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FRESH START CHECKING

Who Says There Are No Second Chances?

Fresh Start Checking provides you the ideal opportunity to rebuild your financial history and regain control of your finances. Even if your credit history isn't perfect, this account offers a path to better financial health and access to essential banking features.

Open An Account

Get Up to $250 When You Set Up Direct Deposit1

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A New Beginning Awaits

If you’ve faced financial setbacks, Fresh Start Checking is here to help you get back on track. This account includes all the essentials of a regular checking account, with the added benefit of being easier to qualify for, even with a less-than-perfect ChexSystems record. Plus, after six consecutive months of good account management—no overdrafts and continuous direct deposits—you can upgrade to our rewarding Daily Cash Back Checking account. Start fresh today and pave the way for a brighter financial future.

Let's Get Started!

Key Features of Fresh Start Checking

  • Low Monthly Fee

    Pay just $9 a month for your checking account.

  • No Minimum Balance

    Open your account with $25 and enjoy no minimum balance requirement.

  • Free Visa® Debit Card

    Use your card or pair it with digital wallets to make secure and simple purchases worldwide.

  • Instant Transfers with Zelle®

    Seamlessly transfer money to your loved ones.

  • Experience Early Paydays

    Enroll in direct deposit and receive your salary up to two days in advance. 2

  • Guaranteed Safety

    Rest assured, your funds are federally insured up to $250,000.
Second Chances Do Happen

Ready for your Fresh Start?

Stop by one of our 14 Houston-area branches, give us a call, or quickly apply online to get started.

713-676-7777
[email protected]
Apply Online

Fresh Start Checking FAQs

[1]
Members with existing direct deposits do not qualify. First Qualifying Direct Deposit must be received into the member’s account within 60 days successful enrollment. First Service will deposit $50 after the first month in which a total of $1,000 or more in Qualifying Direct Deposits is received; $75 will be deposited after the second month in which a total of $1,000 or more in Qualifying Direct Deposits is received; $125 will be deposited after the third month in which a total of $1,000 or more in Qualifying Direct Deposits is received. Qualifying Direct Deposits are defined as deposits from an enrolled member’s employer, payroll provider, benefits provider, pension, or the government (such as Social Security) via ACH deposit. External ACH transfers not from employers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer-to-peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, and any deposit which First Service deems to not be legitimate are not Qualifying Direct Deposits. An ACH direct deposit made available early with Early Payday does not count toward the bonus requirements until it posts to your account and is no longer pending (e.g. the pay date scheduled by your payer). Limit $250 in bonus payouts per member.
[2]
Subject to employer and/or payer terms and conditions. First Service will generally post payroll direct deposits on the day they are received, which may be up to two days earlier than the scheduled posting date. Other exceptions may apply.