Free Checking with Direct Deposit
from Chase

I inherited Chase Free Checking from Bank One free checking. Have had the same account for almost 6 years. I've never encountered a problem with the account. Given the wealth of branches and ATMs (there are many in Walgreens throughout Chicago), I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone

My account was originally with First National Bank of Chicago, then BankOne, and now Chase. I have kept it all of these years because Chase has been really helpful to me when I have had problems, such as a lost ATM card, and the bank has always been friendly. I feel like chase cares about me as a customer so I have been loyal to them. This account is very simple and I have not had any proble…ms, even when I have changed jobs and started a new direct deposit.
Read More

This is a hassle fre checking account with direct deposit. I havent had any problems with it. The only draw back i see is that you only get your direct deposit on that day. I have had bank accounts and have got my direct deposit the day berfore.

I use the Chase Free Checking with direct deposit and then ACH funds to a higher yielding savings account at and internet bank. I have access to the ATM machines for cash and deposits and the great web site to manage the family accounts.

Staff

Chase is a great checking account for New Yorkers. It has the most ATM branches in Manhattan, and ATM machines in every Duane Reade (which basically doubles its footprint). This is great because if you don't travel much outside of the city, you never have a reason to pay the $2 non-Chase ATM fee. However, if you do travel occasionally, it can be pretty hard to find a Chase branch, and those …$2 charges add up (especially in addition to the $2 fee that the other bank usually charges as well).

Chase has an ok online interface, and now I pay all my bills online, and most of them through automatic bill-pay. However, be wary of Chase's hidden charges - I got charged two months in a row for downloading my data to Wesabe - even after I had cancelled the service. Saying that it takes 30 days for cancellations to take effect is just their way of screwing you out of another $9.95. No thanks!

Also, they don't pay any interest, so if you have a higher balance, you should probably look for a checking account with interest. But for a no-frills convenience in NYC, it can't be beat.
Read More

Staff

I've had a Chase Free Checking w Direct Deposit account for a couple of years now.

It's great in NYC with all the ATM locations (including in Duane Reade locations).

The interest rate isn't all that great, but I've never had any problems with the account, dealing with customer service or finding an ATM location.

Also, their mobile alerts messaging deal is pretty useful too.

Chase checking is OK. The online site works well. There is a branch on every block in NYC it seems. On the downside, the interest on deposits is miniscule, maybe to pay for all those branches.

One tip - having a checking account wasn't enough to get me a credit card with chase. To add to the misery they continue to mailshot me with dredit card offers even after turning me down.