Checking Accounts
Earn interest on your balance and enjoy a wide range of convenient features no matter what account you choose. Open an AccountBowater Credit Union has several different checking accounts and you can find the one that’s perfect for you. All our options offer generous checking account rates while still having the lowest fees out of any local financial institution.
We’re invested in our community and that means we’re invested in you. We want to make sure you get the best checking account to easily manage your daily finances.
Free Interest Checking
A unique account that lets you earn interest with no monthly fee or minimum balance and no limits on transactions.
Premium Checking
You can earn higher rates and enjoy more protection with an opening deposit of at least $100 and a monthly balance of $500.
Gold Checking
Take advantage of all the perks of our Free Interest account including free access to Online Banking. Plus, go in the draw to win $500 each year.
DBA Checking Account
Simplify your small business finances and enjoy the features of our Free Interest Checking when you open this account under your own name.
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Fewer FeesWe have checking account options with no monthly fees or minimums. |
Competitive RatesAll our checking accounts let you earn interest on your balance. |
VISA Purchase AlertsSet alerts on your debit card so you can quickly respond to fraud. |
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Courtesy PayWe’ll cover your checks and automatic debits up to a limit based on your account type. |
Free Overdraft ProtectionLink your savings account to provide free protection when your account is overdrawn. |
Online and Mobile BankingEasily manage your account and complete transactions using your favorite device. |
Fewer Fees
We have checking account options with no monthly fees or minimums.
Competitive Rates
All our checking accounts let you earn interest on your balance.
VISA Purchase Alerts
Set alerts on your debit card so you can quickly respond to fraud.
Courtesy Pay
We’ll cover your checks and automatic debits up to a limit based on your account type.
Free Overdraft Protection
Link your savings account to provide free protection when your account is overdrawn.
Online and Mobile Banking
Easily manage your account and complete transactions using your favorite device.
Earn on Your Balance With Our Checking Account Rates
There’s no need to let your checking account funds sit there doing nothing. At Bowater Credit Union, all our personal checking account options pay interest on your balance. Click below to see our checking account rates and APY.*
Here’s How to Open a Credit Union Checking Account
Become a Member
Check you meet our membership criteria and open a Share Savings Account with just $5.
Select Checking
Use our secure online portal to provide your details and open your account.
Use Services
Get your debit card, set up direct deposits, automatic payments, transfers, and much more.
★★★★★
“I had a great experience opening accounts here. Quick, polite, friendly and informative service. It will be nice to have a local bank that’s easy to access.”
– Scott B., Calhoun, TN
Checking Account FAQs
Q: How do I know what Bowater Credit Union checking account is right for me?
A: We’re happy to talk with you about your needs and guide you toward the checking deposit account that matches your lifestyle, financial habits, and goals. You may also consider these points to get started:
- Free Interest Checking is a streamlined option with no monthly maintenance fee, no minimums, and no limits on your regular transactions. Plus, you can earn interest on your balance.
- If you plan to keep your account balance over $500, you may want to choose Premium Interest Checking so you can earn higher interest rates and enjoy more Courtesy Pay protection.
- If you’re over 50, it makes sense to enjoy the benefits of our Gold Interest Checking – you get the same perks as our Free Interest account plus go in the draw to win $500 each year.
Also, regardless of what checking account you choose, you’ll get:
- Free CheckCard and Checks: get a free debit card and a free checkbook each year with no check writing limits.
- Free Mobile Deposit: deposit checks using our Mobile App without visiting a branch.
- Free Bill Pay: choose one-time or recurring payments and easily stay on top of your bills.
Q: What protections do your checking accounts offer?
A: To reduce the risk of fraud, our VISA debit cards (and credit cards) come with the option to enroll in Visa Purchase Alerts. This free service can notify you when your card is used to make a purchase.
You can also customize the notifications. For example, you could request to be notified for any purchases over $500 or you may get a notification for all purchases.
- If you made the purchase, you don’t need to do anything when you receive an alert.
- If you didn’t make the purchase, you can take instant steps to cancel your card, and alert your card issuer and the authorities.
In addition, all our accounts offer free Overdraft Protection from your linked savings account so you can avoid overdraft fees. You can also enjoy Courtesy Pay Protection – up to $500 for our Free Interest and Gold Interest accounts and up to $1,000 for our Premium Interest account.
Q: What credit score do I need to open a credit union checking account?
A: You need a credit score of at least 550 to open our Free Interest, Premium Interest, and Gold Interest checking accounts. However, if your score is below 550 you may open a Fresh Start checking account and use this service until you get your finances back on track.
Q: Do I need to pay a monthly service fee?
A: There’s no monthly fee on our Free Interest and Gold Interest checking accounts. You can avoid the $5 monthly fee on our Premium Interest account simply by keeping your balance above $500.
Q: What Online and Mobile Banking services do you offer?
A: Bowater Credit Union offers a full suite of digital services whether you prefer to use Online Banking or our Mobile App. Through these platforms, you can access and use:
- E-Statements to go over your deposits and withdrawals in any month
- Mobile Deposit to deposit checks without visiting a branch
- Online Bill Pay to set up one-time or recurring payments
- Mobile Wallet to pay without using your debit card
- Visa eZCard to gain insight into your spending
- Visa Purchase Alerts to easily detect fraudulent purchases
Handy Tools to Boost Your Checking Account Experience
Courtesy Pay
Relax knowing we’ve got your checks and automatic debits covered if you have insufficient funds. The amount covered varies based on account type..
Direct Deposit
Receive your paycheck or other sources of income directly into your checking account so you can access your funds quickly and securely.
Visa TravelMoney
Travelers Checks are a thing of the past – now you can enjoy this safe, simple way to spend while you travel. Load cash or transfer funds with ease.
Our Branch Locations
Athens, TN 37303
Calhoun, TN 37309
Cleveland, TN 37312
Cleveland, TN 37311
* Annual Percentage Yield ** Variable rate ***