--- title: The ultimate checking checklist description: Your checking shouldn’t make you work to avoid fees. Check out the checklist of everything you should be getting (for free) in a free checking account. image: https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/Projects/Blog/Hero%20Image/checking%20checklist-blog-hero.jpg --- - [Rates](https://www.ffbkc.com/rates/) - [Help](https://www.ffbkc.com/help/) - [About](https://www.ffbkc.com/about/) - [Careers](https://www.ffbkc.com/careers/) - [Contact](https://www.ffbkc.com/contact/) - [Locations](https://www.ffbkc.com/locations/) - Search [![First Federal Bank of Kansas City](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/logo.svg "First Federal Bank of Kansas City")](https://www.ffbkc.com/) - Login - [Online banking](https://secure-firstfedbankkc.com/SignOn/Logon) - [Make a loan payment](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC_Reg) - [Locations](https://www.ffbkc.com/locations/) - [Contact](https://www.ffbkc.com/contact/) - [Search](https://www.ffbkc.com/search/) - [Borrow](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/) - Column 1 - [Borrow](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/) - [Buy a home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/) - [Build a home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/build-a-home/) - [Refinance your home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/refinance-your-home/) - [Improve your home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/improve-your-home/) - [Buy a car](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/auto-loans/) - [Consolidate debt](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/personal-loan/) - Learn more - [Personal loan](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/personal-loan/) - [VA Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/va-loans/) - [FHA Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/fha-loans/) - Popular links - [Make a payment](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC_Reg) - [Conventional Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/conventional-loans/) - [Home Equity Line of Credit](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/improve-your-home/home-equity-line-of-credit/) - Column 2 - [Learn more](https://learn.ffbkc.com/2020campaign/q1/borrowing/blab-pushdown/) - [Bank](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/) - Column 1 - Bank - [Checking accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/) - [Savings accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/) - [CDs](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/certificates-deposit/) - [IRAs](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/individual-retirement-accounts/) - [Business accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/business-accounts/) - [Mobile & Online Banking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/mobile-online-banking/) - Learn more - [Rates](https://www.ffbkc.com/rates/) - [Statement Savings](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/statement-savings/) - Popular links - [Rates](https://www.ffbkc.com/rates/) - [First Free Checking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/first-free/) - [First Savings Plus](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/first-savings-plus/) - [Premier Interest Checking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/premier-interest/) - [Premier Money Market](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/premier-money-market/) - Column 2 - [Get info](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/) - [Learn](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/) - Column 1 - [Learn](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/) - [Managing money](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/managing-money/) - [Borrowing](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/borrowing/) - [Saving](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/saving/) - [Wellbeingville](https://www.ffbkc.com/wellbeingville/) - [Resources](https://www.ffbkc.com/resources/) - [Mortgage calculator](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/mortgage-calculator/) - [Budget worksheet (PDF)](https://www.ffbkc.com/documents/58/FFB_BudgetWorksheet_Interactive.pdf) - [12 ways to save money](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/saving/12-hacks-for-how-to-save-your-first-1000-and-still-have-fun/) - [Home loan glossary (PDF)](https://www.ffbkc.com/documents/44/FFB_HomeLoanGlossary.pdf) - Popular links - [Emergency-Proof](https://learn.ffbkc.com/emergency-proof-ebook/) - [Dominating Debt](https://learn.ffbkc.com/dominating-debt-ebook/) - [Borrowing Like a Boss](https://learn.ffbkc.com/borrowing-like-a-boss-ebook/) - [Mastering Money](https://learn.ffbkc.com/mastering-money-ebook/) - [Ruling Your Tomorrows](https://learn.ffbkc.com/ruling-your-tomorrows-ebook/) - Column 2 - [Learn more](https://learn.ffbkc.com/borrowing-like-a-boss-ebook/) - Mortgage Payment - About - Careers Apply Now - [Checking](https://forms.fivision.com/ffbkc/oa) - [Savings](https://forms.fivision.com/ffbkc/oa) - [Mortgage](https://apply.ffbkc.com/#/loan-officers/mortgageteam@ffbkc) - [Build a home](https://apply.ffbkc.com/#/loan-officers/chris.miller@ffbkc) - [Home equity line of credit](https://ffbkcconsumer.mymortgage-online.com/?loanapp&siteid=1639871384&workFlowId=29838) - [Auto loan](https://ffbkcconsumer.mymortgage-online.com/ConsumerApplications.html?loanapp&siteid=1639871384&workFlowId=32715) - [Personal loan](https://ffbkc.upstart.com/funding_form) Login - [Online banking](https://secure-firstfedbankkc.com/SignOn/Logon) - [Make a loan payment](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC_Reg) × ##### Popular Searches Routing number: 301071592 [Loan Payment - As a Guest (fees may apply)](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC) [Loan Payment - Registered User (free service)](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC_Reg) [Locations](https://www.ffbkc.com/locations/) [Types of loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/) [Types of checking accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/) [Pay an appraisal or questionnaire fee](https://payments.firstfederal.unipaydirect.com/customerinfo.aspx) # The ultimate checking checklist - [Home](https://www.ffbkc.com/) - [Wellbeingville](https://blog.ffbkc.com) - The ultimate checking checklist ## What you should be getting in a checking account Nobody has to tell you that money can be confusing. And thinking about something like a checking account just isn’t as much fun as thinking about what you’re going to do this weekend. Or ice cream. Or just about anything else. With that in mind, let’s make it easy to understand what you should expect from your checking. ### Checking account must-haves The fact is that our checking accounts are where the day-to-day movement of our money happens. That makes it one of the most important things to get right. The good news is that it’s really not that hard. The right account should make it easy for us to do awesome stuff with our money. Here’s a list of what to look for: - **Online banking** - It’s our money, so we should have access to it 24/7 - not just when the bank is open. Online banking should let us check balances on our accounts, transfer funds, pay