How much do I need to keep in my account to earn dividends?

Maintain a daily balance of $1,000 or more to earn the full APY. Your dividends are calculated on your balance every day using the daily balance method, so every dollar above $1,000 earns from the moment it's deposited.

What happens if my balance drops below $1,000?

If your balance falls below $1,000 on any day during the month, a $10 monthly fee applies. You'll still earn dividends on the days your balance is above the minimum. Members under 23 have the monthly fee waived regardless of balance.

When do I get my dividends?

Dividends are compounded and credited to your account on the last day of each monthly dividend period. For example, January dividends are credited on January 31st.

What if I close my account mid-month?

If you close your account before dividends are paid for that period, you won't receive the accrued dividends for that month.

Is there a limit on transactions?

No. Interest Checking has no transaction limitations. Write checks, use your debit card, pay bills, transfer funds — as much as you want.

What's the current rate?

Our Interest Checking rate is set by the credit union board and may change at any time. Visit our Rates page for the current APY.

How is this different from a savings account?

Savings accounts also earn dividends, but they limit you to 6 electronic transactions per month. Interest Checking has no transaction limits — you get the earning power of savings with the full freedom of checking.

How is this different from a Money Market account?

Money Market requires a higher minimum ($2,500) and has transaction limits like a savings account. Interest Checking requires $1,000 and has no transaction limits. If unlimited access is important, Interest Checking is the better choice.

Can I switch from my current checking account?

Yes! You can switch from Free Checking, Advantage Checking, or any other checking account. Visit a branch or call us at 800-637-BSCU and we'll help you transition — same account number, same debit card, no disruption.

What about overdraft protection?

Interest Checking is Courtesy Pay eligible. You can also link a savings account for overdraft transfers at a lower cost ($7 vs $34 Courtesy Pay). Or set up balance alerts to stay ahead of it entirely.

Who qualifies for the under-23 fee waiver?

Any account holder under the age of 23 is automatically exempt from the $10 monthly fee, regardless of balance. It's our way of helping young adults get a head start on earning.

Get Paid to Check

Why let your checking balance sit there doing nothing? Interest Checking earns you monthly dividends on the money you already keep in your account.

Earn dividends every month — compounded and credited automatically

Why Interest Checking?

Your Balance Earns for You

Every dollar in your account earns dividends daily. Compounded monthly. Credited monthly. Automatically.

Still Full-Feature Checking

Free Visa debit card, free bill pay, free online & mobile banking — everything you expect from a checking account, plus earnings.

No Transaction Limits

Write as many checks, swipe your card, and pay as many bills as you want. No caps. No restrictions. No worries.

Under 23? Fee Waived

Young adults get the monthly fee waived — earn dividends from day one with zero cost.

How Interest Checking Works

It's checking that earns — here's the simple version

1. Keep Your Balance

Maintain a $1,000 daily balance and your account earns the full APY. That's it — no special requirements, no hoops to jump through.

2. Earn Every Day

We calculate your dividends on your balance every single day, not just once a month. Every dollar works for you from the moment it's deposited.

3. Get Paid Every Month

Your dividends are compounded and credited to your account every month. Spend them, save them, or let them compound and earn even more.

Everything You Get With Interest Checking

All the checking features you need — plus dividends

Earn Monthly Dividends

Your balance earns dividends calculated daily and credited every month.

Free Visa Debit Card

Shop everywhere Visa is accepted — in-store, online, worldwide. $5,000/day purchase limit, $1,000/day ATM limit.

Free Online & Mobile Banking

Check balances, transfer funds, deposit checks, and manage your account 24/7 from anywhere.

Free Bill Pay

Pay any bill online — one-time or recurring. Never miss a due date again.

Free Direct Deposit

Get your paycheck deposited automatically — funds available the day we receive them.

Surcharge-Free ATMs

Thousands of free ATMs: BrightStar CU, Publix Presto!, CULIANCE/CUHere, and MoneyPass networks.

Overdraft Protection

Link a savings account for lower-cost overdraft transfers, or use Courtesy Pay for automatic coverage.

Visa Zero Liability

Protected against unauthorized transactions on your debit card — shop with confidence.

Free E-Statements

Choose digital statements for free, or receive mailed statements if you prefer paper.

Interest Checking Is Built For You If...

You keep $1,000 or more in your checking account most days

You want your everyday spending money to earn for you

You're tired of your balance just sitting there doing nothing

You want full checking features without giving anything up

You're under 23 and want to start earning with zero fees

You believe every dollar should be working — even in checking

If you don't typically keep $1,000 in checking, our Free Checking or Advantage Checking might be a better fit — no minimum balance needed to avoid fees. Compare All Checking Accounts →

How Interest Checking Compares

See why it's the smart choice for members with higher checking balances

vs Free Checking

Free Checking: No fees, but your balance earns nothing.
Interest Checking: Same great features, but your balance earns monthly dividends.
If you keep $1,000+ in checking, you're leaving money on the table with Free Checking.

vs Advantage Checking

Advantage: $500 min to waive fees, no dividends.
Interest Checking: $1,000 min to waive fees AND earn dividends.
For just $500 more in your daily balance, your money starts working for you.

vs Savings Account

Savings: Earns dividends, but limited to 6 transactions/month.
Interest Checking: Earns dividends WITH unlimited transactions.
Interest Checking gives you the earning power of savings with the full freedom of checking.

vs Educator Checking

Educator: Same dividend earning, plus no overdraft or NSF fees.
Interest Checking: Same earning power, open to everyone.
If you're an educator, check out Educator Interest Checking for even more perks.

See What Your Checking Could Be Earning

Here's what you're missing if your checking doesn't pay dividends

Starting Deposit

$

Monthly Contribution

$

Savings Goal

$

Account Type

Time to reach your goal

Interest Earned

Final Balance

Estimates based on current rates. See our Rates page for the latest APY.

Account Details

The key details — simple and upfront

Minimum to Open: $1.00
Min. Balance for APY: $1,000 daily balance
Dividends: Compounded & credited monthly
Calculation Method: Daily balance method
Transaction Limits: None
Monthly Fee: $0 with $1,000+ balance ($10/mo if below)
Under 23: Monthly fee waived
E-Statements: Free (mailed: $5/mo)
Overdraft Protection: Available (Courtesy Pay eligible)
Debit Card: Free Visa debit card included

Close before dividends are paid? Accrued dividends for that period are forfeited.

View Current APY → View Account Disclosures →

Open Interest Checking in Minutes

1. Apply

Open online in under 10 minutes or visit any branch. You'll need a valid ID and your Social Security number.

2. Fund Your Account

Deposit as little as $1.00 to open. To start earning dividends right away, fund with $1,000 or more.

3. Start Earning

Set up direct deposit, download the mobile app, and watch your checking balance start working for you.

Interest Checking Questions, Answered

Find answers to common questions about our checking accounts and services.

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Pair With These for Even More Value

Savings Account

Link a savings account for overdraft protection and a place to stash extra funds that earn even more.

Open Savings

Certificates of Deposit

Have extra cash you won't need for a while? Lock it in a CD for an even higher guaranteed rate.

Explore CDs

Credit Card

Earn rewards on everyday purchases with a BrightStar credit card — the perfect companion to your checking.

See Credit Cards

Stop Letting Your Checking Balance Sit Idle

Open Interest Checking and start earning monthly dividends on the money you already keep in your account. Federally insured by NCUA up to $250,000.

Open Interest Checking Compare All Checking