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Checking and savings built for the Fire Family. Not the general public.
Every checking and savings product at Firefighters First was built with the Fire Family in mind. No monthly fees, competitive rates and tools that fit shift-based income and irregular schedules. Whether you are opening your first account, building an emergency fund or saving for a down payment, there is a product here for where you are right now.
Checking.
Your checking account is the center of your daily financial life, and Firefighters First gives you two options to match how you bank. Neither charges a monthly maintenance fee, and both include a free Visa® debit card, full access through Online Banking and the FireFirstCU mobile app, Zelle® for peer-to-peer payments and access to 30,000 surcharge-free CO-OP ATMs nationwide.
eChecking.
Built for members who handle most of their banking electronically. Every debit card purchase earns 0.50% unlimited cashback** with no cap on earnings. Up to 5 checks per month at no charge. eStatements required. Does not earn dividends.
Ready Checking.
Built for members who prefer writing checks without limits. Unlimited checks, paper or electronic statements and earns 0.05% APY compounded and credited monthly. No minimum balance required on either account.
DEBIT CARDS
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.*
Savings.
From six months to five years, Firefighters First share certificates lock in a guaranteed rate so your money grows on your terms. Five certificate options cover the full range of member goals and timelines.
Regular savings.
Your Regular Savings account is your membership account, the one that makes you an owner of Firefighters First Credit Union. A minimum deposit of $5 opens the account and establishes your membership. It is the foundation everything else is built on, and it connects directly to your checking account for transfers.
Holiday Helper savings.
The Holiday Helper Savings account is a dedicated savings account designed to help you set money aside throughout the year for holiday expenses. Funds are automatically disbursed on November 15 each year so the money is ready when you need it. Partial withdrawals are not available during the savings period.
Money market accounts.
The Money Market Account earns more than a standard savings account while keeping your funds accessible. A minimum balance of $2,500 is required. Rates are tiered, meaning larger balances earn higher rates. Federally insured by the NCUA.
Share certificates.
From six months to five years, Firefighters First share certificates lock in a guaranteed rate so your money grows on your terms. Five certificate options cover the full range of member goals and timelines.
Standard share certificate.
Pick your term, lock your rate, and let it work. Available in terms from 6 months to 5 years, these Federally NCUA-insured certificates offer competitive rates with the security of a guaranteed return.
The Dream Home Certificate.
Built for members who are actively working toward homeownership. Earn 5.75% APY on a 4-month term with a $5,000 minimum, add deposits throughout the term, and make one penalty-free withdrawal at closing when you’re ready to buy.
The Coverdell ESA Certificate.
Save for a child’s education with the tax advantages of a Coverdell ESA and the stronger return of a share certificate, combined into one account.
Rookie Certificate.
Your first certificate, made simple. Designed for first-time savers who are ready to put their money to work and earn more than a standard savings account.
Retirement Liquid Certificate.
Certificate-level rates with the flexibility to access your funds when you need them. Designed for members who are in or approaching retirement and want earnings without being locked in.
Everything you need to know about our checking & savings.
What accounts do I need to become an Firefighters First member?
All members are required to open a Regular Savings account with a minimum $5 deposit. This establishes your membership and ownership in the credit union. From there you can open any additional accounts you qualify for.
Can I have both eChecking and Ready Checking at the same time?
No. Firefighters First permits one type of checking account per member. You may open multiple accounts of the same type but cannot hold both eChecking and Ready Checking simultaneously.
Is there a minimum balance on checking or savings accounts?
Neither eChecking nor Ready Checking requires a minimum balance. The Regular Savings account requires a $5 minimum deposit to open and maintain membership. The Money Market Account requires a $2,500 minimum balance. Share Certificates require a minimum that varies by product.
How do I earn cashback on eChecking?
Every debit card purchase earns 0.50% unlimited cashback automatically. To redeem, log in to Online Banking or the FireFirstCU mobile app, go to Self-Service Forms and submit a Cashback Redemption Request. Funds are deposited to your Firefighters First account within two business days.
What is a Share Certificate and how is it different from a savings account?
A Share Certificate is a fixed-term deposit account that earns a guaranteed rate for the length of the term. Unlike a savings account, you commit your funds for a set period in exchange for a higher rate. Early withdrawal penalties may apply depending on the product and term.
What is the Dream Home Certificate and who qualifies?
The Dream Home Certificate is a 4-month Share Certificate available to members with an active Firefighters First mortgage application. It earns 5.75% APY on a minimum deposit of $5,000, allows unlimited additional deposits during the term and includes one penalty-free withdrawal at closing for your down payment. The rate requires an active mortgage application to remain in effect.
What is a Coverdell ESA?
A Coverdell Education Savings Account is a tax-advantaged account designed to help families save for a child’s education expenses from kindergarten through college. Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, growth is tax-free when funds are used for qualified expenses, and the beneficiary must be a Firefighters First member. Income limits apply and funds must be distributed by age 30.
APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
Federally insured by NCUA.
eChecking: No minimum balance required. Up to 5 checks per month free; $2.00 fee per additional check. eStatements required and all account notices and various promotional materials will be sent electronically. Does not earn dividends.
Ready Checking: APY 0.05% as of March 1, 2020. Rate subject to change. No minimum balance required. Dividends will be compounding monthly and will be credited monthly. Fees may reduce earnings.
Money Market Account: $2,500 minimum balance required. Tiered rates apply. Fees may reduce earnings. Dividends will be compounded monthly and will be credited monthly. Rates are subject to change.
Dream Home Certificate: 5.75% APY. 4-month term. $5,000 minimum. Available to members with an active Firefighters First mortgage application. One penalty-free withdrawal available at closing. All loans subject to credit approval. See product terms and conditions for full details.
Coverdell ESA: Income limits apply. Single filers up to $110,000; joint filers up to $220,000. The beneficiary must be a Firefighters First member. Funds must be distributed by age 30. Fees may reduce earnings. Dividends will be compounded monthly and will be credited monthly. Penalty for early withdrawal.
ATM Rebate: Up to 5 surcharge fee reimbursements per month up to $10 per transaction when using your Firefighters First debit card. Requires combined direct deposit of $1,000 per month for two consecutive months and you must make your ATM withdrawal from your Firefighters First personal or business account.
Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license. Members must be 18 or older to use Zelle®.
* Visa’s Zero Liability policy covers U.S. issued cards only and does not apply to ATM transactions, PIN transactions not processed by Visa, or certain commercial card transactions. Cardholder must notify issuer promptly of any unauthorized use. Consult issuer for additional details.
** Certain Restrictions, limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for details.