Helping you spend, save and earn - all in one account
At a Glance
If your checking account is at a big bank, chances are you're paying big fees or getting little in return for the huge minimum balance you're required to maintain. But, if you're using a Free Checking account from DCU, things are more than a little different.
Every account includes:
No minimum balance and no monthly maintenance fees
FREE use of 23 DCU Branches in MA/NH - and more than 5,900 shared branches nationwide
FREE use of 35+ DCU ATMs in MA/NH - and more than 80,000 surcharge-free non-DCU ATMs nationwide.
FREE use of DCU Digital Banking - carrier data and message rates may apply
FREE DCU Visa® Debit Card with EMV chip - upon approval
FREE eStatements, account alerts and notifications
0.20% APY*
ON BALANCES UP TO AND INCLUDING
$1,000 WITH EARN MORE ACTIVATED
MINIMUM TO OPEN
$0.00
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE
$0.00
Get the most out of your Free Checking account
Spend and earn in one account
Wouldn’t it be great if your money worked for you? With the Earn More feature on your Free Checking account, it can.
Payday doesn't have to wait
Nobody likes to wait until payday and at DCU you may not have to. Simply set up recurring direct deposit of your paycheck, Social Security or pension and you could see your money in your account up to two days early.
Cash shouldn't cost you cash
We don't charge you for accessing your cash - in fact, we'll even help you out when others do charge you. We’ll reimburse you up to $300 per year in ATM fees charged by other institutions. All you need to do is add direct deposit of recurring income of at least $500 per calendar month and make at least 5 qualifying transactions per month.1
Savings that go beyond your account
When you use a DCU Free Checking account, we don’t just help you save money on your everyday banking. Add direct deposit and make your loan payments electronically and you'll receive a0.50% discount on most consumer loans.
Spend and earn in one account
Wouldn’t it be great if your money worked for you? With the Earn More feature on your Free Checking account, it can.
Payday doesn't have to wait
Nobody likes to wait until payday and at DCU you may not have to. Simply set up recurring direct deposit of your paycheck, Social Security or pension and you could see your money in your account up to two days early.
Cash shouldn't cost you cash
Not only do we not charge you for accessing your cash – we help you out when others do. Add direct deposit and make at least 5 transactions per month and we’ll reimburse up to $300 per year in ATM fees charged by other institutions.2
Savings that go beyond your account
When you use a DCU Free Checking account, we don’t just help you save money on your everyday banking. Add direct deposit and make your loan payments electronically and you’ll receive a 0.50% discount on most consumer loans.
*An interest rate of 0.20%will be paid on your daily balance up to and including the first $1,000.00. The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) for this tier will be 0.20%. Balances over $1,000.00 will not earn interest. The APY on balances over $1,000.00 will range from0.20% to 0.000% depending on the total account balance. For example, a balance of $1,000.00 will earn an APY of0.20% while a balance of $1,000,000.00 will earn an APY of 0.000%. APY range assumes a maximum account balance of $1,000,000.00 and is for illustration purposes only. Rates are variable and may change after the account is opened at any time at DCU’s discretion. Fees may reduce earnings. Other conditions may apply. Rates effective
The Earn More Feature is activated the first of the month following the month enrollment took place and funds begin to earn interest on the first of the month following enrollment. The Earn More Feature can only be added to one checking account per membership, excluding HSA Checking accounts. The Earn More Feature is a sweep feature, which means that balances up to the Maximum Program Deposit Amount ($1,000.00) will be automatically swept to FDIC and/or NCUA insured accounts held at participating Receiving Financial Institutions. Access to your checking account funds remains the same. Balances that exceed the Maximum Program Deposit Amount will remain in the DCU Free Checking Account at DCU. The Maximum Program Deposit Amount and Receiving Financial Institutions may be changed at any time. To review the list of the current Receiving Financial Institutions and the current Maximum Program Deposit Amount,click here.Please refer toDCU's Free Checking with Earn More Feature Terms and Conditions,Account Agreement for Consumers, andSchedule of Fees and Service Chargesfor additional important information and disclosures.
¹How to Qualify: Add and maintain direct deposit (qualifying direct deposit is a recurring electronic credit of your payroll, retirement, Social Security, or other recurring monthly income) AND make at least 5 transactions each month (qualifying transaction types include debit and/or credit card transactions, bill payments, balance transfers, or P2P transfers that post and clear your account within the same calendar month). If at any time you fail to maintain these qualifications, your benefit level will be automatically adjusted without notice and you will no longer be eligible to receive the associated benefits. DCU will reimburse up to $25 a month in ATM fees charged by other institutions for use of their ATM (also known as 'surcharges').
