Whether you are opening your first checking account or looking for a better checking account in North Central West Virginia, there are many options to consider when it comes to finding the best one for you with the right benefits to meet your needs. Keep reading to learn about the different types of checking accounts available to you, so you can choose the right one to fit your lifestyle.
Student Checking Account
If you are a high school student looking to open your first checking account, look for options that take youth checking needs into consideration. For example, firstStudent Checking is ideal for teens ages 15-17. Whether you need a checking account for direct deposit of your paycheck from a part-time job, or just want the convenience of having a debit card, your youth checking account should come with the following features:
- No minimum balance requirement: Teens are not known for making a ton of money from part-time and summer jobs.
- Free debit card: For the convenience of making online purchases, using your mobile wallet app, and more. Who carries a ton of cash around these days?
- Online, mobile, & text message banking: Because you are busy going to school, doing activities or sports afterwards, and holding down a job. Check your account balance, find an ATM, and deposit that occasional check from Grandma, all from the palm of your hand.
- Unlimited check writing: Paper checks? We know this is not your preferred method of paying, but you occasionally may need to pay by check. Do not overlook it as a free perk when choosing a checking account.
If you are looking for a teen debit card, you should definitely consider a student checking account instead of going the route of a prepaid debit card so you can develop good banking habits. Once you turn 18, you can switch to a firstEssential Checking Account with many of the same features and benefits.
Second Chance Checking
Are you looking for a fresh start with your new checking account? Maybe you have had a checking account in the past and it did not work out so well. If you have been reported in ChexSystems or other having trouble opening checking accounts at other financial institutions, you may want to look for a second chance checking account. This type of checking account offers many of the same benefits as a standard checking account, such as a free debit card and access to online and mobile banking. After maintaining a Take 2 Account in good standing for 18 consecutive months, you may be able to switch to a firstEssential Checking Account.
While Second Chance Checking accounts come with certain limitations, they are a great way to rebuild your credit and meet an employer’s requirement that you have a checking account for direct deposit.
An Essential Checking Account
Sometimes, all you want is a checking account with the bare essentials. For example, our firstEssential Checking account has only a $50 minimum deposit, no minimum balance requirement, and no monthly fees. Meanwhile, you get a free debit card, free online and mobile banking, and a limited ATM fee reimbursement nationwide.
A basic checking account is a great option to move into once you graduate from a student checking account. If you tend to maintain a higher minimum daily balance and would like to earn interest on your funds, consider a NOW Account. This Negotiable Order with Withdrawal Account is a basic checking account that earns interest and comes with benefits like free eStatements and unlimited check writing.
Interest Checking Accounts
While savings accounts are more often known for earning interest than checking accounts, there are also options to earn interest on your checking account balances. For example, our firstPlus Checking Account offers a variety of great perks along with the opportunity to earn interest on your account balance.
Along with a free debit card, online and mobile banking, and limited ATM free reimbursements, you can select two additional perks:
- ID Theft Protection
- Free Checks
- Free Monthly Movie at Tygart Valley Cinema (Subject to Availability)
- Annual 25% Discount on Safe Deposit Box Rental Fee
- 0.25% Discount on a Consumer (non-real estate secured) Loan
- Free Cashier’s Checks
Also, you can waive the $10 Monthly Fee with any two of the $5 value items below during your statement cycle:
- $5: E-Statements
- $5: At least 10 Debit Card Purchases
- $5: Direct Deposit of at least $500
- $5: Primary Signer on an open Consumer Loan$5: Total Deposit Balance of at least $5,000 (includes Checking, Savings, and CDs) on the last day of the statement cycle
Interest-bearing checking accounts are a great way to make your money work harder for you.
Reward Checking Accounts
Sometimes you have to choose between high interest or rewards. However, why choose if you can have both? firstPlatinum Checking is a rewards checking account with a high interest rate. It is like a hybrid of rewards and interest checking, with the best of both worlds.
Along with a free debit card, online and mobile banking, and limited ATM free reimbursements, you also get:
- ID Theft Protection*
- Free Checks
- Free Monthly Movie at Tygart Valley Cinema (Subject to Availability)
- Annual 25% Discount on Safe Deposit Box Rental Fee
- 0.25% Discount on a Consumer (non-real estate secured) Loan*
- Free Cashier’s Checks
Turn your high-interest rewards checking account into a free checking account when you meet three of these criteria:
- E-Statements
- At least 10 Debit Card Purchases
- Direct Deposit of at least $500
- Primary Signer on an open Consumer Loan
- Total Deposit Balance of at least $5,000 (includes Checking, Savings, and CDs) on the last day of the statement cycle
If you can maintain a higher minimum average daily balance, why not reward yourself with an interest-bearing checking account that also offers great rewards?
Cashback Checking Account
Some banks have a dedicated cashback checking account, but you may have to choose between cashback and rewards. First Exchange Bank doesn’t have a dedicated cashback checking account; instead, we have a cashback debit card.
You can apply for a debit card with any of our personal checking accounts. Then, you just need to sign up for our firstCashback Rewards Program. Earn one point for every $2 you spend on signature-based transactions with your First Exchange Bank debit card. Your points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, or fuel rewards.
Commercial Checking Accounts
If you are planning on opening a small business, you will want to keep your personal and business funds separate in different bank accounts. As a longtime community bank, First Exchange Bank is here for your local business in West Virginia. We would be happy to help you open a business checking account for your small business. You’ll enjoy:
- Unlimited Check Writing
- Check Images Returned on Each Statement
No Minimum Balance Fees - Direct Deposit
- Remote Deposit Capture Compatibility
- Free Online Banking and Account Monitoring
- Downloadable Reports Compatible with QuickBooks.
Open The Best Checking Account Today!
Once you find the best checking account in West Virginia, with the checking account benefits that work for you, it is time to get started. We make it easy to open an account online or you can visit us at one of our many North Central West Virginia locations in Mannington, Morgantown, White Hall, Fairmont, Fairview, or Hundred. Still have questions? Contact us–we’re happy to help you find the checking account that is right for you!
