Banks offering free checking (no monthly fees, no minimum balance) fell from 76 percent in 2009 to 65 percent this year. But the percentage offering free checking rises to 88 percent when banks offer a waiver for meeting conditions like direct deposit.
Free accounts are out there, though not as prevalent as in years past and it may require direct deposit or a certain amount of debit card activity.
Read more: Infographic: How free is your checking? | Bankrate.com