Q: One of my friends raves about all the benefits of using ING Orange Checking. How exactly does it work?

A: ING Electric Orange Checking (the word “Electric” is symbolized by a lightning bolt between “ING” and “Orange” and is only mentioned when identifying the particular checking account) is just one of the checking account services offered by ING. It has many benefits and advantages, and a few of them are explained in this article.

For starters, ING Orange Checking accounts do not have overdraft, ATM surcharge, or monthly service fees. Depending on your bank’s fees, you can save as much as $45 per month on these alone. (This figure is based on the national average of $30 for overdrafts, $2 for ATM surcharges, and $13 for monthly fees.)

Besides saving you money on fees, the ING Orange Checking also pays interest on your checking account balance. Depending on how much your balance is, you can earn as much as 1.24% in interest. The higher your balance, the more interest you earn. Your deposits also earn interest.

If those two services aren’t enough, how about the fact that you can get free stuff? This includes a free MasterCard debit card, free online bill pay, free ATM access at over 35,000 ATMs, and free postage-the bank will mail your paper checks for you.