For most of us, banks are necessary: we have to have somewhere to put our money. While this has some advantages - banks provide us a safe, well insured place to store our savings - this also comes with some disadvantages. For the consumer, banks can be a bit of a pain. From fees to overdraft interest, they can hit us where it hurts: in our checking account.

However, being an informed consumer arms you with the knowledge you need to make sure banks store your money, rather than force you to spend it. No matter where you bank, consider taking the following actions:

Ditch the Overdraft: Many banks sound as if they are doing you a favor by offering you “courtesy” overdraft protection. But, unfortunately, this “courtesy” can cost you quite a bit of money. If you dip into your overdraft protection, you will be met with very high interest rates, some rates can go as high as one thousand percent. Instead of having overdraft protection, monitor your checking account and make sure you never get close to a zero balance. If you do have overdraft protection, and can’t opt out of it, merge your checking account to your savings account or a credit card. This will prevent you from using your overdraft, and getting hit with ridiculous interest rates.

If you Overdraw, act Quickly: In the event that you do overdraw your account, be sure to replace the money as quickly as possible. This will protect you from accruing even more interest, and owing your bank more than you already do.

Go Online: For anyone who doesn’t balance their checkbook with consistency, the need to check your balance probably happens regularly. Rather than checking through the ATM, and having to pay ATM fees, or checking through the telephone, and having to pay any fees accessed, get online and check this way. Not only is the Internet the most convenient way to check, but it’s also the cheapest.

Find a Bank that Offers no ATM Charges: ATM charges, for anyone who finds themselves withdrawing money all the time, can add up, and add up quickly. Three dollars here, one dollar there, over time, ends up being quite a bit of money. Instead of having your ATM charges cost you an arm and a leg, try to find a bank that offers no ATM fees, or at least not very expensive ones. A bank that reimburses you for using an ATM that they do not endorse is also ideal.

Go to a Credit Union: Luckily, you have your choice of bank: there is usually not one that you absolutely must go to. For this reason, you can pick and chose which ones you patronize. Rather than going to a private bank, try a credit union. Credit unions are generally more user friendly and they have lower fees.

Keep a Certain Amount in Your Account: Keeping a minimum amount of money in your account is important for a few reasons. First of all, it protects you from overdrawing your account. Second of all, it helps assure that you won’t be charged a monthly fee. For instance, some banks will charge you a monthly fee if you have less than $500 in your account. Avoid this by keeping your account well above the minimum.

Know when Your Deposits Clear: Before writing checks at will, make sure your most recent deposit, particularly if it’s a big one like your paycheck, has already cleared. This protects you from writing a check for funds you don’t have.

Know when Your Being Treated Unjustly: Whether you are a consumer of a store or a bank, you have rights. Remember that consumers have rights. If you feel your bank is compromising your rights, or doing something illegal and unethical, tell the proper authorities. You can speak with the Federal Reserve, the State Attorney General, the Office of the Controller of the Currency, and consumer groups, such as the Center for Responsible Lending.

Banks are a vital part of our society, but this doesn’t mean that they don’t have to follow the rules. If you feel your bank is unfair in the amount of fees and sub-charges attached, try going somewhere else. You’re bound to find a bank you like.