Accounts > Free Checking

Open your free checking account online instantly

When you open a Free Checking account, you pay no monthly maintenance fees. There’s no monthly balance or other requirements. You get complete, free access to your money when and where you need it.

If you're looking for a free checking account, most financial institutions don't offer them anymore. We've been fighting fee frustration with Free Checking for 25+ years.

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Making the switch is easy

Use a host of digital tools to make starting a new checking account easy. If you ever need help, we're just a live chat away in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

Automatic bill pay

Set up automatic payments for your most common utilities, loans and other payments. Learn more about the benefits of paying your loans on time.

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Improve your financial health

Use tools within online + mobile banking to hit savings and budget goals. Start analyzing your spending patterns to see where your money is going each month.

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Navigate your credit journey

Monitor almost every aspect of your credit journey inside online + mobile banking. Get your daily, free credit score with no extra apps to download.

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Control your free checking account

Take care of your banking needs anytime, anywhere with our digital solutions.

Online + Mobile Banking

View your account balance, transfer funds, set up automatic bill pay and much more.

Mobile Check Deposit

Deposit checks you receive anytime, anywhere using your phone.

Zelle

Send and receive money to/from friends, family and others in minutes.

Learn more about online + mobile banking

A debit card that works for you

Get a debit card issued instantly at a branch or through a nondescript envelope in the mail when you open a free checking account online. Maximize your card’s features with these unique services:

Spend to Save

Round up your debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and have the “change” deposited directly into your savings account.

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Card Management

Lock or unlock your card if it’s lost or stolen, request a new card, set alerts and controls and much more all within online + mobile banking

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More free ATMs

Access more than 250 local and nearly 30,000 fee-free machines around the country with your debit card.

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Learn more about debit cards

Protect your account

Keep a safety net on your checking account.

Courtesy Pay

If you have insufficient funds, purchases made using your checking account may still go through. Courtesy Pay is set up automatically on all accounts.

Overdraft line of credit

Avoid fees for not having enough in your checking account. This loan product features a fixed rate with no set term. Only pay interest if you have an outstanding balance. Ask us for more information about setting up your overdraft line of credit.

What are people saying?

“The employee helped me understand the different types of accounts I could pick from and was very thorough in explaining things to me. I ended up opening the perfect type of account to suit my needs.”

Barbara O.
Member

Frequently asked checking account questions

How is a checking account different from a savings account?

A checking account is designed for everyday spending and frequent transactions, such as debit card purchases, bill payments, and withdrawals. A savings account is intended for storing money over time and typically earns more interest, but usually has fewer transaction features.

Can I get a checking account without any fees?

Yes. Free Checking at Arsenal Credit Union features no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements. To make sure you stay fee-free, try not to overdraft your account, use ATMs in the network your checking account provider belongs to, and sign up for eStatements to avoid paper statement fees.

What are the typical fees associated with checking accounts?

The most typical checking account fees include monthly maintenance fees and minimum balance fees. Overdraft fees, wire transfer fees, and paper statement fees are also typical for checking accounts.

What's the minimum balance requirement for most checking accounts?

Many traditional financial institutions require a minimum balance between $500 to $1,500 to avoid a monthly fee. Most credit unions have a more member-centric philosophy and will offer checking account services for free when membership is established.

You’re one step closer to a better way to bank

Open your account online or in-person and we’ll help you get set up.

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