Military Banking

A special checking account for those who are serving or have served in the military. We are humbled by your willingness to sacrifice and honored to offer this account as a small thank you for your service.

Features

No minimum balance or monthly service charge
Interest paid on the entire account balance
Free debit card
Free Merchants' Signature Style duplicate custom checks
Free Cashier’s Checks
Fee-free cash at 800+ ATM locations
Fee waived on first-year rental of Safe Deposit box¹
Payroll direct deposit required
Online & Mobile Banking
Checking Account FAQs

Savings Account bonuses available:

$10 for opening a new Basic or Advantage Savings account²
$5 for opening a new Kid’s Savers Club account³
$5 for opening a new Summer or Winter FUNd⁴

Credit and Loan account discounts available:

$300 discount on closing costs for new residential mortgages, home loans or construction loans^5,7
2,500 bonus points when opening a new Merchants Bank Visa ScoreCard Credit Card⁷
Fee waived on first year of new Home Equity Line of Credit^6,7
Fee waived on first year of Overdraft Line of Credit^7,8

Apply NowFor A Military Checking Account

Can I open my account online?

Yes! Use the Open Account button above to open your new account today.

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

You may open an account online, stop by your local branch, or call to schedule an appointment. Here's what you'll need to have on hand to apply.

Social Security Number of all account owners
Driver’s license or State ID card
Home address and phone number

Switching banks? Check out our How to Switch Banks guide for all the details.

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 Universal Banker at your local branch can assist with any account ownership questions you may have.

Is Merchants Bank Free Checking really free?

Yes, our Free Checking offers free:

Online Banking and Mobile Banking† with mobile deposit.
Debit card with custom controls in Online & Mobile Banking.
ATM access at these locations.
eStatements.

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 Online & Mobile Banking 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.

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.

How do I switch my checking account to Merchants Bank?

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

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 through Online & Mobile Banking.

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.

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.

† 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.

1. Rental of smallest size box available or the value of the smallest size box may be discounted from the annual fee of a large size box.

2. $50 minimum deposit required for Basic Savings Account. $1,000 minimum deposit required for Advantage Savings Account. Owner of Military Banking Account must also be named an owner on this account. $10 limit per customer.

3. Owner of Military Banking Account must also be named an owner on this account. $5 limit per child.

4. Owner of Military Banking Account must also be named an owner on this account. $10 limit per customer.

5. Offer available on new purchase residential mortgage loans or residential construction loans only. One coupon offer available per loan.

6. As of December 11, 2025, the Annual Percentage Rate on a home equity line of credit with an 80% or less loan-to-value and a credit score greater than or equal to 700 was 6.50%. This special offer has fixed-rate pricing as low as 4.99% APR for the first six months. Following that six-month period, the rate will become variable, subject to change, based on U.S. Bank, N.A., prime rate plus a margin that is determined based on the loan-to-value in your home and your credit score at the time of application. Current rates vary from 6.50% to 9.25% APR. Maximum possible APR is 17.65%. Minimum possible APR is 4.00%. An origination of 1% will apply and a $150 evaluation fee may apply, in addition, you are responsible for certain fees to third parties, such as appraisers, credit reporting firms and government agencies, which are generally from $30-$2,500. Following the first year, there will be an annual fee of $25. Offer available on new home equity lines of $10,000 or more only. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest expense. Property insurance will be required. Limited time offer.

7. Subject to credit approval.

8. 15.59% Annual Percentage Rate. Following the first year, there will be an annual fee of $30.