STEP 5. Balance your personal needs and desires with the information you collected, and select where you will do business. You may decide to use more than one financial institution to take advantage of the best services offered by each. This will also give you the flexibility to move your money if the fees at one increase. Remember to talk with a manager if you believe a fee was charged unfairly. The bank may reverse questionable charges in order to keep you as a customer.

“Switch kits” are often available to make changing banks easier. These forms and authorization letters facilitate a smooth transition of direct deposits and automatic payments from one financial institution to another.