Summary
- Opening a checking account is an easy way to keep your money safe and accessible
- Having a checking account can simplify money management
- A checking account can help you build positive money habits and can improve your credit score
In today’s digital world, managing your finances efficiently is essential to building financial freedom and long-term stability. A checking account is the foundation of your personal finance system—where your income arrives, bills get paid, and your financial habits take shape.
We believe your checking account should be more than just a place to hold your money. It should help your money work harder for you. That’s why we offer three powerful options
- Zero-Fee Checking—a simple, secure, low-cost account with no monthly maintenance fee*
- CashBack Checking—earn a $5 monthly reward with qualifying activities**
- High Yield Checking—earn an impressive 5.00% APY† on balances up to $5,000 with qualifying activities
Here’s why opening a checking account is one of the smartest financial moves you can make—and how choosing the right account can help you reach your goals faster.
1. A checking account keeps your money safe and accessible.
A credit union checking account is a secure and convenient way to manage your money. Instead of carrying cash, your funds are protected by your financial institution and easily accessible through:
- Debit card purchases
- Online and digital banking
- ATM withdrawals
- Automatic bill payments and transfers
A checking account gives you 24/7 access to your money while keeping it safe from theft or loss. Your funds are federally insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 for peace of mind.
2. Simplify everyday money management.
A checking account helps you stay organized and in control of your spending. With one central account for all your income and expenses, you can:
- Set up direct deposit for faster access to your paycheck
- Track your spending and balance in real time
- Automate bill payments to avoid late fees
- Easily transfer funds to family and friends digitally
Your checking account provides a clear record of every transaction, enabling you to create budgets, plan for the future, and identify ways to save more each month.
3. Develop healthy financial habits and improve your creditworthiness.
A checking account is often the first step in developing strong financial habits. By using your account responsibly, maintaining a positive balance, avoiding overdrafts, and monitoring your activity, you’ll demonstrate consistent financial management.
These habits help lay the foundation for stronger credit, which can benefit you later when applying for loans, credit cards, or an auto loan or mortgage. A checking account is more than a convenience; it’s a cornerstone of financial wellness.
4. Avoid fees with Zero-Fee Checking
If you don’t have a checking account because you feel they are complicated and loaded with fees, our new Zero-Fee Checking account could be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Zero-Fee Checking is ideal for young adults and anyone who wants a simple, secure, low-cost checking account.
With no monthly maintenance fee, no overdraft fees, and no minimum balance requirements, you can focus on your goals, not your balance. Transactions that exceed your balance are declined without any overdraft fees, keeping your finances transparent and predictable.
Other standard service fees may apply for certain optional services, such as stop-payment requests, wire transfers, or use of a non-network ATM.
Plus, Zero-Fee Checking includes these great perks:
- Unlimited deposits, withdrawals, and transfers
- Free 24/7 digital banking for paying bills, transferring money, and more
- Free Visa® Debit Card
- Free checks and unlimited check writing
- Free paper statement monthly
- ATM access nationwide
5. Earn rewards with CashBack Checking.
If you use your debit card frequently, our CashBack Checking account turns your everyday purchases into rewards.
CashBack Checking benefits include:
- Earn a monthly cash-back credit of $5.00
- No monthly maintenance fees when you meet qualifying activities
- ATM rebates of up to $10 monthly
- Unlimited digital access through our digital banking platform
- Unlimited check writing, and your first box of checks is free
From groceries to gas to streaming services, every purchase counts toward your monthly cash-back reward.
6. Grow your balance with High Yield Checking.
If you typically maintain a higher balance, our High Yield Checking account helps your money grow faster without sacrificing flexibility.
High Yield Checking benefits include:
- Earn a competitive 5.00% APY on your checking balance up to $5,000.
- No minimum balance requirement.
- ATM rebates of up to $10 monthly
- Maintain full access to your funds at any time
With High Yield Checking, you can earn more on your everyday money while enjoying all the convenience of a traditional checking account. It’s perfect for you if you want your deposits to work harder while still keeping funds easily available for daily use.
7. Experience the Credit Union difference.
As a Member-owned financial cooperative, we exist to help our Members—not shareholders—succeed. Our mission is to offer:
- Lower fees and better rates
- Personalized service and support
- Digital tools that make managing your money simple and secure
Whether you prefer a simple, zero-fee checking account, earning cash back, or maximizing your balance, our checking accounts help empower your financial journey.
Final Thoughts: A checking account is the foundation of financial wellness.
A checking account is more than a convenience, it’s a key to financial confidence, security, and opportunity. It keeps your money safe, simplifies daily management, and opens doors to long-term success.
Whether you want to avoid fees, earn cash back on purchases, or grow your balance with higher returns, we have the checking account for you.
Take control of your finances today. Open your Zero-Fee Checking, CashBack Checking, or High Yield Checking account and experience the benefits of working with a credit union that puts Members first.
