What's the BEST free checking account out there in the US?
347292
It's hard to say because every area has it's own banks with their own offers.  If you want to shop around easy, go to www.bankrate.com.  Put in where you live and go from there.
769361
Always look at what minimum balance requirements there are as well as how much the fees are for going under that.  Check all the fees such as ATM fees, telephone access fees, teller fees, check fees (bank of america is notorious for this).  There are many banks who don't charge any of these.  If you're just getting started, you probably don't have a ton of money laying around, so look at "free checking" and see what the bank offers.  I'm with Washington Mutual and they're awesome.  If you have them in your area, check it out.
156240
www.checksinthemail.com\nwww.designerchecks.com\nwww.checksunlimited.com\nwww.styleschecks.com\nwww.checkworks.com\nwww.artisticchecks.com\n\nI have Christian checks from Promise Checks, but I understand they're not for everyone :)\n\nI've personally ordered from checks in the mail, and they were good, too.
655794
http://www.cashin10minutes.com\ni have used to it\nthey serve the best
60699
It all depends on what you need from a bank. You can get more bang for your buck if you choose an individual bank for each banking need. A bank that gives you a good deal on free checking may not be able to give you a good savings rate.\n\nMyself, I have a Bank of America checking account ('free' with direct deposit, but I'm very happy with their bill pay program), a savings account with Emigrant Direct (4.25% APY), and I use credit cards from Citibank (excellent cash rewards).
923439
This is going to seem odd but use the ones that come free with your checking and savings accounts and stay debt free. Having done both worlds: debt and debt-free, I can tell you debt-free is much better. It is very rewarding to walk in a pay cash for a car, take a nice vacation with cash, etc, etc.\n\nThe only exception is a house and if you're a real go getter you can even do that debt free.
192332
We have had Bank of America for several years and I am vey satisfied with it. It also has online bill pay (free) which saves a lot of stamps and envelopes. You can write checks to just about anyone.
132971
Check the smaller banks. I have terrible credit and still have a checking account, visa check card, and overdraft protection.\n\nI found out really quick when I opened my account that the smaller "Mom-and-Pop" banks don't check your credit. The big ones will almost alway deny you or offer you some sort of crappy account that isn't worth it.\n\nI use a bank called City National. If they have them in your area, you might check them out.
915727
try tyrabanks.com that always works
611235
The best bank promo i saw was that the bank near my home was giving away a free slow cooker (costs 10-15 dollars)with every checking account open\n\nI know its......lame\n\nI once used a bank product to sell some stocks of radio-shack.\n\nAll I had to do was give them the certificate, and they put it into an on-line account. I then sold all the stocks for a fee of around 15 dollars on a 3200.00 transaction
1156567
Yes, they can send you a check in the mail. But any way other than deposit to a bank account will cost you. You really need to start at least a savings account so you can receive money for free. It will take a few days to hook a savings or checking acct. up (called verifying), so get on with it.\n\nTo list a new item, click on the SELL button near the top of the page.
1064599
Unfortunately I don't know of any....this is a major source of income for any financial institution, along with interest they charge on loans, its the only way the stay in business thanks to the neverending amount of bank account fraud in this country.  I doubt you'll find a bank without some form of overdraft fee....the trick is to find a bank that charges the least !!\nOverdraft fees can run anywhere between $20  and $35 per item....a bank that charges $20 is pretty cheap these days.\nGood luck !
926225
www.wamu.com ($1 to open, real bank account)\n\nwww.accountnow.net (mostly a debit/credit card account with direct deposit numbers including routing and account number)
273962
For legit freebies, go to http://www.fatwallet.com/ and check the free stuff forum, they have good stuff often.
67775
There are hundreds. Probably the most reputable is CheckIntoCash (http://checkintocash.com/). Bascially you write them a check, and they hold it for up to two weeks before cashing it.\n\nThe problem with all these companies is the fees they take. Many of the one-off places will charge much as 50% for the privilege, although I believe 20% is more the norm.\n\nConsidering how much you'll lose on the transaction, only do this if you really have no other choice.
945338
You should also check to see if you qualify for a Credit Union.  You generally have to overdraft and fee issues with big banks. I've been with my credit union for at least 2 years and I havent had that problem. I have overdraft protecton. Any deposits that go into my checking account are available that minute even if i deposited a check. There are no fees on my checking account.  I get 10 free non-CU atm withdrawals a month. And I get interest on my checking and savings account regardless of my account balances.  \n\nThere are so many banking options out there.  You really need to shop around. You shouldn't knock all banks just because you ended up with a really bad one on what probably was your first bank.
278547
Direct Deposit is an electronic deposit into your checking or savings account. There is no paper check to handle and no more trips to the bank.\nMany banks offer Free Checking with a direct deposit. Check with your bank.