (303) 279-6414

Delaware Name Rating Telephone Tidemark Federal Credit Union A (302) 629-0100

Florida Name Rating Telephone Community Credit Union of Florida A (321) 690-2328 Community First Credit Union of Florida A (904) 354-8537 Guardians Credit Union A (561) 686-4006 JetStream Federal Credit Union A (305) 821-7060 JM Associates Federal Credit Union A (904) 378-4588 Panhandle Educators Federal Credit Union A (850) 769-3306 Publix Employees Federal Credit Union A (863) 683-6404

Georgia Name Rating Telephone Robins Financial Credit Union A+ (478) 923-3773 CGR Credit Union A (478) 745-0494 Delta Community Credit Union A (404) 715-4725 Interstate Unlimited Federal Credit Union A (912) 427-3904

Hawaii Name Rating Telephone Maui County Federal Credit Union A (808) 244-7968



Illinois Name Rating Telephone Earthmover Credit Union A (630) 844-4950 Streator Onized Credit Union A (815) 673-1589

Indiana Name Rating Telephone Centra Credit Union A (812) 376-9771 Three Rivers Federal Credit Union A (260) 490-8328

Iowa Name Rating Telephone Cedar Falls Community Credit Union A (319) 266-7531 Citizens Community Credit Union A (515) 955-5524 Dupaco Community Credit Union A (563) 557-7600

Kansas Name Rating Telephone Skyward Credit Union A (316) 517-6578

Kentucky Name Rating Telephone Fort Knox Federal Credit Union A+ (502) 942-0254 Service One Credit Union, Inc. A (270) 796-8500 Signet Federal Credit Union A (270) 443-5261 University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union A (859) 264-4200

Louisiana Name Rating Telephone Wymar Federal Credit Union A (225) 339-7191

Maine Name Rating Telephone Otis Federal Credit Union A (207) 897-0900 Oxford Federal Credit Union A (207) 369-9976



Maryland Name Rating Telephone Library of Congress Federal Credit Union A (202) 707-5852

Massachusetts Name Rating Telephone Greater Springfield Credit Union A (413) 782-3161 Webster First Federal Credit Union A (508) 671-5000

Michigan Name Rating Telephone AAC Credit Union A (616) 288-0288 Alliance Catholic Credit Union A (248) 663-4006 Best Financial Credit Union A (231) 733-1329 Community Financial Credit Union A (734) 453-1200 Dort Federal Credit Union A (810) 767-8390 Education Plus Credit Union A (734) 242-3765 Genisys Credit Union A (248) 322-9800 Honor Credit Union A (800) 442-2800 Kellogg Community Credit Union A (269) 968-9251 Lake Michigan Credit Union A (616) 242-9790 Marshall Community Credit Union A (269) 781-9885 Michigan Schools and Government Credit

Union A (586) 263-8800

Omni Community Credit Union A (269) 441-1400 Preferred Credit Union A (616) 942-9630 St. Francis X Federal Credit Union A (231) 347-8480 TBA Credit Union A (231) 946-7090 TLC Community Credit Union A (517) 263-9120 U.P. Catholic Credit Union A (906) 228-7080 Wanigas Credit Union A (989) 759-5780 West Michigan Credit Union A (616) 451-4567 Zeal Credit Union A (800) 321-8570



Minnesota Name Rating Telephone Co-Op Credit Union of Montevideo A (320) 269-2117 St. Paul Federal Credit Union A (651) 772-8744 TruStar Federal Credit Union A (218) 283-2000

Mississippi Name Rating Telephone 1st Mississippi Federal Credit Union A (601) 693-6873 Central Sunbelt Federal Credit Union A (601) 649-7181 Keesler Federal Credit Union A (228) 385-5500 Members Exchange Credit Union A (601) 922-3350

Missouri Name Rating Telephone CU Community Credit Union A+ (417) 865-3912 Century Credit Union A (314) 544-1818 Neighbors Credit Union A (314) 892-5400 Telcomm Credit Union A (417) 886-5355

Montana Name Rating Telephone Billings Federal Credit Union A (406) 248-1127 Lincoln County Credit Union A (406) 293-7771

Nebraska Name Rating Telephone Metro Health Services Federal Credit Union A (402) 551-3052 Nebraska Energy Federal Credit Union A (402) 563-5900

