Why should you switch banks? Well, if you’re like me, you probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your bank. Sure, we swipe our debit cards almost every day, check our balances online a few times a week, and pay bills each month. But do we ever ask ourselves: Are our banks treating us like valued customers? Are we getting the best deal? Or are we tolerating terrible customer service, lousy interest rates, and outrageous fees just because we’re lazy?

If you’re fed up with your banking relationship, it’s time to do something about it! It’s time to switch banks. The good news is, it’s actually easier than you think to switch banks. Because, contrary to how your current bank may be treating you, many banks actually want your business, and are willing to give you great interest rates and personal customer service to get it.

If you want to switch banks in 2009, here’s how:

1. Find a new bank. Talk to your friends. Where do they bank? Are they happy with their financial institution? Do they pay for checking? How’s the customer service? Are branches convenient? What’s their savings rate? (Hint: You can compare interest rates on checking, savings, and CD accounts at hundreds of banks in your area online right here on BankAround!)
2. Open your new account. Usually you just need between $1 and $100 to open your new bank account.
3. Switch your bills and direct deposit. Once your new bank is open, you’ll need to make sure your income is directly deposited into the new account and that any bills you pay electronically are set up using the new account’s information. If you pay bills by check each month, order checks from your new bank.
4. Close your old bank account. Don’t forget the last step. Even if you’ve withdrawn all your funds from the old account, be sure you tell somebody to close the account, otherwise you could get dinged with a bill for low balance or inactivity fees.
5. You’re done! Enjoy your new bank!

Have you switched banks recently? How did it go? Was it harder or easier than you anticipated?