The right checking account build a strong foundation — find one tailored to your unique needs.
The right savings account helps you grow toward your goals — find one that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Manage your Patelco accounts effortlessly with our comprehensive support services.
Low rates, no annual fees — Patelco credit cards fit every lifestyle and financial goal.
Flexible loans and lines of credit to consolidate debt or cover life’s big expenses
Flexible lending options and programs for new and existing homeowners.
Take advantage of one of life’s biggest investments.
Drive off with an affordable new or used vehicle, or save on one you already own.
Have your fun and freedom with a great loan that fits into your financial plan.
Explore payment options and answers to commonly asked questions about loan payments with Patelco.
Up to $50,000. As low as 12.40% APR.
Get support managing your debit and credit cards and loans.
Learn more about our local expertise, guidance and personal service.
Tailored investment solutions to help you plan, invest, and secure your financial future.
Comprehensive insurance solutions to protect your assets and loved ones.
Complimentary one-on-one guidance from our Certified Financial Specialists.
Connect with us and find the right insurance option that fits your needs.
Patelco’s Digital Banking provides secure, convenient access to your accounts anytime, anywhere. Manage your finances effortlessly with our comprehensive suite of online and mobile services.
Sign up for Patelco Online™ to access and manage your accounts securely.
Schedule a video appointment or meet instantly with a Patelco team member.
Manage accounts, pay bills, and transfer funds securely from any device.
Bank on the go: check balances, deposit checks, send money and more.
Make secure, contactless payments using your mobile device at participating merchants.
Schedule and manage your bill payments online with ease and confidence.
Transfer funds between accounts or send money to others quickly and securely.
Send and receive money instantly with friends and family using Zelle®.
Download our Mobile App to check your balance, make transfers, pay bills, deposit checks, plan and save securely and conveniently from your phone or tablet.
Patelco Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to helping members and communities prosper. With nearly $10 billion in assets and over 500,000 members nationwide, we are one of the largest credit unions in the nation.
Higher savings, better rates, and fewer fees. Patelco membership connects you to more.
Discover all the perks, savings and resources that come with being a Patelco member.
Learn about our history, our core values and our mission to build financial wellbeing.
Meet the people who are dedicated to helping you live your best financial life.
We’re united in our mission to help uplift each other, our members and communities.
Patelco’s latest news and announcements, media and press, awards and more.
See exactly how we’re doing by reviewing our latest financials.
As your trusted financial partner, we’re solely focused on helping our members build and sustain their best financial lives. Learn what makes Patelco membership different.
Get expert guidance, tools and support to take control of your financial future — from fraud prevention to education, relief options, and personalized advice.
Protect yourself from scams with tools, alerts, and tips to keep your info secure.
Explore financial hardship resources, loan relief options, and personalized support.
Tune in for expert interviews and real-life stories to help you master your money.
Get one-on-one coaching and tailored financial guidance from our financial specialists.
Join live and on-demand webinars to grow your financial knowledge and confidence.
Access tools, articles, and interactive course to support smarter financial decisions.
Access articles, guides, and tools to enhance your financial knowledge.
Learn more about Patelco’s community values, service in action, impact, events and partnerships.
Learn about our impact, purpose and involvement in the communities we call home.
Check out our sponsored community events and ones we participate in.
Discover how we can create a stronger culture of financial health for your employees.
Follow and like us to get the latest news, financial tips, and special offers.
Access to your accounts anywhere, anytime
Honored as a 2025 Best Credit Union by Newsweek, Forbes and Bankrate
Start with Free Checking
No Minimum Balance Requirement
The Patelco Free Checking account is designed to improve your financial health. Beyond no monthly fees and minimum balance requirements, you’ll get access to top-notch savings rates, digital tools, along with personalized advice along your financial journey.
Of course, you can also enjoy the convenience of 30,000+ free ATMs and get paid up to two days early1 when you set up direct deposit.
Set up Direct Deposit and access your funds up to 2 days early
Cover unexpected shortage of funds in your account for up to $500 with Instant BackUp. No credit check needed
Automatically grow your savings with every purchase you make
Pay with confidence with Digital Wallets and Zero Liability Protection
Choose from Zelle®, Bill Pay, wire transfers and more
Find one near you on our top-rated Mobile App3
Yes! We don’t charge a monthly fee or require a minimum balance to waive the monthly fee.
Check orders may be placed through Patelco Online™ or our Mobile App. Go to Account Services then Check Services to place your order. If this is your first order or if you need to make changes to a previous order, please contact us directly.
Members who set up direct deposits into their Patelco checking, savings, or money market accounts can get paid up to 2 days early1 — so you can access your funds faster.
You can find one of the 30,000+ fee-free ATMs at patelco.org/locations or on your Mobile App.
You will receive your debit card in the mail typically within 5 business days after you’ve opened your account.
Patelco is a member owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative. When you open an account at Patelco, you become a member and a shareholder. That’s why we’ll deposit one share ($1) in your Share Savings account when you join. Our mission is to help members achieve lifelong financial well-being so you can live happier, fuller lives. Unlike the big banks or other for-profit financial institutions, we invest our profits back in our members with better rates and low-to-no fees. We also offer free financial coaching to anyone who wants to improve their financial situation. Members have told us that they feel seen, heard, informed, and supported to make more confident financial choices. Membership is free. You become a member when you open an account with us. Check out all the benefits of membership.
Start saving more when you open a Money Market Plus account at the same time as a Free Checking account, and earn an outstanding rate as high as 3.50% APY4 on your savings.
January 15, 2024
Americans aren't writing as many checks, but they're still around. Learn how to write, endorse, cash, and void a check and get tips for keeping your money safe.
October 27, 2021
Protecting your debit and credit cards from fraud is important to keeping your finances safe. Find out how it’s as simple as remembering T-R-I-P-L-E!
September 28, 2023
Even digitally savvy people can be victims of a fake check scam. Sadly, certified and cashier check scams are on the rise. Learn how to spot and avoid check cashing scams.
1 Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the receipt of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
2 You must enroll in Instant BackUp on your checking account to receive overdraft coverage up to $500. You’ll pay interest only on the amount you borrowed for the amount of time it’s outstanding. Talk to our Patelco team for assistance and learn more here. No overdraft fees applies to checking accounts opened after 04/05/2023.
3 Source: Over 34,700 5-star reviews across Apple iOS and Google Play app stores.
4 APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Rates are effective as of 01/01/2026 and are subject to change before or after account opening without notice. Rates vary by tier and apply to the full balance.
The following variable rates will apply to your account balance: 3.50% APY on balances of $250,000.00 or greater, 3.25% APY on balances between $100,000.00 and $249,999.99, 3.00% APY on balances between $50,000.00 and $99,999.99, 2.75% APY on balances up to $49,999.99.
In order to attain higher rates the account must meet the eligibility requirements, that is a Patelco checking account (opened under the same Member Number) with a total monthly deposit of $500 or more. If the account fails to meet eligibility, the lower rate of 0.05% will be defaulted for that month. Qualifying deposit transactions include: Payroll direct deposits, Social Security (or other government benefit) direct deposits, ACH transfers, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal or other similar deposits, cash deposits, check deposits (except checks written from another Patelco account), wire transfers, multiple deposits (of the types listed above) that add up to at least $500 in a calendar month. Qualifying deposit transactions do not include Patelco account-to-Patelco account transfers, chargebacks or promotional incentive payments from Patelco.
For more details, read our Money Market Plus Account Overview.
Mastercard and Mastercard Global Service are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark, of Mastercard International Incorporated.
Zelle® and the Zelle®-related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
