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14 Checking Account Benefits You Should Be Looking For

12/05/2022

14 Checking Account Benefits You Should Be Looking For

We live in a digitally-driven world and paper bills and coins continue to fall by the wayside. The right checking account can help you navigate all these changes with ease. But how can you find out what checking account benefits are available, and how can you be sure you need all the services and features on offer? 

At Heritage Community Credit Union, our checking accounts offer a range of different advantages to help your finances flourish. We’ve put together a quick guide to the most important checking account benefits so you can make an informed decision on which checking account is best for you.

1. Cash Back Rewards


If you’re seeking a free checking account that pays you back for using it, check out our Cash Back Checking account. There aren’t any category restrictions so you can swipe away whether you’re dining out, at the grocery store, or fueling up at the gas pump. You’ll be able to enjoy all the perks without any minimum balance requirements or monthly maintenance fees. 

2. Balance Earns Interest


A checking account that allows you to earn interest is an easy way to make your money work for you. Some interest-bearing checking accounts have minimum account balance requirements and other restrictions. 

But our Free Kasasa Checking Account lets you earn a great rate in return for some simple qualifications. Simply use online banking and make 12 debit card purchases to start earning!

3. Easy Opening Requirements


Another great checking account benefit is that you only need $25 to get started. Beginning your financial history with a well-maintained checking account sets you up for success! Become a member of Heritage Community Credit Union and choose a checking account that’s best for you even if you don’t have a credit history. 

4. No Monthly Fees or Low Fees


Joining a credit union means you’re part of a not-for-profit financial institution that works to serve its members (you!). Unlike traditional banks, the profit we earn is returned to members through low or no fees.

For example, you can choose a checking account with no monthly maintenance fee, or you may choose to pay a small fee in return for extra services. 

5. Free eStatements


With many checking accounts, you’ll be able to avoid a monthly maintenance fee by enrolling in eStatements, which saves on paper and means you don't need to wait for a mailed statement. 

You can access current and previous statements with a click of a button to make sure all your transactions are adding up.

 

6. Free Debit Card and Mobile Wallet


You can use your debit card to make simple, secure in-person purchases or to withdraw cash at the ATM. 
Look out for mobile wallet or digital wallet servicesAnother checking account benefit to look for is Mobile Wallet or Digital Wallet compatibility. This service lets you enter your card details once and then make future purchases with just your login details. 

7. Free ATMs or ATM Refunds


Some checking accounts offer up to $25 monthly refunds on ATM withdrawal fees, nationwide, for those times when you use an out-of-network ATM. To avoid any ATM surcharges, the easier solution is to use a surcharge-free ATM within the CO-OP Network, which has over 30,000 ATMs around the U.S. 

8. Direct Deposit


One of the main benefits of a checking account is the ability to receive direct deposits. Rather than waiting on paper checks from your employer, a checking account with direct deposit allows you to access your funds much faster. 

You won’t have to go out of your way each month to make extra trips to the bank every pay period just to deposit checks. You’ll save time, money, and the earth as a more sustainable option versus paper checks!

9. Online Banking and Bill Pay


With a checking account, you don’t have to write paper checks to pay your rent or utility bills. Instead, use secure Online Banking and Bill Pay to get the job done! You can also use services like Zelle to easily send money to friends and family.

With your computer or favorite device, you can easily check your available account balance, transfer money to and from accounts or other financial institutions, and pay bills. Plus, your transaction history is readily available to review your debits and credits

10. Mobile Banking and Mobile Deposit


You can use your phone to access your accounts and take advantage of many of the features offered by online banking. In addition, Mobile Banking and Mobile Deposit let you take a photo of your paper check and deposit it in your account without visiting a branch. Make sure your checking account offers all the latest Mobile Banking tools!

11. Security Features


There’s no need for stashing cash under a mattress or in a shoebox with a checking account. A major benefit of putting your hard-earned money in a checking account is that you can safeguard it from the unexpected. 

Loose cash can be lost, stolen, or damaged, and there is no way of getting back paper currency once it’s gone. Credit unions belong to the National Credit Union Administration which guarantees your account up to $250,000.

For an added layer of security, we offer our members a Worry-Free Checking Account option with identity theft protection. 

12. Overdraft Protection


Some checking accounts, like our Worry-Free Checking, also offer overdraft protection. This added layer of security means you're covered if your account dips below $0 and it may be free or require a fee, depending on your account. 

You get to choose whether the funds come from your savings account, a line of credit, or if Heritage Credit union will cover you. 

13. Available for Teens 


Good money habits start early on! Make sure you can open a checking account for your child aged 13 to 17, like our Teen Checking Account. Younger members simply need a parent or guardian as a joint owner. 

Our free VISA debit card for Teen Checking comes with Purchase Rewards specific to Heritage Community Credit Union!

14. Bonus Features


If you have a particular interest or hobby, you might look for a checking account benefit that rewards you in that area. For example, our Free Kasasa Tunes Checking offers $10 refunds when you buy online music from iTunes®, Amazon®, or Google Play™.
Discover the Benefits of Our Checking Accounts
At Heritage Community Credit Union, we offer five personal checking accounts for every financial need and budget. All accounts offer online and mobile banking options plus a debit card! You’ll be able to manage your day-to-day finances, withdraw cash from ATMs when needed, and keep your money secure with us.