Nevada Name Rating Telephone Clark County Credit Union A (702) 228-2228 One Nevada Credit Union A (702) 457-1000



New Mexico Name Rating Telephone Rio Grande Credit Union A (505) 262-1401 State Employees Credit Union A (505) 983-7328

New York Name Rating Telephone ESL Federal Credit Union A+ (585) 336-1000 Moog Employees Federal Credit Union A (716) 655-2360 N C P D Federal Credit Union A (516) 938-0300 Olean Area Federal Credit Union A (716) 372-6607 Self Reliance NY Federal Credit Union A (212) 473-7310

North Carolina Name Rating Telephone Charlotte Metro Federal Credit Union A (704) 375-0183 Railway Credit Union A (701) 667-9500

Ohio Name Rating Telephone Superior Credit Union, Inc. A+ (419) 223-9746 Day Air Credit Union A (937) 643-2160 Fremont Federal Credit Union A (419) 334-4434 Kemba Credit Union A (513) 762-5070 KEMBA Financial Credit Union A (614) 235-2395 Seven Seventeen Credit Union A (330) 372-8100 Wright-Patt Credit Union, Inc. A (937) 912-7000

Oklahoma Name Rating Telephone Oklahoma Federal Credit Union A (405) 524-6467

Oregon Name Rating Telephone OnPoint Community Credit Union A (503) 228-7077



Pennsylvania Name Rating Telephone Police and Fire Federal Credit Union A+ (215) 931-0300 Butler Armco Employees Credit Union A (724) 284-2020

South Carolina Name Rating Telephone AllSouth Federal Credit Union A (803) 736-3110 CPM Federal Credit Union A (843) 747-6376 Greenville Heritage Federal Credit Union A (864) 467-4160 MTC Federal Credit Union A (864) 908-3469 Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union A (803) 779-1232 SC Telco Federal Credit Union A (864) 232-5553

South Dakota Name Rating Telephone Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union A (605) 334-2471

Tennessee Name Rating Telephone First South Financial Credit Union A+ (901) 380-7400 Ascend Federal Credit Union A (931) 455-5441 Eastman Credit Union A (423) 578-7676 Heritage South Community Credit Union A (931) 680-1400 Leaders Credit Union A (731) 664-1784 Northeast Community Credit Union A (423) 547-1200 Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union A (423) 634-3600

Texas Name Rating Telephone East Texas Professional Credit Union A+ (903) 323-0230 Members First Credit Union A+ (361) 991-6178 Pioneer Mutual Federal Credit Union A+ (281) 566-8000 Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union A+ (210) 945-3300 Schlumberger Employees Credit Union A+ (281) 285-4551 Austin Telco Federal Credit Union A (512) 302-5555 DATCU Credit Union A (940) 387-8585 Education Credit Union A (806) 358-7777



Texas (continued) Name Rating Telephone EECU A (817) 882-0000 Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union A (281) 487-9333 Harris County Federal Credit Union A (713) 755-5160 Houston Police Federal Credit Union A (713) 986-0200 Mobiloil Federal Credit Union A (409) 892-1111 Neches Federal Credit Union A (409) 722-1174 Nizari Progressive Federal Credit Union A (281) 921-8500 Southwest Airlines Federal Credit Union A (214) 357-5577 Synergy Federal Credit Union A (210) 345-2222 Texell Credit Union A (254) 773-1604

Utah Name Rating Telephone Utah Power Credit Union A+ (801) 708-8900 Box Elder County Federal Credit Union A (435) 723-3437 Goldenwest Federal Credit Union A (801) 621-4550 Utah First Federal Credit Union A (801) 320-2600

Virginia Name Rating Telephone Navy Federal Credit Union A (703) 255-8000

Washington Name Rating Telephone Whatcom Educational Credit Union A+ (360) 676-1168 Boeing Employees Credit Union A (206) 439-5700 Columbia Credit Union A (360) 891-4000 Great Northwest Federal Credit Union A (360) 533-9990 Qualstar Credit Union A (425) 643-3400 Solarity Credit Union A (509) 248-1720 Sound Credit Union A (253) 383-2016



