Using a free checking account to manage your money has many benefits, with the most important being you don’t have to carry large sums of cash wherever you go. It also gives you access to a debit and/or ATM card, a network of ATMs from which to get cash, and paper checks you can use to pay bills and send money.
You can find free checking at many financial institutions but at Travis Credit Union (TCU) you get more with your Free Checking account. In this blog, we will discuss how a TCU Free Checking account can better help you manage your money, which improves your financial life.
Benefits of a Free Checking Account
There are many benefits to having a free checking account. If your employer offers direct deposit, you can automatically have your payday earnings deposited directly into your checking account, so you don’t have to worry about depositing or cashing a paper check.
With a free checking account, you can pay bills online, get a debit card, use various online banking tools to keep track of your spending, transfer money to other accounts, contact your financial institution and much more. A good checking account also costs nothing, meaning there should not be any monthly maintenance or balance fees, as well as no overdraft fees if your checks are overdrawn, according to nerdwallet.com.
Why Choose a TCU Free Checking Account?
Along with the benefits mentioned, TCU’s Free Checking account also offers up to two days early payday with direct deposit, Apple Pay® and Samsung Pay® capability and provides access to more than 30,000 ATMs nationwide through the Co-op Solutions network. For peace of mind, your money is safe and secure at Travis. TCU deposit accounts, including checking accounts, are federally insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA).
With both TCU Free Checking and Access Checking accounts, there are no monthly fees and no or low minimum balance fees, as well as a low opening deposit to get the accounted started. Along with 23 branches throughout Northern California, you also have access to a robust online banking and mobile banking system that has received high marks from members for its ease of use, speed and security.
When you do your banking with Travis Credit Union, you’re helping your community, too. TCU is a recognized community partner whose mission is to help people achieve their financial goals and to help communities improve their financial wellness.
How Does a Free Checking Account Improve Financial Health?
Using a free checking account makes it easier to manage your money because it lets you track your spending. You’ll be able to see all debit and ATM transactions, any checks written and cashed, and any deposits made to your account. With online banking, you’ll be able to see all this information online, giving you more peace of mind.
According to Market Watch, 88% of consumers feel some level of financial stress and 65% say finances are their biggest source of stress. With a free checking with no minimum balances or monthly maintenance fees, you can reduce the stress associated with money management.
A free checking account is also needed so you can have your paychecks directly deposited into your account, saving you time and money. You’ll also receive your payday up to two days earlier with direct deposit. Once your funds are available, you can also use Apple Pay® or Samsung Pay® for purchases. If you want to send money to another person but not write a paper check, you can use Zelle® for person-to-person payments.
Are There Additional Perks to TCU's Free Checking Accounts?
A TCU Free Checking account is connected to TCU’s highly rated online banking system. Through online banking, you can set up account alerts that will notify you via email or text when a transaction is made, when your balance falls below a specific amount, when deposits are made and more.
Also, TCU online banking provides members with access to their credit scores, financial health information and financial tools. Knowing your credit score lets you determine if you could qualify for an auto loan or home loan and will let you take the next steps if you need to improve your credit. Visit Traviscu.org to enroll or log in once you open your TCU Free Checking account.
How to Open a TCU Free Checking Account?
Opening a checking account at Travis Credit Union requires becoming a member of the credit union. You will need to provide personal information, such as your full legal name, Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), date of birth and current addresses. Anyone who lives, works, worships or goes to school in the 12 counties that TCU operates in, or who is affiliated with Travis Air Force Base – military or civilian – is eligible.
You can become a member at a branch, online at Traviscu.org or by phone at 800-877-8328. There is a non-refundable $5 membership fee to join and a $5 minimum deposit to open a required Share Savings Account. Once you’re a member, you can open a TCU Free Checking account, Access Checking account and more.
How TCU Can Help
Travis Credit Union is here to help you with all of life’s financial milestones. Our Free Checking and Access Checking accounts are great places to get started. TCU also offers money market accounts, certificates and savings accounts so you can grow your wealth. For investors, Travis Financial Services can help grow your investments. We also offer business services.
If you’re looking to borrow, Travis offers home loans and home equity financing, auto loans and credit cards. TCU is also an active partner in the community and local nonprofits. For example, the credit union sponsors an annual scholarship for 20 college-bound TCU members. It holds financial boot camp seminars for teens and young adults to learn about money management and conducts various shred events around the communities to help keep your personal and financial documents safe from identity theft.
There’s so much you can do with a TCU membership, and it starts with a Free Checking or Access Checking account. Learn more at Traviscu.org today.