Checking Frequently Asked Questions

At First Tech, we offer a variety of checking accounts designed to support your everyday banking needs—whether you're managing personal finances, running a business, or helping a young member get started.

Here’s a quick overview of our checking options:

🔹 Rewards Checking

Earn more with our Rewards Checking, perfectly paired with a Rewards Savings account. Enjoy competitive returns and easy access to your funds.

🔹 Premier Rewards Checking

Designed for members with eligible balances, this account offers enhanced benefits and exclusive features for those seeking a premium banking experience.

🔹 Business Dividend Checking

Ideal for small businesses, this account earns dividends while providing the flexibility and tools you need to manage your business finances.

🔹 Start Up Checking

A great first account for kids and teens. Help your child build financial confidence with tools tailored for early money management.

🔹 Trust Accounts

Secure and manage assets with confidence. Our trust accounts are built to protect your legacy and provide peace of mind for your beneficiaries.

Each account is backed by First Tech’s commitment to security, convenience, and member-first service.

Open a checking account online

It’s easy to cash in on a bonus with First Tech! When you open a Rewards Checking account and set up a qualifying direct deposit, you can earn up to $300, just by doing what you already do.

Here’s how it works:

1. Open a First Tech Rewards Checking® accountNew Direct Deposit Offer: Members who have received a promotional payout for a First Tech direct deposit campaign within the past 18 months are not eligible (“Participant”). Must be 18 years of age or older and the primary account owner on a First Tech Rewards Checking (“FTRC”) account to participate. Membership is required and is subject to approval. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. FTRC accounts must be personally owned accounts. Fiduciary, trust, business, or organization accounts are not eligible. Members will be enrolled in the promotion upon receipt of new direct deposit transaction into the FTRC account upon which they are the primary account owner (“Enrollment”). To receive any bonus payout, in addition to satisfying the payout conditions set forth in this disclosure, the Membership Savings account must be in good standing (not in default, closed, inactive, or otherwise not in good standing) during the period of time commencing with Enrollment and ending with the applicable date of payout. First Tech reserves the right to modify or terminate this campaign at any time. Any inquiries or disputes will be resolved at the sole discretion of First Tech and must be received no later than 180 days after enrollment.
   Already a member? Great, you’re one step ahead
2. Set up a new payroll direct deposit
   Make sure it’s active for at least three consecutive months.
3. Get rewarded
   • Earn $50Qualified direct deposits of $1,000 to $5,000 per month must be received for a one-time $50 bonus; qualified direct deposits greater than $5,000 per month must be received for a one-time $300 bonus. The monthly aggregate amount of all qualifying direct deposits must meet or exceed the tier minimum for the corresponding tier bonus. New direct deposit must occur at least once per calendar month from the Participant’s employer payroll or approved government benefits provider (e.g., Social Security) into the FTRC account of which the Participant is the primary account owner. Direct deposits from any other source do not qualify. Direct deposits are considered new if there has been no direct deposit activity in the Participant's share accounts on which they are the primary owner within the previous 18 months. Non-direct deposits including, but not limited to, check deposits, wire transfers, transfers from another First Tech account, non-payroll ACH transfers, such as small business payments or owner distributions, transfers from another financial institution, person to person transfers, merchant transactions, and one-time bonus or tax reimbursements do not qualify. First Tech reserves the right to evaluate each account holder's Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits during each Enrollment Period at our sole discretion. To determine eligibility for bonuses, we may request additional documentation for verification. Any transactions that are not identified as direct deposits may be disqualified, and any applicable bonuses may be forfeited. Enrollment is the date of the initial direct deposit transaction. During the period of time commencing with Enrollment and ending 90 calendar days after Enrollment (“Enrollment Period”), at least one direct deposit transaction must occur each calendar month starting with the initial direct deposit transaction. A minimum of three direct deposit transactions must be received during the Enrollment Period. (EXAMPLE: If a member’s initial direct deposit is June 1, 2025, additional required direct deposits must occur at least once in each subsequent calendar month following the month in which the initial direct deposit is made, the last direct deposit must be received by August 31, 2025. Bonuses would be deposited by September 7, 2025.) Only the Participant will receive credit for the direct deposits. Any qualifying bonus will be deposited to the Participant’s Membership Savings account the first week following the Enrollment Period. Bonuses may be considered dividends and may be reported on the appropriate IRS form 1099. when your total direct deposits are between $1,000–$4,999
   • Earn $300Qualified direct deposits of $1,000 to $5,000 per month must be received for a one-time $50 bonus; qualified direct deposits greater than $5,000 per month must be received for a one-time $300 bonus. The monthly aggregate amount of all qualifying direct deposits must meet or exceed the tier minimum for the corresponding tier bonus. New direct deposit must occur at least once per calendar month from the Participant’s employer payroll or approved government benefits provider (e.g., Social Security) into the FTRC account of which the Participant is the primary account owner. Direct deposits from any other source do not qualify. Direct deposits are considered new if there has been no direct deposit activity in the Participant's share accounts on which they are the primary owner within the previous 18 months. Non-direct deposits including, but not limited to, check deposits, wire transfers, transfers from another First Tech account, non-payroll ACH transfers, such as small business payments or owner distributions, transfers from another financial institution, person to person transfers, merchant transactions, and one-time bonus or tax reimbursements do not qualify. First Tech reserves the right to evaluate each account holder's Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits during each Enrollment Period at our sole discretion. To determine eligibility for bonuses, we may request additional documentation for verification. Any transactions that are not identified as direct deposits may be disqualified, and any applicable bonuses may be forfeited. Enrollment is the date of the initial direct deposit transaction. During the period of time commencing with Enrollment and ending 90 calendar days after Enrollment (“Enrollment Period”), at least one direct deposit transaction must occur each calendar month starting with the initial direct deposit transaction. A minimum of three direct deposit transactions must be received during the Enrollment Period. (EXAMPLE: If a member’s initial direct deposit is June 1, 2025, additional required direct deposits must occur at least once in each subsequent calendar month following the month in which the initial direct deposit is made, the last direct deposit must be received by August 31, 2025. Bonuses would be deposited by September 7, 2025.) Only the Participant will receive credit for the direct deposits. Any qualifying bonus will be deposited to the Participant’s Membership Savings account the first week following the Enrollment Period. Bonuses may be considered dividends and may be reported on the appropriate IRS form 1099. when your total direct deposits are $5,000 or more

