First Merit heavily advertised Free Checking, insisting it would be free. They made fun of the other banks. I opened several "free" checking accounts. Now because there are not enough checks being written they are charging $10 a month. I don't like this. I want to make it clear that I really like the First Merit bank and the people, and this was such an aberration for a very good bank I felt. So its only about their "Free" Checking [NOT] service and not about any other function or activity all of which have been great. This is a good fundamental bank and don't be shy of it. Just any "free" service.