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Choice Checking

Our most popular checking account for a reason. With all the features you’d expect from a standard checking account, this account has an easy-to-waive monthly service charge, as long as you’re using direct deposit or your debit card.

Perfect for you if:

You're looking for a checking account for everyday use that offers additional relationship perks, like access to loan benefits that lower rates by 0.25%.1

You plan to receive more than $500 in total direct deposits each month or use your debit card consistently to make your purchases.2

Open an account Learn how to get started

What to expect:

$0
monthly service charge when you have $500+ in direct deposits OR debit card activity. Otherwise, it's $10 per month.2

  • 55,000+ fee-free ATMs all over the world
  • Free eStatements3
  • 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

All the benefits you could ever want

At First Financial, we have your back with Choice Checking. Here’s a quick look at all the benefits you’ll enjoy.

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

View lending options

Mortgage closing cost discounts4

Compare mortgages

Fee-free access to 55,000+ ATMs worldwide

Find an ATM

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
Start the online application Find a financial center to apply in person
  • 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 Choice 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.

We like to keep our clients happy. That’s why you’ll receive access to loan benefits that lower rates by 0.25% on personal, auto and home equity loans and lines, and mortgage closing cost discounts.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 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 Monthly service charge is refunded when total direct deposits for the statement period are $500 or more. Monthly service charge can be reduced by $0.20 for each debit card purchase transaction made during the statement cycle up to $10. ATM transactions are not debit card purchase transactions & will not reduce the service charge. Earn-out activities mentioned need to occur each statement cycle in order to receive the account credit(s).

3 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.

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.

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.