Checking accounts that fit your needs
Our full-service checking accounts make day-to-day personal finances convenient and affordable. Manage your daily finances with a checking account that has multiple benefits, 24/7 access and 85,000+ surcharge-free1 ATM locations.
| Account Type | Personal Open An Account | eChecking Open An Account | Student Open An Account | Bank On Checking Open An Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | take control of your daily finances with an affordable and dividend-bearing account | designed for members who almost always bank online; requires enrollment in eStatements | for students age 13 to 25; requires joint owner if under 18 | helping you get a fresh start to banking; excludes check-writing privileges  Bank On Certified |
| Opening Deposit | $25 | $25 | $0.01 | $1.00 |
| Minimum Balance to Earn Dividends | $10,0002 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Printed Statement Fee | waived with Direct Deposit or eStatements3 | None | None | waived with Direct Deposit or eStatements3 |
| Direct Deposit | get paid two days early4 Set Up Direct Deposit | get paid two days early4 Set Up Direct Deposit | get paid two days early4 Set Up Direct Deposit | get paid two days early4 Set Up Direct Deposit |
| Visa® Debit Card |  | | | |
| Overdraft Protection |
when linked to Savings Account5 View Options |
when linked to Savings Account5 View Options | when linked to Savings Account5 | only when linked to Savings Account6 |
| ATM | surcharge-free thru worldwide CO-OP® and Allpoint networks7 | surcharge-free thru worldwide CO-OP® and Allpoint networks7 | surcharge-free thru worldwide CO-OP® and Allpoint networks7 | surcharge-free thru worldwide CO-OP® and Allpoint networks7 |
| Digital Banking | | | | |
| Rates |
Visa® Debit Card
The best of both worlds
- Use it as a check anywhere Visa® is accepted
- Withdrawals, transfers and balance inquiries at millions of ATMs worldwide
No finance charges
Purchases are deducted from your checking account with no annual fees or interest payments
Monthly statements
Detailed records of all your transactions
Real-time fraud alerts
Free and convenient fraud alerts via text message
Lost or Stolen Debit Card?
We understand your debit card is your lifeline to your checking account. If your debit card is ever lost, stolen or severely damaged, contact us.
- Request a new or replacement debit card or PIN number: (800) 334-8788
- Report a lost or stolen debit card: (888) 220-9591
Need to Dispute a Debit Card Transaction?
you can submit a debit card dispute anytime, anywhere, 24/7 from the CCU Mobile App. Simply click on "Debit Card Dispute" under the "More" menu.
Purchase Rewards
Make purchases online or in-store with your debit card to earn cash back in your account8 every month. Our Purchase Rewards program offers a wide selection of offers from your favorite local shops, restaurants, national brands and more! Requires enrollment in Digital or Mobile Banking.
ATM Card
For members who prefer an ATM card, this convenient card allows full access to network ATMs for account transactions but is not enabled to provide purchases at retail locations, online stores, or most point-of-sale locations. Available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of opening a checking account at a credit union varies depending on the specific institution. Generally, credit unions require a minimum deposit to open an account. This initial deposit remains yours and becomes part of your account balance. At California Credit Union, the initial deposit to open a checking account is $25.
While there may not be a direct cost to open a checking account, the minimum deposit requirement is an initial investment. It’s important to note that this money isn’t a fee – it’s still your funds, just placed into the new account. Some credit unions may have additional requirements or fees, but many offer members low-cost or free checking accounts.
Yes, a minimum balance is typically required to open a credit union checking account. The exact amount varies by institution. At California Credit Union, you need an opening deposit of $25 to start your personal checking account. However, there are various types of checking account structures, such as those designed for students or Bank On accounts. At California Credit Union, eligible students need an initial deposit of $0.01, while a Bank On checking account requires a minimum opening balance of $1.00.
While this is the minimum to open the account, there may be different balance requirements to maintain the account without fees or to qualify for certain benefits. For example, some checking accounts might require a higher balance to waive monthly maintenance fees or to earn dividends.
Account holders can earn dividends at credit unions, similar to interest earned in savings accounts at banks. The specific terms and rates for earning dividends on checking accounts can vary between credit unions.
At California Credit Union, you’ll need a minimum balance of $10,000 to earn dividends on your checking account. This feature can help your money grow over time, even in your everyday spending account.
While checking account dividend rates are generally lower than savings or money market accounts, personal checking accounts offer the advantage of earning returns on funds used for everyday expenses.
When considering a dividend-earning checking account, it is crucial to weigh the potential earnings against any fees or requirements. For some members, the convenience of having all funds in one account that earns dividends is valuable. For others, it might make more sense to keep a lower balance in checking and move excess funds to a higher-yield savings account or money market account.
Tools & Resources to help make your day-to-day more manageable.
Visa® Click to Pay
Love to shop online but tired of all the hassle when it comes time to pay?
Overdraft Services
Mistakes happen. Put your mind at ease knowing your transactions will be covered.
Switch Direct Deposit
Transferring your direct deposit from your previous financial institution to ours is a breeze with our self-service tool available within our Mobile App or Digital Banking.
We’re here to take your financial confidence to the next level
Dive into our Learn Center to explore various financial topics or to learn a little more about our practices.
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Banking Basics
Build a Better Budget
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Banking Basics
Debit Card Security Tips
Terms and Conditions
1Requires enrollment in eStatements. Account will default to Personal Checking without notice if eStatement enrollment is not completed.
2Balances over $10,000 will earn dividends. See current rates, terms and conditions online.
3$2 monthly paper statement fee waived with eStatements, or direct deposit ($400+/mo. minimum into checking that receives the direct deposit), OR if under age 18 or 65+.
4We will post your direct deposit to your account as soon as we receive it from the source or your employer. In most cases, we receive direct deposits two days before the scheduled effective date.
5With enrollment in Overdraft Protection.
6This account not eligible for Standard Overdraft or Courtesy Pay.
7All ATMs in the CO-OP and Allpoint networks are fee-free to members. CO-OP and Allpoint are worldwide networks of over 85,000 surcharge-free ATMs owned by credit unions, as well as participating retailers and 7-Eleven® store ATMs.
8 Rewards will post to your account via ACH within the month after the offer is redeemed.
* Standard text and/or internet charges may apply depending on your carrier and service plan.
Programs (including but not limited to fees, rates, and features) are subject to change without notice. After the account is opened, dividend rate and APY may change at the credit union’s discretion. Fees may reduce earnings.
Our Bank On Checking account is Bank On certified by the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, bringing safe and affordable access to banking for unbanked, underbanked and underserved community members in Southern California. Learn More