bills, and more. - **Mobile banking** - Let’s control our money on the go. A mobile banking app should let us check account balances, transfer funds, deposit checks, pay bills, get text alerts and more. And it should offer security features, including the ability to turn off our debit card if it’s lost or stolen. - **Electronic statements** - Ditch the paperwork and have monthly bank statements stored online. Be sure it’s possible to access previous months for record keeping and budgeting. - **Direct deposit & automatic transfers** - Get a paycheck deposited right into checking every payday. And then have money moved over to savings automatically, so we never forget to put something back each month. - **Nationwide ATMs** - Look for a bank with a network of free ATMs nationwide so you can get to your cash without paying a fee. - **Overdraft protection** - Hopefully we’ll never overdraw our account, but if we do, we’ll want to be protected. Let’s find a bank that lets us move money from savings to cover an overdraft. Or one that will charge a reasonable fee. - **FDIC insurance** - Look for the 'Member FDIC' logo to ensure your money is protected up to $250,000 per account. *There is a place First Federal Bank of Kansas City calls* [*Wellbeingville*](https://www.ffbkc.com/wellbeingville/) *where you’ll find the right money know-how and tools so you can feel more confident and make better decisions. That includes things like this post and a* [*genuinely free checking account*](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/) *that gives you everything you should be getting. Check it out. And welcome to Wellbeingville.* #### Download our Mobile Banking app [![Download the First Federal Mobile Banking for iPhone app on the App Store](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/app_store.original.png)](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/first-federal-mobile-banking-for-iphone/id905357916?mt=8) [![Get the First Federal Mobile Banking app on Google Play](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/google_play.original.png)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ffbok.mobile) ## Related Content ##### [Where to Put Your Short-term Savings You have money that you may need to get to. Maybe it’s money in an emergency fund. Maybe it’s savings that you just don’t feel comfortable locking up. Article](https://blog.ffbkc.com/where-to-put-your-short-term-savings) ##### [12 tips to save your first $1,000 Saving money doesn't have to mean living like a hermit. Article](https://blog.ffbkc.com/12-tips-to-save-your-first-1000) ##### [5 tips to help you boost your savings We can rationalize a lot of things. It usually sounds like this: Article](https://blog.ffbkc.com/5-tips-to-help-you-boost-your-savings) - Routing Number: 301071592 - [816.241.7800](tel:8162417800) - P.O. Box 419194 Kansas City, MO 64141 - [![Connect with us on Facebook](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/social_facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/FirstFederalKC/) - [![Connect with us on Twitter](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/social_twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/firstfederal_kc) - [![Connect with us on LinkedIn](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/social_linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/388449/) - [![Connect with us on Instagram](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/social_instagram.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/firstfederalbankofkc/) - [Borrow](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/) - [Buy a home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/) - [Conventional Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/conventional-loans/) - [VA Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/va-loans/) - [FHA Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/fha-loans/) - [Mortgage Calculator](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/mortgage-calculator/) - [Build a home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/build-a-home/) - [Refinance your home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/refinance-your-home/) - [Improve your home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/improve-your-home/) - [Home Equity Line of Credit](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/improve-your-home/home-equity-line-of-credit/) - [Buy a car](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/auto-loans/) - [Make a payment](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC_Reg) - [Bank](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/) - [Checking accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/) - [First Free Checking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/first-free/) - [Premier Interest Checking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/premier-interest/) - [Savings accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/) - [First Savings Plus](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/first-savings-plus/) - [Premier Money Market](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/premier-money-market/) - [Money Market Savings](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/money-market-savings/) - [Statement Savings](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/statement-savings/) - [Minor Savings Account](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/minor-savings/) - [CDs](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/certificates-deposit/) - [IRAs](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/individual-retirement-accounts/) - [Mobile & Online Banking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/mobile-online-banking/) - [Business accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/business-accounts/) - [Learn](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/) - [Managing money](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/managing-money/) - [Borrowing](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/borrowing/) - [Saving](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/saving/) - [Wellbeingville](https://www.ffbkc.com/wellbeingville/) - [Resources](https://www.ffbkc.com/resources/) - [Rates](https://www.ffbkc.com/rates/) - [Help](https://www.ffbkc.com/help/) - [About](https://www.ffbkc.com/about/) - [Contact](https://www.ffbkc.com/contact/) - [Locations](https://www.ffbkc.com/locations/) - [Careers](https://www.ffbkc.com/careers/) © 2026 FIRST FEDERAL BANK of KANSAS CITY - [Privacy & Security](https://www.ffbkc.com/privacy-security/) | [Fee Schedule](https://www.ffbkc.com/fee-schedule/) | - [Help](https://www.ffbkc.com/help/) | [Website Accessibility Statement](https://www.ffbkc.com/website-accessibility/) [![Member FDIC - Visit the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation website](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/fdic.svg "Member FDIC - Visit the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation website")](https://www.fdic.gov/) [![Equal Housing Lender - Visit the US Department of Housing and Urban Development website](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/ehl.svg "Equal Housing Lender - Visit the US Department of Housing and Urban Development website")](https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp) Equal Housing Lender