[drdec]

Why would you expect checks to be free? The people who print checks need to eat too.

I'm curious what else is under your "perks" umbrella.

If you want a checking account with no minimums try Ally. EFT payments are also free. You will have to pay for checks however.

[crackercrews]

Because a small number of checks have been free for many decades. They cost almost nothing to print. But banks now charge $20 for a small box. Add another $10 for shipping.

I don't use checks often but have to buy a box in order to have >0.

[wildzzz]

I like Ally. I can do pretty much everything I need to for free and their interest rates are about as good as it gets. Only annoying thing is being unable to deposit cash but that's such a rare occurrence.