Open a New Checking Account Online with One of Newsweek’s Best Banks
Easily open an account!
Start banking online with a top-rated bank. Apply now and see why First Merchants is recognized as one of the best banks in America.
How you benefit by banking with a top-rated bank:
 Attentive Supportas your needs change |
Top-Rated Mobile Appeasy to use and secure |
Corporate Social Responsibilitythrough volunteerism, giving and programs to increase home ownership |
Banking Center Dependabilitywith 100+ local branches and virtual appointments |
Access 37,000 Free ATMsnationwide with MoneyPass |
Digital Personal Finance Toolsto connect all your accounts in one place |
Send Moneyeasily with Zelle®4 |
ID Theft Protectionwith Mastercard® enhanced benefits |
Debit Card Controlsand account alerts to manage your spending |
Bank confidently with one of the best checking accounts!
As a community bank with a strong positive reputation, First Merchants Bank approaches all customer relationships with a genuine "helping you prosper" mindset. We deliver uniquely attentive service across a broad range of financial services. And as a top-rated bank, we understand that different people require different solutions. Our local bankers are committed to supporting your financial well-being with custom solutions. We collaborate with you personally to help you obtain the best products and services for your unique banking needs.
3 Reasons Why You Should Use First Merchants Bank
1. You’ll get a top-rated bank for attentive service and customer experience.
2. You’ll get a highly rated-mobile banking app.
With more than 20,000 reviews on the Apple App Store, our customers rate our app 4.8 out of 5.
3. You’ll bank with a company that prioritizes serving the financial needs of all members of the communities it serves, enhancing their financial wellness.
Choose a Checking Account to Open
| Account Features |
First Merchants Carefree Checking |
First Merchants Advantage Checking |
First Merchants Elite Checking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Account Description | Great for clients who want a simple, easy account that includes all of our free features. | An interest-bearing account with special benefits for clients who are frequent debit card users or receive monthly direct deposits. | A comprehensive account designed for our clients who value a whole bank relationship, maintain large balances, higher interest earnings and special benefits. | |
| Choose | OPEN CAREFREE | OPEN ADVANTAGE | OPEN ELITE | |
| How to Avoid Monthly Service Charges on Your Account | No monthly service charge with one customer initiated transaction1, OR maintain at least $100 in minimum combined personal deposit balances, otherwise $5 per month. | No monthly service charge with one $500 direct deposit2 per month, OR make 15 debit card transactions per month, OR maintain at least $1,500 in minimum combined personal deposit balances, otherwise $15 per month | No monthly service charge with $15,000 in minimum combined personal deposit balances, otherwise $20 per month. | |
| Interest Bearing | Yes | Yes | ||
| Minimum Opening Deposit | No Opening Deposit Requirement! Account must be funded within 60 days of opening. | No Opening Deposit Requirement! Account must be funded within 60 days of opening. | No Opening Deposit Requirement! Account must be funded within 60 days of opening. | |
| Discount on Checks | 50% Discount on Personal Checks, Seniors receive Free Specialty Checks | Free Specialty Checks | ||
| Other Discounts | Free for Students (under age 25)3. | Free for Seniors (62 and older)3. |
Other Terms:
1Excludes bank service fees and charges, transactions must post during statement cycle
2Multiple deposits of less than required amount will not qualify to waive the monthly maintenance fee.
3Students under age 25 can receive Free paper statements, and no monthly maintenance fee with a First Merchants Carefree Checking Account. Seniors 62 and over can receive Free paper statements, Free specialty checks and no monthly maintenance fee with a First Merchants Advantage Checking account.
Other service fee may apply. Please see our Banking Fees.
*Make a deposit within 60 days to avoid account closure or maintenance fees.
4 Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