No hassle. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy your bonus payday.

Personal Eligibility:
Offer valid for new First Tech Rewards Checking (FTRC) accounts, either newly opened or converted by request. Participants must:
• Be 18+ and the primary owner of a personal FTRC account (excludes business, trust, fiduciary, and organization accounts).
• Not currently or previously a primary owner of a First Tech Rewards Savings (FTRS) account.
• Have First Tech membership (subject to approval).

Funds Eligibility:
• Balance growth is based on the member’s total share account balances at the time of enrollment.
• Withdrawals or transfers may reduce eligibility.
• Funds must be deposited within 30 days of enrollment.
• From day 31 through day 120, the average daily balance across all share accounts must meet the bonus tier threshold.
• Maintain the FTRC and FTRS accounts in good standing from Enrollment through payout.
• Maintain a Membership Savings account in good standing from Enrollment through payout.

First Tech may change or end the offer at any time. Disputes must be submitted within 180 days of enrollment.
Enrollment: The day the participant opens their first FTRS account. FTRS accounts must be opened within 45 days after the new FTRC opening or conversion.
Balance Growth Bonus: Eligible only for new external funds (not previously held at First Tech). Funds must be deposited into a personal FTRC, FTRS account or a combination. Bonuses are deposited to the Membership Savings account on the second Friday after the Qualification Period ends and may be reported on IRS Form 1099.
Bonus Tiers:
• $150 for $10,000–$19,999 in new deposits.
• $300 for $20,000+ in new deposits.

Example: If a member enrolls on Jan 2, 2025, and had $100 in share accounts, they must deposit $10,000 by Feb 1 and maintain an average daily balance of at least $10,100 through May 2 to earn the $150 bonus.
Evaluation: First Tech may review account activity and request documentation to verify eligibility. Non-qualifying transactions may be excluded, and bonuses forfeited.

It’s easy to boost your savings and get rewarded. When you move money to First Tech and increase your Rewards Checking or Savings balances, you can qualify for a cash bonus:

• Earn $150 when you deposit $10,000 to $20,000
• Earn $300 when you deposit more than $20,000

This is a great opportunity to grow your money while enjoying a limited-time bonus.

Eligibility
Offer valid for new First Tech Rewards Checking (FTRC) accounts, either newly opened Participants must:
• Be 18+ and the primary owner of a personal FTRC account (excludes business, trust, fiduciary, and organization accounts).
• Have First Tech membership (subject to approval).
• Not have received a First Tech debit spend bonus in the past 18 months.
• Maintain a Membership Savings account in good standing from enrollment through payout.

