6 Features Your Primary Bank Should Have

Choosing the right primary bank is more than just opening an account — it’s about ensuring your financial partner offers the essential features that support your goals, security, and everyday convenience. Here are 6 Features Your Primary Bank Should Have.

Table of Contents

Introduction

When you’re getting ready to open a new checking account, one of the most critical things to evaluate is the variety of features and services the account provides. From convenience to security, these features can make a significant difference in how you manage your day-to-day finances.

Recent research shows that technology has dramatically transformed banking and personal financial management in recent years. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the Federal Reserve, nearly half of all mobile phone owners with a bank account in 2017 reported that they had used mobile banking services within the previous 12 months.

This shift reflects how vital digital banking tools — such as mobile apps, online bill pay, and remote deposit — have become for consumers. When you’re choosing a new checking account, it’s worth carefully comparing:

Mobile banking features
Online account access
ATM networks and fee structures
Overdraft protection options
Customer service and branch availability

As digital technology continues to advance, banking customers are increasingly expecting seamless, secure, and convenient online and mobile services from their checking account providers. Being aware of these expectations can help you pick an account that supports your lifestyle and financial goals.

1. Debit Card Access

A debit card is one of the most essential features you should look for when opening a new checking account. A debit card allows you to make purchases directly from your account balance, so you don’t have to carry cash around. It also gives you flexibility to withdraw cash from ATMs or request cash back when making purchases at a store.

According to a survey by the Federal Reserve, roughly 30% of U.S. consumers identified debit cards as their preferred payment method. That shows just how widespread debit card usage has become for everyday transactions.

When choosing your new bank account, make sure a debit card is part of the package. You should also confirm:

Whether there are any monthly or annual fees tied to the debit card
If there are daily spending or withdrawal limits
Whether your debit card comes with fraud protection or contactless payment features
Which ATM networks you can use surcharge-free

Today’s consumers rely on debit cards for convenience, security, and quick access to their money. So it’s worth taking the time to compare card benefits before finalizing your new checking account.

2. Online and Mobile Banking Features

Having the ability to manage your bank account from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop is an essential feature in today’s fast-paced world. With online and mobile banking tools, you can conveniently monitor your account balance, track spending, and review transactions at any time — without having to visit a branch or call customer service.

This level of accessibility is especially valuable for avoiding costly mistakes, such as overdrawing your account. According to data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), financial institutions holding more than $1 billion in assets collected a staggering $11.45 billion in overdraft and non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees in 2017 alone. That’s a powerful reminder of why staying on top of your finances matters.

By using mobile and online banking to keep a close eye on your cash flow, you can help:

Prevent overdraft fees
Catch fraudulent charges early
Budget more effectively
Transfer funds quickly when needed

Before opening a new checking account, make sure it includes robust online and mobile banking features. Confirm whether the bank offers secure apps, real-time alerts, and easy bill payment tools to support your everyday financial needs.
READ MORE: How Interest Works on a Savings Account

3. Mobile Check Deposit Capabilities

One of the most convenient features modern checking accounts can offer is mobile check deposit. This technology allows you to deposit checks without ever needing to visit a physical branch or stand in line at an ATM. Instead, you simply use your bank’s mobile app to take a picture of the front and back of the check, follow a few prompts, and submit the deposit instantly from your smartphone.

Mobile check deposit can be a huge time-saver, particularly if you receive paper checks only occasionally and want to avoid the hassle of making a special trip to the bank. This feature is especially useful for people with busy work schedules or limited access to local branches.

However, it’s important to note that many banks apply a longer hold period for checks deposited through a mobile device compared to those deposited in person. That means your funds might not be available for immediate withdrawal, depending on your bank’s specific policies and the size of the deposit.

What to check before using mobile deposit:

Deposit limits per day or per month
Funds availability schedule
Fees (if any) associated with mobile deposits
Security protections for transmitting check images.

Having access to mobile check deposit can significantly simplify how you manage your banking, giving you more flexibility and control over your finances without being tied to branch hours or ATM visits.

4. Online Bill Pay Services

Another essential feature to look for in a modern checking account is online bill pay. If you’re tired of writing paper checks, addressing envelopes, and paying for stamps, online bill payment tools can streamline your entire process. With online bill pay, you can send payments directly from your bank account to virtually any biller — whether it’s your electric company, internet provider, or even your landlord — without having to handle physical checks at all.

According to data from the Federal Reserve, a striking 80% of consumers who had paper checks available in 2017 did not use them even once. At the same time, around three-quarters of consumers took advantage of online banking features to manage their finances. This dramatic shift shows how convenient digital bill payment has become.

By enrolling in online bill pay through your bank, you can:

Set up automatic recurring payments for monthly bills
Reduce the risk of late payments and penalties
Track payment history all in one place
Gain peace of mind knowing your payments are processed securely

Online bill pay takes the worry out of paying bills on time, while also saving you the time and expense of dealing with traditional paper checks and postage. Before opening a new checking account, verify that it includes a robust, user-friendly bill pay platform with reliable security measures to protect your transactions.

