CHECKING ACCOUNT FAQs
Do I need to be a Marine Credit Union member to open a checking account?
Becoming a member of MCU is easy. There are no hoops to jump through and no tricky terms and conditions. The only eligibility requirement for membership is a par value of $5 in your savings account. Par value means “stated face value” and is similar to a minimum balance.
Can I open a checking account online?
Yes, you can open an account with Marine Credit Union online. Online account opening is quick and easy with just 3 simple steps:
- Choose your checking account. There are no hoops to jump through. All you need to become a member of Marine Credit Union is a minimum balance of $5.
- Tell us a little about yourself. We’ll ask some questions about who you are and where you live. You’ll also have the option to add someone to your account.
- Fund your account. You can make your first deposit using a debit card, credit card, or a transfer from another bank account.
Open your account today. Plus, check out our in-depth guide, [What to Expect When Opening a Checking Account.]
How much money do you have to have to open a checking account?
Opening a checking account with Marine Credit Union is easy. All you need to become a member is a minimum balance of $5.
When will I receive my debit card?
You must fund your account before you receive your debit card. After you make your first deposit to fund your checking account, you may need to wait 7-10 days for your new debit card to arrive. You can activate your debit card and begin using it as soon as you receive it.
How do I set up direct deposit?
The [Setup Your Direct Deposit] widget is a tool that simplifies the process of switching your direct deposit to Marine Credit Union. It helps you complete the switch easily and without providing account numbers.
- Log into Online Banking or the mobile app.
- Under Transfer & Pay select Setup Your Direct Deposit (On the app, first choose More).
- Follow the steps to complete the switch.
From there, MCU ensures your account is connected with your employer and service providers.
How does My Payday work?
My Payday is a feature that allows you to get paid up to two days before your official pay date.
To take advantage of My Payday, you must be enrolled in direct deposit from your employer. When we receive notice from your employer that your paycheck is on the way, we reduce the processing time to release your money as early as possible. You can turn the My Payday feature on and off as you need it, like when unexpected expenses pop up.
The timing of the availability of your funds depends on when we receive notice from your employer and is not guaranteed. Reasons you may not receive your deposit early include: your direct deposit was set up too recently, your deposit type is not eligible (such as bank-to-bank transfer), or there is a payroll issue with your employer.
Your account must be open for 30 days to use My Payday. After 30 days, you will be automatically enrolled in My Payday.
How does My Grace Zone work?
My Grace Zone is a feature of My Prize and My Relationship Checking that gives you a $50 buffer in case you spend a little more than you have in your account. We know accidents happen and sometimes you forget that you wrote a check or a charge goes through earlier than expected. If you qualify for My Prize or My Relationship Checking, MCU will cover an overdraft of up to $50 without charging a fee.
To take advantage of My Grace Zone, you must be opted into overdraft privilege for ATM and everyday debit card transactions.
To opt in, log into the Mobile App or Digital Banking, go to Account Services (choose More first on the Mobile App), and then Overdraft for Card.
What if I overdraw my account?
We know accidents happen. Marine has a few lines of defense in case you overdraft your checking account:
- Free overdraft protection with linked accounts. Link your Marine Credit Union checking and savings accounts and get free transfers to protect against overdraft fees. In the event of an overdraft, MCU will automatically transfer funds from your savings account to cover the transaction in increments of $100. To opt in to Overdraft Protection, log in to the Mobile App or Online Banking. On the Mobile App, choose More, then Account Services, then Overdraft Protection. In Online Banking select Account Services, then Overdraft Protection.
- My Grace Zone. My Grace Zone is a free service available for qualified members in My Relationship Checking that covers an overdraft up to $50. The service will automatically cover ACH and check transactions that take your account below $0 up to $50 with no fee. To allow your debit card to go below $0, opt-in for Reg E (a federal regulation that protects members against fraudulent and incorrect electronic fund transfers). In the event of an overdraft on your debit card, Marine Credit Union will cover the transaction, up to $50, without charging a fee. [Learn more about My Grace Zone]. To opt-in to Reg E, log into [Digital Banking], go to Account Services and then Overdraft for Card.
- Overdraft Privilege. If you choose not to link accounts, Overdraft Privilege allows Marine Credit Union to pick up the tab if an overdraft takes your account negative by more than $50. MCU will cover the transaction for an overdraft fee of $35 per instance, with a maximum of six charges per day. Note: Overdraft Privilege on your debit card requires you to opt-in to Reg E to allow us to cover an overdraft. If you choose not to opt-in on your debit card, any charge that has insufficient funds will be declined and you could be subject to insufficient funds fees. To opt-in to Reg E, log into [Digital Banking], go to Account Services, and then Overdraft for Card.