*The Zero-Fee Checking Account has no monthly maintenance fees and does not require a minimum balance. There are no overdraft or non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees, and in-network ATMs are free to use. While we do not charge fees for out-of-network ATMs, the ATM owner or network may apply a fee. Account holders receive a free debit card, free access to online and mobile banking, and the ability to set up direct deposits at no cost. Paper statements are available upon request, and optional services such as, stop payments, wire transfers, replacement debit cards (rush cards), foreign transactions, dormant account may incur charges. Other fees including return item fees also apply. Please refer to the Credit Union’s Service Charges and Fees schedule located in the Truth-In-Savings Disclosure for all other fees and charges. Deposits, including direct deposits and cash, are generally available immediately, while check deposits are typically available the next business day or may be longer depending on check holds, if applicable. This account is designed to prevent overdrafts past the allowable limits. Transactions that would overdraw your account may be declined. There are no overdraft fees for ATM or one-time debit card transactions. Deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the NCUA. The Zero-Fee Checking Account provides simple, low-cost access to your funds with transparency and no fees for overdrafts, in-network ATM fees, and monthly maintenance fees.
**An initial deposit of $20 is required to open any Checking Account. CashBack Checking will earn a $5 (five dollar) reward and is eligible for up to $10 (ten dollars) in ATM surcharge rebates per statement cycle subject to the following: 1) $1,000 (one thousand dollars) monthly minimum direct deposit, 2) eStatements, and 3) 10 Debit Card Point of Sale (PIN and Signature based) posted transactions using the Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union Debit Card on the CasbBack Checking Account. Posted transactions count toward monthly minimums. Additional restrictions apply: I must be a Member in good standing with a current, valid email address on file with the Credit Union. Qualifying transactions must post and clear the account during the monthly qualification cycle. Transactions may take one or more business days from the transaction date to post to the account. At the time of the statement cycle date the Credit Union will verify the combined products and services used since the previous cycle date to determine the qualification for the $5 reward and the eligibility for the ATM surcharge rebate. In the event that my monthly $1,000 ACH Direct Deposit credit is not received by the Credit Union for a 60 day period, any loan discount which requires the said monthly deposit, CashBack rewards and rebates, and any rate bump-ups on any share certificates will also be discontinued. CashBack reward amount may be found at the Credit Union’s website, verified at a Credit Union Branch or by calling 800.877.2345. Rewards, ATM surcharge rebate amounts, and eligibility criteria are subject to change at any time. Fees may reduce earnings and/or rewards. Accounts with one calendar month of no activity will be assessed an inactivity fee of $5. Rate bonus is for a minimum of $1,000 monthly ACH Direct Deposit or Agent Net Check into a Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union Checking Account. Rates are subject to change at any time.
†An initial deposit of $20 is required to open any Checking Account. High Yield Checking is an interest earning checking account eligible for up to 5.00% APY interest on the average daily balance in the checking account up to $5,000 (five thousand dollars) and 0.20% APY on balances over $5,000. Dividends are calculated by applying a periodic rate to the Average Daily Balance in the account for the Dividend period. High Yield Checking will earn up to 5.00% APY interest and is eligible for up to $10 (ten dollars) in ATM surcharge rebates per statement cycle subject to the following: 1) $1,000 (one thousand dollars) monthly minimum direct deposit, 2) eStatements, and 3) 10 Debit Card Point of Sale (PIN and Signature based) posted transactions using the Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union Debit Card. Posted transactions count toward monthly minimums. Interest earned will be credited to the account at the end of the statement period. Additional restrictions apply: I must be a Member in good standing with a valid email address on file with the Credit Union. Qualifying transactions must post and clear the account during the monthly qualification cycle. Should the account not qualify for ATM surcharge rebates and/or the 5.00% APY interest, and for balances in excess of $5000, the account will earn 0.20% APY (twenty basis points) on the checking account balance. Transactions may take one or more business days from the transaction date to post to the account. At the time of the statement cycle date you will verify the combined products and services used since the previous cycle date to determine the qualification for the 5.00% interest and the eligibility for the ATM surcharge rebate. In the event that my monthly $1,000 ACH direct deposit credit does not come in for a 60 day period, the loan discount and the rate bump-up on the certificate will also be discontinued. Current interest rates and the annual percentage yield may be found at the Credit Union’s website, may be verified at a Credit Union Branch or by calling 800.877.2345. Interest rates earned, ATM surcharge rebate amounts and qualifying dollar amounts for interest earned are subject to change at any time. APYs, ATM surcharge rebate amounts and eligibility criteria are subject to change at any time. Fees may reduce earnings. Accounts with one calendar month of no activity will be assessed an inactivity fee of $5.
Rate bonus is for a minimum of $1,000 monthly ACH Direct Deposit into a Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union Checking Account. Rates are subject to change at any time.
