Checking Accounts

Checking that stays free

Checking should make your life easier, not cost you more. Enjoy no monthly maintenance fees, earn interest on your balance, and get convenient access to your money with the personal service of your local credit union.

Two people looking at a mobile phone together

Checking that stays free

Checking should make your life easier, not cost you more. Enjoy no monthly maintenance fees, earn interest on your balance, and get convenient access to your money with the personal service of your local credit union.

Young woman checking her smartphone in Santa Barbara, California

No monthly fee

$0 monthly maintenance fee.
No minimum balance requirement.

Earn interest

Earn 0.10% APY on your checking balance.

Last updated August 1, 2026. Rates are variable and subject to change.

Bank wherever you are

Online and mobile banking plus access to more than 37,000 surcharge-free CO-OP ATMs nationwide.

Checking that comes with a community behind it

As a member-owned credit union, SBCFCU puts people before profits. That means fewer fees, better value, and personal service from people who live and work in the same community you do.


Banking from your phone

Manage your accounts wherever you are with secure online and mobile banking. Check balances, transfer funds, pay bills, and deposit checks without making a trip to the branch.

Download for Apple I Download for Android

Screenshot of the mobile application for SBCFCU on a phone screen.

Courtesy Pay & overdraft protection

Mistakes happen. SBCFCU offers several ways to help protect your checking account when your balance comes up short.

Courtesy Pay

For eligible members, Courtesy Pay may cover certain transactions when there aren’t enough funds in your account.

$15 per item paid

Overdraft line of credit

An optional line of credit can automatically cover transactions when your checking balance is short.

12.00%–18.00% APR subject to credit approval

Savings transfer

Link your savings account to checking and available funds can be transferred automatically when needed.

$2 per transfer subject to account eligibility, available funds, and applicable terms and conditions.

How to open a checking account

Opening an SBCFCU Checking Account is simple. If you’re not already a member, you’ll start by establishing your membership with a Savings Account.

Become a member

Membership begins with an SBCFCU Savings Account. If you’re not already a member, start there first.

Have your information ready

You’ll need a valid government-issued ID, Social Security number, and your contact information.

Open your checking account

Fill out this form to open a Checking Account and bring it into one of our branches or email a signed, dated request to us.

Rates & fees

Straightforward checking with no monthly maintenance fee.

Account basics

Monthly maintenance fee
$0

Checking APY
0.10%

Daily ATM withdrawal limit
$500

Daily spend limit
$2000

Other fees & rates

Courtesy Pay
$15 per item paid

Overdraft Line of Credit
12.00%–18.00% APR

Savings transfer
$2 per transfer

Out-of-network ATM
$2 per transaction

Rates are variable and subject to change. Last updated August 1, 2026.

Common questions (FAQs)

Find answers to some of the most common questions about SBCFCU Checking Accounts.

You must first be an SBCFCU member with a Savings Account. Once your membership is established, you can fill out this form to open a Checking Account and bring it into one of our branches or email a signed, dated request to us.

Have a valid government-issued ID, Social Security number, and your contact information ready.

Having had difficulties with a bank in the past does not necessarily prevent you from opening an account with SBCFCU. We do not use traditional background check services when opening accounts. We may perform a soft credit inquiry, but this does not affect your credit score, and your credit score is not used to determine your eligibility for membership.

No. There is no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement.

Courtesy Pay is available to eligible members and may cover certain transactions when there aren’t enough funds in your account. The fee is $15 per item paid.
An Overdraft Line of Credit is an optional line of credit that can automatically cover transactions when your checking balance is short. The current APR ranges from 12.00%–18.00%.

If you forgot your PIN, call 866-762-0558 from the primary cardholder’s phone number to reset it. For your security, you must call from the phone number we have on file.
If your debit card is lost or stolen, call Falcon Fraud at 888-241-2440 right away. You can also contact your local SBCFCU branch at 805-682-3357 during regular business hours for assistance.

If you have Overdraft Protection, available funds from your eligible SBCFCU Savings Account can be automatically transferred to your Checking Account to cover an eligible transaction. A $2 transfer fee applies.
If you don’t have Overdraft Protection, or if you don’t have enough available funds in savings, a $15 standard overdraft fee may apply.

SBCFCU members have access to more than 37,000 surcharge-free ATMs through the CO-OP ATM Network nationwide, including thousands of locations that accept deposits. Use our ATM Locator to find a convenient surcharge-free ATM near you.
Withdrawals at ATMs outside the CO-OP network are subject to a $2 SBCFCU fee per transaction, plus any additional fees charged by the ATM owner.

Yes. SBCFCU’s daily ATM withdrawal limit is $500 per day, and the daily purchase limit for SBCFCU debit cards is $2,000 for purchases made online or when you select credit and sign for the transaction. Please note that individual ATMs may have additional withdrawal limits.

With SBCFCU’s online and mobile banking, you can manage your accounts wherever you are. Check balances, transfer funds, make loan payments, pay bills, deposit checks with Mobile Deposit, turn your debit card on or off, all from your computer or mobile device.