First Tech may change or end the offer at any time. Disputes must be submitted within 90 days of enrollment and will be resolved at First Tech’s discretion.
Enrollment: The day a member makes their first point-of-sale (POS) transaction using a new debit card. Cards are considered new if they haven’t been previously issued, activated, hot-carded, or used. Members must not have made any POS transactions on any account as primary owner in the past 12 months.
Spending Bonus
• Participants earn 5% back on qualified debit card purchases, up to a $200 maximum bonus.
• Purchases of cash or cash equivalents, gambling chips, lottery tickets, traveler’s checks, or money orders are not eligible.
• Purchases must post to the FTRC account within 30 days of enrollment (“Qualification Period”). Excludes pending transactions.
• One Qualification Period per participant.
• Bonuses are deposited to the Membership Savings account on the first Friday after the month in which the Qualification Period ends.

Example: A member activates a new debit card on June 1, 2025, and makes their first purchase on June 4. All qualifying purchases must post by July 10, 2025.
Evaluation: To identify qualified purchases, we rely on information provided to us by the merchant. First Tech may review account activity and request documentation to verify eligibility. Non-qualifying transactions may be excluded, and bonuses forfeited.

When you activate your new First Tech debit card, you can earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases up to $200! There’s no extra enrollment or complicated steps, just activate your card and start earning rewards automatically.

• Not a member yet? Open an account today and start earning right away.
• Already a member but need a new card? Log in to online banking and send a secure message to request one.

Start using your card and watch your rewards add up—effortlessly.

Ordering checks is simple and secure.

To place your first order:  Please contact us directly so we can help you set up your initial check order with the correct account details.

To reorder checks with the same information:  You can do this easily through Digital Banking:

1. Log in using a web browser and navigate to: Services > Check Services.
2. Click Order Checks.
3. Select your account and click Next.
4. Review the disclaimer and click Order Checks again.
5. A secure website will open in a new tab.
6. Browse and personalize your check design.
7. Preview your order and review the cost.
8. Submit your order.

We’re here to make everyday banking easy, flexible, and member-first—so you can focus on what matters most.

 Log in to Digital Banking

A personal checking account at First Tech gives you convenient, secure access to your money—anytime, anywhere. It’s designed to support your everyday financial needs with flexibility and ease.

Key Features:

• Effortless Transactions: Use your debit card, digital wallet, or ATM to make purchases and manage your funds.
• Direct Deposit: Get paid faster with automatic deposits from your employer or other sources.
• Online & Mobile Banking: Monitor your balance, pay bills, and transfer funds—24/7 from any device.
• Overdraft Protection: Optional coverage to help avoid declined transactions (fees may apply).
• Detailed Records:  Easily track your spending with clear transaction history and statements.

All First Tech checking accounts are federally insured by the NCUA  up to $250,000, giving you peace of mind while you bank with confidence.

Open a checking account online

Your Available Balance is the amount of money you can use right now for purchases, withdrawals, or transfers. It may differ from your Current Balance due to:

• Pending transactions (e.g., debit card purchases that haven’t cleared yet)
• Holds on deposits (e.g., check deposits that are still processing)
• Authorized payments that haven’t posted yet

This helps ensure your account reflects real-time activity and protects you from overdrafts. For more details on how this works—including examples—check out our overdraft fee FAQs.

Get instant access to cash with a First Tech Personal Line of Credit—plus overdraft protection when you need it most.

To protect your account and ensure the check clears properly, First Tech may place a temporary hold on deposited funds. This is a standard practice that helps verify the check and prevent fraud.

Reasons a check may be held include:

• The check amount is unusually large
• The check is from a new or unfamiliar source
• Your account is newly opened or has limited history
• The check type requires additional verification

Hold Duration:

• Most holds are cleared within two business days
• If a hold lasts longer, we’ll provide a notice with details about the hold and expected release date

We’re committed to keeping your funds secure while making your banking experience smooth and transparent.

 Learn more about deposit holds and availability

To earn the higher yield  on your First Tech Rewards Savings account, you’ll need to meet a few simple monthly requirements through your Rewards Checking  account:

Monthly Requirements:

• Spend at least $1,000 using your First Tech debit or credit card
• Receive $1,000 or more in direct deposits or ACH transfers
• Be enrolled in paperless statements

When you qualify, you’ll enjoy:

• High yields on all Rewards Savings balances
• 1.00% cash back on credit card purchases (up to $30/month)
• 0.50% cash back on minimum loan payments (up to $15/month)

To check your qualification status:

• Log in to Digital Banking
• Go to Services > Rewards Checking to view your current eligibility and benefits

Learn more about Rewards Checking and Savings
Log in to Digital Banking

Opening a First Tech Rewards Checking account is simple and affordable.

• The minimum deposit to open the account is just $10.
• You’ll also need a $5 deposit to open your Membership Savings account, which establishes your membership with First Tech.

Together, these accounts give you access to exclusive benefits like high-yield savings, cash back rewards, and member-first service—all backed by the security of NCUA insurance.

 Learn more about Rewards Checking
Open your account online