MADISON, Wis. -- As the economic situation worsens, questions turn to which bank programs are best for people's budget.

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"Every check card purchase is rounded up and the change slides from your checking's to savings," states a Bank of America ad.

This commercial from Bank of America, promises an easy way to save but Consumer Reports checked out several bank savings programs.

"Even though Bank of America will match some of the money you deposit, after the first three months that match goes way down. And the account pays much less interest than you can get at many other banks," said Greg Daugherty of Consumer Reports.

What about the heavily advertised program from now-floundering Wachovia Bank? Every time you use your debit card or pay a bill online, it transfers $1 from your checking to your savings.

"Plus, Wachovia will pay you up to $300 just for saving," said the ad.

"Sounds good, but to get that full $300, you'd have to pay bills online or use your debit card 4,800 times in the first year," said Daugherty.

Instead of wearing out one's debit card, experts suggest better ways to save.

Savings experts recommend using direct deposit and put part of one's paycheck into a high-yield online savings account that charges no fees and is linked to a free, interest-bearing checking account.

Despite the ads, consumers will save more money in the long run, WISC-TV reported.

Consumer Reports said many employers allow you to deposit your paycheck directly into more than one account to help you keep savings on track.

To learn about an online savings account, and find out about interest rates and fees, click here: Bank Rate