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Is it possible to find a free checking account?
 Free
checking accounts are scarce, but they are available. Bankrate.com's
semiannual Checking Account Surveys have found that an ever-decreasing
number of banks offer them. The only restrictions that may apply
to some accounts are the requirement for direct deposit and/or no
return of canceled checks.
The survey was of the largest banks and
thrifts in each of the 35 largest U.S. markets. Nearly all 35 markets
had at least one institution offering a free checking account.
Be careful, however. "Free"
checking doesn't mean that banks are willing to waive their increasingly
punitive NSF (nonsufficient funds) charges and ATM fees.
Consumers can begin their search for
a free checking account by going to Bankrate.com's home page and
clicking on "Checking & ATM" on the left side.
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