A checking account that pays dividends.
Our Ascend Checking dividend rate has more than doubled.
Our free Ascend Checking account just got a huge rate increase, you can earn 3.50% APY1 on balances up to $15,000 by meeting these three requirements each month:
- enroll in eStatements
- make at least 20 debit card purchases
- have at least one monthly direct deposit greater than $250
Each month you meet those qualifications, you'll earn dividends. There are no additional fees if you don't meet the dividend requirements and no minimum deposit is required.
Increased dividends for savings greater than $15,000.
If you're looking to earn dividends on balances higher than $15,000 we're excited to roll out a new Ascend Money Market Rate Bump2 for qualifying Ascend Checking account holders who also have Money Market Accounts. If you have a dividend-qualifying Ascend Checking Account, your Money Market will earn a special bump rate, too. If your Ascend Checking doesn't meet the dividend qualifications one month, your Money Market will continue to earn dividends at the normal Money Market dividend rate.
Even if dividends aren't your priority, this account is still entirely free with the benefits listed below.
Do you have a different P1FCU checking account? You can check out our frequently asked questions section about your current account and learn how you can upgrade your account.
Ascend Money Market Rate Bump
additional dividends for savers
When your Ascend Checking meets the three qualifications for dividends, your Money Market will also see a bump in dividends. Each month your Ascend Checking qualifies for dividends, your Money Market earns a special bump rate.
| Money Market Tiers3 | Regular Money Market Dividend Rate | Ascend Money Market Bump Dividend Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $500-$24,999.99 | 0.45% | 0.65% |
| $25,000-$99,999.99 | 0.55% | 0.75% |
| $100,000-$249,999.99 | 1.24% | 1.44% |
| $250,000-$499,999.99 | 1.34% | 1.54% |
| $500,000+ | 1.44% | 1.64% |
Effective 3/1/2023
We know mistakes happen, that’s why we offer options to protect you from mistakes that may be costly or even embarrassing.
Standard Overdraft
We can link other accounts to your checking account in the instance that funds aren’t available to cover a transaction. This service incurs a $2 transfer fee.
Line of Credit
Use a personal line of credit to have funds available when you need them.
Debit Card Overdraft Protection
Debit Card Overdraft Protection covers your accidental overdrafts so that merchants and credit bureaus will not be notified of overdrafts. For every check or other item that we cover, there is a $25 overdraft fee.
Checking Account FAQs
Frequently Asked questions
How do I upgrade my Prime, Preferred, PowerPlus, or Good$ense Account to an Ascend Checking Account?
Upgrading your Prime, Preferred, PowerPlus, or Good$ense Account to an Ascend Checking Account is easy. You can make the change in seconds by online chatting with a Member Service Representative, speaking with one over the phone at 208-746-8900, or in a branch.
Will my account number or debit card number change if I switch from a Prime, Preferred, PowerPlus, or Good$ense Account to an Ascend Checking?
No, your checking account number, member number, and debit card number will remain the same if you choose to switch to an Ascend Checking.
If I switch my Preferred, PowerPlus, or Good$ense account to an Ascend Checking account, will I get to keep my current benefits on my existing checking account?
No, if you choose to switch, CardCash, BaZing, and preset dividends will no longer be available. You will be eligible to earn new dividends on your Ascend Checking account by meeting these qualifications* monthly:
- Enroll in eStatements.
- Make 20 debit card purchases.
- Have at least one monthly direct deposit of more than $250.
Can I still access my P1FCU Points?
Yes, your P1FCU Points will be available to you as long as they have not expired at p1fcupoints.org.
Do you offer any other checking accounts?
The only checking account we offer for personal use is the Ascend Checking. If you're looking to open a checking account for your business, we have options for you on our Business page.
1 Qualifiers to earn interest on Ascend Checking must be enrolled in eStatements with a valid email and have 20 transactions on your Ascend Checking Account debit card, excluding transactions at ATMs and one monthly direct deposit of more than $250. Requirements are calculated for each calendar month. APY=Annual Percentage Yield. 3.50% APY applies to the first $15,000. Balances over $15,000 earn 0.00% APY. If the account requirements are not met, the rate will be 0.00% APY. No minimum balance is required to earn APY. Rates may change after account opening. Fees may reduce earnings. APY accurate as of 03/01/23. Insured by NCUA.
2 To qualify for the Money Market Account Qualifying Bump Rate, you must have an Ascend Checking account linked to the Money Market account, and you must meet the Ascend Checking account dividend qualifications each calendar month. For each month you meet the Ascend Checking account dividend qualifications, you will qualify for the Money Market Account Qualifying Bump Rate. The three-monthly dividend qualifications for the Ascend Checking account are: 1) Enrollment in eStatements 2) A minimum of 20 debit card swipes per month (ATM transactions excluded) and 3) A monthly direct deposit of over $250. If the Ascend Checking dividend qualifications are not met, the Money Market will default to the standard Money Market Account Non-Qualifying Rate. Only one Money Market account may be linked to an Ascend Checking account at any time. The Money Market Account Qualifying Bump Rate will be applied to the Money Market account with the earliest opening date. If there are multiple Money Market accounts, you may select which Money Market account to apply the Qualifying Bump Rate at account opening or by reaching out to us at 800.843.7128. Future changes of your selection can be made in branch or by reaching out to us at 800.843.7128. The dividend rate and annual percentage yield may change at any time. We may change the dividend rate for your account as determined by the credit union board of directors.
3 Minimum balance requirements: The balance required to open this account is $500.00. You must maintain a minimum average daily balance of $500.00 in your account to obtain the disclosed annual percentage yield.