Wisconsin Name Rating Telephone AppleTree Credit Union A (414) 546-7800 Community First Credit Union A (920) 830-7200 Covantage Credit Union A (715) 627-4336 First Community Credit Union of Beloit A (608) 362-9077 Members' Advantage Credit Union A (715) 421-1610 PCM Credit Union A (920) 499-2831 Summit Credit Union A (608) 243-5000 Unitedone Credit Union A (920) 684-0361 Westby Co-op Credit Union A (608) 634-3118

Wyoming Name Rating Telephone Sunlight Federal Credit Union A (307) 587-4915 WyHy Federal Credit Union A (307) 638-4200



Weiss Ratings’ Weakest Credit Unions by State

This list is derived from Weiss Ratings Guide to Credit Unions, which rates the financial strength of nearly 6,000 credit unions nationwide. Visit www.greyhouse.com for more information about Weiss Ratings Guide to Credit Unions. The following pages list Weiss Ratings’ Weakest Credit Unions (based strictly on financial safety) with headquarters in each state. These credit unions currently receive a Weiss Safety Rating of E+, E or E-, indicating their very weak financial position and the possibility of failure. If your checking account is with one of these credit unions, you might want to consider moving your funds to a more financially secure institution. Institutions are listed by their Safety Rating and then alphabetically within each Safety Rating grouping. To get Weiss Safety Rating for a company not included here, go to https://greyhouse.weissratings.com. Name The name under which the institution was chartered.

Weiss Safety Rating Our rating is measured on a scale from A to F and considers a wide range of factors. Lower-rated companies are, in our opinion, more likely to experience financial difficulties than highly rated firms. See "What Our Ratings Mean" in the Appendix for a definition of each rating category.


insurance policy from the company. The following list of Weakest Credit Unions by State is based on ratings as of the date of publication.


Alabama Name Rating Telephone

Demopolis Federal Credit Union E+ (334) 289-4686 Sixth Avenue Baptist Federal Credit Union E+ (205) 322-6654 Tuskegee Federal Credit Union E+ (334) 727-3180 Alabama One Credit Union E (205) 759-1595 Tri-Rivers Federal Credit Union E- (334) 834-7483

Arizona Name Rating Telephone

A.E.A. Federal Credit Union E+ (928) 783-8881 San Tan Credit Union E+ (480) 963-5661

Arkansas Name Rating Telephone

White County Federal Credit Union E- (501) 268-3122

California Name Rating Telephone

Episcopal Community Federal Credit Union E+ (213) 482-2040 Pacoima Development Federal Credit Union E+ (818) 899-8506 United America West Federal Credit Union E+ (818) 834-1959 Victor Valley Federal Credit Union E+ (760) 245-7170 Cal Poly Federal Credit Union E (909) 869-6800 Desert Communities Federal Credit Union E (760) 326-2942

Colorado Name Rating Telephone

One Thirteen Credit Union E+ (719) 632-7118



Connecticut Name Rating Telephone

Connecticut Community Credit Union, Inc. E+ (860) 599-5379 Connecticut Transit Federal Credit Union E+ (860) 244-9344 Rogers Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (860) 779-5528 Community Credit Union of New Milford, Inc. E (860) 210-0777 Western Connecticut Federal Credit Union E (203) 791-9399 New Haven County Credit Union E- (203) 234-8773 Workers Federal Credit Union E- (860) 684-4484

District of Columbia Name Rating Telephone

Sargent Federal Credit Union E+ (202) 396-2923 Washington Typographic Federal Credit Union E+ (202) 966-5155

Florida Name Rating Telephone

Alliance Credit Union of Florida E+ (352) 372-8225 Jax Glidco Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (904) 924-2755 Florida A&M University Federal Credit Union E- (850) 222-4541

Georgia Name Rating Telephone

United Neighborhood Federal Credit Union E+ (706) 823-6378

Hawaii Name Rating Telephone

Leahi Federal Credit Union E+ (808) 235-3244 Times Federal Credit Union E+ (808) 831-0986

Idaho Name Rating Telephone

St. Joe Valley Credit Union E+ (208) 245-4231



Illinois Name Rating Telephone

Dekalb County Credit Union E+ (815) 758-4690 Normal City Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (309) 454-9523 North Side Community Federal Credit Union E+ (773) 769-5800 St. Gregory Parish Credit Union E+ (773) 561-5493

