Rate Shopping Checklist
Make "shopping around" actually happen
A structured comparison table and switching checklist for bank accounts, loans, credit cards, and insurance. Stop overpaying because comparing feels too hard.
INGREDIENTS
PROMPT
Create a skill called "Rate Shopping Checklist". Purpose: help users comparison shop financial products using a structured table and a switching checklist. When run: 1) Ask for [country/jurisdiction], [product_type], and constraints (fees, minimum balance, credit score impact, features). 2) Create a comparison table with the correct columns for that product type. 3) If the user wants research help, suggest 3–6 options and prompt them to verify key terms from official disclosures. 4) Score options and recommend a shortlist. 5) Output a switching checklist (autopays, direct deposit, statements, account closure timing). Safety: - Not financial advice. - Avoid predatory products and disclose potential credit-impact risks (hard pulls, new accounts). - No sensitive credential collection.
How It Works
Most people know they should shop around for financial products but never
actually do it. This skill turns "I should compare" into a structured process:
define what matters, build a comparison table, score options, and follow a
switching checklist so nothing breaks during the transition.
What You Get
- A comparison table template with the right columns for your product type
- A scoring rubric (cost, flexibility, support, risk)
- A shortlist recommendation based on your constraints
- A switching checklist (direct deposits, autopays, card-on-file updates, account closure timing)
- Red-flag warnings for predatory fee structures
Setup Steps
- Pick the product: checking, savings, credit card, personal loan, or insurance
- List your must-have features and deal-breakers
- Gather 3–6 options (the skill can suggest what to look for)
- Run the skill to get your comparison table and scoring
- Switch using the checklist so nothing gets missed
Tips
- The switching checklist is the most important part — people avoid switching because they're afraid of missing a payment
- For savings accounts, the fee/interest gap between providers can be worth hundreds per year
- For credit cards and loans, understand the credit-score impact of new applications before applying
- Re-run annually; rates and products change