Checking accounts can cost consumers over $800 a year in fees if they don’t adjust their banking habits based on the account’s price structure, according to a recent WalletHub report on checking account costs and transparencies.
The study determined that the less money you have, the more a checking account will cost you. The average cash-strapped consumer accumulates approximately $470 in fees annually. Checking accounts from credit unions and online-only banks can help consumers save on everyday banking, WalletHub reports.
Santander extra20 Checking is the best overall checking account, topping three out of the five consumer profile scenarios WalletHub considered. This account offers a $20 reward each month for making a direct deposit in excess of $1,500 and two online bill payments. However, this account also requires customers to open a savings account.



