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Free Checking

The perfect account for families, students and anyone looking for a basic account with a debit card without minimum balance requirements.

Our Free Checking Accounts is the perfect option for managing your money and skipping the fees! When you open your account, you’ll receive a free debit card  to make payments easy. You can even add your debit card to your digital wallet on your phone for payments on the go. 

Plus, you don’t need to worry about maintaining a specific monthly balance or sticking to a certain number of transactions because this account has no monthly fee. If you’re looking for a basic checking account for your day-to-day money management, Free Checking is for you.

Features

How can I add or remove someone from my Checking account?

Once your checking account is open, you may decide you'd like to add someone - by making them a joint-owner - or remove someone from your account.
  • To add an owner: You can add an owner to an existing account anytime by visiting your local branch with the additional owner.
  • To remove an owner: To remove someone from your Checking account, you'll need to close your current account and open a new one. Please note that if you are a parent/guardian and would like to remove yourself from your child's account when he/she turns 18, you will follow a separate process and not need to close the account.
A Customer Service Representative at your local branch can assist with any account ownership questions you may have.

What do I need to know when setting up a direct deposit to or automatic payment from my Merchants Bank checking or savings account?

Businesses that originate a direct deposit into your bank account, such as your employer, financial advisor or social security office, or pull automatic payments, such as your utility company, fitness center or clinic/hospital, will provide you with an authorization form that asks for your account information. If any of it is incorrect it will delay the transaction in your account.

1. The Merchants Bank routing number is: 091900193
2. Identify your account type correctly. If this is incorrect the deposit will not reach your account.
  • Select Checking for these account types: Diamond Money Market, Health Savings Account, Personal Checking Accounts, Business Checking Accounts
  • Select Savings for these account types: Basic Savings, Advantage Savings, Kids Savers Club, My Future Fund, Summer or Winter Fund. 
Please note: All savings types can receive direct deposit, but only Basic and Advantage Savings can accommodate automatic payments. 

3. Provide your Full Account Number. For security reasons, we only display a partial account number in Merchants Online Banking and on account statements. If you need assistance confirming your full account number, please contact your local branch.

Is Merchants Bank Free Checking really free?

Yes, our Free Checking offers free: If you'd like to order checks or use any additional services, please contact us about fees associated with those services.

How do I reorder checks?

To order checks you may login to your Personal Online Banking and click the Order Checks link on the Accounts Summary page next to the appropriate account. You may also contact us.

How safe is my checking or savings account?

Keeping your personal information safe is a top priority. Learn how we protect you and what you can do to protect yourself from fraud.

Interested in learning more about how FDIC insurance protects your deposits up to $250,000? Read more from the FDIC. If you have deposits with us that far exceed the $250,000 FDIC insurance threshold and would like to consider other options, please visit with us about the possibility of ICS/CDARS.

How do I switch my checking account to Merchants Bank?

It's easy - just use our guide to switching your checking account.

Can I open my account online?

When you select the "apply now" button above, you can begin the account opening process online.

Once you submit your application, a Merchants Bank Customer Service Representative will prepare your account documents and schedule a time for you to come into the nearest Merchants Bank location to sign account documents and complete the account opening process, including ordering your debit card and enrolling for other services you decide may benefit you.

When will I receive my tax forms?

All tax forms, including 1099, will be sent to the mailing address on file with Merchants Bank by January 31 each year. Please note that tax forms are not available online through Online & Mobile Banking.

At what age can I open a checking account?

Children as young as 13 years old may be well served by Student Checking, but children under 18 must have an additional adult account owner.

What information must I have to open a new checking or savings account?

You may start online and we’ll contact you to stop in and complete the process, or you may call your local branch to schedule an appointment. 

Please have the following with you:
  • Social Security Number of all account owners
  • Driver’s license or State ID card
  • Home address and phone number
If you are switching banks, you may find our How to Switch Banks guide useful.

† Merchants Mobile Banking is free, however, text or data charges may be imposed by your mobile provider. Check your plan for details. Your carrier may limit access outside the U.S.

Compare Checking Accounts

Account FeaturesRelationship CheckingeCheckingFree Checking
Minimum Opening Deposit$50$50$50
Debit CardYesYesYes
Monthly Fee$10. No monthly fee with a $1,500 daily balance in this checking account, or if the owners total deposit and loan relationship equals $15,000 or more every day of the month/statement cycle.$10. No monthly fee with minimum of 6 debit card purchases, maximum of 6 paper checks and eStatement enrollment. ATM & automatic deposits/withdrawals not counted.$0
1st-year Free Overdraft Line of Credit*
Identity Theft InsuranceAvailableAvailableAvailable
Check ImagesAvailableAvailable Online$2 per month when returned with statement; available free online
Earns InterestView rates
Free Merchants Signature Style Checks
Safe Deposit Box Discount20% discount annually
50% Discount on Visa® Gift Card Purchase Charge
No Fee on Cashiers Checks
3 Foreign ATM Fees Waived per Month
Online & Mobile Banking
Learn MoreApply NowLearn MoreApply NowLearn MoreApply Now

* Subject to credit approval. $30 annual fee. 15.59% Annual Percentage Rate.

Wealth

As your dedicated financial partner, we offer Wealth Management resources to help you plan for the future. Put our expertise to work for you. 

Diamond Money Market

The savings account that helps you earn more while you save more.

Credit Card Processing

We make processing and accepting credit card, debit card and gift card payments easy and efficient for your business.

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