Indiana Name Rating Telephone

Finans Federal Credit Union E+ (219) 844-3125 South Shore Railroad Employees Federal Credit

Union E+ (219) 210-4624

Link Federal Credit Union E (317) 248-9241

Iowa Name Rating Telephone

Eaton Employees Credit Union E+ (712) 264-3377 Idaho United Credit Union E+ (208) 388-2138

Kansas Name Rating Telephone

Eagle Federal Credit Union E+ (913) 367-5004 River Cities Community Credit Union E+ (913) 367-1488 Salina Railroad Credit Union E+ (785) 823-1841 Wheat State Credit Union E- (316) 687-4101

Kentucky Name Rating Telephone

Bluegrass Community Federal Credit Union E+ (606) 324-0888 Chemco Federal Credit Union E+ (502) 772-5780 Friends First Credit Union E+ (270) 684-1829



Louisiana Name Rating Telephone

Acadian Federal Credit Union E+ (337) 233-6744 Caano Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (504) 466-5727 Cogic Credit Union E+ (337) 504-3502 Concordia Parish School Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (318) 757-6171 East Feliciana Teachers Federal Credit Union E+ (225) 658-4398 Lane Memorial Federal Credit Union E+ (225) 570-8677 Post Office Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (318) 222-1979 SHPE Federal Credit Union E+ (225) 222-6869 SPELC Federal Credit Union E+ (337) 436-2257 St. Jules Credit Union E+ (337) 261-1151 St. Landry Parish Federal Credit Union E+ (337) 948-3280 West Jefferson Federal Credit Union E+ (504) 349-1350 Louisiana Central Credit Union E- (504) 733-0789

Maine Name Rating Telephone

Monmouth Federal Credit Union E+ (207) 933-2667

Maryland Name Rating Telephone

Able Federal Credit Union E+ (301) 729-2498 Healthcare 1st Federal Credit Union E+ (301) 723-4098 Fort Meade Credit Union E- (410) 551-5800

Massachusetts Name Rating Telephone Immaculate Conception Fall River Federal Credit

Union E+ (508) 673-6784

Our Lady of the Angels Federal Credit Union E+ (508) 678-6391

Chadwick Federal Credit Union E- (781) 255-4917



Michigan

Name Rating Telephone

Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union E+ (269) 782-2410

Tradewinds Credit Union E+ (616) 784-6390 West Michigan Postal Service Federal Credit

Union E+ (231) 722-3921

Minnesota Name Rating Telephone

Lakes Area Federal Credit Union E- (218) 326-1251

Mississippi Name Rating Telephone

First Unity Federal Credit Union E (601) 680-4419

Missouri Name Rating Telephone

Academic Employees Credit Union E+ (573) 445-1845 Heartland Community Credit Union E+ (816) 363-2223 Holy Rosary Credit Union E+ (816) 221-2734 Kilowatt Community Credit Union E+ (573) 635-2685 Scientific Research Partner's Credit Union E+ (816) 360-5209

Nebraska Name Rating Telephone

Boys Town Federal Credit Union E+ (402) 498-1108 McPherson Community Federal Credit Union E+ (308) 587-2526 Nebraska Rural Community Federal Credit Union E+ (308) 247-2026 Union Pacific Streamliner Federal Credit Union E (402) 544-2500

New Hampshire Name Rating Telephone

N.H. Community Federal Credit Union E+ (603) 542-7781



New Jersey Name Rating Telephone

1st Bergen Federal Credit Union E+ (201) 968-0202 Camden Police Federal Credit Union E+ (856) 581-1088 Colgate Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (732) 878-6023 Defense Logistics Federal Credit Union E+ (973) 724-8290 Linde Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (908) 771-6422 New Jersey Community Federal Credit Union E+ (856) 235-2077 Parlin Dupont Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (732) 254-7573 Rutherford Postal District Employees Federal

Credit Union E+ (732) 987-6533

West Orange Municipal Federal Credit Union E+ (973) 736-1929 Hamilton Horizons Federal Credit Union E (609) 631-4300 Motion Federal Credit Union E (908) 862-6966

