I just got my first Checkings account today, I feel grown up. Because Gamestop's pay system is 30 types of stupid (you have to use a pay card, and there's all types of stipulations and confusions, it's just vile and I want no part of it), I decided I'd opt for direct deposit. And since I only had a savings account prior (for pretty much my entire life) and my savings account bank won't let me direct deposit, I thought it was about time to get a Checkings. It'll be good for when I'm up in college, because I'll have a debit card as soon as I turn 18, which is in 2 month. It'd also help because if I have my money going straight into my bank account, I won't feel so inclined to spend it all, since I'd have to withdraw it first. Now I have a shiny ATM card in the loveliest of blues.
A few of my more financially enlightened friends have been doing the same. Some have debit cards, because they're already 18. When did you get your first Checking account? Do you have a debit/credit card?