In this day and age, having a bank account is absolutely essential. Whether you need a checking account or you're interested in opening a savings account, selecting the right institution to bank with is an important decision. There are many different banking options, so if you want the right fit, you will need to do some research and narrow down your choices until you find a bank that can fulfill your needs. Use the following tips to help you select the right bank to do business with: 

Consider the Fees

Most people want to open one or more accounts with a reputable bank, but few people want to pay high fees in order to do so. Before you open a new account with a bank, make sure you understand if there are fees associated with the account. There is no reason to pay $10 a month to have a checking account with one bank if another bank only charges $3 a month or even offers free accounts. In some cases, a bank will waive all account fees if you have regularly scheduled direct deposits. Account fees may seem small when looking at the monthly price, but the fees can add up over the years, so it is best to select a bank that has very low or no account fees.

Accessibility

When looking at your bank options, it is important to think about your banking needs. If you withdraw money from ATMs on a regular basis, you will want to choose a bank with a large network of ATMs that are accessible. Likewise, if you need in-branch services, such as cashiers checks or check-cashing services, you will want to open an account with a bank that has branches near your home or work. Choosing a bank that is very accessible will make taking care of your banking needs much easier.

Online Features

Online banking has become increasingly popular, and more and more consumers are taking care of some of their banking needs online. When you're searching for a new bank, find out about their online features before you open an account. Many banks now have apps that you can download, which makes transferring money between accounts and taking care of bill pay easier than ever. If you regularly deposit checks into your account but don't want to visit an ATM or bank branch, make sure that you select a bank with online check deposits. 

Look for a bank near you to learn about what it has to offer.