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Banking & Borrowing 101: Choosing the Right Bank Account and Credit Card

Thursday, February 19, 2026 @ 12:50 pm - 2:00 pm

The bank account and credit card you choose can affect your financial stability, your overall financial health, and how much you pay in fees and interest over time. But how do you compare options based on what actually matters, both financially and legally? This session will walk you through how to evaluate checking and savings accounts, understand bank fees, and compare traditional banks with newer financial platforms like app-based payment services and other digital financial products. We'll also discuss how to choose a credit card based on your goals—whether that’s building credit, earning rewards, or avoiding interest—and how to read the fine print on rates, fees, and promotional offers. We’ll explain legal protections that apply to different products, including how credit cards limit your liability for fraud, how federal law protects certain bank deposits, and where those protections may be weaker (or different) with non-bank alternatives. Key consumer protection laws governing billing errors, dispute rights, and deposit insurance will be explained in clear terms. Come learn practical tools to compare products confidently, avoid costly traps, and make informed decisions that support your financial goals. All welcome! Date: Thursday, February 19 Time: 12:50-2:00 Location: Room 140, Law Building Lunch provided! Please RSVP for headcount purposes!  (Lunch provided on a first come, first served basis!)

The bank account and credit card you choose can affect your financial stability, your overall financial health, and how much you pay in fees and interest over time. But how do you compare options based on what actually matters, both financially and legally? This session will walk you through how to evaluate checking and savings accounts, understand bank fees, and compare traditional banks with newer financial platforms like app-based payment services and other digital financial products. We’ll also discuss how to choose a credit card based on your goals—whether that’s building credit, earning rewards, or avoiding interest—and how to read the fine print on rates, fees, and promotional offers.

We’ll explain legal protections that apply to different products, including how credit cards limit your liability for fraud, how federal law protects certain bank deposits, and where those protections may be weaker (or different) with non-bank alternatives. Key consumer protection laws governing billing errors, dispute rights, and deposit insurance will be explained in clear terms. Come learn practical tools to compare products confidently, avoid costly traps, and make informed decisions that support your financial goals. All welcome!

Date: Thursday, February 19
Time: 12:50-2:00
Location: Room 140, Law Building

Lunch provided!

Please RSVP for headcount purposes!  (Lunch provided on a first come, first served basis!)

Details

Date:
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time:
12:50 pm - 2:00 pm
Event Category:
Website:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfNQc5ynfTnSaQ4M0c3BkqI6M1s0j2PI_eNNKP_jYVlfiAJA/viewform?usp=dialog

Venue

140 Law Building

Organizer

Berkeley Center for Consumer Law & Economic Justice

These events are open only to UC Berkeley Law students, faculty, and staff, unless otherwise noted.

Events are wheelchair accessible. For disability-related accommodations, contact the organizer of the event. Advance notice is kindly requested.

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