Upward Credit Union offers you a very special Checking Account that comes with some really valuable features. With an Upward CU Checking Account, you can forget about any monthly fees, per-check charges, or minimum balance requirements, all while watching your deposits earn great dividends every month! There’s also the freedom provided with 24-hour, year-round ATM and Visa Debit Card access. YES, we mean FREE CHECKING!

All of your Upward CU accounts are accessible using our highly secure and easy to use mobile banking app and our 24/7 home banking.

Ready to open your checking account now? Simply apply onlineopens in a new window or download our membership applicationopens in a new window. Please note if you are filling out the PDF, you will need to fill out form completely and select “Checking.” In the “Other” field please list which rewards checking account you would like.

Upward andy pointing up "keep up the excellent work!" - Annalisa A.
Regular Checking
  • No monthly service charges
  • No per-check charges with unlimited check writing capability
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • Competitive dividends that are paid every month
  • Overdraft protection from designated share account(s)
  • Courtesy Pay
  • Direct Deposit
  • Free Bill Pay through home banking
  • Visa Debit Cards (compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay)
  • Access to the nationwide Co-Op Network of ATMs
  • ATM deposits at select locations
Renew Checking

At Upward CU we understand that there are circumstances or even periods of hardship that cause financial difficulties resulting in negative reporting. If you’ve had past checking account problems and have been reported to ChexSystems, it may be difficult to find a bank willing to service your checking account needs. Upward CU proudly offers options and resources to assist members by improving their financial standing and start on the path to a solid financial future. 

How does it Work?
If you have a file with ChexSystems and don’t qualify for our Elite Checking account, you may be given the opportunity to open a Renew Checking account. There is a one-time $25 processing fee and a $100 deposit that will be held in your regular share account.

Renew Checking offers the same features as the Elite Checking program, with the exception of Courtesy Pay. There is a 9-month waiting period to request to convert to our Elite Checking and sign up for Courtesy Pay.

Courtesy Pay

Upward CU’s Courtesy Pay lets you keep oversights small
Whether it’s an honest mistake in balancing your checkbook, an unforeseen expense or a temporary shortfall, sometimes your balance can fall on the wrong side of zero. Upward CU can help make sure that shortfall won’t get any bigger with our Courtesy Pay. With Courtesy Pay, Upward CU will honor an overdraft transaction up to a maximum preset limit of $750.

Who is covered by Courtesy Pay?
All you need is an eligible Elite Checking Account with a confirmed opt-in on file. If you qualify, your Courtesy Pay limit will be either $500 or $750 and will be automatically assigned based on your account type.

How Courtesy Pay works
As long as your account remains in good standing Upward CU will honor overdrafts up to your Courtesy Pay limit. A $30 Courtesy Pay (ODP) fee for each overdraft transaction will be deducted from your limit. When check, ACH or Debit/ATM Card transactions are made that exceed the balance in your account, the transactions will be honored. This means that the merchant is processing your transaction will be paid, or the amount of cash you requested from the ATM will be given to you. Your account will be in the negative for the transaction amount plus the $30 ODP fee. You will then have 10 business days to make a deposit to your account. Your Upward CU Checking Account is more than just your checkbook, and Courtesy Pay is there no matter how you access your money.

Exceeding the overdraft limit
Overdrafts above and beyond Upward CU’s established limit may result in transactions being returned or denied. The normal Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) fee will be charged to your account for each check or ACH transaction.

Courtesy Pay and multiple accounts
Multiple Upward CU accounts for your household may be eligible. Multiple accounts in the same name will be covered on one account only.

Qualifications for Courtesy Pay
Courtesy Pay is contingent on your consumer checking account being open for at least 30 days and thereafter you maintain the account in good standing, which includes at least:

  • Making regular deposits consistent with your past practices,
  • Depositing an amount equal or greater than the amount of
    discretionary Courtesy Pay extended to your account
    and bringing your account to a positive balance within a 30 day period,
  • You are not in default on any loan or other obligation to Upward CU and,
  • You are not subject to any legal or administrative order or levy.

(Upward CU will consider, as a discretionary courtesy and not a right or obligation, approving your reasonable overdrafts. This privilege for consumer checking account will generally be limited to a maximum of $500 (without Direct Deposit) or $750 (with Direct Deposit) in overdraft (negative) balances. Any and all fees and charges, including without limitation the non-sufficient fund fees, continuous overdraft fees and interest charges (as set forth in our fee schedules and deposit account agreements and disclosure), will be included in these maximum limits)

Now you have added protection without the extra bookkeeping
If you use your Courtesy Pay, each item will appear on your monthly statement. Upward CU clears checks by check number and not by amount, so there may be multiple charges on a single statement.

Opt out Option
You can choose to opt out of the program at any time. Should you require the Courtesy Pay service at a later time, you can request to have it added back to your account.