Checking vs. savings accounts: What's the difference?

Putting your paycheck in a jar that sits on your shelf isn’t feasible when your earnings increase beyond birthday money and chore allowance. At some point, you’ll need a bank account. That said, let’s take a look at two common options: the checking account vs. savings account.

Learn the purposes of checking vs. savings accounts, as well as how you can use them in tandem to conduct financial transactions and build long-term savings.

A checking account is a type of deposit account that’s held at a traditional bank, online bank or other financial institution that allows regular deposits and withdrawals. Its main feature is providing you easy access to your money by way of debit cards, checks and ATMs. Because of this, a checking account is usually your go-to account for daily expenses, such as paying for groceries, Wi-Fi and rent.

With a checking account , you can easily set up direct deposits and receive wire transfers from any U.S. bank. Ally Bank offers early direct deposits  on eligible direct deposits, as well as overdraft protection, among other features.

Some checking accounts (such as the Ally Bank Spending Account) also pay interest on the account balance. The annual percentage yield, or APY, on an interest-earning checking account is typically lower than a savings account.

Learn more: Ally Bank Spending Account

A savings account is an interest-bearing deposit account that’s also available via a traditional bank, online bank or another financial institution. With a savings account, you can also set up direct deposits and receive wire transfers from any U.S. bank.

Ally Bank’s Savings Account can help you save smarter and faster than ever. Savings accounts usually accelerate your savings (including your emergency fund) because they tend to pay higher interest rates than checking accounts. And Ally Bank's also comes with savings-boosting tools .

With savings accounts, you have less access to your money than with checking accounts. Many savings accounts don’t come with checks or a debit card, and you may be limited to in the number of withdrawals or transfers you can make in a month. (Exceeding the limit may result in having to pay a fee.)

Have you ever wondered whether your money is safe in the bank? 

Money in an FDIC-insured bank such as Ally Bank is insured up to $250,000 per depositor and per qualifying account ownership category (including principal and accrued interest).

Read more: How to maximize your FDIC coverage at Ally.

Should you open a checking and savings account? What about opening them with your partner ? Choosing how much you should allocate to your checking account or savings account depends on your financial needs.

For instance, if you’re looking to save for several things, like an engagement ring, a new exercise bike, a camping trip or building up an emergency fund , putting the money in a savings account probably makes the most sense. (Our savings buckets tool can help you keep your savings organized all within one account.) Keep your money in savings — earning interest — then transfer it to a checking account once you’re ready to make a purchase or need the funds.

But for your regular, everyday expenses, a checking account is likely the best option.

It’s beneficial to have both a checking account and a savings account. An Ally Bank Spending Account will help you manage and pay for everyday expenses, while an Ally Bank Savings Account can help you save for your future.