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A checking account is a bank or credit union account that is typically used for everyday expenses. Many people choose to have their paycheck deposited directly into their checking account and use it to purchase groceries, pay bills and withdraw cash. Your money is easily accessed by using a debit card, transferring money online or writing checks.
Altura has multiple checking accounts, including Ascend Free Checking, Wealth Builder, and MyMoney.
Ascend Checking Account
The Ascend Free Checking Account is our free personal checking account that will not have any monthly maintenance fees, ever. Whether you are just starting your financial journey or reaching the age where a fixed income is a reality, Ascend will grow with you and provide amazing benefits along the way:
No monthly maintenance fee. No gimmicks. Ever.
Free credit score, monitoring and reporting. Updated daily.
To go along with your Ascend Checking account, you receive free credit score, report and monitoring** as well as free Identity Theft Protection. To take advantage of Mastercard free Identity Theft Protection, click here to learn more and enroll.
As an Altura Debit cardholder, you get a variety of different benefits with your Mastercard. Click here for the full benefits guide.
Rates Effective Date: December 8, 2024
Account
Opening Deposit
Rate
APY^
Ascend Checking - Average daily balance of $0.00 to $9,999.99
$25.00+
0.00%
0.00%
Ascend Checking – Average daily balance of $10,000.00 to $49,999.99
$25.00+
0.05%
0.05%
Ascend Checking – Average daily balance of $50,000.00 and higher
*The dividend for Tier I annual percentage yield will be paid on accounts maintaining an average daily balance of $10,000.00 during the statement cycle and the dividend for Tier II annual percentage yield will be paid on accounts maintaining an average daily balance of $50,000.00 during the statement cycle. Any account not qualifying for Tier I or Tier II will not earn dividends. Waived Fee for Cashiers Checks and Money Orders for Tier I or Tier II.
**Active Membership (5 swipes or loan) required for anytime credit score.
Wealth Builder Checking Account
This product is perfect for simplifying and organizing your finances. This high-rate liquid checking account is great for merging existing CDs, Savings and Money Markets into a Checking Account that earns a great yield.
No monthly fee with a minimum daily balance of $10,000.
Minimum opening deposit is $10,000 new money and a minimum investment of $50,000 with CFS, Wealth Management.
No per-check charges
Free Money Orders and Cashier’s Checks
Rates Effective Date: December 8, 2024
Account Type
Opening Deposit
Rate
APY^
Wealth Builder^^
$10,000+
0.60%
0.60%
$10,000 minimum daily balance required to earn dividends (minimum of ten (10) debit card transactions per month in order to receive stated rate and a $50,000.00+ CFS relationship required.
$10,000 minimum daily balance required to earn dividends (minimum of ten (10) debit card transactions per month in order to receive stated rate and a $50,000.00+ CFS relationship required.
^ APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
^^ Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may carry investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. Altura Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members. To earn the stated rate, the WealthBuilder account has to have a minimum of ten (10) debit card transactions per month and a minimum daily balance of $10,000. For any month in which the transaction activity threshold is not met, the rate for that month will default to 0.20% on balances for the previous month. For any month in which the minimum balance requirement is not met, the rate for that month will default to 0.00% on balances for the previous month.
When you’re just starting out, you don’t need a super complicated checking account. If you’re between the ages of 12 and 17, you qualify for a youth account through Altura. This is a simple account that gives you the opportunity to learn how to manage your money.
A checking account is a bank or credit union account that is typically used for everyday expenses. Many people choose to have their paycheck deposited directly into their checking account and use it to purchase groceries, pay bills and withdraw cash. Your money is easily accessed by using a debit card, transferring money online or writing checks.
Altura has multiple checking accounts, including Ascend Free Checking, Wealth Builder, and MyMoney.
Ascend Checking Account
The Ascend Free Checking Account is our free personal checking account that will not have any monthly maintenance fees, ever. Whether you are just starting your financial journey or reaching the age where a fixed income is a reality, Ascend will grow with you and provide amazing benefits along the way:
No monthly maintenance fee. No gimmicks. Ever.
Free credit score, monitoring and reporting. Updated daily.
To go along with your Ascend Checking account, you receive free credit score, report and monitoring** as well as free Identity Theft Protection. To take advantage of Mastercard free Identity Theft Protection, click here to learn more and enroll.
As an Altura Debit cardholder, you get a variety of different benefits with your Mastercard. Click here for the full benefits guide.
Rates Effective Date: December 8, 2024
Account
Opening Deposit
Rate
APY^
Ascend Checking - Average daily balance of $0.00 to $9,999.99
$25.00+
0.00%
0.00%
Ascend Checking – Average daily balance of $10,000.00 to $49,999.99
$25.00+
0.05%
0.05%
Ascend Checking – Average daily balance of $50,000.00 and higher
*The dividend for Tier I annual percentage yield will be paid on accounts maintaining an average daily balance of $10,000.00 during the statement cycle and the dividend for Tier II annual percentage yield will be paid on accounts maintaining an average daily balance of $50,000.00 during the statement cycle. Any account not qualifying for Tier I or Tier II will not earn dividends. Waived Fee for Cashiers Checks and Money Orders for Tier I or Tier II.
