Smart Checking Account
Smart Checking is the easiest way to earn big dividends on your checking account. Simply enroll in estatements and initiate direct deposit, and you will be earning 3.00% APY*. It's a no brainer.
Start earning in two easy steps
To qualify for 3.00% APY on your balance, you must:
- Set up direct deposit
Set up a recurring direct deposit to your Smart Checking Account of at least $1,000 aggregated monthly. - Enroll in eStatements
Sign up for eStatements and secure 24/7 access to your statements online.
Features you'll appreciate
Digital Banking
Check balances, pay bills, and much more through our app or online.
Surcharge-Free Checking
Your UCU Checking Account is free to use with no monthly service fees.
Free ATMs Nationwide
Access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATM access nationwide.
Shared Branching Network
In-branch access at over 5,000 shared branching locations.
Get paid up to two days early
With Direct Deposit, you'll get your cash sooner than ever before, with access to your paycheck funds as soon as we receive them.1
Loan Rate Discounts
Take advantage of loan rate discounts of 0.25% APR2 when you set up auto pay on personal and auto loans.
Earn 3.00% APY* in dividends
It's time to bank smarter, not harder. UCU's Smart Checking rewards you for managing your money wisely. Earn a remarkable 3.00% APY on your qualified Smart Checking Account and enjoy one of the best offers nationwide!
If you are a current member and would like to open a smart checking account:
Navigate to 'Add a Deposit Account' within digital banking, or contact us at 800.UCU.4510.
Our online application process is quick and secure — see for yourself!
Relevant resources
Calculators
Learning center
Forms
University Credit Union offers membership to employees, students and alumni of UCLA, Pepperdine University, Loyola Marymount University, Santa Clara University, Saint Mary's College, UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC San Diego, Georgia Tech, University of Texas at Arlington, Mount St. Mary's University, Chabot College and Las Positas College, West Coast Conference Universities, The Big West Universities, Western Athletic Conference Universities, Southland Conference Universities, and other universities throughout California. UCU offers a variety of products and services including checking accounts, credit cards, home mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, commercial loans, insurance, investments, as well as digital banking.
*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. To earn 3.00% APY, member must have a qualifying Smart Checking Account, opened August 1, 2024 and after. Based on a combined rate of 2.96%. All accounts must be in good standing with no delinquency or bankruptcy pending. Qualifying Smart Checking Accounts will earn 3.00% APY in dividends on balances up to $25,000. Balances above $25,000 will be paid at the regular checking rate.
Qualifying Smart Checking Accounts are defined as being enrolled in eStatements and having a direct deposit to the Smart Checking Account of at least $1,000 aggregated monthly. If the requirements are not met, then no dividend is earned. Secondary Smart Checking Accounts not eligible to earn APY. Dividends are calculated by the daily balance method, which applies a daily periodic rate to the balance in the account at the end of each day. Dividends are disbursed monthly into the active Smart Checking Account. APY is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account. Rate subject to change after account opening and may vary based on qualifications met at month end. Not valid with any other offers. No minimum balance is required. To establish a UCU Membership, you must deposit at least $5 to a Regular (Share) Savings Account. A $50 minimum deposit is required to open a Smart Checking Account. All accounts are subject to approval. For other details regarding this account, you can reference your account disclosures, which detail all other terms and conditions.
1Early access to direct deposit funds is dependent on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. Generally, these funds are available on the day the payment file is received, which may be between two and six days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
2APR= Annual Percentage Rate. Rate with Automatic Payment from a Smart Checking Account may be discounted by 0.25% as long as the rate does not fall below the floor rate. Credit Cards, HELOCs, and mortgages are excluded.