Business Case Studies & Business Publications

Choosing a Bank Account

Eades, Kenneth M.,...

Case

Choosing a Bank Account

Eades, Kenneth M.; Maiden, Stephen E.; Fairchild, Gregory B.

F-1893 | Published August 22, 2019 | 12 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

Add To Cart Buy Now

Product Details

This case simulates the decision of choosing a bank account through the eyes of a new couple on the verge of getting married. Bill Donlon has no prior experience in banking, choosing instead to accumulate his savings in cash. Donlon’s fiancée, Melissa Ivy, had a bank account in college, but rarely used it other than to withdraw funds occasionally. After their marriage, the couple will move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Roanoke, Virginia, to start new jobs. Donlon will be working as a salesman at the local Ford dealership and Ivy will be a pharmaceutical sales rep, working mostly from her car as she visits clients. Both Donlon and Ivy will be paid via direct deposit by their new employers, thus necessitating a bank account. This motivates Donlon to talk with his cousin Ned about banking and sends Ivy to the internet to compare banks and account options.

This case is designed to be taught in a financial literacy course. The expectation is that the instructor will use the case as a vehicle for students to learn how to choose a checking and savings account that best suits their needs.