Earn more interest, get free checks
What comes with our Advantage Plus account? A free package of checks per year, unlimited check-writing, an instant-issue Visa® debit card and no annoying minimum balance requirement. We’ll also waive the fee on our Visa TravelMoney prepaid cards, a $6.95 savings for you. The monthly service charge is just $4 per month, and you’ll earn interest – in fact, a higher return than what our Value Checking account pays.
If you need an ATM, we’ve got you covered. We are a part of the CO-OP Network that gives you free access to more than 250 local and nearly 30,000 machines so you can get cash whenever you want.
Why choose Arsenal?
WalletHub’s most recent Banking Landscape report found that credit unions offer the best interest rates on checking accounts. Credit unions provide over seven times more value than regional banks and 15 times more value than national banks. Fee-wise, credit union checking accounts are also around 39 percent cheaper than those offered by online-only counterparts.
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Special rewards
This checking account lets you earn rewards when you use your debit card to make signature-based transactions, something you won't see at most financial institutions.
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More savings
Our Spend to Save program makes saving easy. Each time you make a transaction with your Arsenal debit card, we'll round it up to the nearest dollar amount, then deposit the "spare change" into your savings account.
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Fast deposits
Need to deposit a check right away? Use mobile check deposit on our mobile app.
Rates
Value & Advantage Plus Checking
| Product | Minimum Balance to Earn APY | APY Dividend/Interest Rate | Compounding Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value Checking | $0 | .05%/.05% | Monthly |
| Advantage Plus Checking | $0 | .08%/.08% | Monthly |
FAQs
What is Arsenal’s routing number?
Our routing number is 281081233.
What is the difference between a minimum average daily balance and a minimum daily balance?
We're glad you asked. Many banks charge fees based on a minimum daily balance. If your account drops below the minimum on any given day, you'll be charged.
We go with a more generous option and charge fees based on a minimum average daily balance instead. That means we'll calculate your average balance at the end of each month, and only charge a fee if your account is consistently lower than the required amount. This can be a big help if you find that your checking account dips a little low at the end of the month, but generally stays at a higher balance.
What is Courtesy Pay?
Courtesy Pay is automatically activated on all checking accounts in good standing. This service allows us to pay, at our sole discretion, an item (check) presented for payment against your checking account when the requested payment causes the account to become overdrawn. If for any reason you would like to opt out of this service, you may do so by contacting us directly.
What happens if I spend money that’s not in my account?
If your account becomes negative, we will draw money from your savings account first. If there are no available funds in your savings account and you have not established an overdraft line of credit with us, we may still honor the check, but you will be charged a $28 fee, which is several dollars less than the average amount charged by banks. Courtesy Pay is available based on member eligibility; Arsenal may pay overdrafts up to a total of $750 (including fees). If we do not honor your check due to non-sufficient funds in your checking account, you will be charged a $28 fee.
How many checks can I write per month?
As many as you want. Arsenal accounts feature unlimited check-writing privileges.
What is direct deposit? How can it benefit me?
Direct deposit lets your employer deposit your paycheck, Social Security wages or other income directly into your account. It means you don't have to go to a branch or an ATM to deposit your money, and you won't have to face the security threat of a lost paycheck. Plus, you'll get your money faster. It's safe, reliable and highly convenient.
To set up direct deposit, start by asking your employer's HR department for a direct deposit form. You'll need to include our routing number (also known as an ABA number) on the form – it's 281081233.
You'll also need your account number. While it's most likely the account number you use every day, you may have to use a different number for direct deposit. Our address is another typical requirement. In addition, some companies require that you submit a voided check or other document to set up direct deposit.
How do I deposit money into my account?
Deposits can be made via direct deposit, an ATM, branch or shared branch. You can also transfer money into your checking account using online or mobile banking. If depositing a check, you can use the mobile check deposit feature on the Arsenal app.
How do I reorder checks?
You can reorder checks online, or call 1.800.275.1053.
When you order checks through us and our checking partner, Harland Clarke, they are packed with features that add security – and value – for you. The newest feature added (2018) to our checks is CheckArmor®, a fully managed identity theft restoration service. Harland Clarke checks also include enhanced mobile security features that support remote deposit capture and make it more difficult for checks to be used fraudulently.
How do I view my account activity?
You can log into online or mobile banking to see your real-time transaction history. We also send detailed account statements monthly: you can choose between free eStatements or $2 paper statements by mail (fee waived for members 17 and under, or 65 and older).
How old do I need to be to open a checking account?
Members must be age 18 and older and receive ChexSystems® approval. However, members age 13-17 may open an account with a parent or guardian as a signer.
ChexSystems is a check verification service and consumer credit reporting agency. About 80 percent of all U.S. banks and credit unions use ChexSystems to screen applicants by checking your banking history. A ChexSystems report examines data submitted by financial institutions in the past five years. A report may describe banking irregularities such as check overdrafts, unsettled balances, depositing fraudulent checks, or suspicious account handling. Financial institutions may refuse to open a new deposit account for a consumer who has a negative item reported.
How do I balance my checking account?
Use this free checkbook Balance Calculator.
What steps should I take to prevent check forgery?
We suggest the following steps:
- Always use permanent ink when writing checks rather than pencils or erasable ink pens.
- Make out a check to a name, not "cash" so someone else can't cash that check.
- Draw a line after the name of the party who's supposed to get the money.
- Print numbers as close as possible to the preprinted dollar sign.
Can I give another user access to my account?
Yes. By setting up a cross-account agreement, you can transfer money, view balances, check transaction history and request transfers from linked accounts – all from one online banking login. The user with access to your account can even make deposits using mobile check deposit on the Arsenal app. To set up account access for another user, the account owner of both the sending account and the recipient account must sign a form for the cross-account relationship to be established. To learn more, contact us or start a live chat.