A checking account is the cornerstone of personal financial management, providing a secure and convenient place to store money, pay bills, and manage daily expenses. However, not all checking accounts are created equal, and over time, your needs may change. Here are key signs it might be time to consider opening a new checking account.

Excessive Fees Are Draining Your Balance

One of the most noticeable signs you need a new checking account is the presence of excessive fees. Monthly maintenance fees, ATM charges, overdraft fees, and other hidden costs can add up quickly, eating away at your hard-earned money. If you’re paying more in fees than you’d like, it’s time to shop around.

Limited Access to ATMs and Branches

Convenience matters when it comes to managing your money. If your current bank has a limited ATM network or sparse branch locations, it might be worth exploring other options like a credit union. As a credit union member, you have access to over 5,000 CO-OP Shared Branches and over 30,000 surcharge free CO-OP ATMs.¹ This makes it convenient when you need to access money.

Poor Customer Service

Good customer service makes a difference, especially if you ever encounter issues with your account. If your financial institution is unresponsive, unhelpful, or difficult to deal with, it can lead to unnecessary stress. Reliable and friendly customer service can make managing your finances significantly easier.

Lack of Modern Features

In today’s digital age, a checking account should come with modern conveniences like a robust mobile banking app, mobile check deposit, mobile bill pay, and real-time transaction alerts. If your current account doesn’t offer these features, switching to a more tech-savvy financial institution can streamline your financial life.

Uncompetitive Interest Rates

While checking accounts typically don’t offer high interest rates, some accounts provide better returns than others, like our Elevated High Interest Checking account which lets you earn interest well above typical savings account rates.² If you’re not earning any interest or your rate is significantly below market averages, it might be time to upgrade to a high-yield checking account that lets your money work harder for you.

Your Needs Have Changed

Life changes like a new job, moving to a different city, or starting a family can alter your banking needs. For example, if you’ve relocated, you might need a financial institution with a strong presence in your new area. Or, if your income has increased, you might want a premium account that offers additional perks.

Lack of Perks

If your checking account seems to be lacking the perks that other checking accounts seem to have, it may be time to get a checking account with more benefits. Look for things like sign-up bonuses, cash-back rewards, free financial tools and other services.

Partner Colorado offers checking accounts powered by BaZing. You can save money on things you’re already paying for like roadside assistance, cell phone protection, ID Theft Aid, plus you can enjoy local discounts and BaZing fuel rewards.³

A checking account should work for you, not against you. If you recognize any of these signs in your current banking experience, it’s time to explore your options. With a little research, you can find an account that aligns better with your financial goals and lifestyle. Don’t settle for less when it comes to managing your money.


¹Surcharge-free transactions are available for debit and ATM card holders of participating credit unions. ²APY = Annual Percentage Yield. To earn the highest interest rate, you must meet the following monthly requirements: complete twenty (20) signature-based debit card transactions ($5 minimum per transaction), utilize eStatements, and use online or mobile banking with a valid email address. Rates are based upon tiered balances and subject to change without notice. See rate sheet for rates and terms. ³Participating merchants on BaZing are not sponsors of the program, are subject to change without notice, may not be available in all regions and may choose to limit deals. **Rewards Points provided by ScoreCard® Bonus Point Program. Account holders earn one point for every three qualified dollars in net purchases using signature-based debit card transactions and for every five qualified dollars in net purchases using PIN-based debit card transactions. There is no limit to the number of points an account can earn in one year. Points expire within 36 months. 1Subject to the terms and conditions detailed in the Guide to Benefits. 2Insurance products are: NOT A DEPOSIT. NOT FEDERALLY INSURED. NOT AN OBLIGATION OR GUARANTEED BY THE CREDIT UNION, ITS AFFILIATES OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. 3You’ll receive a one-time activation reward of $0.10 per gallon when you activate BaZing Fuel. You’ll earn a monthly reward of $0.10 per gallon each month when you have 15 eligible debit card transactions post and settle during the Monthly Qualification Cycle (MQC), which is defined as the first day of the month through the last day of the month. Only transactions posted during the MQC will count towards the monthly reward for that MQC. The following activities do not count toward earning BaZing Fuel: ATM withdrawals, transfers between accounts, deposit or refund transactions. Transactions posted during the MQC greater than the monthly reward requirement will be stored to count towards a bonus reward of $0.10 per gallon. When you have 50 stored bonus transactions, you will earn the bonus reward. You will continue to earn bonus rewards for every 50 stored bonus transactions accrued. If the required monthly reward transaction count is not met during the MQC, no transactions are counted for any reward during that MQC or the bonus reward. BaZing Fuel is limited to 20 gallons of fuel per purchase, per vehicle, or fraud limits placed by Shell and/or limits placed on your payment card by your financial institution, each of which may be lower. To activate, you will need to have online banking with your financial institution. Refer to the BaZing Fuel Terms and Conditions for full disclosures. BaZing Fuel offer may be changed at any time and without notice.