**Active Membership (5 swipes or loan) required for anytime credit score.
Wealth Builder Checking Account
This product is perfect for simplifying and organizing your finances. This high-rate liquid checking account is great for merging existing CDs, Savings and Money Markets into a Checking Account that earns a great yield.
No monthly fee with a minimum daily balance of $10,000.
Minimum opening deposit is $10,000 new money and a minimum investment of $50,000 with CFS, Wealth Management.
No per-check charges
Free Money Orders and Cashier’s Checks
Rates Effective Date: December 8, 2024
Account Type
Opening Deposit
Rate
APY^
Wealth Builder^^
$10,000+
0.60%
0.60%
$10,000 minimum daily balance required to earn dividends (minimum of ten (10) debit card transactions per month in order to receive stated rate and a $50,000.00+ CFS relationship required.
$10,000 minimum daily balance required to earn dividends (minimum of ten (10) debit card transactions per month in order to receive stated rate and a $50,000.00+ CFS relationship required.
^ APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
^^ Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may carry investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. Altura Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members. To earn the stated rate, the WealthBuilder account has to have a minimum of ten (10) debit card transactions per month and a minimum daily balance of $10,000. For any month in which the transaction activity threshold is not met, the rate for that month will default to 0.20% on balances for the previous month. For any month in which the minimum balance requirement is not met, the rate for that month will default to 0.00% on balances for the previous month.
When you’re just starting out, you don’t need a super complicated checking account. If you’re between the ages of 12 and 17, you qualify for a youth account through Altura. This is a simple account that gives you the opportunity to learn how to manage your money.
With a checking account, you can make deposits and withdrawals. When you set up payroll direct deposit (PDD) with your account, your paychecks will automatically be deposited to your checking account. You can access this money by writing checks, using your debit card, making withdrawals, and more.
Do I Need to Have a Checking or Savings with Altura to Make a Payment?
You do not need to have a checking or savings to make a payment with Altura. We have several options to assist you however by having your checking with Altura Credit Union, you can enroll in automatic payments to ensure your payment is always on time.
Do You Offer Second-Chance Checking Accounts?
If you don’t qualify for our standard checking accounts, a Reliance Checking Account is where you begin. After one year of positive account activity, and after having paid off any outstanding checking account related debt, you’ll be eligible to move up to a Ascend Checking Account.
How Do I Find My Checking Account Number or the Account Number on a Check?
Although they vary in length, checking account numbers are usually between eight and twelve digits long. This number identifies your personal account. You can find your checking account number by looking at one of your personal checks. It will be the second (middle) set of numbers on the bottom of every check. You can also find your account number through online and mobile banking.
Can I Make My Monthly Payments with an Automated Debit from My Checking Account?
Automated monthly payments are available. At the loan closing, an automated payment application will be provided. Simply return it at your earliest convenience to enroll in the automated payment program.
If I Lose My Debit Card, Should I Close My Checking Account? (What To Do If You Lose Your Debit Card)
You don’t necessarily need to close your checking account if you’ve lost your debit card. Although a thief can access your account using your debit card, once the card has been de-activated, they will no longer have access to that account. You should also make sure you choose a new PIN for your new card.
What is a Routing Number? (How Do You Get Your Routing Number)
An ABA routing number is a nine-digit number that identifies the financial institution where you have your checking account. You’ll need your routing number when you’re making payments online or over the phone. To figure out your routing number, look at the bottom of your personal checks. It is the first group of numbers on the far left.
Altura’s routing number is 322281235.
What is the Difference Between Courtesy Pay and Overdraft Protection? Is There a Courtesy Pay Fee?
Both of these services help protect you from NSF. However, the source of money is different. With courtesy pay, you are essentially paying for a transaction based on future funds. This service is only available to Members who have payroll direct deposit set up with their accounts. The credit union covers a cost because even though you don’t have the funds right now, they know you will have a direct deposit soon. To use Courtesy Pay, you will have to pay a fee. This fee is only applied when Altura needs to help you cover a transaction associated with your account. Learn more about courtesy pay.
On the other hand, overdraft protection comes from your savings account or credit card. When you don’t quite have enough in your checking account to cover a transaction, overdraft protection kicks in. There is a fee for overdraft protection. Learn more about overdraft protection.
What is the Difference Between a Credit Card and a Debit Card?
When you pay using your debit card, the money for the transaction is coming directly from your checking account. On the other hand, with a credit card, you won’t immediately be charged. You are accruing expenses. Every month, you will receive a credit card bill. If you don’t pay the bill off right away, you will have to pay interest on your purchases.
You will also need to set up a PIN when you open a debit card. You don’t need a PIN with a credit card. However, you are still able to run your debit card as a credit card where you sign for a purchase rather than using your PIN.