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SIMPLE ACCESS CHECKING

Simple Access

Building a Foundation

Build banking history with a simple account that has no risk of overdrafts. Bank On-certified since 2022.

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Why Choose Simple Access Checking?

  • No opening deposit required1
  • Overdrafts are not enabled on this account to help you spend only what you have in your account and avoid the cost of overdrawing2
  • Get paid up to 2 days sooner with Early Pay—it’s free and automatic for qualifying direct deposits3
  • Deposit checks, monitor your credit score, make a budget, track your spending habits, open a savings account, and more with our top-rated secure mobile app
  • Money orders and official checks may be purchased for half price with cash

$4 Monthly Maintenance Fee

  • Request to transfer from the Simple Access Account into another First Merchants checking account once your account has been open for 12 months and has a positive balance
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Included Features

  • Free eStatements and paper statements
  • Electronic cash withdrawals only, which can be made at the ATM, through a point of sale purchase, or as a cash advance in the banking center
  • No paper checks, except those processed through Online Bill Pay
  • Send money to friends and family quickly with Zelle®4
  • Access to 40k+ ATMs with no fees through MoneyPass
  • ID theft protection5 & card controls with mobile wallet-ready Mastercard® debit card
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    Check out the full list of features and fee information.

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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Avoid Overdraft Fees with Overdraft HelperTM 8


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Get Paid Up To 2 Days Sooner with Early Pay6


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

2 Certain restrictions may apply.

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.

6 Certain restrictions, terms, and conditions apply.

7 See details on our ‘Best bank’ awards at firstmerchants.com/awards-accolades

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