Looking for a reliable and easy-to-manage bank account? The First Horizon checking account might be exactly what you need.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your current account, First Horizon offers flexible options with simple features, low fees, and helpful tools. In this guide, GateXFin will walk you through everything you need to know. Let’s get started now!
First Horizon Checking Account Overview
First Horizon Bank is a regional bank with deep roots in the Southeastern United States. It offers over 600 ATMs and branches across 12 Southeastern states, including Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. The bank offers both in-person and online services.
The bank is FDIC-insured, which means your deposits are protected up to the legal limits. First Horizon provides a full suite of personal and business banking services, including checking, savings, money market accounts, and so on. Customers also have access to First Horizon auto loans and mortgages, credit cards, investment services, and tailored solutions for small businesses and commercial clients.
Beyond traditional banking, First Horizon offers modern tools like online banking, mobile apps, Zelle transfers, and 24/7 digital account access. This makes it a convenient option for customers who want the blend of both in-person service and tech-friendly features.
With this solid foundation, First Horizon Bank checking accounts come with tools and services that make banking easier. All of them include:
- Free standard debit card
- Free digital and mobile banking
- Access to over 600 in-network ATMs
- Zelle for fast money transfers
- Mobile deposit to deposit checks from anywhere
- Optional overdraft protection
- Online check ordering
- Account alerts
Now, let’s look at the different account types to see which one fits your lifestyle.
First Horizon Checking Account Options
First Horizon offers three main checking accounts:
FirstView Checking
If you want a basic checking account with no frills but solid features, FirstView Checking is for you. It’s designed for people who just need a straightforward place to manage their money without unnecessary costs.
Key Features:
- No monthly service charge if you enroll in eStatements
- Free traditional savings account included
- $50 minimum deposit to open
- Free debit card and digital banking access
- No ATM fees at 600+ in-network ATMs
Avoiding Fees: To avoid the $2 monthly paper statement fee, simply enroll in eStatements. There’s no service charge as long as you go paperless.
This account keeps banking simple while offering the essential tools you need. It’s ideal for students, young professionals, or anyone who wants to avoid monthly First Horizon checking account fees.
SmartView Checking
SmartView Checking is a step up from FirstView. This account adds more value and benefits, including reward interest, ATM fee refunds, and a complimentary money market savings account.
Key Features:
- Earn interest on your checking balance
- Reward Tenure Interest: Higher rates the longer you bank with First Horizon
- Free consumer money market savings account
- Refunds on ATM and surcharge fees
- $50 to open, same as FirstView
- Free digital banking and mobile tools
- Optional overdraft protection
Monthly Service Fee:
There is a $15 monthly fee, but it can be waived if you meet any one of these:
- One direct deposit or bill pay each cycle, and
- $25,000 combined balance across deposits
- OR $5,000 average in your SmartView account
- OR $2,500 in credit card purchases with First Horizon
This account works well for those who want to grow their money while enjoying flexible access and meaningful rewards.
TotalView Checking
TotalView Checking offers the most benefits. It’s ideal for customers with complex financial needs or those who want to link their checking to investment accounts.
Key Features:
- Complimentary TotalView Money Market savings account
- Higher debit card limits
- Refunds on service charges from other deposit accounts
- Wire fee refunds up to $25 per cycle
- Free paper statements
- Foreign ATM and surcharge fee refunds
- Digital and mobile banking included
Monthly Fee:
There’s a $25 monthly fee, but you can waive it by doing one of the following:
- Maintain a combined average daily balance of $500,000 across deposits, investments, and loans
- OR keep $15,000 across checking accounts, make 1 direct deposit or bill payment, AND do one of these:
- $100,000 in combined deposit/investment balances
- $5,000 in monthly debit/credit purchases
This First Horizon checking account is perfect for those who use First Horizon as their primary bank and want elite access, full flexibility, and the highest return on balances.
