20/06/2023
Banking accounts and documents
DEFINITION: Bank account
A f i nancial account that can be opened with a f i nancial institution, e.g. absa, fnb,
nedbank, etc.
When you open an account for the f i rst time, you need to be familiar with the different
types of accounts that are available. Banks usually offer a package of a few different
accounts and services.
• Savings account: A bank account that earns interest. A savings account does not
have an overdraft facility. You can use a savings account for short-term savings.
You earn interest on the amount in the account, but not as much as you would
earn with a f i xed deposit account.
• Cheque or current account: A bank account that is used to deposit and withdraw
money by visiting the bank branch, using an ATM or Internet banking or by
writing a cheque.These are usually available to people who earn a regular
income. They also have an overdraft facility, which allows you to use more
money that you have in your account. Interest is charged on the overdraft.
• Fixed deposit account: A f i xed deposit account is aimed at those who have a
lump sum they want to invest over a set period of time. The money is deposited
into the account and left there until the agreed upon date, when it is released
back to the account holder with added interest. You would consider a f i xed
deposit if you want to save money for a medium to long term.
• Credit account (with credit card): An account either with a store or bank, that
allows the account holder to purchase items now and pay for them later. Often
the account holder is able to choose between the straight payment plan, where
they will pay back the money in one lump sum, or the budget plan where the
debt payments are divided up over a set number of payments. The two different
payments have two different interest rates.
• Debit account (with debit card): Debit cards can be used to pay for purchases.