BBVA Free Checking review

How do I open a BBVA Free Checking account?

You can open the BBVA Free Checking account online, by phone or at a branch:

Online

1. Click Apply now.
2. From the BBVA website, click Checking.
3. Scroll down to Free Checking and click Apply Now.
4. Enter your personal information, then proceed to the next step.
5. Decide whether you’d like to open a BBVA Online Savings account or just fund this account.
6. Review and confirm all details.

• See screenshots of the application form

  

  

  

Compare BBVA Free Checking to similar accounts

We’ve gathered a quick comparison of BBVA Free Checking and similar accounts to help you decide which is the best fit for you. Click “Compare accounts” to compare even more checking accounts.

BBVA Free Checking

★★★★★

Finder Rating: 3.3 / 5

Go to site
Fee $0 per month
APY N/A
Minimum deposit to open $25
ATM network 1,000 fee-free ATMs across the country

HSBC Premier Checking

★★★★★

Finder Rating: 2.7 / 5

Go to site
Fee $50 per month
APY 0.01% on balances of $5+
Minimum deposit to open $1
ATM network Free to use at all ATMs in the US

Chime Spending account

★★★★★

Finder Rating: 4.7 / 5

Go to site
Fee $0 per month
APY N/A
Minimum deposit to open $0
ATM network 38,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide

Compare even more checking accounts

Compare accounts

What are the benefits of BBVA Free Checking?

Aside from being a free and secure checking account with no monthly fees, the BBVA Free Checking account offers these benefits:

• No fees at BBVA ATMs. You won’t be charged any ATM fees when using BBVA ATMs.
• Add a savings account. When you open your checking account, consider adding a BBVA Online Savings Account as well. It costs $15 per quarter and garners a 0.01% APY, though you can qualify to have the fee waived.
• Get a Visa debit card. Personalize your Visa with your own image and use it to earn cash back at specified retailers.

• Convenient checking account perks. Set text-message alerts for your checking account, receive online statements and write unlimited checks — all for free.
• BBVA ClearBenefits. BBVA members can enroll in this program to get access to perks like roadside assistance, identity theft protection, cell phone protection and more.

BBVA ATM network and fees

This account comes with a Visa debit card, allowing you to make purchases almost anywhere. Plus, you’ll get access to a network of domestic ATMs.

• Use any of the 1,000 BBVA ATMs in the US for free.
• For a $5 add-on charge per month, BBVA will waive their out-of-network ATM fees and you’ll receive up to four rebates per statement cycle to put toward other bank’s ATM fees.
• You’ll be charged 1% of each transaction when you use an ATM outside the US.
• You’ll be charged 3% of each transaction when you use your card outside of the US.

What should I look out for?

While you won’t need to jump through hoops to avoid monthly fees with this account, there are a few things to look out for:

• Not as many ATMs as other banks. Larger banks have more ATMs than you’ll find with BBVA — and you’ll pay a fee each time you use an ATM out of network.
• High service fees. BBVA charges a $38 NSF fee, $32 overdraft fee, $12 inter-account transfer fee to cover overdrafts and more.
• Limited branches. BBVA only has branches in seven states, so if you live outside this service area, you won’t be able to get face-to-face customer service.
• No interest. Some checking accounts pay interest on the daily balance, but this one does not.

If you’re looking to bank at an institution with more branches, you’ll want to keep looking. As always, compare your options when choosing a checking account.

What other checking options does BBVA offer?

Beyond the BBVA Free Checking account, BBVA offers a few other checking accounts:

• Premium Checking. A high-interest checking account that offers all of the standard BBVA perks and earns up to 0.50% interest while your money sits in the account.
• Online Checking. A simple checking account that’s designed to help you move your finances in the right direction.

Frequently asked questions

• Will my money earn interest in a checking account?

  No, since this isn’t an interest-earning account. However, some checking accounts — like the BBVA Interest Checking — do pay interest on your daily balance.

• Can I make deposits to my checking account at a BBVA ATM?

  Yes. You can deposit money to your account 24/7. After you make a deposit, you can get a receipt with your check’s image and account summary printed on it — or opt out of a receipt altogether.

• What are other ways that I can save on my checking account?

  You’ll find several ways to save money with your checking account in our guide. Look for a bank that doesn’t charge ATM fees or a card that offers rewards. There are also travel accounts for jetsetters.

• How can I fund my initial deposit?

  BBVA allows you to use a credit or debit card, a transfer from an external bank account or a transfer from an existing BBVA account.

• Can I open this account if I'm not a US citizen?

  Yes. However, you may need to visit a branch to do so.