F&M Bank

How long have you had your Checking Account? If the answer is more than two years, now would be a SMART time to give your checking account a serious Financial Physical. Finding the SMARTEST account requires taking a closer look at accounts being offered. We can help you:

Match accounts to your banking lifestyle
Look at all the ways to have a FREE checking account
Look for accounts that will help you eliminate fees
Evaluate the importance of interest rate vs. other account features

There are a lot of checking accounts from which to choose - each geared toward a particular audience, based on age, banking habits or deposit balances. Some target people who enjoy banking electronically. Others are better suited for those who prefer traditional paper check writing. Some are more appropriate for those who keep low balances in their accounts ... others will be more attractive to those who maintain larger balances.

Which Best Describes You

	I use debit cards instead of checks ... bank online instead of in line ... use email instead of snail mail
	I keep high balances in my checking and money market accounts, but I'm constantly moving money back and forth. I'd prefer to earn enough interest in checking so that I don't have to maintain two separate accounts.
	I'm nearing or at retirement and take a conservative approach with my finances. I still write lots of checks and reconcile my monthly statement. I want to earn interest and get the best value possible.
	My banking needs are pretty simple. Just give me a FREE account, free debit card, unlimited check writing.
	I'm at the ATM several times a week. I don't want the temptation of credit cards - I'd rather pay by debit card.
	I'm all about earning the big rate ... and I'll do whatever it takes to get it.
	I write checks and Direct Deposit my payroll or Social Security check each month. I'm not comfortable with online banking and e-mail, and want a paper statement each month.
	I like the idea of earning higher rates for higher account balances and have no problem keeping at least $1,000 daily balance in my checking account.
	I want to know all my options then I'll decide

Many Ways To Get FREE Checking

If you walk into a bank asking for "Free Checking" ... you could walk away short-changed. In the world of banking, FREE CHECKING refers to an account with no minimum balance requirement that would trigger a monthly maintenance fee ... and no per check charge. It does not, mean, however, that you will never be charged a fee associated with a Free Checking account. With most Free Checking Accounts, you'll still pay for checks you order. You might pay a fee if you lose your ATM card and need a replacement ...or if you accidentally overdraft your account.

What's Your Typical Account Balance? At F&M Bank, we have two "free" accounts. But we also have account that offer MORE FEATURES in which a modest monthly fee can be waived if you can maintain a minimum daily balance. For instance:

Account	Minimum Balance Required To Avoid Monthly Fee
Express Free Checking	None
Smart E-Checking	None
VIP50 Checking	$100
F&M Checking	$500 or Direct Deposit
Interest Checking	$1,000
Choice Interest Checking	$5,000

Do You Bank Electronically? If you are a person who prefers to bank electronically ... by using online banking, taking an e-statement, making use of Direct Deposit and Automatic Payments, and using your debit card ... F&M Bank offers our Smart E-Checking Account that not only pays our very HIGHEST interest rate, but also offers very attractive account features such as free nationwide ATM use.

Too Many Fees? F&M Bank Has A SMARTER Account!

If you are unhappy with the various fees you pay associated with your checking account ... you probably don't have the right account. Let F&M help you eliminate those pesky fees!

Do You Pay ATM Fees? If you are using ATMs other than those owned by your bank ... then you may be seeing unnecessary fees on your statement each month. F&M offers Smart E-Checking and Choice Interest Checking that offers unlimited nationwide ATM use. One of them might be for you!

Are You Ordering Lots of Checks? F&M Bank offers VIP50 (for persons age 50 and above) and Choice Interest Checking that lets you reorder checks (150 per order) at no charge.

Do You Pay A Monthly Service Charge? If you find yourself paying a monthly fee for your checking account ... try F&M's Smart E-Checking or Express Free Checking and you'll never pay a monthly fee.

Do You Pay Per Check Charges? All F&M Checking Accounts give you unlimited check writing privileges ... and never charge you a per-check charge.

Do You Pay Extra For Online Bill Pay? All F&M Checking Accounts give you free online banking and bill pay.

Earning Interest Is Important To Me!

Of course it is. That's why F&M Bank offers FOUR accounts that allow you to earn interest, depending on how you bank and the benefits you want from your account. All F&M interest bearing accounts pay interest on EVERY DOLLAR in your account. Click to see current rates.

Smart E-Checking - If you meet certain electronic banking criteria, Smart E-Checking pays our highest rate ... about the same or higher than you'd earn on a CD .. on balances up to $50,000 APY.* On balances over $50,000 ... you'll earn 1.00% APY.*

Choice Interest Checking - This is a tiered account. The higher your balance, the more you earn. If you typically keep balances over $50,000 in your checking account ... you might earn more in a Choice Interest account.

Interest Checking - This is also a tiered account. It pays less interest than Choice Interest Checking, but doesn't require a high minimum daily balance to avoid a monthly fee.

VIP50 Checking - This interest bearing account is for persons age 50 ... and pays a flat rate on every dollar in your account. But the real value of VIP50 comes from the valuable EXTRAS you receive ... like free checks ... free identity theft insurance ... free accidental death insurance ... free notary service ... and more.

At F&M Bank, we know everyone banks differently and wants different things from their checking account. Let one of our customer service representatives help you make a SMART FINANCIAL choice when it comes to selecting a checking account. To find the F&M office near you ... click here. We look forward to visiting with you soon!

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