1 First and foremost, you want to use a legitimate bank. 2  Sticking with a large, widely known bank should be a safe bet. 3  If you're considering a smaller institution, or if you just want to be extra safe, use the Bank Find tool at the FDIC's Web site to make sure the bank is a member of the FDIC.ere are some criteria to consider when choosing where to open a checking account. 1  Legitimacy. 2  First and foremost, you want to use a legitimate bank. 3  Sticking with a large, widely known bank should be a safe bet.