Free Checking Account
Overview
Ready for a checking account that's really free? Choose Wachovia Free Checking—It's convenient, secure, and 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 Way2Save® 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 Mobile® note 1

- Free Check Card available with free Wachovia Possibilities Rewards®
- Free identity theft and fraud protection with iWatchSM
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.
Other checking accounts have no minimum balance, but charge a monthly service fee. Or require you to sign up for direct deposit. Wachovia Free Checking means no minimum balance, no monthly service fee, no direct deposit requirement. No kidding.
Keep your personal and financial account information safe and secure, with Wachovia® Security PlusSM. It's sophisticated analysis tools and processes pinpoint and identify unusual activity. And of course, we're FDIC insured.
Plus, get advanced identity theft and fraud protection with iWatchSM. This program combines proactive monitoring and early warning monitoring tools to help safeguard your personal information—including your social security number. As a Wachovia checking customer, your enrollment in iWatch is free.
Say goodbye to limits.
Unlimited check writing and unlimited use of Wachovia ATMs so 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 Way2Save® 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.
The free Wachovia Visa® Check Card is a safe alternative to cash, works like a check and ATM card and has no monthly service fee.
Register your card in Wachovia Possibilities Rewards, our no-fee awards program. You can link all your eligible Wachovia cards into one rewards account and watch your points add up faster. You can also earn an average of 10 bonus points per $1 when you shop online through the Earn More MallSM on wachoviapossiblities.com. Then, redeem points for great rewards like travel, restaurant and retail gift cards, merchandise, and more.
Save time. Save stamps. Save the environment.
Free Online Banking with BillPay lets you quickly check account balances, pay bills, view bank statements, 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 Mobile®.
Wachovia Mobile® 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. Convenient and free note 1. 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).
Calculator
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?
- How does the iWatchSM program protect me from identity theft?
- 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 Mobile® 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. A Wachovia Visa® Check Card comes with this checking account. The card does not have a monthly service fee and you can register it in no-fee Wachovia Possibilities Rewards® program which allows you to earn points for everyday purchases. Redeem points for great rewards like travel, restaurant and retail gift cards, merchandise, and more. Also, earn an average of 10 bonus points per $1 when you shop online through our Earn More MallSM on wachoviapossibilities.com
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.
How does the iWatchSM program protect me from identity theft?
iWatch focuses on the prevention, detection, and resolution of identity theft and fraud. With advanced monitoring, you're notified if your personal information appears online, and emailed alerts with actions you can take to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. If you become a victim, our dedicated specialists are standing by 24/7 to help. Free for Wachovia checking customers, iWatch helps safeguard your personal information, and your identity.
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.
FDIC deposit insurance temporarily increased from $100,000 to $250,000
per depositor through December 31, 2009. Learn More


