Free Checking Account
Overview
Tired of free checking accounts that aren't really free? Then choose Wachovia Free Checking. Enjoy no minimum balances, no monthly service fee, and no direct deposit requirement. Convenient and secure, Wachovia Free Checking is perfect for your essential daily banking needs.
When we say no, we mean no.
- No minimum balance
- No monthly service fee
- No Direct Deposit required
- Add Way2SaveSM to Free Checking—we pay you a bonus to save
- Free Wachovia Security PlusSM—our commitment to protect your privacy and security
Free—it's a word we like a lot.
- Free Online Banking with BillPay
- Free Balance Alerts, Online Statements & Wachovia MobileSM note 1
- Free Check Card available with free Wachovia Possibilities Rewards®
Free Checking that actually makes you feel free.
- Unlimited use of Wachovia ATMs
- Unlimited check writing
What You Get
For starters, none of those fees you may expect.
Some checking accounts will have no minimum balance, but charge a monthly service fee. Or require you to sign up for direct deposit. Not Wachovia Free Checking. There's no minimum balance. No monthly service fee. No direct deposit requirement. No kidding.
Another great feature—Wachovia Security PlusSM. This service uses sophisticated analysis tools and processes to pinpoint and identify unusual activity, keeping your personal and financial account information safe and secure with Wachovia. We're also FDIC insured.
Say goodbye to limits.
Unlimited check writing and unlimited use of Wachovia ATMs means you can write as many checks as you need and access Wachovia's 5,300 plus ATMs—all for free.
We'll pay you a 5% bonus to save. note 3
Link your Free Checking account to the Way2SaveSM savings program and we'll pay you a 5 percent bonus to save.
We'll also automatically transfer $1 from your checking account to your Way2Save account when you use your Check Card to make purchases, pay bills online, including through Online Banking with BillPay note 4 or set up automatic debits.
Convenience that fits in a wallet.
Nothing says convenience like a free Wachovia Visa® Check Card available with free Wachovia Possibilities Rewards®. It's a safe alternative to cash, works like a check and ATM card and has no monthly service fee.
Plus, enroll in Wachovia Possibilities Rewards® and earn points for your everyday purchases. You can even combine points with any of your enrolled Wachovia Credit or Check Cards to redeem sooner for great rewards like airline tickets, restaurant and retail gift cards, merchandise and more.
Save time. Save stamps. Save the environment.
Free Online Banking with BillPay makes checking more convenient. Check account balances, pay bills online, view bank statements online, and set up Balance Alerts. You can also transfer funds between your eligible Wachovia accounts and your non-Wachovia accounts at other domestic financial institutions note 5.
Got a mobile device? Bank on the move with Wachovia MobileSM.
Wachovia MobileSM lets you securely view and monitor account balances and transactions, make one-time transfers between eligible accounts, make one-time bill payments and more—all from your mobile device. It's the ultimate in convenience and it's free note 1 with Wachovia. Learn more about our mobile banking options.
Did someone say free?
- Free Direct Deposits
- Free automated telephone service
- Free notary services
Fees
Open your account today with $100
The minimum opening deposit for Free Checking is $100, then you'll enjoy:
- No minimum balance
- No monthly service charge
- No Direct Deposit required
Avoid Fees with Overdraft Protection
We know that things happen, so we've made it easy for you to avoid overdrawing your Wachovia Free Checking account. Simply link it to another Wachovia deposit or credit account to avoid overdraft charges.
First time NSF/Overdraft fees without overdraft protection can cost you $22. With overdraft protection, you pay a lower Transfer Fee instead:
| Source of Overdraft Protection Funds | Transfer Fee |
|---|---|
| Another Wachovia checking, savings or money market account | $10 per transaction |
| Wachovia Line of Credit | $10 per transaction |
| Wachovia Credit Card—transfer amount will be treated as cash advance | $5 per transaction |
In addition to the above, you can sign up for free Balance Alerts through Online Banking with BillPay, and receive your account balance daily or be notified when your account balance falls above or below the amount you set.
