There are many banks where this isn't the case and you should never pay for a checking account, regardless of how much money you have coming in every month. I e

There are many banks where this isn't the case and you should never pay for a checking account, regardless of how much money you have coming in every month. I even have a Wells Fargo (canonical "big bank" example) checking account that has been sitting with $16.09 for the past 6 months. Do not pay for a checking account, ever. If your bank is charging you a fee for your account, call them and say "I can get a free checking account at X competitor, I am going to switch to them unless you can match that." Hell, Charles Schwab offers a free checking account and will refund ALL ATM fees every month.