First Merit Bank's Gold Checking Account is an interest bearing account. Higher balances earn higher interest, free order of personalized checks each year from selected check styles and a free FirstMerit Check and Cash Card available for shopping and ATM convenience. Additional features include Credit Card overdraft protection, convenient and easy-to-read combined monthly statement of First Merit accounts, direct deposit service, free Online Banking and bill pay, free unlimited check writing and check safe keeping, five free transactions at non-First Merit ATMs each statement cycle, free debit card transactions for PIN and signature transactions, pay utility bills with automatic bill payment service and has a minimum balance requirement to avoid monthly maintenance fee.