FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government
Essential Checking
Looking for your first checking account? You’re in the right place.
Essential Checking makes it easy to get a smart start*.
Open a checking account and get your monthly service charge refunded if you're 18 to 24 years old or younger, so your first account doesn't come with a learning curve.
Essential Checking account comes with a corresponding Traditional Savings account at no extra cost, making it easy to start building good habits from day one.
Get notified the moment something looks off, with account protections built in from the start.
Our online and mobile banking experiences make it easy to view your accounts, move money, set alerts, control card usage, and create budgets and savings goals from your mobile device.
Get money into your account directly from your device.
Get money into your account directly from your device.
Move money quickly, safely and conveniently.
Stay safe and secure, even when you’re on the go.
All our checking accounts come with access to Greenlight**, a hands-on tool that helps kids learn how to manage money safely in the real world.
$5 or $0
Monthly service charge1
ATM fees (in-network)4
$25
Free overdraft protection when linking an account7
Free digital & mobile banking9
Corresponding Traditional savings account included
Greenlight** access included
Foreign ATM fees refunded4
Bank On certified
$10 or $0
Monthly service charge2
ATM fees (in-network)5
Additional overdraft options available8
Free digital & mobile banking9
Corresponding Traditional savings account included
Greenlight** access included
20%
Off safe deposit box with auto debit
$20 or $0
Monthly service charge3
ATM fees (in-network)6
Additional overdraft options available8
Free digital & mobile banking9
Corresponding Money Market Savings account included
Greenlight** access included
$15 refunded out-of-network ATM fees6
50%
Off safe deposit box with auto debit
Earns interest+
Free personal and cashier's checks
5
Free stop payments per calendar year
It's a checking account built for people who are new to banking, like students and those who prefer low, predictable fees. It has everything you need to get started.
Sign-up is as simple and convenient as this account
1 The monthly service charge is refunded within three (3) business days if the primary account owner is 18-24 years old or younger. Eligibility is subject to the age of majority for your state of residence.
2 The monthly service charge is waived with one of the following during the statement cycle: $500 in Direct Deposits OR $1,500 average daily balance in the Advantage Checking account.
3 The monthly service charge is waived with one of the following during the statement cycle: $5,000 average daily balance in the Elite Checking account OR $25,000 combined average daily balance in total consumer deposit (checking, savings, money market, CD and IRA) balances.
4 No fee for using non-First Horizon ATMs. However, owners of those ATMs (or their networks) may charge a fee.
5 $3 fee per account transaction or balance inquiry at non-First Horizon ATMs. A $2 fee applies for each use of QuickStatements® (which shows your last 10 transactions and available balance). ATM owners (or their networks) may also charge their own fee.
6 $3 fee per withdrawal at non-First Horizon ATMs. ATM owners (or their networks) may also charge a fee. Up to $15 in ATM and surcharge fees will be refunded to your account per statement cycle.
7 Link your checking account to a First Horizon consumer checking, savings, money market or line of credit. Overdraft protection transactions are subject to the terms of your Overdraft Services Agreement and Depositor Agreement with First Horizon Bank. To link an account for overdraft protection, see a banking center associate or call us toll-free at 800-382-5465.
8 We pay overdraft transactions at our discretion, and we reserve the right not to pay. A charge of $35 is assessed, up to three (3) charges per day, for each overdraft created by check, in-person withdrawal, recurring debit, and for each overdraft created by ATM withdrawal or one-time debit card purchases if you have opted in to having such items paid into overdraft with a fee assessed. There is no overdraft fee on debit card transactions when your account has sufficient funds available at authorization, even though you no longer have funds available when the transaction posts. There is no charge for items that we return due to insufficient funds. If you overdraw your account by $5 or less on any one day, there will be no overdraft charge.
9 Mobile data and messaging carrier rates may apply.
+ Elite checking earns 0.05% APY. Annual Percentage Yield effective 9/28/2026. APY is variable and subject to change. Fees may reduce earnings.
* For more information, please refer to the Account and Service Fees web page, Essential Checking Account Service Fee Guide or the Depositor Agreement and Disclosure Statement.
** Greenlight is a financial technology company, not a bank. The Greenlight app facilitates banking services through Community Federal Savings Bank (CFSB), Member FDIC. First Horizon checking account customers are eligible for the Greenlight SELECT plan at no cost when they connect their First Horizon account as the Greenlight funding source for the entirety of the promotion. Subject to minimum balance requirements and identity verification. Upgrades will result in additional fees. Upon termination of promotion, members will be responsible for associated monthly fees. See terms for details. Offer ends 06/15/2029. Offer subject to change and partner participation.
Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
We're driven by a passion to help the clients and communities we serve unlock their full potential with capital and counsel.
Banking products and services provided by First Horizon Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #472329.
Trust services, including investment management services, provided by First Horizon Bank. First Horizon Wealth Management is the marketing name for wealth-related services available to First Horizon clients.