First Horizon Checking Accounts Comparison
Not sure which First Horizon checking account is right for you? The table below breaks down the key features of FirstView, SmartView, and TotalView accounts to help you choose the one that best fits your financial needs:
| Feature | FirstView Checking | SmartView Checking | TotalView Checking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Everyday banking with no frills | Customers who maintain higher balances or use more services | High-balance customers who want full rewards and premium benefits |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $50 | $50 | $50 |
| Monthly Service Charge | $0 (with eStatements) | $15 (waived with qualifying activity) | $25 (waived with qualifying activity) |
| Free Savings Account | Traditional Savings | Consumer Money Market Savings | TotalView Money Market Savings |
| Debit Card | Free standard debit card | Free standard debit card | Higher daily spending limits on debit card |
| Earn Interest | No | Yes – with Reward Interest & Tenure | Yes – plus extra reward on linked money market account |
| Wire Fee Refunds | No | No | Up to $25 per month |
| Overdraft Protection Options | Yes – optional | Yes – optional | Yes – optional |
| Zelle & Mobile Deposit | Included | Included | Included |
| Best Feature | Simple, no monthly fee | Earn interest & ATM fee refunds | Premium perks & full service experience |
First Horizon Checking Account Rates, Fees, & Access
When choosing a checking account, it’s important to look at the full picture, not just the features, but also the costs and convenience. Here’s how the First Horizon checking account options compare in terms of rates and fees:
First Horizon Checking Account Rates and Fees
The table below breaks down the key rates and fees of each First Horizon checking account, so you can pick the one that fits your lifestyle and financial needs:
| Feature / Account Type | FirstView Checking | SmartView Checking | TotalView Checking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Service Charge | $0 (with eStatements) | $15 (waived with qualifiers) | $25 (waived with qualifiers) |
| How to Waive Monthly Fee | Enroll in eStatements | Direct deposit or bill pay +:- $25,000 combined deposits- or $5,000 balance- or $2,500 card purchases | Maintain:- $500,000 combined relationship or– $15,000 in checking + direct deposit/bill pay and:- $100,000 in total deposits- or $5,000 in monthly card spend |
| Earns Interest | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Reward Interest) | ✅ Yes (Higher Interest + Bonus Rates) |
| ATM Fee Refunds | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (domestic only) | ✅ Yes (domestic only) |
| Linked Savings Account | Traditional Savings (Free) | Money Market (Free) | TotalView Money Market (Free) |
| Debit Card | Free Standard Debit Card | Free Standard Debit Card | Free Standard Debit Card |
| Paper Statements | $2 or $3/month | $2 or $3/month | Free |
| Overdraft Protection Options | Available (link to account/HELOC) | Available (link to account/HELOC) | Available (link to account/HELOC) |
| Digital/Mobile Banking | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
Other Additional Fees
Beyond standard account features, it’s important to understand the extra fees that may apply. From overdraft charges to wire transfers, knowing what to expect can help you avoid surprises and manage your money better. Here’s a quick look at common First Horizon checking account fees:
| Service / Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Non-First Horizon ATM Fee | $3 per transaction |
| Overdraft Fee (Standard) | $35 per item (Max 3/day) |
| Returned Check / NSF Fee | $35 per item |
| Chargeback Check Fee | $16 per item |
| Dormant Account Fee | $5/month (balances under $5,000, inactive 12 months) |
| Stop Payment Request | $37 per request |
| QuickStatements® (ATM printout) | $2 each |
| Paper Statements (front only) | $2/month |
| Paper Statements (front and back) | $3/month |
| Statement Printout (on request) | $2 per request |
| Cashier’s Check | $8 each |
| Account Research and Records | $3 per item |
| Domestic Wire Transfer (Outgoing) | $30 |
| International Wire Transfer (Outgoing) | $60 |
| Wire Fee Refund (TotalView Checking only) | Up to $25 per cycle |
| Incoming Wire (Domestic or International) | $15 |
| Internal Wire Transfer | $10 |
| Digital Banking, Mobile Banking, Bill Pay | Free |
ATM Access
ATM availability is another important factor, especially if you withdraw cash often.
