In Search of an Online Checking Account

I find myself with the need for another checking account. I’ve had no experience with anyone’s checking account besides ours at our local bank – which is just fine for personal stuff, but I’m not a huge fan of their online presence – and the Bank of America account that I had several years back. I could set up another account at the local bank, but thought it might be fun to play around with another account (yeah, I know, I’m apparently a nerd to find something like playing with a bank account fun… ).

Anyway, my needs for this account are pretty simple:

• Minimal opening balance – I won’t be transferring in $1,000 on opening day. I’ve got better uses for that money than keeping a checking account open, no matter how good the account looks. A $1 opening balance would be perfect.
• No monthly fees regardless of balance – this account will never hold a substantial level of money, as it’s just a checking account. If it ever holds a substantial amount, it won’t be for long as there are certainly more appropriate vehicles to earn a little interest on that excess balance.
• Debit Visa/Mastercard linked to account; no need for physical checks – I have no need for the ability to write a physical check. Everyone who needs to receive payments via this account is able to take a credit card. And really, what business other than the smallest can’t anymore?
• A money-market account that meets the above criteria may do the job fine – I don’t foresee doing more than a handful of transactions a month. My cursory look didn’t show any that specifically said they offered a debit Visa/Mastercard attached though…

Anyone have a recommendation?

[tags]checking account,money market,debit,online banking[/tags]