Stay away from SunTrust. The bank looks for ways to charge you unjust fees. I closed my accounts with Sun Trust in October, 2008-with a bank officer. In December 2008, I was charged 30.00, then another 30.00 (the same day I got my first notice) because an insurance company failed to process my account change, and asked for a premium withdrawal. SunTrust, despite the account being closed, paid it, immediately charged me 30, then another 30, dollars. Then they sent a letter saying they were 'charging' me yet another 30.00 all for that same transaction. I paid them the money they were out, but they insist on the fees. STAY AWAY FROM THEM-THEY ARE FEE PIRATES.

I was with NBC bank when it got bought out by Suntrust and decided to keep my account. Well, Suntrust has kept my business and my families because of there numerous ATM locations in my area and because there are absolutely no charges on there free checking account. There have been frequent incentives to sign up with Suntrust over the years that I have heard about but not been able to take advantage of due to me already being a member, so if you are looking for a new bank definetly consider this checking account from Suntrust. The only problem I have had with this Suntrust account was that I had to pay for my checks when the bank switched from NBC to Suntrust, other than that there haven't been any problems.

While Suntrust is a well known bank and not likely going under anytime soon. Their "free checking" does not exactly come free. Something you may not know about using your debit card at a retail location or gas station, is that when you swipe it and select debit as the method of payment instead of credit, you are charged a $1.00 fee each time. Maybe that's part of the $100.00 donations they can afford to give away? Be careful.

The charity donation is a nice touch. I have had this account since college the people at SunTrust are fantastics. I have had a wonderful experience. They really seem to care.