 TITLE: How to Cash a Check CONTENT: Open a Checking Account\n-----------------------\nOpening a checking account can come with a lot of advantages, such as paycheck direct deposit and check cashing. To open a checking account, all you need to do is choose a bank and an account type and apply with proper identification.\nUnlike applying for a credit card, opening a checking account does not require a credit check. Banks will use your Social Security number to look for any major financial blemishes in your past—like a history of mismanaged bank accounts—but in most cases opening a checking account should be easy.\nMost banks offer several checking account options, and the one you choose will depend on how you plan to use the account. Take a close look at the fees associated with overdrafts and minimum balances to help you understand which account is best for you. Here are a few things to consider before selecting a checking account.\n*   How much money will you keep in your account?\n*   Will you be using a debit card often, or do you need a physical bank nearby?\n*   How often do you plan to use your debit card or write checks? Some checking accounts limit the number of these transactions. END