5. Email and Text Account Alerts

While you’re getting your automatic bill payments in place, it’s equally important to activate email and text alerts on your checking account. These notifications can help you stay in control of your money by providing real-time updates on your account activity. For instance, you could set up an alert to notify you whenever your balance dips below a certain threshold, or receive a message each time a transaction posts to your account.

These proactive alerts serve as a powerful security and budgeting tool. If you’re worried about identity theft or fraudulent charges, receiving instant alerts can allow you to spot unauthorized transactions before they snowball into bigger problems.

Benefits of activating alerts include:

Immediate fraud detection if suspicious charges appear
Better balance management to avoid overdraft fees
Peace of mind knowing you’re monitoring your account around the clock
Customizable options to match your specific financial habits

Email and text alerts are simple to set up through most online banking platforms, and they can add an extra layer of security to your financial life. Before finalizing a new checking account, confirm whether the bank offers robust, customizable alert features that will help you safeguard your hard-earned money and stay fully informed.

6. Robust Security Protections

Identity theft and financial fraud are serious threats in today’s increasingly digital banking environment. That’s why evaluating a bank’s security measures should be at the very top of your checklist when choosing a checking account. Advanced security protocols can help protect not only your funds, but also your personal information from being compromised.

When comparing checking accounts, ask about the bank’s specific fraud prevention tools and security guarantees. For example, does the institution provide:

24/7 fraud monitoring to quickly identify suspicious activity?
Card controls that allow you to instantly lock or unlock your debit or credit card if it’s lost or stolen?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) to make sure only you can access your account?
Data encryption to keep your sensitive information secure in transit?

Beyond what the bank offers, you should also practice good habits like regularly reviewing your transactions and setting up account alerts for added peace of mind.

Why security matters:

Protects you from devastating financial losses
Provides confidence when using online or mobile banking tools
Helps you act quickly in the event of fraud
Strengthens trust in your banking relationship

When you open a new checking account, take the time to explore the institution’s security policies and tools, so you can rest assured your hard-earned money is shielded against modern threats.

7. Contactless Payment Features

Many banks now issue debit cards with contactless payment capability, allowing you to make purchases with a simple tap instead of swiping or inserting your card. This technology improves transaction speed, reduces wear on your card, and adds a layer of security because the chip creates a unique transaction code each time.

8. Fee Transparency and Waiver Options

Banks often advertise “free checking,” but hidden fees can lurk in the fine print. Look for a bank that clearly discloses:

Monthly maintenance fees
Overdraft fees
Out-of-network ATM fees
International transaction fees

Also check whether you can waive fees by maintaining a certain balance or setting up direct deposit. Transparency here can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

9. Integration With Financial Apps

If you use apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget), or QuickBooks, confirm whether your new bank supports direct integrations. API-enabled banking connections let you sync transactions in real time, making budgeting and financial tracking smoother and more accurate.

10. Customer Support Availability

While digital banking is great, sometimes you still need human help. Evaluate:

24/7 customer service hotlines
Secure live chat
Local branch support
Response time guarantees

A bank that combines advanced tech with strong, reliable customer service can make a huge difference in solving unexpected problems.

11. Zelle or Peer-to-Peer Payment Integration

Many consumers now want to send money to friends and family instantly. Look for banks that partner with Zelle or other P2P (peer-to-peer) systems, so you can move money quickly without third-party fees or long delays.

12. Green Banking Features

If you care about sustainability, check whether your bank offers:

Paperless statements
Eco-friendly initiatives
Responsible investing options tied to your bank relationship

Green banking can align with your values while reducing clutter and waste.

13. Relationship Benefits

Some banks offer relationship pricing or perks if you bundle multiple products, such as a checking account, savings account, credit card, or mortgage. These relationship benefits can include better interest rates, lower fees, or even rewards points.

The Bottom Line: Ensure Your Funds Are Protected

As you evaluate potential checking accounts at banks or credit unions, one of the most critical final considerations is whether your deposits are adequately insured. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for banks and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for credit unions each provide insurance protection of up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, per institution. This safeguard ensures that even if your bank or credit union were to fail, your deposits would be protected up to the insured limits.

However, it’s important to remember that not every financial institution is automatically covered by these agencies. Some private banks, fintechs, or smaller institutions may operate outside of FDIC or NCUA insurance protections. That’s why it’s essential to verify the insurance status of any financial institution before entrusting them with your money.

Key points to verify before opening an account:

Confirm whether the bank is FDIC insured
Check whether your credit union is backed by the NCUA
Understand what types of accounts are covered and which are excluded
Ask for the institution’s certificate number if you have doubts

Ultimately, deposit insurance is a fundamental layer of security for your hard-earned dollars. Taking the time to confirm coverage can give you tremendous peace of mind, knowing your money is protected no matter what happens in the broader financial system.