What MidFirst Bank charges for checking accounts

MidFirst Bank charges a monthly maintenance fee on most checking accounts, but the amount and whether you pay it at all depends on which account you open and how you use it. The bank offers several checking products, each with different fee structures and ways to waive the monthly charge.

The most common MidFirst checking account is the MidFirst Checking, which carries a $10 monthly maintenance fee. You can waive this fee by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $500 or by setting up direct deposit. Some branches may offer promotional periods where the fee is waived for new customers for the first few months, though this varies by location.

MidFirst also offers a MidFirst Student Checking account for customers under 24, which typically has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. This account is designed specifically for students and converts to a standard checking account once you reach the age limit.

Key Takeaways

  • MidFirst's standard checking account charges $10 per month, but you can waive this fee by keeping $500 in your account or setting up direct deposit.
  • Student checking accounts have no monthly fee and no minimum balance, making them free if you meet the age requirement.
  • Overdraft fees, ATM fees outside MidFirst's network, and returned deposit fees are separate charges that explore regardless of which checking account you have.
  • The specific fees and waiver options can differ between MidFirst branches, so confirming the exact terms for your location matters before opening an account.

Overdraft and NSF fees

If you spend more than you have in your account, MidFirst charges an overdraft fee each time a transaction is approved when your balance is negative. The overdraft fee amount varies but typically ranges from $25 to $35 per occurrence. The bank may charge multiple overdraft fees in a single day if you have multiple transactions that overdraw your account.

A non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee applies when a transaction is declined because you do not have enough money in your account. This fee is separate from an overdraft fee and is charged when the bank refuses the transaction rather than allowing it to go through. MidFirst may also charge a fee if a check you deposit bounces or if an automatic payment fails due to insufficient funds.

You can reduce overdraft risk by setting up account alerts through MidFirst's online banking or mobile app, which notify you when your balance drops below a threshold you set. Some customers also link a savings account to their checking account for overdraft protection, though this may carry its own fee depending on your account setup.

ATM and out-of-network fees

MidFirst Bank operates its own ATM network, and withdrawals at MidFirst ATMs are free for all checking account holders. However, if you use an ATM that does not belong to MidFirst or a partner network, you will typically be charged a fee by the other bank. This fee is usually $2 to $3 per transaction and is charged by the ATM operator, not by MidFirst.

MidFirst participates in the CO-OP Network, which means you can use thousands of ATMs at other credit unions and banks without paying an out-of-network fee. Before opening an account, you can check whether there are MidFirst branches and CO-OP ATMs near your home, work, or school to understand how often you might encounter out-of-network fees.

Wire transfer and check-related fees

MidFirst charges for outgoing domestic wire transfers, typically around $15 to $25 depending on whether the transfer is sent through online banking or in person at a branch. Incoming wire transfers are usually free. International wire transfers cost more, often $40 to $50 or higher, and may take several business days to process.

Cashier's checks and money orders ordered through MidFirst carry a small fee, usually $5 to $10 per item. If you order checks through MidFirst's standard check ordering service, you pay the printer's price, which is typically lower than ordering through a third party. Returned checks — checks that bounce or are rejected — incur a fee of around $25 to $35.

Account closure and inactivity fees

MidFirst does not charge a fee straightforward for closing a checking account. However, if you close an account within a certain period after opening it (often 90 days), the bank may charge a closure fee, typically $25. This is designed to discourage customers from opening accounts for promotional offers and closing them when ready.

If your account becomes inactive — meaning you make no deposits or withdrawals for an extended period — MidFirst may begin charging a monthly dormancy or inactivity fee. The threshold for inactivity varies, but accounts with no activity for 12 months or longer are at risk. Some states have laws that require banks to turn inactive accounts over to the state after a certain period, so the fee may not explore indefinitely.

How to compare MidFirst fees with other banks

When deciding whether MidFirst's fees work for your situation, compare the monthly maintenance fee, overdraft fees, and ATM access against what other banks in your area charge. A bank with a higher monthly fee but a larger ATM network might cost less overall if you rarely use out-of-network ATMs. Conversely, a bank with no monthly fee but higher overdraft charges might be more expensive if you occasionally overdraw.

Online banks and credit unions often have lower or no monthly maintenance fees and lower overdraft fees than traditional banks like MidFirst. However, they may have fewer physical branches and ATMs, which matters if you prefer in-person banking or need cash access in multiple locations. The best choice depends on how you actually use your account — whether you need branch access, how often you overdraw, and whether you can maintain a minimum balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I avoid the $10 monthly fee on MidFirst checking?

Yes. You can waive the fee by keeping a minimum daily balance of $500 in your account or by setting up direct deposit. If neither option works for you, the student checking account has no monthly fee if you are under 24 years old.

What happens if I overdraw my account multiple times in one day?

MidFirst may charge a separate overdraft fee for each transaction that overdraws your account, even if they all occur on the same day. Some banks limit the number of overdraft fees per day, but you should confirm MidFirst's specific policy with your branch or online banking terms.

Are there any fees for using MidFirst's mobile app or online banking?

No. MidFirst does not charge fees for accessing your account through the mobile app or online banking portal. All standard features like checking your balance, transferring money between your accounts, and paying bills are included at no extra cost.

Do I have to pay a fee if I close my account right after opening it?

MidFirst may charge a closure fee of around $25 if you close the account within 90 days of opening it. This policy discourages customers from opening accounts solely to take advantage of promotional offers. Check the account terms for the exact timeframe at your branch.

What is the difference between an overdraft fee and an NSF fee?

An overdraft fee is charged when MidFirst allows a transaction to go through even though your balance is negative. An NSF fee is charged when the bank declines a transaction because you do not have enough money. Both fees explore to different situations, so you could potentially be charged both in a single day.