Alright... Wise old grandpa James will contribute:
Pros:
- financial security. Almost all banks now have to be FDIC insured, so your money is secured even if the bank goes under for up to 250,000$.
- personal security. It's never safe to carry cash on you. Cheques and cheque cards are where it's at.
- easier payment. Most places that you have to mail in payments will not take cash, and most renters when your looking for your first place will not take cash.
- competitive. Most banks want your business (big banks aside). Lots of banks offer competitive rates, some even have interest checking which was unheard of for a long time after the financial crash in the late 2000s. You can find the right bank and pretty much keep your money there for free.
Cons:
- hours. There is a 2 week period give or take where you will have little access to your money since you won't have a card or checks. Your at the will of bank hours and not a lot of places take the temporary checks they provide.
- fees. Big banks are frankly terrible people and I would avoid tem at all cost. They will snag on fee after fee if you let them. In a perfect world, avoid big banks (wells Fargo, us bank, Bank of America) at all cost. If not, MAKE SURE to get a truth in lending and fees pamplet.