Checking Account Transaction Fees
- Stop Check Payment, $25-$31 depending on state
- Standard Checks, $18-$20
- Non-Wachovia ATM Withdrawals or Inquiries, $2 note 6
- Incoming Domestic Wires, $10-$15 depending on state
- Outgoing Domestic Wires, $25
For a complete list of fees, please request the Schedule of Fees and Funds Availability from 800-WACHOVIA (800-922-4684).
FAQs
- Free Checking. Is it right for me?
- What is the minimum amount required to open a Free Checking account?
- Will I be able to make a deposit into my new account during the online application?
- Will I be charged a monthly service fee with a Wachovia Free Checking account?
- Is there a direct deposit requirement for a Wachovia Free Checking account?
- Does Free Checking include a check card?
- Does Free Checking include free Online Banking with BillPay?
- Can I add Way2Save to any checking account?
- What's required to open a Free Checking account?
- Will Wachovia do a credit check when I apply for a checking account?
- Where can I find more frequently asked questions about Wachovia Checking Accounts?
Free Checking. Is it right for me?
Looking for a checking account that's actually free? Wachovia Free Checking has no monthly service fees, no minimum balances and no Direct Deposit requirements. No kidding. Plus, you'll get free Online Banking with BillPay, free Wachovia MobileSM note 1, and free Balance Alerts.
What is the minimum amount required to open a Free Checking account?
$100. Seriously. That's the minimum opening balance. And there's no minimum balance requirement once the account is opened.
Will I be able to make a deposit into my new account during the online application?
Yes. You will just need the account information (routing number and account number) for the bank account you will transfer funds from to make the deposit. All the information you need can be found on a blank check for your other account.
Will I be charged a monthly service fee with a Wachovia Free Checking account?
No. There are no monthly service fees with a Wachovia Free Checking account. That's why we call it Free Checking.
Is there a direct deposit requirement for a Wachovia Free Checking account?
No. You don't have to sign up for Direct Deposit to qualify for Wachovia Free Checking. But considering the advantages of Direct Deposit, you might want to anyway.
Does Free Checking include a Check Card?
Yes. After all, a Check Card is one of the easiest ways to manage your money. And your free Wachovia Visa® Check Card comes with this checking account. The card does not have a monthly service fee and comes with free Wachovia Possibilities Rewards® which allows you to earn points for everyday purchases. There are also special discounts and offers from select merchants.
Does Free Checking include free Online Banking with BillPay?
Yes. Your Free Checking account comes with free, 24/7 access to your account online. You can check account balances and securely pay bills anytime, anywhere. Transfer funds between eligible Wachovia accounts and non-Wachovia accounts at other domestic financial institutions note 5, view bank statements online, set Balance Alerts and bank on the go with your Mobile Banking note 1.
Can I add Way2Save to any checking account?
Yes. For free. We'll pay you a 5% bonus to save note 3, and automatically transfer $1 from your checking account to your Way2Save account when you make a Check Card purchase, pay bills online through Online Banking with BillPay note 4, or set up automatic debits.
What's required to open a Free Checking account?
Open the account online, if you wish.
If you're a new customer, we'll need to see your Social Security Number, one form of identification (Driver's License, State ID or Military ID), and the account information from your other bank to make your opening deposit (Hint: You can find this info on a blank check).
If you're an existing customer, we'll need your existing online services User Name and Password, checking account number, Check Card or credit card number, and PIN.
Will Wachovia do a credit check when I apply for a checking account?
Yes. We will verify your personal information and credit history with consumer reporting agencies.
Where can I find more frequently asked questions about Wachovia Checking Accounts?
More questions and answers are available in our Checking FAQs.
Get Started Now—Open a Wachovia Free Checking Account Online
Open your account online and you can begin using it in less than 8 minutes. For existing customers, it's even faster.
New Customers Need:
- Social Security Number
- ID (Driver's License, State ID, or Military ID)
- Account information from your other bank to make your opening deposit (Hint: You can find this info on a blank check).
Existing customers need an Online Banking User ID and Password.
Switch to Wachovia Free Checking
Switch your accounts to Wachovia in a few easy steps. Then, enjoy the benefits of being with the bank that's #1 in customer satisfaction note 2.
Make the Most of Your Account
Learn how to manage your account in our Learning Center, and how Wachovia Security PlusSM protects you.


