Simple Checking

Simple and straightforward. Flexible and accessible. This account has all the features you expect from a checking account, without the monthly fee. When in doubt, go with Simple.

Caucasian woman smiling while holding smartphone and coffee

Perfect for you if:

You’re looking for all the basic features of a checking account without a monthly fee or minimum balance.

You want access to a 0.35% rate discount on personal, auto, and home equity loans and lines.1

Open an account Learn how to get started
Senior couple using laptop, surrounded by houseplants

What to expect:

  • $0 monthly service charge
  • 55,000+ fee-free ATMs worldwide
  • Free eStatements2
  • Instant issue contactless debit card
  • Online banking with mobile deposit, bill pay and more
  • No minimum balance requirements
  • $25 initial deposit required to open
  • Does not earn interest

Simply great things about Simple Checking

Take advantage of these perks included with Simple Checking:

No monthly service charge

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

View lending options

Mortgage closing cost discounts3

Compare mortgages

Savings and money market accounts available

Learn more

f1RST® Balance Boost short-term loans

View program details

Overdraft options when you need them

Overdraft FAQs

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 Simple 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.

An overdraft occurs when you do not have enough money in your account to cover a transaction (“Insufficient Balance”), but we authorize or pay it anyway. We understand sometimes life can throw you a curveball, so we’ve simplified our policy. We offer:

$25 Buffer
When your account has been overdrawn, you get a $25 buffer. That means if your account's available balance is overdrawn by $25 or less, you won't be subject to the Overdraft Paid Item Fee.

$0 Returned Item Fee
If your transaction doesn't go through due to insufficient funds, you won't get charged a fee for the returned or declined transaction. (On your statement, you may see a fee initially charged and subsequently reversed upon being returned/declined.) If the bank does pay for the transaction, you may be subject to the $25 Overdraft Paid Item Fee.

Plus...

  • Maximum of 2 Overdraft Paid Item Fees Per Day: When we pay items on your behalf, a daily limit of two (2) Overdraft Paid Item Fees may be charged, even if the number of overdrafts exceed two (2).
  • No Overdraft Notification Fee: If an account remains overdrawn, we'll notify you, but you won't be charged a fee for this notification.

View more overdraft FAQs.

If you are using a First Financial Bank ATM or any of the 55,000+ ATMs included in the Allpoint network, there’s no fee. If using any other ATM, you may be charged a fee by us and the ATM owner.

Seriously. No monthly service charge. That’s what makes it Simple.

We like to keep our clients happy. That’s why you’ll receive access to a 0.35% rate discount on home equity, auto and personal loans.1

We can instantly issue a card to you at any First Financial banking center. If you open an account online, you should receive your card within 7–10 business days.

Yes, in addition to using your debit card for purchases, you can write checks. 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 Can be applied to new originations of personal, auto, motorcycle, boat, RV, and home equity loans/lines (excludes mortgages and first lien position home equity loans). Loan rate discounts may vary based on First Financial Bank checking account type (excluding Health Savings and Money Market Savings accounts) and requires Automatic Funds Transfer (AFT) Agreement to have your recurring payment automatically deducted. All loans are subject to credit review and approval and rates are subject to change without notice.

2 Client must enroll in eStatements to avoid a $3 paper statement charge with Simple Checking, Choice Checking, and Student Checking, and a $2 paper statement charge with NoWorry Checking.

3 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.

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.