Checking Accounts

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.

^{*Essential may post eligible direct deposit payroll funds to your account up to two (2) days before the scheduled payment date. Early availability is not guaranteed and depends on when we receive the payment file from the payer. Essential cannot control delays in transmission and may post funds on the scheduled payment date if the file is received later than expected. This service may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice.}