Our offices will be closed Friday, July 4, 2025 in observance of Independence Day.
Independence Day Closure
The Credit Union will be closed Friday, July 4, 2025in observance of Independence Day. See our Holiday Hours
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Looking for flexible, affordable, and feature-rich checking accounts in Houston? Essential Credit Union offers a range of personal checking options designed to meet your everyday banking needs. Whether you want a basic checking account in Houston or you're seeking the best checking account with rewards and perks, we have you covered.
Explore Our Free Checking Accounts in Houston
We offer three convenient checking account options, each built with our Houston-area members in mind:
REWARDS CHECKING ACCOUNTS
Looking to earn more from your everyday banking? Our Rewards Checking account in Houston delivers high interest and ATM fee refunds when you meet a few simple qualifications.
Account Benefits:
Earn 5.00% APY on balances up to $10,000
Balances above $10,000 earn 0.50% APY
Refunds on ATM fees from other financial institutions (up to $20 per month)
Whether you're in Houston, Pasadena, or Cypress, Essential CU offers free checking accounts in Houston that make banking easier and more rewarding.
Rewards Checking Calculator
How much will I earn with Rewards Checking at today’s rates?
Enter your checking account balance:
Please enter only digits.
For one month:
$
For one year:
$
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
Ready to Open a Checking Account in Houston?
For New Members:
Joining Essential Credit Union is easy! Start by opening a $5 share account to become a member, then choose the checking account that best fits your lifestyle. (In the credit union world a share account is similar to a savings account)
If you are already a member, log into Online or Mobile Banking, click "Apply Now," and select "Add a New Account" to get started. From here, you can open a checking account, add a share certificate account and even transfer the funds instantly.
Essential Credit Union is proud to offer competitive and personalized checking accounts in Houston. Discover how our accounts can help you bank better, save more, and live well.