Choosing A Bank

Harvard Square's banks are as diverse as the characters in the pit. Following is a summary of the local branches, their fees and features.

BankBoston Best Account Value: Student Value Checking Monthly Fee: $6 per month ($3 per month if you never use a teller) Minimum balance: $0. Features: Checking and savings accounts; unlimited checks; free Internet banking; 50 starter checks. T-shirt and plastic cup to account openers.

Cambridge Savings: Best Account Value: Combined Account Monthly Fee: $3 per month, or free if you maintain a balance greater than $100. Minimum balance: $0. Features: Checking and savings accounts; unlimited checking; eight starter checks.

Cambridge Trust Best Account Value: ATM Convenience Account Monthly Fee: None--but an account left inactive for three months will be charged $5 per month. Minimum balance: $0 Features: Eight free checks per month, $3 per check surcharge thereafter. Eight starter checks. Free dictionary if you open your account by the end of the month. Mousepads and keychains free as well.

Cambridgeport Bank Best Account Value: Free Checking Monthly Fee: None Minimum balance: $0 Features: Unlimited checking; eight free starter checks. Can use ATM card three times at other banks without incurring a Cambridgeport surcharge. Six stainless steel bowls and 50 checks for any customer that opens an account with a minimum of 250 dollars.

Wainwright Bank Best Account Value: Value Checking Monthly Fee: $3 Minimum balance: $250 to open. Features: $.25 per check fee, unless balance is more than $500; five starter checks.

*These fees are for account-holders 19 and older. Massachusetts's law prohibits banks from charging people under age 19 for checking accounts. Unlimited ATM/Checkard usage is standard with all accounts. --Neeraj K. Gupta