New York Name Rating Telephone

Branch 6000 NALC Credit Union E+ (631) 789-0303

Buffalo Cooperative Federal Credit Union E+ (716) 881-3767 City of Schenectady Employees Federal Credit

Union E+ (518) 346-3007

Cobblestone Country Federal Credit Union E+ (585) 589-5286 Empire Branch 36 National Association of Le Carr


GRS Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (585) 279-2030

I C S Federal Credit Union E+ (716) 995-2316

IRS Buffalo Federal Credit Union E+ (716) 854-3714

Korean American Catholics Federal Credit Union E+ (718) 353-7676

Lexington Avenue Federal Credit Union E+ (585) 254-4543 Medical Employees of Staten Island Federal


MSBA Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (516) 766-0009

Niagara-Wheatfield Federal Credit Union E+ (716) 731-2632

Northern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union E+ (716) 934-3111 Schenectady County Employees Federal Credit

Union E+ (518) 374-3830

Sloan Public Schools Federal Credit Union E+ (716) 897-7800x1192

SPC Brooklyn Federal Credit Union E+ (718) 857-5543

Upstate Milk Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (716) 332-5337



New York (continued) Name Rating Telephone

Westfield Area Federal Credit Union E+ (716) 326-4200

Entertainment Industries Federal Credit Union E (212) 833-5533

Long Island Community Federal Credit Union E (631) 476-6581

Seneca Nation of Indians Federal Credit Union E- (716) 532-8179

Syracuse Cooperative Federal Credit Union E- (315) 471-1116

North Dakota Name Rating Telephone

Tel-U-Watt Federal Credit Union E+ (701) 838-9810

Ohio Name Rating Telephone

Cando Credit Union E+ (419) 666-3113 First Miami University Student Federal Credit

Union E+ (513) 529-1251

R.T.A. Brooklyn Federal Credit Union E+ (216) 749-0583 S And J School Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (740) 266-6354 Toledo Teamsters Federal Credit Union E+ (419) 254-3239 Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union E+ (419) 255-8876

Oklahoma Name Rating Telephone

Arbuckle Federal Credit Union E+ (580) 332-0181 My Choice Federal Credit Union E+ (918) 835-0634 OSU Institute of Technology Federal Credit Union E+ (918) 293-4962

Oregon Name Rating Telephone

Machinists-Boilermakers Federal Credit Union E+ (503) 210-2477

Pennsylvania Name Rating Telephone

Beaver Avenue Federal Credit Union E+ (412) 393-8882

Central Valley Federal Credit Union E+ (724) 335-2141

Clearchoice Federal Credit Union E+ (610) 376-0605

Duq Lite Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (724) 384-1316



Pennsylvania (continued) Name Rating Telephone

First Credit Union of Scranton E+ (570) 961-8953 First Pennsylvania Township Employees Federal


Hill District Federal Credit Union E+ (412) 281-0822

I B E W Local 56 Federal Credit Union E+ (814) 455-2270

IBEW Local Union 712 Federal Credit Union E+ (724) 775-3044

Local 229 IBEW Federal Credit Union E+ (717) 854-5254

PATA Federal Credit Union E+ (412) 963-8081

People's Choice Federal Credit Union E+ (570) 451-3318

Shacog Federal Credit Union E+ (412) 429-3600

Standard Steel Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (717) 248-7701

Tioga Area Federal Credit Union E+ (570) 724-3473

W.O.D. Federal Credit Union E+ (570) 288-1550 West York Area School District Employees Federal


Neighbors 1st FCU E (717) 762-8431

Heights Community Federal Credit Union E- (610) 868-8211

Rhode Island Name Rating Telephone

Woodlawn Federal Credit Union E- (401) 728-8300

South Carolina Name Rating Telephone

Brookland Federal Credit Union E+ (803) 794-9201

South Dakota Name Rating Telephone

Consolidated Hub-Co Federal Credit Union E+ (605) 225-7711 Huron C&NW Federal Credit Union E+ (605) 352-3648 United Methodist First Choice Federal Credit

Union E+ (605) 348-5753



Tennessee Name Rating Telephone

Fedtrust Federal Credit Union E+ (901) 526-6771 Health Systems Credit Union E+ (865) 689-6152 Mid East Tennessee Community Credit Union E+ (423) 334-2100 Gateway Credit Union E (931) 551-8271

