Free checking is a specialized account provided for the customers who do not prefer to keep a minimum balance in their checking account. Free checking accounts are scarcely available but a few banks do facilitate this kind of account. Surveys on checking accounts reveal that the number of banks offering this account is deteriorating. There are a few restrictions that apply to some accounts that are- the requirement for direct deposit and/or no return of canceled checks.

However, it doesnt mean that the banks are ready to compromise on their NSF (non sufficient funds) charges and ATM fees on the pretext of free checking.

Free checking has been proved as a boon to its customers as they are relieved of minimum balance and direct deposit requirements and also are exempted from paying monthly service fee.

A wide variety of advantages are associated with this facility. A few of them include, free Check Card with free Visa Extras, free Online Banking with Bill Pay and free automated telephone service.

Most of the banks with this service offer unlimited check writing which enables the account holders to write as many checks as they wish free of charge and they even pay to print the first set of checks.

If one has basic banking needs, this account provides basic banking services like free and unlimited transactions at Bank ATMs, free and unlimited teller transactions and assisted telephone account information calls, free automatic transfers to any other savings account or money market account.

Also the bank provides to its customers a Free Visa Xpress ATM & CheckCard (Classic) and Combined monthly statements for free.

On the whole, with no minimum monthly balance to maintain and no monthly service charges, free checking is an ideal account to use with online banking, giving you maximum convenience with minimal problems.