Fact or fiction: Credit unions vs. banks
Not sure how credit unions differ from banks? Our blog clears up the confusion, busts common myths and explains how member ownership can strengthen your finances.
More funds, more fun
Free Checking that’s actually free. Well-balanced money for a well-balanced life.
Free Checking1 benefits that empower you
Early direct deposit2
Get paid up to two days early and get a head start on bills or weekend plans.
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Zelle®
Easily send and receive funds with family and friends.
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Round up and save
Automatically round up purchases to the nearest dollar and deposit the difference into savings.
Check it out
Refer-A-Friend
Get an extra $100 each for you and a friend after meeting referral requirements.
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Rewards program
The more you do with us, the more perks you get, like an annual cashback bonus and rate discounts!
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Easy ATM access
Enjoy the convenience of over 50 locations and 30,000+ Co-op surcharge-free ATMs.
See our locations
Monthly checking account fees add up*
Unlike some big banks, we don’t make you earn “free” checking. Ours just is.
$0
Desert Financial
$288
Chase
$336
Bank of America
$240
Wells Fargo
FAQs on fees
Do I need to make a certain number of deposits or purchases every month?
No. Some financial institutions require a certain number of deposits or debit card purchases each month to avoid fees — but we don’t. With our Free Checking account, you’re free to use your account as often or as little as you’d like, without penalty.
Will I be charged if I don’t use my debit card often?
No. You won’t pay any fees based on how often you use your card or how many transactions you make. We think managing your money should be on your terms — not tied to avoiding fees.
How do our fees compare to big banks?
Many banks add fees if your balance drops too low, you don’t make enough transactions or have infrequent deposits. We don’t charge fees in Free Checking.
*Fee comparisons provided are based on publicly available information and reflect standard monthly service fees for basic checking accounts at the financial institutions shown. Actual fees may vary depending on account type, balance requirements or other conditions. Desert Financial’s Free Checking account has no monthly service fee. This comparison is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or affiliation with the other institutions identified.
Top-rated digital banking
24/7 access: Enjoy the convenience of managing your money anytime, anywhere.
Lock and unlock your debit card: Have peace of mind if your card is misplaced.
Financial well-being tools: Take charge of your finances with tools like a savings goal manager and a financial health quiz.
Mobile check deposits: Save time and hassle.
Disclosures
Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
1
Free Checking is free; however, fees for overdraft or additional services may apply. See Fee Schedule. Membership eligibility required. For complete account terms and conditions, refer to the published Statements of Terms, Conditions and Disclosures.
2
Early access to direct deposit funds is a free and automatic feature, dependent on the timing of the payment file submission from your payer. Funds are generally made available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to two business days earlier than the scheduled payment date. If your deposit does not arrive early, expect it to be available on your scheduled pay date. Standard fraud prevention restrictions apply. Not all direct deposits qualify for early access. Early availability of funds is not guaranteed and may vary with each deposit. This service is offered at the discretion of Desert Financial Credit Union, which reserves the right to discontinue it at any time without notice.