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.
Join today and get more from your checking account.
As a new member, you’ll receive $200* when you meet these requirements within the first 60 days:
Open Free Checking and Membership Savings accounts.
Receive a single direct deposit of at least $1,000.
Enroll in eStatements.
Plus, with an easy online application and thousands of five-star reviews, you can feel good about where you bank.
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.
Tell me more
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
*
New members must open accounts online via the promotional link above or mention the offer while opening accounts in-branch or by phone to be eligible. To earn the $200 cash bonus, open a Membership Savings ($25 minimum balance requirement) and a checking account, and within 60 calendar days of account opening: enroll in Online Banking and eStatements and receive a direct deposit of at least $1,000 in a single transaction into the new checking. Bonus will be deposited into the qualifying checking account no later than 10 business days in the month following the end of the initial 60-calendar-day period if qualifications are met. Accounts must be open and not delinquent (30+ days) at the time of bonus payment. Cash bonus is subject to all applicable taxes, is the responsibility of the member and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT (or Form 1042-S, if applicable). Offer available to new DFCU members (18+) with a valid U.S. Taxpayer ID or SSN who meet membership eligibility and new account qualification requirements. See our Statements of Terms, Conditions & Disclosures for details. Existing primary account owners or primary account owners who have closed their membership within the past 12 months and existing joint account owners of an open checking or savings share are ineligible to receive bonus. Employees of DFCU, its subsidiaries, affiliates or agencies and their immediate family (including spouse, parents, siblings, children, grandparents or grandchildren) are not eligible. Offer cannot be combined with any other account opening offer.
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 additional services may apply. Membership eligibility and account qualification requirements apply.
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.