Checking Accounts
Checking accounts to help you manage your money
All of our checking accounts make managing your money easy with Digital Banking and Mobile Deposit. In addition, you can access your money by writing a check or using your debit card at thousands of surcharge-free ATMs1 and at retailers everywhere including merchants who participate in Apple Pay® and Samsung Pay. Star Members also enjoy unlimited ATM access2 and free Star Member checks. In the event you have unexpected overdrafts, we have you covered with three overdraft options.
Members must qualify for one of our checking accounts. Based on a review of your credit, we'll pair you with the checking account that’s right for your needs.
Members between the ages of 13 and 15 can open a checking account with a joint owner. At age 16, students can have their own checking account. To open an account, students need to provide a school ID or photo identification as well as proof of address using a report card or a statement from a financial institution.
If you currently have a checking account elsewhere, we'll help you switch to Educational Systems FCU with our Switch Kit.
Premium Checking
A Premium Checking Account features no minimum balance requirement and no monthly service fee.
Standard Checking
The Standard Checking Account requires a $1,500 minimum daily balance to avoid the $12.95 monthly fee.3
Dividend Checking
The Dividend Checking Account offers dividends with a minimum balance of $500. This balance is also required to avoid the $10 monthly fee.4
Frequently Asked Questions
Stop payments may be requested during business hours by phone or in person. The fee for this service is outlined in our fee schedule [link to https://www.esfcu.org/EducationalSystems/media/Documents/FeeSchedule.pdf]. There is no fee if the stop payment is requested online through Digital Banking.
Please follow our step-by-step guide to deposit a check at our ATM.
You can open an account at Educational Systems FCU by visiting a branch or mailing in a paper application to PO Box 179, Greenbelt, MD 20768-0179. You will need to provide a photo identification and verification of address.
Keep in mind that once you’re a member, you’re always a member, even if you leave your place of employment. Membership is based on your employer or family relationship at the time of Credit Union enrollment and maintaining the required minimum balance.
Helpful Tip
You can get cash at the grocery store checkout using your debit card without incurring a fee by selecting the debit option. If you don't need cash, select credit.
Ready to open your account? We're here to help.
Financial Wellness is Within Reach
1 Withdrawals are free from all Educational Systems FCU ATMs when using an Educational Systems FCU ATM or debit card. Surcharge-free transactions are also available at CULIANCE 'CU Here' Network ATMs across the country. For non-Credit Union ATM transactions, please refer to our Fee Disclosure.
2 ATM transaction fees for any given month are only waived if your Star relationship is confirmed for the end of the month in which the transaction(s) occurred.
3 The Standard Checking low balance fee is waived for members under the age of 22.
4 The Dividend Checking Account fee is waived for Star Members.