Performance Checking

Get paid to bank—earn interest and get rewards like lower rates and fees waived on loans and ATMs. If you’re ready to watch your money grow, then Performance Checking is right for you.

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Perfect for you if:

You're looking for a checking account that earns interest and offers even more relationship perks, like loan benefits that lower rates by 0.25% and waive fees.1

You plan to keep $50,000 or more in total deposit and loan balances with us.2

Open an account Learn how to get started
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What to expect:

  • $0 monthly service charge when you have $50,000+ in combined deposit and loan balances. Otherwise, it's $20 per month.2
  • Earns interest3
  • No ATM fees, plus up to an $8/month rebate if charged one by another bank
  • Free eStatements or paper statements
  • Instant issue contactless debit card
  • Online banking with mobile deposit, bill pay and more
  • No minimum balance requirements
  • $25 initial deposit required to open

More rewards than just a checking account

Performance Checking is loaded with services, perks, and features to help save you time and money. Here’s a quick look at more benefits you’ll enjoy:

Loan benefits on personal, auto, and home equity loans and lines1

View lending options

No annual fee on home equity line of credit4

Home equity options

Mortgage closing cost discounts4

Plus, f1RST+™ Mortgage Program eligible5

Compare mortgages

No ATM fees from us

Plus, up to $8/month rebate if charged one by another bank

Find an ATM

Free cashier’s checks, money orders, and discounted checks

Savings and money market accounts available

Learn more

f1RST® Balance Boost short-term loans

View program details

I'm ready to open an account; what's next?

  • Account requirements

To open an account online, you must be:

  • At least 18 years old (applicants under 18 can apply in a financial center)
  • A U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien
  • A resident of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, or Illinois
Apply online Find a financial center
  • Required documents

What you'll need:

  • 5-10 minutes
  • Social Security number
  • U.S. government-issued ID (Driver's License, Passport, Military ID, or State-issued ID)
  • For joint accounts you'll need the email address for the joint applicant.
  • Add money

To add money to your account, you'll need:

A debit or credit card with CVV code to transfer at least $25 to your new account.

Frequently asked questions

It’s easy to open a Performance Checking account with us.

  1. Requirements: At least 18 years old (applicants under 18 can apply in a financial center); a U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien; a resident of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, or Illinois.
  2. Documents: Social Security number; U.S. government-issued ID (Driver’s License, Passport, Military ID, or State Issued ID); for joint accounts you’ll need the email address of the joint applicant.
  3. Add money to your account: A debit or credit card number with CVV code to transfer at least $25 to your new account.

So many benefits. With Performance Checking, you’ll receive access to loan benefits that lower rates by 0.25%1, waived origination fee on personal and auto loans, waived HELOC annual fee4, mortgage closing cost discounts4, and f1RST+ Mortgage Program eligibility.5

We don’t call this our outperforming account for nothing. To unlock interest for this account, you’ll need to have $50,000 in qualified balances.2 Contact your local financial center for rate information.

If your deposit amount and loan balance amount add up to $50,000+, you’ll qualify for a free monthly service charge.2 The loan will need to be with First Financial Bank to qualify.

No ATM fees, plus $8/month rebate if charged a fee by another bank.

Yes, in addition to using your debit card for purchases, you can write checks. A 50% off discount is available with Performance Checking. You can order checks online, by phone, or visit a financial center and an associate can help you.

Checking versus savings: What's best for me?

The answer could be both. It really depends on your goals. We can help you determine the best fit.

Compare account options

What's our difference?

The differences between a regional and national bank are distinct. We're confident a regional bank (like us) is the best bet for you.

5 reasons to bank with us

Switching banks is easier than you think

Many people stick with a bank they don't like because they think it's easier than switching. Switching banks doesn't really take much work.

View our switch kit

GIVE US A CALL

Still have questions?
Chat with one of our professionals 

If you need any assistance, or if you just want to make sure you’re on the right track, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’ll get you in touch with a First Financial Bank team member to help with opening your new account or switching banks.

Get in touch

1 Your final rate will be determined based on the loan amount, term and credit score. All loans are subject to credit review and approval and rates are subject to change without notice.

2 Total deposits include any Checking, Savings, Certificates of Deposit (CD), CD IRA, Money Market, or Consumer Loans (excluding first mortgages) that are in the name of the Primary Owner. Otherwise, a $20 monthly service charge for Performance Checking and a $45 monthly service charge for Premier Checking is assessed. Visit bankatfirst.com/combinedbalance for additional detail about calculating combined balances. Earn-out activities mentioned need to occur each statement cycle in order to receive the account credit(s).

3 Contact your local banking center for current rates.

4 All loans are subject to credit review and approval and rates are subject to change without notice. Contact your local banking center or call our Client First Center for more information. Additional qualifications may apply.

5 Funds applied to discount cannot be used for closing costs or funds needed to close.

Carrier charges and data rates may apply for digital services.

All deposit accounts are subject to the Terms and Conditions, Special Handling/Electronic Banking Disclosure of Charges, and possibly other disclosures.