Texas Name Rating Telephone

Amoco East Texas Federal Credit Union E+ (903) 759-2565 C-E Federal Credit Union E+ (713) 645-4961 Coastal Teachers Federal Credit Union E+ (361) 552-1558 Galveston Government Employees Credit Union E+ (409) 908-9834 Guardian 1st Federal Credit Union E+ (817) 534-8707 Hilco Federal Credit Union E+ (830) 257-8238 Local 20 IBEW Federal Credit Union E+ (214) 363-9223 South Texas Regional Federal Credit Union E+ (956) 723-0363 Team Financial Federal Credit Union E+ (281) 876-2501 Texans Credit Union E+ (972) 348-2080 Texhillco School Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (830) 896-3977 United Savers Trust Credit Union E+ (713) 462-5552 1st University Credit Union E (254) 752-2797 Transtar Federal Credit Union E (832) 201-0190 South Texas Federal Credit Union E- (956) 618-7500

Vermont Name Rating Telephone

Orlex Government Employees Credit Union E+ (802) 334-5084

Virginia Name Rating Telephone

Charlottesville Postal Federal Credit Union E+ (434) 973-4280 Portsmouth Virginia City Employees Federal


Star City Federal Credit Union E+ (540) 362-7315 Waynesboro Employees Credit Union, Inc. E+ (540) 949-0667 Virginia State University Federal Credit Union E (804) 526-6708 Mosaic Federal Credit Union E- (540) 564-6080



Washington Name Rating Telephone

Sears Spokane Employees Federal Credit Union E+ (509) 483-0580

West Virginia Name Rating Telephone Berkeley County Public Schools Federal Credit

Union E+ (304) 263-0902

Tri Ag West Virginia Federal Credit Union E+ (304) 292-3798 Willow Island Federal Credit Union E+ (304) 665-1127 Wood County Community Federal Credit Union E+ (304) 865-2361

Wisconsin Name Rating Telephone

LCO Federal Credit Union E+ (715) 634-7772 Oshkosh Postal Employees Credit Union E+ (920) 233-3117

Wyoming Name Rating Telephone

Yellowstone Federal Credit Union E+ (307) 344-7974 Green River Basin Federal Credit Union E (307) 875-3044




Appendices

2017 Rankings of the Best Checking Accounts ..........................................62 Helpful Resources ...............................................................................64 Glossary .............................................................................................65 Sources .............................................................................................66 What Our Ratings Mean ........................................................................67 Terms & Conditions ..............................................................................68

TO CHOOSE A REPUTABLE CREDIT COUNSELOR



2017 Rankings of the Best Checking Accounts

(Listed in Alphabetical Order)

360 Checking by Capital One BEST OVERDRAFT POLICY, NerdWallet

Best Free Checking Accounts BEST ONLINE CHECKING ACCOUNTS,

NerdWallet BEST PHYSICAL BRANCH ACCESS,

ValuePenguin Alliant Credit Union High-Rated Checking BEST CREDIT UNION, NerdWallet Best

Free Checking Accounts BEST ONLINE CHECKING ACCOUNTS,

NerdWallet Ally Interest Checking BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE, NerdWallet

Best Free Checking Accounts BEST ONLINE CHECKING ACCOUNTS,

NerdWallet MOST CONSUMER-FRIENDLY,

ValuePenguin Aspiration Summit Account BEST INTEREST RATE, NerdWallet Best


NerdWallet Bank5 Connect High Interest Checking BEST INTEREST RATE, NerdWallet Best


NerdWallet Bank of America Core Checking BEST CHECKING ACCOUNTS OVERALL,

ValuePenguin Bank of Internet USA Essential Checking BEST ONLINE CHECKING ACCOUNTS,

NerdWallet



Bank of Internet USA Rewards Checking • BEST HIGH-YIELD CHECKING ACCOUNT, ValuePenguin