- First Horizon offers free access to over 600 ATMs across the Southeastern U.S. If you use an ATM within the First Horizon or partner network, there are no transaction fees.
- If you’re enrolled in SmartView or TotalView, you’ll get foreign ATM and surcharge fee refunds, meaning the bank reimburses the fees you may pay when using an out-of-network ATM, even internationally.
- Without these accounts, using an out-of-network ATM typically results in a $3 fee per transaction, in addition to whatever the ATM owner may charge.
So, if ATM flexibility is important to you, SmartView and TotalView offer a much better deal.
First Horizon Checking Account Bonus
If you’re considering a new checking account, First Horizon Bank is offering a special cash bonus of up to $450 for new or returning customers. This limited-time First Horizon checking promotion is a great way to earn extra money while setting up your everyday banking.
To get the bonus, you must meet the following simple conditions:
- Be a new or returning customer: You haven’t had a First Horizon consumer checking account in the past 12 months.
- Open a new FirstView or SmartView Checking account between April 15, 2025, and July 15, 2025.
- Receive $2,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits (like payroll, Social Security, or government payments) within 90 days of opening your account.
Once you meet the requirements, your First Horizon checking bonus will be deposited into your account within 15 business days. There’s no need to manually request it.
This offer is available to residents who live within 50 miles of a First Horizon branch, located across 12 Southeastern states. Therefore, before applying, make sure your ZIP code is within the eligible area by checking the bank’s branch locator online.
Tools That Make Everyday Banking Easier
Managing your money shouldn’t be stressful, and with First Horizon’s digital tools, it isn’t. Every First Horizon checking account includes a suite of modern features designed to help you stay in control of your finances anytime, anywhere.
- Zelle: With Zelle, you can quickly send or request money from people you trust, whether it’s splitting dinner with friends or sending rent to your roommate. It’s built right into the First Horizon mobile app, so you don’t need a separate download.
- Mobile Check Deposit: With this tool, you can take a picture of your check using your smartphone and deposit it directly into your account. It’s safe, quick, and available 24/7 within the mobile banking app.
- Real-Time Alerts: First Horizon lets you customize account alerts so you’re always in the loop. You can choose to receive real-time notifications by email or text for things like:
- Low balances
- Large withdrawals or deposits
- Incoming direct deposits
- Unusual activity
- Easy-to-Use Digital Banking: Whether you’re on your computer or smartphone, First Horizon’s digital banking gives you full control. You can:
- View your transaction history
- Pay bills online
- Transfer funds between accounts
- Set up recurring payments
- Order checks
- Access eStatements: It’s all designed to make banking faster, easier, and more secure.
Overdraft Protection
Everyone makes mistakes, maybe you forgot about a bill payment or your paycheck was delayed. That’s where overdraft protection comes in.
If your First Horizon checking account balance isn’t enough to cover a transaction, First Horizon may choose to cover the difference. This is known as standard overdraft coverage, and it applies to checks and automatic bill payments. Here’s what to expect:
- $35 fee per overdraft
- Up to 3 overdraft fees per day, but only if your account is overdrawn by more than $5
- ATM and everyday debit card purchases are only covered if you opt-in to overdraft protection for those types of transactions
Keep in mind that this coverage is not guaranteed. First Horizon decides whether to pay each overdraft on a case-by-case basis.
Smarter Options to Avoid Overdraft Fees
To avoid these costly fees, First Horizon offers two easy and automatic overdraft protection options:
- Account-to-Account Overdraft Transfers: You can link your checking account to another First Horizon account, like a savings or money market account. If your balance runs low, money will be automatically transferred to cover the shortage.
- HELOC Overdraft Link: Already have a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) with First Horizon? You can connect it to your First Horizon checking account. When your account is overdrawn, the bank automatically issues a cash advance from your HELOC to cover the difference.
