Managing money on your own for the first time is a big step, and having the right checking account makes all the difference. At Wright-Patt Credit Union® (WPCU®), our student checking account is built to give college students the tools, access, and support they need without the fees that eat into an already tight budget.
Learn about our high school student checking accounts.
No-Fee Checking Accounts That Work as Hard as You Do
College life means watching every dollar, and the last thing you need is a student checking account charging you monthly fees for simply existing. WPCU's Totally Fair Checking® account has no monthly service fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no hidden charges. You get unlimited check writing, a free contactless debit card, and free access to Mobile and Online Banking from the moment you open your account.
Everything You Need to Manage Money from Your Phone
Most college students manage everything on their phone, including banking. WPCU's Mobile and Online Banking services are free, secure, and packed with features that make managing your finances easier from anywhere.
With the WPCU mobile app, you can deposit checks without setting foot in a member center using Mobile Deposit. You can also pay bills, transfer funds between accounts, and set up account alerts to stay on top of every transaction. The Money Management tool takes things a step further by letting you view all of your financial accounts in one place, including accounts you may have at other institutions. From there, you can track your spending by category, create a budget, and set savings goals, all within the same app you use to check your balance.
Access Your Money Anywhere
WPCU members have access to more than 40,000 lower-to-no-fee ATMs nationwide, which means whether you are on campus, heading home for the holidays, or traveling for a school trip, your money is accessible. WPCU also participates in a Shared Branching network, giving members the ability to conduct transactions at thousands of credit union locations across the country as if they were at a WPCU Member Center. Combined with a free contactless debit card that works anywhere Visa® is accepted, you have flexible, convenient access to your funds no matter where life takes you.
Start Building Your Savings While You're Still in School
Your checking account and WPCU membership come paired with a TrueSaver® savings account. Your TrueSaver® account can be opened with as little as $5 and earns 7.00% APY on your first $1,000 saved. That means the money sitting in your savings is actively working for you between paychecks, financial aid disbursements, or whatever your income looks like during school.
Another perk of having a WPCU checking account and debit card is that you are already EasySaver® compatible. EasySaver® is a separate savings account that links directly to your checking account. Simply add it by visiting any Member Center or calling our Member Help Center at (937) 912-7000 or (800) 762-0047. Once enrolled, every debit card purchase automatically gets rounded up to the next dollar, and the difference is transferred from your checking into your EasySaver® account. WPCU matches 50% of those round-up transfers during your first 30 days in the program, then 5% on an ongoing basis, up to $300 per year.
Build Your Credit History Before Graduation
Your credit history follows you long after graduation, affecting whether you get approved for an apartment, qualify for a car loan, or land certain jobs. Starting to build credit responsibly while you are still in school gives you a real advantage when those milestones arrive.
WPCU's First Time User Credit Card is designed for members who are new to credit (subject to credit approval, applicants under 21 may need a co-signer). It starts with a $500 limit and a lower interest rate to keep things manageable while you learn the ropes. Used responsibly, keeping your balance low and paying on time each month, this card helps you establish a positive credit history that works in your favor well beyond your college years.
Free Financial Education and Support
Big banks give you an account. WPCU gives you a financial support system. The WPCU Financial Learning Center offers free workshops, interactive learning modules, budgeting worksheets, and financial calculators, and our knowledgeable Financial Coaches are available at Member Centers to help you set and reach your goals. For students facing more significant financial challenges, our partnership with GreenPath Financial Wellness provides access to certified counselors for budgeting, credit improvement, and debt management at no cost.
College Student Checking Account FAQs
-
Your Totally Fair Checking® account is not limited to your time in school, so you can continue using it after graduation with the same great benefits. As your financial situation grows and changes, WPCU offers additional products, including Checking with Dividends, personal loans, auto loans, and mortgages, to meet your needs at every stage of life.
-
WPCU's Totally Fair Checking® account has no minimum balance requirement and no monthly service fee, so you will never be charged simply for having a low balance between paychecks or financial aid disbursements.
-
WPCU members have access to more than 40,000 lower-to-no-fee ATMs nationwide, so there is a strong chance one is located on or near your campus. You can use the ATM locator tool on WPCU's website or mobile app to find the closest fee-free option.
-
To open an account, you will need a valid photo ID, your Social Security number, and a minimum $5 deposit to establish your TrueSaver® membership share. Students who are 17 years old or younger will need to visit a Member Center with a parent or guardian to complete the process.