Free Checking Account - Patelco Credit Union

Free. Secure. Easy banking at your fingertips.

The Patelco Free Checking account is a no frills, no strings attached, truly free checking account.

You can save more with no monthly fees, no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. If only everything in life was as straightforward as the Patelco free checking account.

Plus, payday can come even sooner when you set up direct deposit for your account. Get paid up to two days early —without an additional fee.

It takes minutes to open a Patelco Free Checking account. To join Patelco, you’ll need a Social Security number (or acceptable government-issued document showing your Tax Identification Number), driver’s license or government ID, and your current home address.

Free Checking. Always free, always easy.

Get Paid Early with Direct Deposit¹

Set up Direct Deposit and access your funds up to 2 days early

No Overdraft Fee²

Cover unexpected shortage of funds in your account for up to $500 with Instant BackUp. No credit check needed

Top-rated Mobile App³

Access your accounts on the go

Debit Mastercard^® Card

Pay with confidence with Digital Wallets and Zero Liability Protection

Send Money with Ease

Choose from Zelle^®, Bill Pay, wire transfers and more

30,000+ Fee-Free ATMs

Find one near you on our Mobile App

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of becoming a Patelco member?

Patelco is a member owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative. When you open an account at Patelco, you become a member and a shareholder. That’s why we’ll deposit one share ($1) in your Share Savings account when you join.
Our mission is to help members achieve lifelong financial well-being so you can live happier, fuller lives. Unlike the big banks or other for-profit financial institutions, we invest our profits back in our members with better rates and low- to no fees.
We also offer free financial coaching to anyone who wants to improve their financial situation. Members have told us that they feel seen, heard, informed, and supported to make more confident financial choices.
Membership is free. You become a member when you open an account with us. Check out all the benefits of membership.

Is the Free Checking account truly free?

Yes! We don’t charge a monthly fee or require a minimum balance to waive the monthly fee.

How does it work to get paid up to 2 days early?

Members who set up direct deposits into their Patelco checking, savings, or money market accounts can get paid up to 2 days early¹ — so you can access your funds faster.

How do I find a no-fee ATM near me?

You can find one of the 30,000+ fee-free ATMs at patelco.org/locations or on your Mobile App.

When will I receive my Debit Mastercard^® card?

You will receive your debit card in the mail typically within 5 business days after you’ve opened your account.

How do I order checks?

We recommend you place your first order of checks directly with the Patelco team for security reasons. Reorders can be made through Patelco Online™ or our Mobile App.

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¹ Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the receipt of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

² You must enroll in Instant BackUp on your checking account to receive overdraft coverage up to $500. You’ll pay interest only on the amount you borrowed for the amount of time it’s outstanding. Talk to our Patelco team for assistance and learn more here. No overdraft fees applies to checking accounts opened after 04/05/23.

³ Source: over 22,000 five-star reviews on the App Store.

⁴ APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Variable rates are valid as of 05/03/2023 and are subject to change after account opening without notice. A Patelco checking account (opened under the same Member Number) with a total monthly deposit of $500 or more is required to receive the higher interest rate (dividend rate). If the Money Market Plus account does not meet the requirement 3 calendar months after the account is opened, the lower interest rate of 0.05% APY will be applied to the account until the requirements are met. Qualifying deposit transactions include: Payroll direct deposits, Social Security (or other government benefit) direct deposits, ACH transfers, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal or other similar deposits, cash deposits, check deposits (except checks written from another Patelco account), wire transfers, multiple deposits (of the types listed above) that add up to at least $500 in a calendar month. Qualifying deposit transactions do not include Patelco account-to-Patelco account transfers.

For more details, read our Money Market Plus Account Overview.

Mastercard and Mastercard Global Service are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark, of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Zelle and the Zelle-related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

Free Checking

Free Membership

No Monthly Fee

Free. Secure. Easy banking at your fingertips.