Get the checking account that checks all your boxes
Payday lands when the money lands
Most payrolls reach us a day or two before the official pay date, and some institutions hold that money until the stated date. We do not. As soon as your employer's file clears, the deposit posts and the funds are yours to spend.
Summit Free Checking makes everyday money management easier
Life moves fast — work, errands, family, and everything in between. You need a checking account that keeps up. With Summit Free Checking you can transfer money, pay bills, deposit checks, and monitor activity anytime, on your laptop, phone, or tablet.
Your complimentary Debit Mastercard gives you easy access to cash at 85,000 surcharge-free ATMs and lets you make purchases online or in stores.
Direct Deposit makes payday effortless — your paycheck lands automatically, so there is no trip to the branch and nothing to sign up for.
Save time, stay in control, and focus on what really matters — your life, your schedule, your way.
Managing your money is easier than ever with Summit Credit Union checking. Open an account online or by visiting a branch.
Six things included, none of them extra
Every Summit checking account comes with the same list. There is no premium tier you have to buy your way into.
The whole cost of the account, on one screen
If a charge is not on this list, we do not charge it for this account.
Rates current as of July 2026 and subject to change. Membership eligibility required. This is a demonstration website; rates, products, and figures shown are illustrative only.
Three ways to handle a short balance
Pick one when you open the account. You can switch at any branch, by phone, or inside online banking.
Courtesy pay is a discretionary service, not a line of credit, and requires you to opt in for one-time debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals. This is a demonstration website; rates, products, and figures shown are illustrative only.
Answers before you ask
Is there really no monthly fee?
Correct. There is no monthly service fee on any personal checking account at Summit, with no balance requirement and no minimum number of transactions. We have kept it that way since 1948 because members own the place.
What do I need to open one?
A government photo ID, your Social Security number, a current address, and $5 for the membership share deposit. If you are already a member, opening checking takes about four minutes in online banking.
Do you charge for checks?
Your first box of standard checks is free. After that, reorders are priced by the style you pick, starting around $18 a box, and you can order them from inside online banking.
How long does a mobile deposit take to clear?
The first $225 of a deposit is usually available the same business day if it is submitted before 6 p.m. The rest typically posts the next business day. Larger or unusual items may be held longer, and we tell you at the time of deposit.
Can I use an ATM that is not in your network?
Yes. We charge $2.50 and the machine's owner may charge its own surcharge on top of that. With 85,000 surcharge-free ATMs available, it is usually worth checking the locator first.
Does this account earn anything?
Free Checking pays 0.05% APY on every balance, credited monthly. If you are holding a cushion you do not spend, move it to High-Yield Savings at 4.15% APY and keep only your monthly spending here.
Committed to your goals
Bring an ID and $5 and you can open Free Checking in about four minutes. A person will answer if you call.