Checking Accounts
We offer several different checking accounts – one of which is perfect for you. You’ll find that all of our accounts offer the best interest rates while still having the lowest fees out of any local financial institution. To qualify for any of the accounts listed below, you must pass verification through our established check acceptance provider, and you must have a credit score of 550 or higher. If you receive approval through our established check acceptance provider but have a credit score below 550, you may still open a Fresh Start Checking Account. The specifications and benefits of Fresh Start can be found on our Disclosures Page.
Bowater Credit Union also has over 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide with the Allpoint Network – more than any other local financial institution. Find an ATM near you.
Free Interest Checking:
Bowater Credit Union is the only place where our basic checking is free AND earns interest.
- Earns Interest. See rates.
- No minimum to open
- No minimum balance
- No minimum to earn interest
- No service fees
- No limits on the number of checks you can write
- No per check fees
- Free CheckCard with access to over 65,000 surcharge-free ATMs
- Free overdraft protection from your savings account and Bowater Credit Union Line of Credit (if applicable)
- $500 Courtesy Pay protection (Some restrictions apply)
- Free myBranch access & Free telephone access 24/7
- Free Online Bill Pay
- Free E-Statements


Premium Interest Checking:
Earn exceptional interest with this flexible account with premium features.
- Earns High Interest. See rates.
- Free checks once per year
- $1,000 Courtesy Pay protection
- $100 minimum to open
- $5 monthly fee (waived if balance is kept at $500 or more)
- $500 minimum daily balance to earn interest
- No limits on the number of checks you can write
- No per check fees
- Free CheckCard with access to over 65,000 surcharge-free ATMs
- Free overdraft protection from your savings account and Bowater Credit Union Line of Credit (if applicable)
- Free myBranch access & Free telephone access 24/7
- Free Online Bill Pay
- Free E-Statements
- Premium Interest Checking Account holders who are 50+ are eligible for the Travel Club (See Gold Interest Checking, below).
Gold Interest Checking:
Free checking that earns interest, with some special perks for members age 50 or better.
- Earns Interest. See rates.
- No minimum to open
- No minimum balance
- No minimum to earn interest
- No service fees
- Free checks once per year
- Free money orders
- No limits on the number of checks you can write
- No per check fees
- Free CheckCard with access to over 65,000 surcharge free ATMs
- Free overdraft protection from your savings account and Bowater Credit Union Line of Credit (if applicable)
- $500 Courtesy Pay protection (Some restrictions apply)
- Free myBranch access & Free telephone access 24/7
- Free Online Bill Pay
- Free E-Statements
- Entry into our yearly “Pot of Gold” drawing for $500! One lucky Gold Interest Checking owner will win. Drawing held in March. Visit our Disclosures Page for official contest rules.
- Travel Club – Click to view upcoming trips!
