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SIMPLE ACCESS CHECKING

Simple Access

Building a Foundation

Simple Access Checking gives you the tools you need to manage your money confidently — with no risk of overdrafts, low monthly cost, and features that make everyday banking easier. Bank On certified since 2022, it’s a safe starting point for building or rebuilding banking history.

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A Safe Account for Everyday Use

Spend with confidence knowing overdrafts aren’t enabled1. You’ll only use the money you have—helping you avoid unexpected fees while building healthy banking habits.

Smarter Access to Your Money

  • No opening deposit required2
  • Get paid up to 2 days sooner with Early Pay—it’s free and automatic for qualifying direct deposits3
  • Top‑rated mobile app to deposit checks, monitor your credit score, budget, track spending, open a savings account, and more
  • Money orders and official checks available at half price when purchased with cash
  • $4 Monthly Maintenance Fee

After 12 months with a positive balance, you can request a transfer into another First Merchants checking account if you’d like expanded features.

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Simple, Dependable Banking

  • Free eStatements and paper statements
  • Electronic cash withdrawals only—at ATMs, point-of-sale purchases, or as a cash advance in a banking center
  • No paper checks, except those processed through Online Bill Pay
  • Build savings automatically with Round Ups to a First Merchants savings account
  • Send money to friends and family quickly with Zelle®4
  • 40,000+ fee-free ATMs through MoneyPass network
  • Mobile wallet-ready Mastercard® debit card with ID theft protection5 and card controls

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    Check out the full list of features and fee information.

Not what you're looking for?

Check out our other accounts that enable you to get paid early, avoid overdrafts, and manage it all with an easy-to-use app:

  • Prosper Checking provides unparalleled safety and security and helps you plan for the unexpected.
  • Prosper Plus Checking gives you confidence you’re on the right path and helps you make the most of your money.

Built to Protect Your Money—and Help It Go Further

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Manage Your Money Confidently with Our Top-Rated Mobile App


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Get Paid Up To 2 Days Sooner with Early Pay3


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Build savings automatically with Round Ups


1 Certain restrictions may apply.

2 Make a deposit within 60 days to avoid account closure or maintenance fees. Other service fees may apply. Please see our Banking Fees.

3 Terms and conditions apply. Early Pay is a free service that First Merchants Bank offers at its discretion. We can’t guarantee you’ll always get your paycheck early—it depends on how and when your employer sends us your direct deposit. Not all employers send deposits early or label them in a way that qualifies for Early Pay. If your deposit doesn’t meet the criteria, it will arrive on your regular payday.

4 Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license. To send or receive money with Zelle®, both parties must have an eligible checking or savings account.

5 Certain restrictions, terms, and conditions apply.

Small MasterCard logo no textMastercard® is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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