Opening a Free Checking Account  

Opening a free checking account is easier than ever. The banks are trying to revamp their image so they are willing to give away checking accounts just to drum up business. A free checking account can be had from just about any bank.

There was a time not to long ago that opening a checking account was really difficult and largely depended upon your credit. Opening a free checking account was just about impossible.  

Checking Accounts and Credit  

Since the economy took a dump opening a free checking account has really become easy. Even if your credit is not so great you can still find a bank that will let you open a free checking account.  

Banks have really relaxed their rules when it comes to credit scores because there are so many people in the world that do not have five star credit now. Banks look at credit scores differently now.  

Direct Deposit  

One of the ways you can open a free checking account with minimal hassle is to arrange for a direct deposit into the account. Most businesses now offer direct deposit to their employees for their pay checks. Most banks offer free checking to folks that have their pay direct deposited.  

Starting one of these accounts can be as simple as signing up for direct deposit.  

Online Checking Accounts 

Another easy way for opening a free checking account is to use an online only bank account. These innovative bank accounts have been cropping up all over. Typically you open these types of checking accounts with a direct deposit agreement.  

You usually do not get actual checks for these accounts typically a check card is issued instead which is just as convenient if not more convenient and much more widely accepted.  

Process  

Opening a free checking account requires that you supply some basic information.  The information that is required typically is birth date, social security number and some other basic information like your address and phone number.  

Online you typically will have to fax in some identifying information like a drivers license and other proof of identity.  

In person you will just have to show proof of identity and in some cases proof of residency. Since 2001 being able to provide proof of who you are has become extremely important and mandatory to avoid money laundering cases.  

Ultimately though opening a free checking account is pretty simplistic.