Low-cost checking accounts in North Carolina

North Carolina sits in the middle of the national picture with 38 certified checking accounts — #18 of the 51 states and territories we track, against a median of 32. 12 come from local or regional institutions and 26 from national banks — a 32% local share, close to the 36% median across the states we track.

25 of the 38 carry a $0 monthly maintenance fee; the 13 that do charge run from $4.95 to $12 a month. 29 can be opened with $0 on deposit, and the largest opening deposit asked anywhere on this list is $25. 37 run no overdraft program at all; the other 1 still cannot charge overdraft or NSF fees on the certified account itself and offer coverage only as a separate service you would have to opt into.

Of the 12 state-based listings, the most come from Ameris Bank, Atlantic Union Bank and Excite Credit Union.

Certified accounts
38
$0 monthly fee
25
No overdraft program
37
Local institutions
12

nbkc bank

Everything Account

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
90,000+ surcharge-free

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

BCU

Go Checking

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Woodforest National Bank

WBank Account

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Contact bank

LendingClub

Level Up Checking

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Unlimited ATM fee rebates

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

First-Citizens Bank and Trust

Sure Advantage

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Contact bank

Bank OZK

Freedom Advantage Checking

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Contact bank

Excite Credit Union

Bank On Checking

LocalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Contact bank

First National Bank

eStyle Account

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Contact bank

Farmers & Merchants Bank

(F&M Bank) Access Checking

LocalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Contact bank

Movement Bank Anywhere

Checking

LocalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

North State Bank

Beyond Checking

LocalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Piedmont Federal

Savings Bank PF Boost

LocalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Contact bank

First Community Bank

Community Connect

LocalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

LifeStore Bank Progress

Account

LocalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Chase

Secure Banking Account

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
14,000+ surcharge-free

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

First Horizon Bank

Access Checking Account

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Contact bank

Discover Bank

Cashback Debit Checking Account

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Bank of America

SafeBalance Banking

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
None on this account; optional overdraft service available
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Ally Bank

Spending Account

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
75,000+ surcharge-free

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Alliant Credit Union

High-Rate Checking

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
80,000+ surcharge-free

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Alliant Credit Union

Teen Checking

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
80,000+ surcharge-free

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Ameris Bank

Opportunity Checking

LocalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Contact bank

Quorum Federal Credit Union

QFlex Checking

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

ServisFirst Bank

Simple Access Account

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Park National Bank

Safe Start Checking

LocalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$0.00

No monthly maintenance fee.

Monthly fee × 12
$0.00 × 12 = $0.00
To open
$25 to open — this stays your money
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Park ATM

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

TD Bank TD

Essential Banking

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$59.40

$4.95 a month, every month.

Monthly fee × 12
$4.95 × 12 = $59.40
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
TD

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

PNC Bank

Simple Checking

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$60.00

$5.00 a month, every month.

Monthly fee × 12
$5.00 × 12 = $60.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
60,000+ surcharge-free

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Self-Help Credit Union

Personal Checking

LocalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$60.00

$5.00 a month, every month.

Monthly fee × 12
$5.00 × 12 = $60.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Self-Help CU

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Fifth Third Bank

Express Account

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$60.00

$5.00 a month, every month.

Monthly fee × 12
$5.00 × 12 = $60.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
nationwide network of fee-free ATMs

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Flagstar Bank

Flagstar One Account

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$60.00

$5.00 a month, every month.

Monthly fee × 12
$5.00 × 12 = $60.00
To open
$1 to open — this stays your money
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
56,000+ surcharge-free

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Regions Bank

Regions Now Checking

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$60.00

$5.00 a month, every month.

Monthly fee × 12
$5.00 × 12 = $60.00
To open
$10 to open — this stays your money
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
2+ surcharge-free

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Truist Confidence

Account

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$60.00

$5.00 a month, every month.

Monthly fee × 12
$5.00 × 12 = $60.00
To open
$25 to open — this stays your money
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Atlantic Union Bank

PRISM Checking

LocalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$60.00

$5.00 a month, every month.

Monthly fee × 12
$5.00 × 12 = $60.00
To open
$25 to open — this stays your money
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
SUM® ATM Network

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

BMO

Smart Money Checking

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$60.00

$5.00 a month, every month.

Monthly fee × 12
$5.00 × 12 = $60.00
To open
$25 to open — this stays your money
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
40,000+ surcharge-free

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

United Community Bank United

Essential Banking

LocalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$60.00

$5.00 a month, every month.

Monthly fee × 12
$5.00 × 12 = $60.00
To open
$25 to open — this stays your money
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
United and Publix Presto!

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Wells Fargo

Clear Access Banking

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$60.00

$5.00 a month, every month.

Monthly fee × 12
$5.00 × 12 = $60.00
To open
$25 to open — this stays your money
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
10,000+ surcharge-free

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

United Bank

Essential Checking

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$84.00

$7.00 a month, every month.

Monthly fee × 12
$7.00 × 12 = $84.00
To open
$25 to open — this stays your money
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
Not specified, but belongs to several surcharge-free ATM networks.

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

nbkc bank

Money Market Account

NationalBank On Certified

Costs you per year

$144.00

$12.00 a month, every month.

Monthly fee × 12
$12.00 × 12 = $144.00
To open
$0 to open
Overdraft
No overdraft or NSF fees on this account
Free ATMs
90,000+ surcharge-free

Out-of-network ATM fees are not included — we do not hold that figure per account.

Apply

Next steps for North Carolina residents