Free Checking ?

[Broken Arrow]

Yes, I'm with you on that, Tina. I'm tempted to strip it down to just a share account and go somewhere else for my banking needs. There's no fee to maintain membership in either one of these credit unions. I just have to maintain a share savings account with a balance of $25. I can get my checking with anyone else... which is what I am tempted to do.

[Broken Arrow]

During my "lunch break", I took the opportunity to go and open a checking account with the new credit union. Their nearest branch was only a few blocks from me.

So, yes, I've finally decided to swap my checking account. My new checking doesn't pay dividend (not that I cared about that to begin with), but the important thing is that there is no monthly fee either. The checks cost money, but... I rarely use them so one batch should last me for many, many years to come.

More important than the monthly fee is the fact that my ex and I share the same savings account in the old credit union. I have been advised by many that the best thing to do is to get an account of my own.

I'm going to try to keep my membership with my old credit union though. I plan to speak to someone about that after work. That was fun, and it feels good too, like... progress.

[tinapbeana]

Originally Posted by Broken Arrow

I'm going to try to keep my membership with my old credit union though. I plan to speak to someone about that after work. That was fun, and it feels good too, like... progress.

Good for you, BA!! Glad to hear you're happy w/ you decision, and hurray for every little step we all take

[Gruntina]

I have both savings and checking account at a Credit Union. Both can earn small interest and I am not charge for having the accounts. I beleive it was having the Direct Deposit in both account waived the small monthly fee.

[Elgin526]

Mine is totaly free as long as I write less than 20 (or is it 25?) checks a month, and there is no minimum balance or direct deposit requirement, but I don't earn any interest. I write maybe two a month so that part of it is not an issue. My bank also has free online banking with bill pay (and the online bill pay is not counted as writing a check). They have kick butt customer service, the only down side is that their savings accounts and CD's don't pay squat. Unfortunatly they are a private bank with only one location! (If you are in the NW burbs of Chicago and want to know the location of this awesome bank, PM me).

[puck36]

Not sure where some of you bank at but with WellsFargo the checking accounts are totaly free. There is NO limit on number of check per month. NO minimum balance or direct deposit requirement. Also I don't even pay for checks (my company pays them).

[kimiko]

I'm with Wells Fargo since it's near my home and has ATMs' at both my school and work place. I used to have to maintain a $1,000 minimum but since I signed up for direct deposit, I don't have to keep a minimum in there. As for paying bills online, I set it up so that my credit cards, school, etc... charge my account instead of paying from the account and so incure no fee either.

[puck36]

I have been with WellsFargo or Northwest for about 13 years now and never once did I have to have a minimum balance.