The checking account built for the Fire Family.
Your checking account is the center of your financial life, and Firefighters First Credit Union offers two options to match how you bank. Whether you prefer earning cashback on every purchase or the freedom to write unlimited checks, both accounts come with no monthly fees, full digital access and the personalized service the Fire Family deserves. You can hold one type at a time, but open as many of the same type as you need.
Earn rewards on every purchase you make.
Earn 0.50% APY* unlimited cashback on all debit card purchases with no cap on what you can earn. No monthly fees, no minimum balance and up to 5 checks per month. eStatements required. Cashback redeemable directly to your Firefighters First account.
Unlimited checks, no questions asked.
Write as many checks as you need with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Earns 0.05% APY*, compounded and credited monthly. Choose between paper or electronic statements. Built for members who prefer traditional banking flexibility.
Side by side, so you can decide.
Compare eChecking and Ready Checking across every feature and find the one that matches how the Fire Family actually banks.
Compare Your Options
| eChecking | Ready Checking | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Service Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Checks | Up to 5 per month free; $2 per additional | Unlimited |
| Statements | Electronic only | Electronic & Paper |
| Debit Card | Free | Free |
| Dividends | None | 0.05% APY |
| Zelle® | Yes | Yes |
| ATM Access | 30,000 CO-OP ATMs; 5 monthly reimbursements | 30,000 CO-OP ATMs; 5 monthly reimbursements |
| Account Access | Online, mobile app and in-branch | Online, mobile app and in-branch |
One card. Every purchase. Full protection.
Your Firefighters First Visa® debit card is accepted worldwide, works with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay, and includes Visa® Zero Liability Protection on every unauthorized transaction you report.
How do I order checks?
Your first set of checks is free. To order additional checks, log in to Online Banking, go to Quick Links in the main navigation and select Order Checks. Checks are always free for members over 50 years of age and Medal of Valor recipients.
Everything you need to know about our checking accounts.
Can I have both eChecking and Ready Checking at the same time?
No. FFCU permits one type of checking account per member. You may open multiple accounts of the same type, but you cannot hold eChecking and Ready Checking simultaneously. If you would like to change your account type, contact us for assistance.
Is there a minimum balance required?
No. Neither eChecking nor Ready Checking requires a minimum balance to open or maintain the account.
How do I open a checking account?
Log in to Online Banking and select Apply/Open an Account from the top navigation, contact us or visit any FFCU branch. If you are not yet a member, you can join and open your account at the same time.
How does the ATM reimbursement program work?
When you use an out-of-network ATM, FFCU will reimburse up to 5 surcharge fees per calendar month, up to $10 per transaction. To qualify, you must have a combined direct deposit total of at least $1,000 per month for at least two consecutive months. Fees are reimbursed the same business day if the withdrawal is made before 3:00 PM PT. Withdrawals after that time or on non-business days are reimbursed on the next business day.
How do I earn and redeem eChecking cashback?
Cashback is earned at 0.50% on all debit card purchases with no limit. To redeem, log in to Online Banking or the FireFirstCU Mobile App, navigate to Self-Service Forms and submit a Cashback Redemption Request. Funds are deposited to your checking or savings account within two business days.
What is the difference between eStatements and paper statements?
eStatements are delivered securely through Online Banking and the mobile app instead of being mailed to your home. They are available sooner, reduce the risk of mail theft and give you access to a searchable archive of past statements. eChecking requires eStatement enrollment. Ready Checking members may choose either option.
Are checks free?
Your first set of checks is free. eChecking members may write up to 5 checks per month at no charge, with a $2.00 fee per additional check. Ready Checking members have unlimited checks. Checks are always free for members over 50 years of age and Medal of Valor recipients regardless of account type.
eChecking Account Requirements: You may not have a Ready Checking account while maintaining an eChecking account. Up to five checks may be written per month ($2.00 fee per check applies thereafter). The account does not earn dividends. Enrollment in eStatements is required and all account notices and various promotional materials will be sent electronically. Fees may reduce earnings on account. No minimum balance required to open the account.
Ready Checking: APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is 0.05%. Rate is subject to change after account opening. APY is accurate as of March 1, 2020. Fees may reduce earnings on account. No minimum balance required to open the account. Dividends are compounded monthly and credited monthly.
ATM Rebate Program: Firefighters First Credit Union will reimburse up to $10 per transaction on your first five ATM surcharges per calendar month when using your Firefighters First debit card. To qualify, you must have a combined direct deposit total of at least $1,000 per month for at least two consecutive months and you must make your ATM withdrawal from your Firefighters First personal or business account. Fees will be reimbursed the same day unless your ATM withdrawal is after 3:00 PM PT. Withdrawals after this time or on a non-business day will post on the next business day along with the fee reimbursement.
Zelle® Terms of Service apply. Firefighters First Credit Union members must be 18 or older to use Zelle®. Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
Federally insured by NCUA.