Starting the year off strong often means hitting the gym, buying new clothes and taking up guitar. But in the hustle and bustle of “new year, new me,” many forget the most important consideration: their finances. And there’s no greater financial ground zero like one’s bank — made all the more real for those who spent the holidays watching “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
The Results Are In: The Best Banks of 2025
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So what banking tips should consumers consider for 2025? GOBankingRates spoke with Zachery Calkins, head teller at Addition Financial, and Kimberly Kam, sales director of union and commercial sales at ABOC, to find out.
Next, learn how to tell if your banking habits are leaving money on the table.
Ensure Zelle Payment Compatibility
With paper checks becoming less common, “Zelle has become a popular way to send and receive payments, but not all banks offer it for business accounts, or they may have limits on the amount you can send,” Kam said.
If Zelle payments are important to you or your business, verify that your bank can support them and, if so, find out if there are any restrictions.
Discover More: The Best Checking Accounts of 2025
Prioritize Security
With fraud growing more common and sophisticated, prioritizing security needs to be top of mind. Calkins advocated using two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of protection, while Kam advised electronic payments to reduce exposure.
“Ask your bank about their fraud prevention options, like Positive Pay and ACH Fraud Filters,” said Kam. “If you opt out of these services and fraud occurs, you might be responsible for the losses.”
Take Advantage of High-Yield Savings Accounts
“This is a tip I would suggest to get while the getting is still good,” explained Calkins. “With interest rates expected to drop more in 2025, now is the time to take advantage of high-yield savings accounts.”
After all, compounding is the key to financial success. Calkins also advised putting money you may not immediately need into certificates of deposit to lock in higher rates of return. Banks don’t always advertise these options, so make sure you know to ask about them. And shop around to find the most competitive rates.
Evaluate Problem-Resolution Processes
Consumers often don’t know how their bank resolves a problem until they have one — which is not the best time to assess. When evaluating a new bank, find out upfront if you have a designated point of contact or a customer service line to dial.
Kam explained, “It’s essential to understand how long it will take to get assistance and whether you’ll be transferred between multiple departments.”
Whether resetting a password, ordering a new debit card or reporting fraud, a smooth and prompt problem-resolution process can mean the difference between a headache and a good night’s sleep. Learning the protocols before a crisis transpires can also ensure adequate preparation.
Ensure Scalability for Future Growth
Many banks have gone entirely digital. So, depending on either personal preference or professional necessity, having a physical branch for cash deposits and other in-person services may be important to you.
If you have a retail business, for instance, and plan to open stores in other cities, “check if your bank has branches in the areas you plan to expand to — or if they’re planning to close branches,” Kam said.
Conversely, if you or your business relies solely on digital banking, be sure to research which online option is right for you to ensure goals are aligned.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Banking Expert: 5 Banking Tips I Recommend for 2025
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
