| Using a bank can really save you money, but | | | | When using an ATM, make sure that you take |
| there are also ways in which you lose a lot of | | | | precautions. Do not write down your PIN number |
| money. If you are not proactive in recognising | | | | anywhere near your card, and make sure that |
| potential dangers and mistakes, then you could be | | | | you shield your number when you type it in. Being |
| caught out. Here are some of the most common | | | | aware of people around you when using an ATM |
| personal banking mistakes and how to avoid | | | | can stop most potential crime. |
| them. | | | | Banking online in public |
| Not reviewing your statements | | | | Although you might need to check your account |
| Many people get their statement each month, | | | | urgently, checking your online account and |
| open it and then throw it away. If you don't look | | | | carrying out transactions on a wireless network is |
| at your statements properly then you will not see | | | | not totally secure. There is a chance that |
| mistakes on your account that could be costing | | | | someone could access your details, or that the |
| you a lot of money. If there is a payment that | | | | transaction will be lost. Use your online banking at |
| you did not make then you could be charged a | | | | home if at all possible. |
| fee, and there is also a chance that you card has | | | | Not establishing a relationship |
| been copied. Checking your statements against all | | | | If you want to get the best deals from your |
| your purchases each month is imperative. | | | | bank, then you need to establish a relationship |
| Paying too much | | | | with them. If you have a local branch, then |
| Many people are too lazy to shop around or to | | | | arrange a meeting with the bank manager so that |
| question the fees that they pay each month on | | | | you know who they are. Although you might |
| their accounts. If you look at the fees you pay | | | | never need their help, if there are any problems |
| you might find that you are paying far too much. | | | | or you need extra funds then knowing your bank |
| If this is the case then it is time to shop around | | | | manager can really help. |
| for a better deal, because you could save | | | | Only borrowing from your bank |
| yourself a lot of money each year just by not | | | | If you have been loyal to one bank for a while, |
| paying expensive banking fees. | | | | then perhaps it is time to rethink that loyalty. |
| Leaving paper around | | | | Although you might think your bank offers the |
| When you look at your bank statement or open | | | | best deal, whenever you want to purchase a new |
| bank related information, make sure that you | | | | financial product you should shop around. There |
| don't leave it lying around. If you carelessly discard | | | | are many other places, particularly online, that can |
| information relating to your account then you are | | | | offer you great deals on borrowing money from |
| an easy target for identity thieves and fraudsters. | | | | credit cards or loans. If you are careful with your |
| Make sure that you keep all bank related | | | | banking information and shop around for the best |
| information in a safe place, and shred any | | | | deals, then you can avoid most of these common |
| documents that you are going to throw away. | | | | personal banking mistakes. |
| Using ATMs without care | | | | |