There are two different types of checking accounts to choose from: Basic and Interest. They both work the same way, but the Interest account pays quarterly dividends. See our Rates section for current dividend rates.

To decide which account is best for you, consider the following. Although both accounts have a low monthly service charge, there are easy ways to qualify for a fee waiver each month. You'll most likely want to choose the account that you will result in more free months for you. Many members find that these waiver qualifications meet their needs so well that they never pay a single fee.

Basic Checking Fee Waiver Qualifications
       Six or fewer checks clear during the month
       Any direct deposit is made to the account during the month
       You have an open loan with a balance of $1,000 or higher (excluding Visas and lines of credit)
       You have a minimum daily balance in the account of $500 or more
       Your combined balances in all accounts at the credit union are $3,000 or higher
       The primary member on the account is age 60 or older (see "Primetime Checking" below)

Interest Checking Fee Waiver Qualifications
       Any direct deposit is made to the account during the month
       You have an open loan with a balance of $1,000 or higher (excluding Visas and lines of credit)
       Your combined balances in all accounts at the credit union are $5,000 or higher
       The primary member on the account is age 60 or older (see "Primetime Checking" below)

If none of the above qualifying factors will regularly apply to you, you can visit our Rates section for a current fee schedule.

Learn more about checking, fee waivers, and more in our Support section.

For our members aged 60 and over, we offer a special package of discounted services and perks. All members with a checking account, upon reaching age 60, automatically become eligible for the following:

       Free checking (Basic or Interest)
       One free box of checks per year (custom Coast Central design)
       Free Traveler's Cheques
       Three free cashier's checks per month
       $20.00 discount on any safe deposit box (2 x 5 size is free)

Making payments from your checking account is easier than ever with a Coast Central Visa Debit Card. Just slide your card at any merchant that accepts debit cards or Visa credit cards, get cash at ATMs (at home, across the country, even internationally), or pay online or over the phone.

Using a Visa Debit Card is quicker, easier, and more secure than writing a paper check. The funds will generally be withdrawn or held immediately from your checking account, making it easier to track your spending.

For more information on the difference between "debit" and "credit," managing your transactions, card security and more, please see our Support section.

Earn points toward exciting prizes just by using your Visa Debit Card! All of our debit cardholders are eligible for the Coast Central Rewards program, which tracks your spending and awards points for each transaction. The more you spend, the more you earn! Save up your points and redeem for the rewards of your choice, including gift cards, electronics, and more.

You can view the rewards selection and sign up to manage your points at CoastCentralRewards.org. Your usage will be automatically tracked and point certificates will be issued by mail quarterly. For each one you receive, just enter the certificate number on the rewards website, then watch your total grow. When you're ready to redeem, select your prize on the website and you'll receive it in the mail within just a few days!

Coast Central offers a variety of different check designs, made available through Deluxe Corp. You can use any of the following methods to place an order:

       Within Coast Central Online (click on "Order Checks" in your Services menu)
       Online through Deluxe.com
       Via phone (interactive voice response) at (877) 838-5287
       In person at any of our member services branches

You can also order supplies and accessories through Deluxe, including deposit tickets, personalized checkbook covers, and more.

If all you need is a transaction register or a basic checkbook cover, just stop by any of our locations - we'll be happy to give you one for free!

Need your routing number or account number? Check out our Support section for quick help.

Everyone handles their checking account differently - that's why Coast Central offers multiple options for overdraft protection. Compare your options below.

Automatic Transfer
You can designate another sub-account (or up to four) to enable automatic transfers to your checking account in the event of an overdraft. A small fee is charged each time such a transfer needs to be made, but transfers are made in increments of $100 (when possible) to prevent the need for additional transfers and fees. Your transactions will go through as long as you have sufficient funds in your designated overdraft protection accounts.

Courtesy Pay
After having a checking account with Coast Central for some time, you may qualify for our Courtesy Pay Overdraft Protection services. If approved, when an overdraft occurs, our system will check all of your designated overdraft protection accounts as usual. But, if sufficient funds aren't present in any of those accounts, Courtesy Pay allows your transactions (including fees) to clear up to an $800 limit ($1,500 for business accounts). The fee for each transaction Courtesy Pay must cover is higher than an overdraft transfer fee (see above), but can help you out when being sure that transactions clear is a priority.