Bank account...........?

Some credit unions provide banking services like checks, ATM cards, direct debits, standing orders etc. If you got a loan there to clear off the bank debt altogether (perhaps even close the account), you would be rather better off. Banks make much of their profits from extortionate penalty fees and interest charged. Credit unions charge interest too, but they don't charge penalty fees, and as a member and shareholder you get an annual dividend, a share in the profits. Does your bank give you money because they made a good profit? Hmmm, I though not.

See if you can find a way out of the overdraft maze - it's a trap. If you have a credit union near you, ask them about all the benefits of membership. Each is independent and sets its own rules, so I can't speak specifically about yours, but mine has been a godsend to me.

At a bank. If you have a history of writing bad checks you will have difficulty getting an account anywhere.