How do I open a separate ma’aser bank account?
Most major banks offer free savings accounts if you also maintain a checking account. If your bank does not, we suggest one of the following sources for free checking accounts:
NerdWallet’s Blog Post on Free Checking Accounts
Capital One 360 – A favorite, they allow for unlimited sub-accounts
I am happy to give tzedaka and already give 10% of my income to charity. Why do I need this account?
But my Rav told me that I am not obligated to give ma’aser. What does this have to do with me?
I can’t bear to part with that much money every month and am stretched thin as it is.
The only area of our lives in which we are allowed to test Hashem is in the area of giving charity. [Malachi 3:10. See also Rema Yoreh Deyah Siman 247]. Try it for 6 months and see how it goes.
I like the idea of having a separate bank account, but I don't want to publicize that I do. Why should I?
Our goal is to create a new reality where everybody feels that seperating ma’aser is something that they can and should do. By putting your name out there publicly, you help us build momentum so that everybody feels that this is something they can do, should do, and don’t want to be left out of doing. Positive peer pressure goes a long way.