Arvest has no monthly fee for most checking accounts, and no minimum balance requirement to open one

Arvest Bank does not charge a monthly maintenance fee on its standard checking account, called the Arvest Checking Account. You do not need to deposit a minimum amount to open it. The account itself costs nothing to set up and nothing to maintain each month, as long as you follow basic account rules.

What you do pay for depends on how you use the account. Overdraft fees, ATM fees outside Arvest's network, and wire transfer fees all explore if you trigger them. But the account itself—opening it and keeping it open—has no cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Arvest Checking Account has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum opening deposit.
  • You will pay overdraft fees ($35 per transaction) only if you spend more than your balance and Arvest covers the difference.
  • Using ATMs outside the Arvest network costs $3 per withdrawal, but Arvest ATMs are free.
  • You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at any Arvest branch with just an ID and Social Security number.
  • Arvest also offers a student checking account with the same zero monthly fee for customers under 25.

Fees you may encounter after opening

While the account itself is free, Arvest charges fees for specific actions. An overdraft fee of $35 applies each time you spend more money than you have in the account and Arvest covers the transaction. You can have multiple overdraft fees in a single day if you make multiple transactions that overdraw the account.

Using an ATM outside the Arvest network costs $3 per withdrawal. Arvest operates its own ATM network across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, and those withdrawals are free. If you use a competitor's ATM, you pay $3 each time.

Wire transfers sent from your account cost $15 for a domestic wire and $25 for an international wire. Cashier's checks cost $10 each. Stop payment requests on checks cost $35. These are all optional fees—you only pay them if you use those services.

How to open an Arvest checking account with no deposit

You can open an account online through Arvest's website, by phone at 1-800-555-2265, or in person at any Arvest branch. Online opening takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, a valid ID, and a current address.

You do not need to deposit money to open the account. Many banks require an opening deposit of $25 or $100, but Arvest does not. You can open the account and leave it empty, though you will need to fund it before you can use it for transactions.

If you open in person, bring a government-issued ID and your Social Security number. A banker will verify your information and set up the account on the spot. If you open online, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Student checking: same zero fee for customers under 25

Arvest offers a Student Checking Account for customers under 25 with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. The features and fees are identical to the standard Arvest Checking Account. The only difference is that the account is marketed to younger customers and may come with student-focused resources.

To open a student account, you must be under 25 and provide proof of age. You do not need to be enrolled in school. Once you turn 25, the account automatically converts to a standard Arvest Checking Account with the same zero monthly fee.

What happens if you overdraft your account

If you spend more than your balance, Arvest will cover the transaction and charge you $35. This happens per transaction, so if you make five purchases that overdraw your account on the same day, you could face five $35 fees—$175 total.

Arvest offers Overdraft Protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or money market account. If you overdraft, Arvest transfers money from the linked account instead of charging a fee. This costs nothing to set up and saves you the $35 fee each time it prevents an overdraft.

You can also opt out of overdraft coverage entirely. If you do, Arvest will decline transactions that would overdraw your account rather than covering them and charging a fee. This prevents overdraft fees but means your card or check may be declined at the point of sale.

Comparing Arvest to other banks with no monthly fees

Several national banks also offer checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fee: Ally Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank all have zero-fee checking. The main difference is that Arvest is a regional bank with physical branches in four states, while these competitors are online-only or have limited branch networks.

If you live in Arvest's service area (Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, or Missouri) and want in-person banking, Arvest's zero-fee account is competitive. If you prefer online banking or live outside these states, a national online bank may offer more convenience. All of these banks charge overdraft fees and out-of-network ATM fees, so the cost structure is similar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to keep a minimum balance in my Arvest checking account?

No. Arvest has no minimum balance requirement to open or maintain the account. You can keep any amount in the account, including zero, without paying a fee. However, you will need to deposit money before you can use the account for transactions.

Can I open an Arvest checking account online without visiting a branch?

Yes. You can open an account entirely online through Arvest's website using your Social Security number and a valid ID. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can also call 1-800-555-2265 to open by phone.

What is Overdraft Protection and does it cost money?

Overdraft Protection links your checking account to a savings or money market account. If you overdraft, Arvest transfers money from the linked account instead of charging a $35 fee. Setting it up costs nothing, and you only pay if you actually use the transfer.

Will I be charged if I use an ATM outside the Arvest network?

Yes, $3 per withdrawal. Arvest ATMs are free. If you use another bank's ATM, you pay $3. Arvest operates ATMs across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, so the fee depends on where you live and where you withdraw money.

What happens to my student checking account when I turn 25?

Your account automatically converts to a standard Arvest Checking Account. The monthly fee remains zero, and all features stay the same. You do not need to do anything—the conversion happens automatically on your 25th birthday.