{"id":14636,"date":"2025-11-24T00:38:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T06:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/?p=14636"},"modified":"2026-02-02T13:37:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T19:37:15","slug":"should-i-get-a-no-fee-checking-account","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/should-i-get-a-no-fee-checking-account\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I get a checking account with no fees?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When personal finance blogger Allan Liwanag was establishing his career and living paycheck to paycheck, he often had just enough money to cover his expenses each month. Then he ran into an issue with an old checking account that caused him some major grief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI forgot to account for the $15 monthly fee that the bank would charge,\u201d Liwanag says. \u201cSo, I was short covering my rent. It was a stressful situation because I didn\u2019t know at first if the bank would process the payment for the rent or not.\u201d The bank ultimately covered it, but Liwanag got charged $35 for an insufficient funds fee\u2014on top of the original monthly fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2121\" height=\"869\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_01-INARTICLE-e1675958200498.jpeg\" alt=\"Two women look at a laptop at a kitchen table. One of them holds a baby.\" class=\"wp-image-14789\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_01-INARTICLE-e1675958200498.jpeg 2121w, https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_01-INARTICLE-e1675958200498-300x123.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_01-INARTICLE-e1675958200498-780x320.jpeg 780w, https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_01-INARTICLE-e1675958200498-768x315.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_01-INARTICLE-e1675958200498-1536x629.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_01-INARTICLE-e1675958200498-2048x839.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2121px) 100vw, 2121px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Liwanag, who now runs a consumer money-saving website, learned a lot from that experience. The main point being, checking accounts can rack up fees\u2014even for standard activity. As Liwanag learned, fees could eat away at the funds in your checking account, which may become problematic when it\u2019s time to pay bills or take care of other expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What you may not know is that there are no-fee checking account options that don&#8217;t include common fees. Some accounts offer checking with no opening deposit requirement, which is especially beneficial if you&#8217;re starting with a small balance or plan to make big withdrawals or transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, you might be thinking right about now, \u201cWhat are the benefits of a no-fee checking account?\u201d To answer that question, it\u2019s important to understand what types of fees you may be racking up and how you can make the most of a no-fee account. Let\u2019s get to it.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"mx-auto block-quote block-quote--1back bg-fixed bg-center bg-no-repeat bg-cover z-0\">\n    <div class=\"block-quote__glow\"><\/div>\n    <blockquote class=\"post--constrain-large\">\n        <p>It\u2019s important to review your statements regularly to identify which fees you are being charged and to determine how that\u2019s impacting your budget.<\/p>\n            <\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"post__content\">\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-most-common-checking-account-fees\">What are the most common checking account fees?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Checking account fees can become a trap you may not realize you\u2019ve fallen into until it\u2019s too late. It\u2019s possible to be charged fees just for keeping your account open or for services or features you may have assumed came standard with the account. Being charged a fee doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you\u2019ve done anything wrong, but it\u2019s a hassle you can avoid with the proper research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if you want to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/how-to-avoid-checking-account-fees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">avoid checking account fees<\/a>, you\u2019ve got to know what they are. Here are some of the most common fees you could be paying:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monthly fees to maintain or service your account<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overdraft or insufficient funds fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ATM fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Online bill pay fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop payment fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Not sure which checking account fees you\u2019re dishing out? Contact your bank or visit its website to get a copy of your deposit account agreement. This document usually has a list of fees related to your checking account that may apply to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another good tipoff: \u201cIf you see monthly, quarterly, or annual fees broken out on your monthly bank statement, you\u2019ll know whether your account is truly no-fee,\u201d says CPA and financial analyst Riley Adams, who founded a website with strategies for financial independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to review your statements regularly to identify which fees you are being charged and to determine how that\u2019s impacting your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2118\" height=\"870\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_02-INARTICLE-scaled-e1675958281907.jpeg\" alt=\"A graphic with birds-eye view of a paper with a picture of a graph, a cup of coffee, and a pen.