How to Choose a Checking Account

When it comes to checking accounts, there is no “one size fits all.” Depending on where you are in your financial journey, and how you prefer to bank, you’ll want to choose a checking account that’s right (or as we like to say, RITE) for you.

Here are the types of things you’ll want to consider when reviewing your options.

Benefits

Our RITE Extra Checking account has a low $6 monthly maintenance service charge, but it comes with a robust menu of benefits like Early Pay and Unlimited ATM surcharge reimbursements, as well as access to Cornerstone Plus, which gives you buyer’s protection and extended warranty^1,2, ID theft aid^1,2, roadside assistance, cell phone protection^1,2, local discounts* and much more! You’ll also get access to our uChoose Rewards** program where you select the rewards that matter most to you.

All these benefits add up to a lot more than the service charge, saving you money and giving you added peace of mind. If you are able to maintain a daily minimum balance of $1,000, our RITE Premium account offers all same the benefits, but the monthly maintenance service charge of $8 is waived.

Banking Preferences

When you choose a checking account, consider how you plan to use it.

If you:

Prefer banking in person, having branches close to where you live or work is key.
Like to bank and pay bills online via a desktop or your mobile device, you’ll want to choose a bank that makes it easy to do so.
Regularly hit up an ATM, choose an account—like all our RITE Checking accounts—that offers unlimited ATM surcharge reimbursements.

Account Types

Some banks offer customized checking account options for certain circumstances. For example, our Basic Checking account is free for customers 18 and under and 65 and over***. While this option doesn’t offer all the benefits of our RITE Checking accounts, you can still earn uChoose Rewards** and take advantage of Early Pay.

We also offer RITE Student Checking, which is ideal for young adults³ beginning their journey to financial independence. It includes all the benefits and features of RITE Extra Checking, but with no monthly maintenance service charge for students up until age 26⁴.

Other Considerations

Finally, take some time to evaluate the bank itself. Consider these questions:

How is its customer service experience? Can you speak to live people?
How comprehensive is the menu of products and services? Does the institution offer what you need for the long term, from saving accounts and investment services to loans and mortgages?
Is the bank fully insured by both FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Company) and DIF (Depositors Insurance Fund)?
Does the institution align with your values? Does it support community organizations and causes that are important to you?
What support and resources are offered for security and fraud prevention?
Does the bank have a solid foundation and reputation?

Built on Trust

Our customer promise, Built on Trust, is not just a tagline, but also a corporate focus. We are proud of the longstanding relationships we have built with our customers and community, and we’re focused on offering the products and services that meet your needs. Please reach out if we can be of any assistance in choosing or opening a checking account that works for you.

*Participating merchants on BaZing are not sponsors of the program, are subject to change without notice, may not be available in all regions, and may choose to limit deals.

**Participating retailers subject to change. Points become available in the month after they are earned and expire 1,096 days from the end of the month in which they are posted.

***Maintain a $100 minimum daily balance or enroll in direct deposits and we’ll waive the $7 monthly maintenance service charge. This account is free for customers 18 and under and 65 and over.

¹Subject to the terms and conditions detailed in the Guide to Benefits.

²Insurance products are: NOT A DEPOSIT. NOT FDIC-INSURED. NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY. NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK.

³Applicant must be an active student aged 16–25. Students at the age of 16 require a parent or guardian as a joint account owner.

⁴No monthly maintenance service charge until age 26; at the attainment of age 26 a $6 monthly maintenance service charge will be assessed.