I have two different accounts that I love. First of all, I have a money market account linked to my stock portfolio and they give me checks and a debit card. I get the highest possible interest....maybe even a full ONE PERCENT in this economy, on my money while I use my debit card free. If it would EVER be necessary, I have up to 50% of the value of my stocks available to me on margin. I don't go there, except true emergencies and then I try to transfer money to repay the margin ASAP.
My regular bank is Commerce Bank...now TD Bank. I love it for a number of reasons....open seven days a week with extended drive through hours. Next business day clearing for most deposits. A "yes we can" attitude". Free pens (LOL) and dog biscuits at the drive through. I also found that they have run some Certificate of Deposit specials that no one could beat. Not ALWAYS available, but when I've seen them, fantastic. I also love their online banking.
They do have some fees, like other banks, but I can tolerate it because of their service. Did I also mention 24 hour telephone customer service?