Checking Accounts & Debit Cards - Essential Credit Union

Essential Checking Account Benefits

Get the below benefits with Rewards, Simple and Prosperity Rewards Checking

No monthly service charges
No minimum balance
No teller fees
No relationship fees
No per check processing fee
Safe Pay program²
Overdraft protection³

Free instant issue VISA checking debit card
Receive monthly mailed statements or get them electronically via free eStatements
Access to thousands of ATMs and Branches including CO-OP and CUliance
Checking accounts are federally insured up to at least $250,000⁴

Free online banking, mobile banking and telephone banking access to your account 24/7
- Free online Bill Pay
- Free money management tool
- Purchase Rewards
- Manage your credit score with Credit Sense
- Pay friends and family with Zelle

Rewards Checking

Essential's Rewards Checking (formerly known as Key Checking) account is a high yield account for members who meet simple monthly qualifiers. Start earning rewards by using your checking account today!

Rewards:

5.00% APY¹ on balances $10,000 or below
Balances above $10,000 earn .50% APY¹ on that portion
ATM fees refunded from other financial institutions¹

Qualifications:

15 or more VISA Debit Card transactions
Enrolled in eStatements (no mailed statements)

We have checking accounts available at all of our locations including, Baton Rouge, Walker, Gonzales, Plaquemine, Houston,

Open Rewards Checking

Simple Checking

A simple checking account should be just that--simple. This account offers the simplicity of basic banking, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize straightforward transactions without the complexity of interest calculations or qualifications.

Open Simple Checking

Prosperity Rewards Checking - Senior Checking Account

Best Checking Account for Seniors

At Essential Credit Union, we believe in helping our senior members make the most of their hard-earned money. Our senior checking account members enjoy higher savings rates, fee refunds, and convenient access to your funds.

Key Benefits:

Direct Deposit Required
A simple, easy way to manage your finances. Your benefits or pension payments are deposited automatically, so you have peace of mind.
ATM Fee Refunds
We’ll refund fees from any ATM you use, so you can access your money anywhere.
No Monthly Maintenance Fees
Keep more of your money with no hidden fees.

Learn More about Prosperity Accounts

Rewards Checking Calculator

How much will I earn with Rewards Checking at today’s rates?

Enter your checking account balance:

For one month:

For one year:

^{Calculations are estimated using a 30 day monthly average balance. Actual dividends may vary based on average daily balance and number of days in the month.}

couple sitting in park surrounded by fall leaves

Rewards Checking

Simple Checking

No Account Fee

Rewards Checking

Simple Checking

Free VISA Debit Card

Rewards Checking

Simple Checking

Free Online & Mobile Banking

Rewards Checking

Simple Checking

Earns Dividends

Rewards Checking

Simple Checking

Requires Qualifiers for Rewards

Rewards Checking

Simple Checking

ATM Fee Reimbursements

Rewards Checking

Simple Checking

Free eStatements

Rewards Checking

Simple Checking

How to open or add a Checking Account

Non-Members

If you're new to Essential and have not yet established a membership, you will need to do that first. Becoming a member requires a share account and there is a $5 minimum to open a share account (In the credit union world a share account is similar to a savings account).

Once you have established membership, you can then open additional accounts under your membership, such as checking accounts and even certificates!

Apply for Membership

Members

Thanks for already being a member! The easiest and fastest way to add a checking account to your membership is to:

Login to Online or Mobile Banking
Hover over Apply Now
Select Add a New Account

From here, you can open a checking account, add a share certificate accounts and even transfer the funds instantly.

¹APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Rates may change after account is opened. Minimum to open is $5. If qualifications are met each monthly qualification cycle: (1) Domestic ATM fees incurred during qualification cycle will be reimbursed up to a $20 amount each cycle (up to $5 per single transaction) and credited to account on the last day of monthly statement cycle; (2) balances up to $10,000 receive a high interest rate; and (3) balances over $10,000 earn a lower interest rate on portion of balance over $10,000. If qualifications are not met, all balances earn a specific APY. For rates, please visit our rates page. Qualifying transactions must post to and settle account during monthly qualification cycle. Transactions may take one or more banking days from the date transaction was made to post to and settle an account. ATM transactions do not count towards qualifying debit card transactions. “Monthly Qualification Cycle” means a period beginning one day prior to the first day of the current statement cycle through one day prior to the close of the current statement cycle. Fees may reduce earnings. Transfers between accounts do not count as qualifying transactions. Limit one account per SSN.
²Essential will not return a check written to a merchant (as long as it does not bring your account below -$500), but will honor the check and draft the money from your account within 30 days. Normal NSF fees apply and there is a $34 service charge each time Safe Pay is implemented. Check eligibility.
³There is a $5.00 fee for transferring money from savings to the overdrawn account using the overdraft protection option.
⁴$250,000 in total account balances.