• BEST CHECKING ACCOUNTS: ONLINE BANKS, Money Magazine

Chase Total Checking • BEST CHECKING ACCOUNTS OVERALL,

ValuePenguin Discover Cashback Checking • BEST REWARDS PROGRAM, NerdWallet

Best Free Checking Accounts • BEST ONLINE CHECKING ACCOUNTS,

NerdWallet Fidelity Cash Management Account • BEST ONLINE CHECKING ACCOUNTS,

NerdWallet Free USAA Classic Checking • BEST ONLINE CHECKING ACCOUNTS,

NerdWallet PNC Standard Checking • BEST CHECKING ACCOUNT FOR LOWER

BALANCES/NO FEES, ValuePenguin Radius Checking • BEST ONLINE CHECKING ACCOUNTS,

NerdWallet Santander Bank Student Value Checking • BEST STUDENT CHECKING ACCOUNT,

ValuePenguin Schwab Bank High-Yield Investor Checking • BEST ONLINE CHECKING ACCOUNTS,

NerdWallet • BEST CHECKING ACCOUNT FOR TRAVEL

ABROAD, ValuePenguin Simple • BEST BUDGETING TOOL, NerdWallet Best

Free Checking Accounts • BEST ONLINE CHECKING ACCOUNTS,

NerdWallet TD Premier Checking • BEST CHECKING ACCOUNTS: BRICK-

AND-MORTAR, Money Magazine Sources: www.nerdwallet.com/blog/banking/best-free-checking-accounts/ https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/banking/nerdwallets-top-online-checking-accounts/ https://www.valuepenguin.com/banking/best-checking-accounts http://time.com/money/collection-post/4533503/best-checking-accounts/


Helpful Resources

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Telephone: 877-ASK-FDIC www.fdic.gov Overdraft Payment Information: www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/2010/fil10081.html Total Bank Fees Charged by Banks http://graphics.wsj.com/bank-fees/



Glossary This glossary contains the most important terms used in this publication. Account Balance This is the amount of money in your checking

account at any given time. Balancing a Checking Account Ensuring that a check register matches a bank

statement. Bank Statement A record of your account activity kept by your

bank. Check Register Your personal record of the activity in your

checking account. Debit Card A card issued by your bank that you can use the

same way as a check. Direct Deposit Money deposited into your checking account by

electronic fund transfer. This method is often used by companies as a way to pay their employees.

Electronic Fund Transfer A direct transfer of money from one source to

another by electronic means. Interest A small fee paid to you by the bank for allowing

them to use your money. Overdraft A negative balance in your checking account. This

occurs if you write a check for, or withdraw, more funds than you have available.

Overdraft Protection With this service, a bank will pay the amount of a

check even if there is not enough money in the account.

Reconciling a Checking Account Another term for balancing a checking account;

ensuring that a check register matches a bank statement.



SOURCES

https://www.thebalance.com/checking-accounts-2385969

http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/checkingaccount.asp

https://www.wellsfargo.com/financial-education/basic-finances/manage-money/options/bank-account-

types/

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/banking/what-is-a-checking-account/

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/checking/types-of-checking-accounts-1.aspx

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/banking/cash-check-paying-high-fees/

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2015/02/20/how-to-cash-a-check-without-a-bank-

account

https://wallethub.com/edu/bounced-check/13879/

http://blogs.findlaw.com/law_and_life/2013/06/legal-how-to-dealing-with-bounced-checks.html

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/checking/overdraft-protection-plans-1.aspx

https://www.nerdwallet.com/rates/checking-account

https://www.providentcu.org/index.asp?i=checkingResources&search=monthlyStatement

https://wallethub.com/edu/how-to-balance-a-checkbook/13769/

http://download.cnet.com/Just-Checking/3000-2057_4-10028774.html

https://www.thebalance.com/use-check-registers-315289

https://wallethub.com/edu/how-to-open-a-checking-account/10299/



Weiss Ratings: What Our Ratings Mean

A Excellent. The institution offers excellent financial security. It has maintained a conservative stance in its business operations and underwriting practices as evidenced by its strong equity base, high asset quality, steady earnings, and high liquidity. While the financial position of any company is subject to change, we believe that this institution has the resources necessary to deal with severe economic conditions.

B Good. The institution offers good financial security and has the resources to deal with a variety of adverse economic conditions. It comfortably exceeds the minimum levels for all of our rating criteria, and is likely to remain healthy for the near future. Nevertheless, in the event of a severe recession or major financial crisis, we feel that this assessment should be reviewed to make sure that the company is still maintaining adequate financial strength.

