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Free Core Checking Account
When we say “free” we mean it
No maintenance fee, no minimums, no worries
Everyday banking at its best
Whether you’re paying your monthly bills or getting cash from the ATM for a big night out, using a free credit union checking account should be simple.
What does a Core checking account mean for you?
- No monthly maintenance fee
- No minimum balance requirement
- No transaction limit
- No fee to transfer money between your Global accounts or stop a payment
Checking account features
Easy Access and Top Security
Your Visa Debit Card is linked to your free core checking account, and gives you 24/7/365 access to your savings, money market, consumer loan, or credit line at an ATM.
Your Visa Debit Card includes built-in security features:
- Visa's Zero Liability Policy protects you from unauthorized charges if your card is stolen
- Easily turn on or off your debit card with the Global app
- EMV smart chip technology protects your account with chip-and-pin security and you can also use contactless payment for a faster, more secure checkout
Convenient branches and ATMs
With your Global Credit Union Visa Debit Card, you get access to 55,000+ surcharge free ATMs worldwide. As part of the CO-OP Shared Branch Network® you can visit a branch to access your accounts at thousands of locations across the U.S.
Shared branch locations offer a range of services that may include:
- Deposits, withdrawals, and transfers
- Loan payments
- Visa cash advances, check withdrawals, and money orders
- Notary services
Overdraft Protection
Core free checking won’t allow you to overdraw your account—accidentally or otherwise. If you want the flexibility to go over your balance if you need to, then Latitude checking is more your style.
Even More Convenience
Core free checking delivers some great additional benefits:
- The annual fee on your Global Credit Union Visa® Credit Card* is waived when you have a Global checking account
- Carbonless check copies let you easily keep track of each check as you write it. You can also view and print your canceled checks online or call us to get a free copy of a check
- Our Member Service Center lets you talk to a real person, 24/7/365—even on holidays
*Does not include Seattle Mariners cash back credit card annual fee.
How do credit union checking accounts compare to big bank accounts on fees and interest?
Typical Bank Checking Account |
Global Credit Union Core Checking |
|
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fees | Avg. $5–$16/month* | $0 |
| Minimum balance | Often $496+ to waive fee* | $0 |
| NSF fees | Up to $27 per occurrence* | $0 |
| ATM network | Limited ATM network | 55,000+ surcharge-free ATMs |
| Support | Outsourced or chatbot | 24/7/365 U.S.-based member service |
| Structure | Shareholder-owned — profits to investors | Member-owned — profits returned to you |
| Monthly fees |
| Minimum balance |
| NSF fees |
| ATM network |
| Support |
| Structure |
Typical Bank Checking Account |
|---|
| Monthly fees |
| Avg. $5–$16/month* |
| Minimum balance |
| Often $496+ to waive fee* |
| NSF fees |
| Up to $27 per occurrence* |
| ATM network |
| Limited ATM network |
| Support |
| Outsourced or chatbot |
| Structure |
| Shareholder-owned — profits to investors |
Global Credit Union Core Checking |
|---|
| Monthly fees |
| $0 |
| Minimum balance |
| $0 |
| NSF fees |
| $0 |
| ATM network |
| 55,000+ surcharge-free ATMs |
| Support |
| 24/7/365 U.S.-based member service |
| Structure |
| Member-owned — profits returned to you |
*Typical bank fee ranges based on Bankrate's 2025 Checking Account and ATM Fee Study (bankrate.com/banking/checking/checking-account-survey/), surveyed June–July 2025 across 245 financial institutions. Individual bank fees may vary.
Why Choose a Credit Union Checking Account?
Credit unions operate differently than banks and that difference shows up directly in your wallet. As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution, Global Credit Union returns value to you through lower fees, better rates, and service that doesn’t disappear after business hours.
When you open a free credit union Core checking account with Global, you’re not just getting an account. Every decision we make is in service of you, not shareholders. Our Core Checking account reflects that commitment: straightforward, genuinely free, and packed with tools to help you manage your money with confidence.
Global Credit Union app
Secure, convenient, and available 24/7/365
- View your account balances and recent transactions
- Transfer money between your accounts, or send to family and friends
- Deposit checks and make payments
- Turn your Global Credit Union Debit and Credit Cards on or off, and more
Download the Global app for iPhone or Android today!
Checking account FAQs
Yes, all Global checking accounts are federally insured up to $250,000 by the NCUA, an agency of the U.S. government. This includes accounts for individuals, businesses, organizations, associations, and public units.
To find out more, or to use the NCUA’s Share Insurance Estimator, please visit MyCreditUnion.gov.
Visit MyCreditUnion.govYes, the Global CU app makes it easy to switch all of your direct deposits and automatic payments to your new Global Credit Union checking account. If you have any issues, you can call our Member Service Center 24/7 at 800-525-9094.
Yes, if you are enrolled in online banking, you can receive eStatements instead of paper statements in the mail. You can also sign up to receive an e-mail reminder when your new eStatement is ready.
To sign up for eStatements:
- Log in to your account
- Click the Account Services tab
- Click Request eStatements
- Review and accept the Electronic Statements and Notices Disclosure Agreement
There is no monthly maintenance fee to maintain a free Core Checking Account. Take a look at our Schedule of Service Fees for more details.
Global’s routing or transit number is 325272021. This number is the first 9 digits listed on the bottom of your checks.
Global Credit Union’s free Core Checking account is a genuinely free credit union checking account with no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no NSF fees.
You can open a free credit union account online in just a few minutes at globalcu.org. Membership is open to anyone who qualifies. Visit our membership page to see if you’re eligible.
Global Credit Union’s Core Checking includes both at no extra charge. Every Core Checking account comes with a Visa® Debit Card that gives you 24/7/365 access to your funds at ATMs and retail locations worldwide. As part of the CO-OP Network, Global members have access to more than 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs, with many conveniently located in CVS and Walgreens stores.
Your Visa Debit Card also includes Visa’s Zero Liability Policy, EMV chip technology, and the ability to instantly lock or unlock your card through the Global app. It’s everything you need in a debit card, with no annual or card issuance fee.
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We don’t think exceptional service should be so exceptional. Get in touch with us 24/7/365 from anywhere in the world.
Whether it’s in a branch or over the phone, you’ll talk to a real person.
You may change your checking account type at any time without changing your account number or reordering checks. Change your account at any branch, or by calling the Member Service Center at 800-525-9094.
For complete account information, refer to the Share Account Disclosure Statement. You will also receive a copy when you open an account.