Please refer to DCU'sAccount Agreement for ConsumersandSchedule of Fees and Service Chargesfor important information and disclosures.
Membership Benefit Levels
While every member has access to most of our great benefits, the more a member does with DCU, the more those benefits multiply. Check out the information below for a detailed description of benefits by level.
Basic Member Benefits
Every member enjoys these benefits automatically:
- No minimum balances or monthly maintenance fees
- FREE use of 23 DCU Branches in MA/NH- and more than 5,900 shared branches nationwide
- FREE use of 35+ DCU ATMs in MA/NH- and more than 80,000 surcharge-free non-DCU ATMs nationwide.
- FREE use of DCU Digital Banking- carrier data and message rates may apply
- FREE DCU Visa® Debit Card with EMV chip- upon approval
- FREE eStatements, account alerts and notifications
Plus Member Benefits
Enjoyallthe Basic Member Benefits plus:
- Paid up to two days early with Direct Deposit.
- Up to $10 per month ($120 per year) in reimbursements for ATM fees charged by other institutions.
- 0.50%discount on most consumer loans, when the loan is paid with electronic payment.
How to Qualify: Add and maintain direct deposit (qualifying direct depositis a recurring electronic credit of yourpayroll, retirement, Social Security, or other recurring monthly income). If at any time you fail to maintain these qualifications, your benefit level will be automatically adjusted without notice and you will no longer be eligible to receive the associated benefits.
Relationship Member Benefits
Enjoyallthe Plus Member Benefits and:
- Up to $25 per month ($300 per year) in reimbursements for ATM fees charged by other institutions.
- FREE DCU Custom-style checks (80/year)
How to Qualify: Add and maintain direct deposit (qualifying direct depositis a recurring electronic credit of yourpayroll, retirement, Social Security, or other recurring monthly income) AND make at least 5 transactions per month (qualifying transaction types include debit and/or credit card transactions, bill payments, balance transfers, or P2P transfers that post and clear your account within the same calendar month). If at any time you fail to maintain these qualifications, your benefit level will be automatically adjusted without noticeand you will no longer be eligible to receive the associated benefits.
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As a financial expert with a deep understanding of banking products and services, let me break down the key concepts and features mentioned in the provided article about DCU's Free Checking account.
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Free Checking Account Overview:
- No Minimum Balance and No Monthly Maintenance Fees: DCU offers a Free Checking account with no minimum balance requirements or monthly maintenance fees.
- Branch and ATM Access: Customers can access 23 DCU branches in MA/NH for free, along with over 5,900 shared branches nationwide. Additionally, they can use 35+ DCU ATMs in MA/NH and benefit from more than 80,000 surcharge-free non-DCU ATMs nationwide.
- Digital Banking: DCU provides free access to digital banking, with carrier data and message rates that may apply.
- Free Visa Debit Card: Upon approval, customers receive a free DCU Visa Debit Card equipped with an EMV chip.
- eStatements and Alerts: The account includes free eStatements, account alerts, and notifications.
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Earn More Feature:
- Interest Rate (APY): The account offers an interest rate of up to 0.20% APY on daily balances up to and including the first $1,000. Balances over $1,000 do not earn interest, and the APY for these balances ranges from 0.20% to 0.000%, depending on the total account balance.
- Activation Requirements: The Earn More feature is activated by enrolling in the program, and the interest begins accruing from the first of the month following enrollment.
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Additional Features and Benefits:
- Early Direct Deposit: Customers can set up recurring direct deposit of paychecks, Social Security, or pension to potentially receive funds up to two days early.
- ATM Fee Reimbursement: DCU reimburses up to $300 per year in ATM fees charged by other institutions. To qualify, customers need to add direct deposit of recurring income and make at least 5 qualifying transactions per month.
- Loan Payment Discount: Adding direct deposit and making loan payments electronically qualifies customers for a 0.50% discount on most consumer loans.
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Membership Benefit Levels:
- Basic Member Benefits: Every member enjoys basic benefits such as no minimum balances, free branch and ATM access, free digital banking, a free Visa Debit Card, and eStatements.
- Plus Member Benefits: These include early direct deposit, ATM fee reimbursements, and a loan payment discount.
- Relationship Member Benefits: In addition to Plus benefits, Relationship members receive higher ATM fee reimbursements and free custom-style checks.
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How to Qualify for Benefits:
- Basic Members: No specific qualifications required.
- Plus Members: Maintain direct deposit.
- Relationship Members: Maintain direct deposit and make at least 5 transactions per month.
This comprehensive account structure aims to provide users with a range of benefits, from fee-free banking to interest earnings and additional perks based on their level of engagement with DCU. The article also emphasizes the flexibility and financial advantages offered by the Free Checking account, making it an appealing option for various customers.