If not being able to get loans and credit cards wasn't enough, a bad credit rating can even be a barrier when it comes to acquiring a checking account. A checking account is a necessity these days as you simply cannot keep all the cash you have, on you all the time. Unfortunately, banks see people with a poor credit score to not be financially strong enough to even pay up on bank charges. They, of late, have been referring to the credit history of their applicants before granting them an account. The points described below need to be kept in mind while scouring for such an account. Bank Charges Few banks will be willing to allot you a checking account with checks, if you have a bad credit score, but the ones that do will surely try to make a bit more money off you. And they know that they can either biff you off and tell you to come back when you have an acceptable credit score, or use this opportunity to trap you with high charges for running your account. After all, since no one else is ready to offer you an account, they have a monopoly and can dictate terms with you. Online Checking Account This is another option worth exploring. Internet banking accounts generally ask for a lower credit score anyway, and can often brag about lower bank charges and transaction costs, as compared to physical accounts. They will, of course, ask you to maintain a minimum balance in your account all the time. This means you may or may not be able to avail the overdraft facility. Of course, it is always better to open an online checking account with a more reputed bank. They may charge a higher fee but you can rest assured knowing that your money is safe. Investment Account Of course, if you're at a pretty low ebb with your credit score and the physical or online checking accounts are simply not coming your way, investment accounts may just be the last option you get to park your funds. The idea is a simple one. Investment accounts will require you to maintain a large minimum balance, but at least you don't need to keep all your extra money lying around the house and you can give it to them for safekeeping instead. Checking accounts really make managing money a lot simpler and hence, it is really important to have one. Now that you know the options at your disposal, you can go ahead and apply for one right away.