minimum balance in checking account

[Gerianne]

do you try to maintain a certain balance in your checking account?
I don't have an emergency fund in its own account.
 So, I guess I just "decided" on a number for my "cushion of comfort".
If I go a bit below it, payday comes soon. I would never want to go to a zero balance.

[yikes77]

I have 2 bank accounts; my main checking one must keep the minimum balance so I don't pay fees on it so I maintain that one but shift most of my money to my savings account.

[southernhorizons]

No, I always try to keep some money in my accounts, but I didn't set myself a minimum. Once or twice when I was out of a job, I got down to a few cents, but usually I don't have to worry about overdrawing my accounts.

[sak4kat]

I haven't gone below zero in years... seems my last relationship was the reason for that.  The checking account I have now doesn't require a min. balance.  But if I were to over draw there would be fines.  Between so many different revenues of cash coming in there is no reason for my checking account to ever get that close - I now can move money around.

[bremer51]

I like a little cushion in my checking account...around $20,000.  Hahahahahaha.  I wish.

[6265AT99]

Minimum balance?  Really, who can afford that these days!!!!!!

[hawkeye3210]

Yeah, I have a minimum amount that I like to keep in there.

[iimouto]

I actually think it's a policy of my bank to keep at least $200 in there. So I don't have a choice XD

[cathy37]

I don't have a minimum balance amount.  I just try to keep some in the account for emergencies.  I don't like to get too low.

[texasmom32]

I always try to keep at least $100 in my checking account, once it goes below that I halt all spending until payday!  I usually do pretty good, but every now and then we dip into it.

[dancer139]

i don't  have to keep a minimum balance in my checking account,,,   but i always  have at least $200 in there at all times. I call it emergency money 

[debidoo]

I never get to a non-sufficient funds status I keep close watch on my balance but right now there is only 26 cents in my account.  I pay my bills at the beginning of the month and I try and hope to have enough left for food or anything else that can't be covered by the little bit I am able to earn online but beyond that I can't worry about it because I don't have the level of income to worry about having a cushion.

[freedavis]

I usually keep way more than minimum in account just for a raining day.  Plus you hate to get a overdraft fee.

[misi49]

I have an interest bearing checking account so I always have to maintain a minimum balance.  The rate is real low, but every little bit helps.

[missplaymate618]

I have two accounts plus a savings, but my savings account I am trying not to touch at all since I am in the process of buying a home and I want to put more down on a home. But with my checking accounts I have to keep a minimum balance so I won't have maintenance fees and such, even though its 7.99 a month that's 7.99 I can save if I keep a minimum amount lol