\" class=\"wp-image-22542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_02-INARTICLE-scaled-e1675958281907.jpeg 2118w, https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_02-INARTICLE-scaled-e1675958281907-300x123.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_02-INARTICLE-scaled-e1675958281907-780x320.jpeg 780w, https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_02-INARTICLE-scaled-e1675958281907-768x315.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_02-INARTICLE-scaled-e1675958281907-1536x631.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_02-INARTICLE-scaled-e1675958281907-2048x841.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2118px) 100vw, 2118px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-3-benefits-of-a-no-fee-checking-account\">What are 3 benefits of a no-fee checking account?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you\u2019ve identified the many possible checking account fees you could be charged, you\u2019ll find that the benefits of a no-fee checking account go beyond just freeing up some cash in your budget. In addition to the features you\u2019re used to with a regular checking account, a checking account with no fees gives you a financial edge in the following ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>More money for your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/financial-goal-calculator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">financial goals<\/a>.<\/strong>&nbsp;\u201cHaving a no-fee checking account can help you get ahead financially,\u201d Adams says. \u201cInstead of paying monthly service fees and even overdraft fees, you can apply that money toward your own&nbsp;financial goals.\u201d The money you save on fees could be used to pay down debt, boost a&nbsp;savings account,&nbsp;or help fund an education, business venture or vacation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flexibility.<\/strong>&nbsp;A checking account with no fees allows you to bank on your terms. If you\u2019re just starting out, one of the benefits of a no-fee checking account is that you have the flexibility to fund the account with whatever amount makes sense for you. Need to make a big transfer from checking to savings? No problem, since you won\u2019t have to worry about dipping below a minimum balance threshold. You can even go on your merry way&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/get-cash-without-paying-an-atm-fee-with-these-4-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">using ATMs in your bank\u2019s network<\/a>&nbsp;without being restricted by fees, and if you accidentally overdraw, your no-fee account\u2019s flexibility may save you the stress of a ding for insufficient funds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Less stress.<\/strong>&nbsp;\u201cShould I get a no-fee checking account?\u201d was an easy question to answer for Liwanag, because he knows exactly what to expect with one. A plus of no-fee accounts is that you can rest assured that unaccounted-for fees will not kick you into overdraft, Liwanag says. (In other words, less stress.)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2119\" height=\"868\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_03-INARTICLE-e1675958345245.jpeg\" alt=\"A man standing at an ATM withdraws cash.\" class=\"wp-image-14792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_03-INARTICLE-e1675958345245.jpeg 2119w, https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_03-INARTICLE-e1675958345245-300x123.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_03-INARTICLE-e1675958345245-780x320.jpeg 780w, https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_03-INARTICLE-e1675958345245-768x315.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_03-INARTICLE-e1675958345245-1536x629.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_03-INARTICLE-e1675958345245-2048x839.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2119px) 100vw, 2119px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Manage your finances with multiple no-fee accounts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also ways that having multiple no-fee checking accounts can help you better manage your income and expenses, in case you\u2019re still wondering, \u201cShould I get a no-fee checking account?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;I have four,&#8221; Liwanag says, \u201cwhich I use for easily tracking specific budget categories or expenses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As he explains, it can be easier to track expenses when money for different priorities, such as his&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/why-you-need-an-emergency-fund\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">emergency fund<\/a>&nbsp;or that much-needed vacation, is bucketed into different no-fee checking accounts. Because he may be charged fees for excessive withdrawals from a savings account, Liwanag uses his no-fee checking accounts to manage the money he\u2019ll need to access frequently for specific purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best part: Maintaining multiple checking accounts doesn\u2019t cost him extra since a benefit of no-fee checking accounts means fees aren\u2019t in the equation, he says. Some banks do have limits on how many checking accounts you can open, so be sure to consider this if you\u2019re using a multiple-account strategy like Liwanag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping your expenses organized is a pretty big motivator; so, if you\u2019ve answered \u201cyes\u201d to the question, \u201cShould I get a no-fee checking account?\u201d, the next step is knowing how to choose one.