How to Set Up Overdraft Protection
Want to get started with overdraft protection? Just choose one of these simple options:
- Call First Horizon at 800-382-5465
- Speak to a banker at your local branch
- Enroll during account opening
- Use the online form or print and mail it
Once set up, your protection will usually take effect within five business days. With the right digital tools and overdraft protection in place, your First Horizon checking account will become a smart financial partner you can count on.
How to Open a First Horizon Checking Account
Getting started with a First Horizon Bank checking account is quick and straightforward. Whether you prefer doing things online or speaking to someone in person, the bank offers both options to make the process as easy as possible.
First Horizon Checking Account Requirements
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A $50 minimum deposit, which is the amount required to open your new account.
- Your Social Security number, used to verify your identity.
- Your date of birth to confirm eligibility and match your records.
- A valid photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or any government-issued identification card.
Steps to Open an Account
You can choose the method that works best for you:
Option 1: Apply Online
- Visit the official First Horizon website.
- Browse through the checking account options (FirstView, SmartView, or TotalView).
- Click the “Open Now” button under your preferred First Horizon checking account.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the application.
Option 2: Visit a Branch
If you prefer to talk to someone in person or need help during the process, you can visit a nearby First Horizon branch. A banker will guide you through each step and answer any questions you may have.
First Horizon Checking Customer Service
Need assistance with your account? First Horizon offers multiple customer service options to help you manage your banking quickly and conveniently.
Contact by Phone
- General Support Line: Call 1‑800‑382‑5465 for help with account questions, debit card issues, or general banking inquiries.
Available Monday through Friday during regular business hours. - Fraud & Card Emergencies (24/7): If your card is lost, stolen, or you’re worried about fraud, call 877‑242‑9895 any time, day or night.
Online Customer Service Requests
Can’t make it to a branch? Use First Horizon’s secure online customer service form to:
- Report a dispute
- Request a copy of a check or statement
- Update your address
- Link overdraft protection
- Order a new debit card
Most online requests are processed in 1–2 business days. You can access the form through the bank’s website under the “Customer Service Requests” section.
Email Support
For general questions about online or mobile banking, email:
customerservice@firsthorizon.com
Note: For security reasons, avoid sending sensitive personal information like your Social Security Number or account number via email.
In-Person Support
Prefer face-to-face service? Visit any First Horizon branch to speak directly with a banker. Many standard services like ordering checks, updating personal information, or setting up overdraft protection can also be handled in person.
First Horizon Checking Account FAQs
Can I open a First Horizon checking account online?
- Yes! You can open any of the three personal checking accounts through the bank’s secure website. If you’d rather speak with someone, you can still open an account at any local branch.
Do I need good credit to open a First Horizon account?
- No. A credit check is not required for most basic checking accounts. As long as you provide the necessary documents to verify your identity, you should be eligible to open an account.
Are there limits on how many transactions I can make?
- Nope. All First Horizon personal checking accounts come with unlimited transactions, so you can use your account as often as you need without worrying about limits.
What happens if my account becomes inactive?
- If your account has a balance under $5,000 and there are no deposits or withdrawals for 12 months, the bank may charge a $5 monthly dormant fee. To avoid this, try to use your account at least once a year, even a small transaction counts.
Can I order checks online?
- Yes, it’s very easy. You can order checks directly through First Horizon’s online or mobile banking platforms. You can also visit ordermychecks.com to place an order or stop by a branch for help.
How do I close my First Horizon checking account?
- You can close your First Horizon Bank checking account by visiting a local branch, calling customer service at 1-800-382-5465, or submitting a written request. Make sure your balance is zero before closing.
Choosing the right First Horizon checking account can help you manage your money more easily and even earn rewards. With useful tools like Zelle, mobile banking, and overdraft protection, banking becomes hassle-free. Plus, you might even qualify for a welcome bonus. Explore your options and open your account today.
