10 Best Free Online Credit Union Checking Account Without Activation Fees

A credit union is a banking institution owned and controlled by its members, typically people with a common bond, for example living in the same community or working for the same employer. Credit unions provide various financial services, including savings and checking accounts, loans, and other financial products and services. We shall look at free online credit union checking accounts you can open for your financial activities. 

One of the main differences between a credit union and a traditional bank is that credit unions are not-for-profit organizations. This means the credit union’s profits are returned to its members through lower fees, better interest rates, and other benefits. Credit unions can also offer more personalized service to their members because they are smaller and more focused on serving their local community.

You can create a credit union account online or visit a branch. Opening an account requires you to have the relevant documents. These include your identity document, social security number, and proof of address. You may need to have an email address and phone number too. Some credit unions may require you to refrain from having any previous records of banking malpractices, such as closing accounts with negative balances or depositing bouncing checks. 

Best free online credit union checking accounts

The 10 best free online credit union checking accounts that don’t require activation or minimum balance fees include the following. 

1. Alliant Credit Union

 Alliant offers a free online checking account with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. They also offer access to over 80,000 fee-free ATMs and reimbursement for up to $20 per month in out-of-network ATM fees. To become an Alliant Credit Union member, you must meet the following criteria.

• Be a close family member of an Alliant member
• Live/work in one of the communities near one of Alliant’s local branches
• Be an employee or retiree of a company that partners with Alliant
• Be a member of one of Alliant’s partner organizations or associations
• Make a one-time $10 donation to Foster Care to Success, Alliant’s nonprofit partner.

2. Capital One 360

 While not a credit union, Capital One 360 is an online bank that offers a fee-free checking account with zero monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. They also offer free overdraft protection and access to a network of over 39,000 fee-free ATMs.

3. Consumers Credit Union

 Consumers Credit Union offers a free checking account with zero monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. They also offer rewards for debit card usage and refunds of up to $25 per month in ATM fees from other banks. To become a Consumers Credit Union member, you must meet the following criteria.

• You live, worship, work, or attend school in one of the counties they serve in Illinois or certain counties in Michigan and Iowa.
• Be a family member of an existing Consumers Credit Union member.
• You are employed by one of their employer partners.

4. Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU)

 DCU offers a free checking account with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. They also offer free access to over 80,000 ATMs nationwide and reimbursement of up to $5 per month in out-of-network ATM fees.

You can become a Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) member if you meet one of the following eligibility criteria.

• You are a family member of an existing DCU member.
• Be an employee or member of one of DCU’s partner organizations or associations.
• You reside in one of the communities in which DCU operates a branch.

5. Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed)

PenFed offers a free checking account with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. They also offer various financial products and services, including loans, credit cards, and savings accounts.

You can become a member of the Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed), if you meet one of the following eligibility criteria.

• You are an active duty or retired US military member.
• You are a civilian US government employee or a relative of someone who is a member.
• Be a member of a qualifying organization, such as the Voices for America’s Troops or the National Military Family Association.

6. Premier Members Credit Union

Premier Members Credit Union offers a free checking account with zero monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. They also offer various financial products plus services, such as loans, credit cards, and savings accounts.

7. Redstone Federal Credit Union

 Redstone Federal Credit Union offers a free checking account with zero monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. They also offer various financial products and services, such as loans and savings accounts.

8. SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

SchoolsFirst offers a free checking account with zero monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. They also offer a range of financial products and services, including loans and savings accounts. Membership is limited to educators and their families in California. You can become a SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union member if you meet one of the following eligibility criteria.

• Be a current or retired California public school, community college, or state university employee.
• You are a close relative of an existing SchoolsFirst FCU member, including spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, grandchild, stepparent, stepchildren, step-siblings, and adoptive relationships.
• Live or work in Orange County, San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Ventura County, or Santa Clara County in California.
• You are a member of one of their partner organizations or associations.

9. Security Service Federal Credit Union

 Security Service offers a free checking account with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. They also offer a range of other financial products and services, including credit cards and savings accounts.

10. Space Coast Credit Union

Space Coast offers a free online checking account with zero monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. They also offer a range of other financial products, such as loans and savings accounts. Membership is limited to individuals who live or work in some regions of Florida.

Bottom line

We have various credit unions that allow you to open checking accounts online. Credit unions offer a variety of benefits, including lower fees and higher rates on deposits, to their members. To become a credit union member, you must typically meet specific eligibility criteria and provide documentation to verify your identity and eligibility. Researching the different credit unions available and comparing their products and services can help you find the best fit for your financial needs.