Researching our new bank

Local bank deposited $50 into our new checking account, on the condition that we sign up for direct deposit. Nice perk, as we researched all other aspects of this bank (actually, all local banks matching our criteria), such as proximity to home and work in order to avoid the ATM surcharge for using another bank’s ATM), and questions such as (but not limited to) “Will we be charged with excessive fees should our account balance ever fall below a mandatory minimum?” “When we call, are we going to get a person or an automated service?” This is a long-term relationship we’re talking here, and we’re primarily interested in an expense account to pay the bills. This is just us; you can establish your own criteria.