Maintaining a minimum balance can help you avoid monthly bank account fees, but in some cases so can establishing an account that keeps you “outside” the bank. If you bank online and use an ATM to withdraw money and make deposits, you may qualify for a free account. You can still write checks, of course (although why would you if you can set up online bill pay services)? Some financial institutions even allow you to scan checks and make online deposits. Convenient and free – what’s not to love?