Better Than Free Checking
More than free.
Going beyond “free” to give you real value every day.
Better Than Free Checking removes the fees and balance requirements that get in the way of your financial well-being, while adding perks like ATM rebates and interest earnings that traditional free checking doesn’t offer.
Avoid unnecessary fees
No monthly service charge when you enroll in eStatements1, or for members 60+, and no minimum balance to worry about.
Save money at ATMs
Get two automatic ATM surcharge rebates every month, so accessing your cash never costs you extra.
Earn interest on your balance
Grow your money just by keeping it here. Earn 1.00% APY on your first $500 in balances with qualifying direct deposit.2
Open a Better Than Free Checking & get a $300 cash bonus*
For a limited time, open your account with direct deposit, and we’ll deposit $300 into your account to show our appreciation.
Promo code: BTF300
Get paid up to two days early.
Get early access to direct deposit, and don’t wait on your own money.
Better than what?
When choosing a checking account, most people look for the basics: easy access to their money, convenient spending tools, and minimal fees. While many financial institutions advertise “free checking,” we go a step further with Better Than Free Checking.
Rates
|
APY* |
Rate |
Minimum Balance to Open |
Minimum Balance to Earn Dividends |
|---|---|---|---|
|
*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rate = Dividend Rate. |
|||
|
APY* 1.00% |
Rate 0.995% |
Minimum Balance to Open $0 |
Minimum Balance to Earn Dividends Up to $500 with direct deposit |
Disclosures
-
*Cash bonus offer valid until December 31, 2026, when a new Better Than Free checking account is opened with recurring payroll direct deposit of $500 or more and at least 5 debit transactions within 90 days. Account can be opened at a First U.S. branch, online or via phone using code promo code BTF300. Must qualify for membership. Offer is limited to one per member and account. Offer is not available for existing First U.S. members. Cash bonus will be reported to the IRS for tax purposes. Offer can be changed or canceled without notice at any time. Please up to four weeks for bonus deposit after we verified the direct deposit or after you qualified. Your account must be open, in good standing and have a balance greater than $100 when the cash bonus is paid. Deposits processed as a debit card credit or via Account to Account or Peer to Peer (e.g. Zelle®, Venmo) transfers do not qualify.
1. No monthly service charge with eStatements or for members 60+. Paper statements available for $3 per month. Please see Pricing Schedule for more details.
2. APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Must have a direct deposit of $500 or more to qualify. Visit Rates page for more details.
3. Early access to your direct deposit of funds is not guaranteed and is dependent on individual’s payroll. We generally make direct deposits available up to 2 days earlier than the payment date specified.