I would like to get a checking account but I don't want it through a bank. Any advice?

I'd like to get a checking account but with the economy right now and all that's going on with the banks and investments I do not feel my money would be safe. Is there anyone out there that has any advice on where I can get a checking account without it being a bank? I thank everyone in advance for your kindness and advice.I would like to get a checking account but I don't want it through a bank. Any advice?
Get your checking account from a credit union if you want to pay less fees and earn higher interest rates. Credit unions are not banks; they are cooperative financial institutions. They cannot sell stock to investors as banks do, so they have a much lower cost of capital. That is why their pricing is superior.





Most credit unions are insured by the NCUA, which is a federal agency offering the equivalent of FDIC insurance. Both agencies are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Both cover depositors at the same levels.





By the way, the increase to $250,000 per owner is temporary. Unless renewed, this provision expires on December 31, 2009.





You do NOT have to be invited by an existing member to join a credit union. Many credit unions serve entire communities, so you will need to ask if you're eligible. You can contact the Credit Union National Association at www.cuna.org to find out which credit unions you are eligible to join, or you can contact your state's department of financial institutions or the equivalent.





Some credit unions pay as much as 6 percent APY on checking accounts, though there are restrictions on those high-yielding accounts.I would like to get a checking account but I don't want it through a bank. Any advice?
In the UK a checking account is called a Bank Account, so called because it is a facility offered by Banks,





I have worked in a Bank for over 20 years and must say that I have never come across any other type of business that offers this facility.





Unless someone else knows differently I do not think you will find a checking account being offered by anyone other than a Bank. Please also bear in mind that a lot of companies who offer banking facilities are owned by Banks.





For example in the UK Tesco Supermarket offer certain banking products to customers called Tesco personal Finance, but this subsidary of Tesco is actually owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group.
Checking accounts must go through a bank, whether it calls itself a bank or not, it is a bank. Credit Unions are banks, Savings and Loans are banks, Even some brokerages have banking divisions.





A check is an instrument issued and controlled by a bank for the purpose of moving money from one account to another. In example: Move $ from your bank account to the stores account.





No bank, no bank account to move the money from. That simple.
Credit unions are good alternatives but be sure to ask what their insurance practice is. My CU is paying 3.69% on savings investments right now, but only .25% on checking. So I keep most of my money in the Savings, and move smaller amounts to checking as needed.





With a CU, you may need to be 'invited' by an existing member.





With a bank, your money is insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corp). Prior to the bailout, you were insured for up to $100,000. One of the better things in the bailout was raising that limit to $250,000. So unless you have $250K to invest, a bank is a pretty safe option.





Credit unions have different insurance than FDIC so you need to find out what the CU you're considering offers.
There is no risk in keeping a checking account with a major bank. Accounts are insured by the government and you won't lose even if the bank goes under.





Credit Unions are a good choice but they are nothing more than banks and few are as strong or have as many services as a major bank.





If you are an investor you should take a serious look at brokerage checking accounts. These accounts give you a debit card you can use in any ATM in the world and they after they rebate the atm use charges are very economical and practical. One is the etrade bank...


etrade.com.





hope this helps.



Did you ever hear of FDIC Insurance???? Donald Trump may have more than $100K in a checking account, but I doubt that you have that kind of money. Stop worrying.
try a credit union. the banks are ok. don't be afraid of putting your money in the bank unless you have more than $250,000.
credit union - but I wouldn't be worried about your money in a bank
credit union