woman at farmers market

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 one of our standard checking accounts. Start fresh today and pave the way for a brighter financial future.

Let's Get Started!

Key Features of Fresh Start Checking

  • Low Monthly Service Charge

    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.

  • Early Paydays

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

  • Guaranteed Safety

    Rest assured, your funds receive federal insurance up to $250,000.
Second Chances Do Happen

Ready for your Fresh Start?

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

713-676-7777
MembershipAdvisors@FSCU.com
Apply Online

Fresh Start Checking FAQs

Fresh Start Checking is ideal for individuals who have faced restrictions in opening a checking account due to past financial difficulties. We understand that life can be unpredictable, and financial setbacks can happen to anyone. This account is designed to provide you with the opportunity to start over and rebuild your financial stability. Everyone deserves a fresh start, and Fresh Start Checking is here to help you achieve that.
Fresh Start Checking does not include the ability to write checks. Instead, we encourage members to take advantage of more secure and convenient payment methods such as using your debit card, setting up ACH transfers, or obtaining a cashier’s check. These alternatives provide a safer and more efficient way to manage and pay your bills.
Fresh Start Checking includes all the essentials of a regular checking account, such as online and mobile banking, a debit card, and access to our network of ATMs. It also offers features to help you manage your money responsibly and build a positive financial history.

Yes, Fresh Start Checking has a low monthly service charge. However, the benefits of rebuilding your financial history and gaining access to essential banking services can far outweigh the cost. Please check our service charge schedule for the most current information.

You can open a Fresh Start Checking account by visiting any of our branch locations or applying online through our website.
To qualify for an upgrade, you need to maintain your Fresh Start Checking account in good standing for six consecutive months. This means having no overdrafts and ensuring continuous direct deposits during this period. When you are ready, contact the credit union to request your upgrade.
[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.