C Fair. The institution offers fair financial security, is currently stable, and will likely remain relatively healthy as long as the economic environment remains relatively stable. In the event of a severe recession or major financial crisis, however, we feel this company may encounter difficulties in maintaining its financial stability.

D Weak. The institution currently demonstrates what, in our opinion, we consider to be significant weaknesses which could negatively impact depositors or creditors. In the event of a severe recession or major financial crisis, these weaknesses could be magnified.

E Very Weak. The institution currently demonstrates what we consider to be significant weaknesses and has also failed some of the basic tests that we use to identify fiscal stability. Therefore, even in a favorable economic environment, it is our opinion that depositors or creditors could incur significant risks.

F Failed. The institution has been placed under the custodianship of regulatory authorities. This implies that it will be either liquidated or taken over by another financial institution.

+ The plus sign is an indication that the institution is in the upper third of the letter grade. - The minus sign is an indication that the institution is in the lower third of the letter grade. U Unrated. The institution is unrated due to the absence of sufficient data for our ratings.


Terms and Conditions

This document is prepared strictly for the confidential use of our customer(s). It has been provided to you at your specific request. It is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation or which would subject Weiss Ratings, LLC or its affiliates to any registration or licensing requirement within such jurisdiction.

No part of the analysts' compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendations or views expressed in this research report.

This document is not intended for the direct or indirect solicitation of business. Weiss Ratings, LLC, and its affiliates disclaim any and all liability to any person or entity for any loss or damage caused, in whole or in part, by any error (negligent or otherwise) or other circumstances involved in, resulting from or relating to the procurement, compilation, analysis, interpretation, editing, transcribing, publishing and/or dissemination or transmittal of any information contained herein.

Weiss Ratings, LLC has not taken any steps to ensure that the securities or investment vehicle referred to in this report are suitable for any particular investor. The investment or services contained or referred to in this report may not be suitable for you and it is recommended that you consult an independent investment advisor if you are in doubt about such investments or investment services. Nothing in this report constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice or a representation that any investment or strategy is suitable or appropriate to your individual circumstances or otherwise constitutes a personal recommendation to you.

The ratings and other opinions contained in this document must be construed solely as statements of opinion from Weiss Ratings, LLC, and not statements of fact. Each rating or opinion must be weighed solely as a factor in your choice of an institution and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell or otherwise act with respect to the particular product or company involved.

Past performance should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of future performance, and no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding future performance. Information, opinions and estimates contained in this report reflect a judgment at its original date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Weiss Ratings, LLC offers a notification service for rating changes on companies you specify. For more information visit WeissRatings.com or call 1-877-934-7778. The price, value and income from any of the securities or financial instruments mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise.

This document and the information contained herein is copyrighted by Weiss Ratings, LLC. Any copying, displaying, selling, distributing or otherwise delivering of this information or any part of this document to any other person or entity is prohibited without the express written consent of Weiss Ratings, LLC, with the exception of a reviewer or editor who may quote brief passages in connection with a review or a news story.

Weiss Ratings' Mission Statement Weiss Ratings' mission is to empower consumers, professionals, and institutions with high quality advisory information for selecting or monitoring a financial services company or financial investment. In doing so, Weiss Ratings will adhere to the highest ethical standards by maintaining our independent, unbiased outlook and approach to advising our customers.



Financial Ratings Series, published by Weiss Ratings and Grey House Publishing offers libraries, schools, universities and the business community a wide range of investing, banking, insurance and financial literacy tools. Visit www.greyhouse.com or https://greyhouse.weissratings.com for more information about the titles and online tools below.

Weiss Ratings Guide to Banks Weiss Ratings Guide to Credit Unions Weiss Ratings Guide to Health Insurers Weiss Ratings Guide to Property & Casualty Insurers Weiss Ratings Guide to Life & Annuity Insurers Weiss Ratings Investment Research Guide to Stocks Weiss Ratings Investment Research Guide to Bond & Money Market Mutual Funds Weiss Ratings Investment Research Guide to Stock Mutual Funds Weiss Ratings Investment Research Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds Weiss Ratings Consumer Guides Weiss Ratings Medicare Supplement Insurance Buyers Guide Financial Ratings Series Online – hhttps://greyhouse.weissratings.com


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