You’ve finally decided to take the plunge. With your cash tucked deep in your
pocket, you walk into the bank and ask to open a savings account.
The bank’s receptionist directs you to a desk where a customer service representative
will help you with the paperwork. To your surprise, the only form you need to fill
out is a signature card, which requires you to sign your name and then print your
name, address, telephone number, date of birth, social security number, and your
mother’s maiden name (as a means of further identification). After you complete the
signature card, you receive a bank book (sometimes called a passbook) that lists
your account balance (the total amount of money in your account).
Whenever you make a deposit (put money in) or a withdrawal (take money out), the
transaction is recorded in your bank book. It is very important for you to keep
track of the activity in your account.
You don’t need lots of money to start a savings account. Some banks let you open one
with as little as $20. Nor do you need to wait until you are 18 years old. In most
cases, you can open a savings account as soon as you are old enough to sign your
name, or even earlier than that if you open the account with a parent or guardian.
