Our most popular checking account — for good reason 

Everyday checking that gives you more

SmartRate Checking combines premium dividends, ATM fee refunds, no monthly service fee, and no minimum balance. It’s designed around how you manage your money each month — making it easier to earn more while keeping everyday banking simple. 

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Earn premium dividends each month

You can earn a higher dividend rate on qualifying balances when you: Enroll in eStatements, make at least 20 debit card transactions per cycle, and have at least one direct deposit per cycle. Meet these monthly requirements, and the higher dividend rate applies.

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Up to $25 in ATM fee refunds

When you meet the account’s monthly requirements, you can receive up to $25 per month in domestic ATM fee refunds — giving you flexibility to access your money when and where you need it.

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No monthly fees

With no monthly service fee, this account helps you keep more of what you earn — so your money can go toward the things that matter most. 

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Early access to direct deposits

With Early Pay, you can receive eligible direct deposits up to two days early — giving you faster access to your paycheck or recurring income when it matters most.

Open your SmartRate Checking account with ease

Getting started is simple. Open your account online in just a few steps and move forward with confidence, knowing we’re here to guide you. 

01
Start your application online

Getting started with a checking account takes just a few easy steps. Many members can open their account in minutes, and we’ll guide you every step of the way. 

02
Set everything up in one place

Fund your account securely online, add a joint owner or beneficiary, enroll in online banking, and set up direct deposit — so everything is ready from day one. 

03
Start spending and managing digitally

Use your Visa® Debit Card and online banking tools to make purchases, track activity, and manage your money with clarity and confidence. Add your card to your digital wallet for secure, convenient payments from your phone or smartwatch.

SmartRate Checking

BalanceDividendAPY*
Up to $25,0002.96%3.00%
$25,000 or more0.10%0.10%
Any balance if requirements are not met0.05%0.05%

APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rates are variable and subject to change. When requirements are met, APY for balances over $25,000 will vary based on the account balance and reflects a blended rate. Rates are variable and may change after the account is opened. APYs are accurate as of 02.01.26.  If account requirements are not met, all balances earn 0.05% APY. Requirements include enrollment in eStatements, at least 20 debit card transactions per cycle, and a direct deposit or ACH debit per cycle. Up to $25 in ATM fees will be refunded per month when requirements are met. A $50 minimum deposit is required to open the account. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. 
Your questions, answered

SmartRate Checking is a high-value, dividend-earning checking account that rewards you for using your account actively each month. When you meet simple monthly qualification requirements, you can earn a premium dividend rate on qualifying balances. If the requirements are not met, the account earns a base dividend rate. 

You earn the premium dividend rate by meeting three monthly requirements during each statement cycle: enrolling in eStatements, completing at least 20 debit card transactions, and having at least one direct deposit or ACH transaction post to your account. If these requirements are not met, your account will earn the base dividend rate for that cycle. 

Yes. Enrollment in eStatements is part of the monthly qualification requirements. If you choose to receive paper statements instead, a $2.00 monthly paper statement fee will apply. You can avoid this fee by enrolling in eStatements through online banking. 

When you meet the monthly qualification requirements, SmartRate Checking refunds up to $25 per month in domestic ATM fees. Refunds are applied automatically to qualifying accounts. 

If you don’t meet the monthly requirements during a statement cycle, your account will still function normally—you’ll simply earn the base dividend rate instead of the premium rate, and ATM fee refunds will not apply for that month.