Final answer:
A checking account eases financial transactions by allowing checks, debit card usage, ATM withdrawals, and electronic transfers. Balancing a checkbook helps avoid overdraft fees, and some banks earn interest on checking account balances. Banks target students with free checking accounts, anticipating their future earning potential and loyalty.
Step-by-step explanation:
A checking account is a fundamental financial tool for individuals and businesses. The primary purpose of a checking account is to facilitate transactions, offering easy access to funds for purchases and bill payments. To get money out of a checking account, individuals can write a check, use a debit card, withdraw cash at an automatic teller machine (ATM), or transfer funds electronically. The advantage of a checking account includes managing money effectively, like balancing a checkbook regularly to avoid overdrafts and associated fees.
Some banks provide added benefits, such as earning interest on checking accounts when maintaining a minimum balance, similar to savings accounts. Moreover, banks often feature certain incentives, such as free checking accounts for students to foster customer loyalty and to support young people who will have earning power after their education.
Overall, the convenience and security offered by checking accounts make them an essential component of personal financial management. Financial institutions, including banks and credit unions, serve as secure locations for these accounts while also providing services like loans and savings options considering individuals' credit scores.