All of the major banks offer free checking, they have to stay competitive just to be competitive. I hope you already have a free checking account, but if you don’t I’ve created a short list of major banks that provide free checking. Some will even give you cash for opening an account with them.

FREE Checking Accounts:

Wachovia – No minimum balance, no service fee, no direct deposit requirement. Their way2save program pays you a 5% bonus to save money. Unlimited ATM use at all Wachovia ATMs.

Bank of America – Free online banking, Keep the change program to help you save, free access to over 18,000 B of A ATMs

PNC – No minimum balance, no monthly fee, reimbursement for any non PNC ATM fees

Chase – Currently running a promotion that gets you $100 when you open an account and meet their conditions. See their site for the details.