Personal Banking Checking Account Products

Compare and Open a Personal Checking Account

Open a personal checking account at First Merchants that helps you meet your money management goals. Choose the account that works best for you.

Personal Checking Product Comparison Table

Personal Checking Product Comparison
Account Features

First Merchants Carefree Checking

First Merchants Advantage Checking

First Merchants First Direct Checking

First Merchants Elite Checking

First Merchants Simple Access Checking
Account DescriptionGreat for clients who want a simple, easy account that includes all of our free features.An interest-bearing account with special benefits for clients who are frequent debit card users or receive monthly direct deposits.A premium benefit account designed exclusively for employees of participating businesses or first responders and members of the military, teachers and healthcare workers.A comprehensive account designed for our clients who value a whole bank relationship, maintain large balances, higher interest earnings and special benefits.
A convenient online checking account with no overdraft fees to help build your banking history with ease.
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How to Avoid Monthly Service Charges on Your AccountNo monthly service charge with one customer initiated transaction1, OR maintain at least $100 in minimum combined personal deposit balances, otherwise $5 per month.No monthly service charge with one $500 direct deposit2 per month, OR make 15 debit card transactions per month, OR maintain at least $1,500 in minimum combined personal deposit balances, otherwise $15 per monthNo monthly service charge with one $200 direct deposit2 per month, otherwise $10 per month.No monthly service charge with $15,000 in minimum combined personal deposit balances, otherwise $20 per month.$4 per month
Interest Bearing Yes Yes Yes  
Minimum Opening Deposit*$0$0$0$0$0
Discount on Checks 50% Discount on Personal Checks, Seniors receive Free Specialty ChecksFree Specialty ChecksFree Specialty Checks 
Other DiscountsFree for Students (under age 25)3.Free for Seniors (62 and older)3.


 


1Excludes bank service fees and charges, transactions must post during statement cycle

2Multiple deposits of less than required amount will not qualify to waive the monthly maintenance fee.

3Students under age 25 can receive Free paper statements, and no monthly maintenance fee with a First Merchants Carefree Checking Account. Seniors 62 and over can receive Free paper statements, Free specialty checks and no monthly maintenance fee with a First Merchants Advantage Checking account.

Other service fee may apply. Please see our Banking Fees.

*Make a deposit within 60 days to avoid account closure or maintenance fees.

 

Checking Account Features

Additionally, all of our checking accounts offer:

  • Access to more than 25,000 fee free ATMs with MoneyPass®
  • Mobile App with Debit Card Controls and Personal Finance tools
  • Free Online Banking and Bill Pay
  • Mastercard® Personal Debit Card with ID Theft Protection
  • Send Money with Zelle®
  • Apple Pay® and Samsung Pay®

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