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"w-100 mb-8 md:mb-[60px] md:mt-[30px] max-h-[400px] overflow-hidden\">\n    <picture class=\"flex w-full\">                                                             \n        <source src='https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_01-MARQUEEE-991x399.jpg?v=14'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account-1029862152-Full-992x400.jpg.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"(min-width: 755px)\"><source src='https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_01-MARQUEEE-991x399.jpg?v=14'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account-1029862152-Full-992x400.jpg?v=6.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 755px)\">        <source src='https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_01-MARQUEEE-1199x399.jpg?v=14'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account-1029862152-Full-1200x400.jpg.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"(min-width: 992px)\"><source src='https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_01-MARQUEEE-1199x399.jpg?v=14'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account-1029862152-Full-1200x400.jpg?v=6.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 992px)\">        <source src='https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_01-MARQUEEE-1399x399.jpg?v=14'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account-1029862152-Full-1400x400.jpg.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\"><source src='https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account_01-MARQUEEE-1399x399.jpg?v=14'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account-1029862152-Full-1400x400.jpg?v=6.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\">        <img src='https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account-1029862152-Full-754x221.jpg?v=6' style='max-width:100%;' data-src=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Should-I-Get-a-No-Fee-Checking-Account-1029862152-Full-755x222.jpg?v=6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lazy object-cover w-full\" loading=\"lazy\" >                        \n    <\/picture>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"post__content\">\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-find-the-best-no-fee-checking-account-for-your-needs\">Find the best no-fee checking account for your needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the benefits of a no-fee checking account are key, don\u2019t forget to consider other&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/why-choosing-the-right-checking-account-for-your-lifestyle-matters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">checking account features that match your lifestyle<\/a>. If customer service is your deal breaker, make sure the bank offers it around the clock and that it\u2019s recognized for being top-notch. If you\u2019re always on the go and your phone is right there with you, mobile features and mobile check deposit may be on the top of your list. If you\u2019re regularly withdrawing cash, evaluate the bank\u2019s network of no-fee ATMs and see if an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/checking-account\/#ATMFinder?src=S00001CUE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ATM locator<\/a>&nbsp;is offered to make tracking them down a breeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-start-on-your-path-to-smart-checking-with-a-no-fee-checking-account\">Start on your path to smart checking with a no-fee checking account<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Clearly, the advantages of a checking account with no fees are numerous. Just be sure to do your research, then compare your findings carefully. The no-fee checking account you choose should ultimately help you reach your personal financial goals. You may find that saving on fees might be one of the key remedies as you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/how-to-deal-with-financial-stress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">deal with financial stress<\/a>. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">Articles may contain information from third parties. The inclusion of such information does not imply an affiliation with the bank or bank sponsorship, endorsement, or verification regarding the third party or information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as professional advice. Nothing contained in this article shall give rise to, or be construed to give rise to, any obligation or liability whatsoever on the part of Discover, a division of Capital One, N.A., or its affiliates.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you like to save, have flexibility, and skip hidden costs? If so, a checking account with no fees is for you. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":14790,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[76,23],"tags":[3410,34,94,37,126,55,136,95,104,105,25,102,39,99],"class_list":["post-14636","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-banking101","category-checking","tag-atm","tag-budgeting","tag-convenience","tag-emergency-fund","tag-fees","tag-financial-goals","tag-frugal-living","tag-managing-your-account","tag-managing-your-money","tag-money-saving-tips","tag-online-banking","tag-online-checking-account","tag-saving","tag-savings-strategies"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14636","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14636"}],"version-history":[{"count":34,"href":"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14636\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22543,"href":"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14636\/revisions\/22543"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14790"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14636"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14636"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teryrtuytyut.sbs\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14636"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}