If you see a bank offering free checking, you shouldn't necessarily jump in and sign up. It's hard to find fault with free checking, but when you combine it with a bank's other fees and features, the advantage may be outweighed by disadvantages.
Banks are often coming up with ways to tease customers into the front door. They may offer extra-low introductory interest rates, or free checking, or a number of other things. In many cases, some other fees or higher interest rates make up for the free checking. When comparing banks, you need to closely examine all the services you'll be using.
For example, if you don't write too many checks, then a per-check charge may not be as costly as having to forgo higher interest rates or being charged higher fees for some other service. Look at the big picture, taking into consideration your situation and needs.
Get more banking tips at the Fool's banking area. Understand also that some brokerages now offer banking services -- learn more about brokerages and possibly find a better brokerage for yourself (maybe one where you can combine your banking and investing activities) at our Broker Center.
Our Savings Center will also help if you're thinking about how to best deploy your short-term moolah. (It also offers some special interest rate deals for Fools.)
