A Core Checking Account is a high-yield checking account for Credit Union of America members offering dividends on deposits. This account also lets you earn CUA Rewards and get exclusive discounts from our trusted partners. Just by being a member of our credit union, you can enjoy exclusive deals on phone plans, groceries, and travel expenses.

Credit unions, unlike commercial banks, are owned by and operated on behalf of their members, rather than corporate shareholders. That means profits are returned to members in the form of low-fee banking, more generous dividends on balances, and lower rates on loans. 

Expect to pay low or no fees on a credit union checking account and to enjoy better dividends on your balance when these are offered. That sounds good, doesn’t it?

Yes! You can open a Core Checking account online in just a few simple steps.

It's fast, secure, and convenient. You can get started whenever it works best for you, all without needing to visit a branch.

To open a checking account at Credit Union of  America, you need to provide:

• A government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport. 
• Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
• Proof of eligibility for membership, such as where you live, work, or go to school. 

With generous dividends, great rates on loans, and excellent member service at local branches throughout the greater Wichita area, Credit Union of America is the perfect place to open an account.

Our Core Checking account option is ideal for a wide range of customers. Enjoy free CUA ATM withdrawals and pay your bills with unlimited bill pay. Some say it’s the best credit union checking account in Wichita!

Yes, the Core Account is an interest checking account that earns dividends at a tiered rate. Please visit Credit Union of America's rates page for current Core Account tiered rates.

Upon opening a checking account at one of our branches, you will receive your permanent debit card during the same visit. For checking accounts opened remotely, you have the option to either visit a branch to receive your debit card, or you may have a card mailed and delivered within 7 to 10 business days.

The biggest benefit of using an interest-bearing checking account is that you earn dividends on the cash in your account while still having your money instantly available to you when you need it.

To order checks for the first time, please contact a representative. You can re-order checks anytime by logging into the desktop version of digital banking. On the left side, select "More," and then choose the "Draft Services" widget.

When you open a Core Checking account and become a member, you get access to CUA Rewards. These rewards give you access to exclusive deals from partners like TurboTax, H&R Block, Sam's Club, and Xfinity.

Credit Union of America offers corporate checks in our branches. For corporate check fees, please see CUA's Member Fee Schedule.

Yes. Credit Union of America offers "Card Management" in digital banking. You can temporarily lock and unlock your card at your convenience. Other features include permanently blocking the card, managing your card limits, placing travel alerts, and more.

Yes, your savings are federally insured up to $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. Please refer to NCUA.gov for additional information on insurable limits.

If it’s a company you’ve worked with before, contact them first for credit. If they refuse to assist, you can contact Credit Union of America to dispute the charge on our end.

No. Credit Union of America does not exchange foreign currency for U.S. Cash. 

Yes, you need to join CUA to open a Core Account and enjoy all its perks. You can apply for membership at the same time you open your Core Account.

You’re eligible to join Credit Union of America if you meet one of the following criteria:

• Employed in the field of education in the state of Kansas
• Retired from the field of education in the state of Kansas
• Work for a Select Employer Group
• Family member of an existing CUA member
• Resident, employee or paid in the following counties: Anderson, Atchison, Barber, Barton, Butler, Chase, Clark, Clay, Cloud, Coffey, Comanche, Cowley, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Finney, Ford, Franklin, Geary, Gray, Harper, Harvey, Hodgeman, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Kingman, Kiowa, Leavenworth, Lincoln, Linn, Lyon, Marion, McPherson, Miami, Mitchell, Morris, Osage, Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pottawatomie, Pratt, Reno, Rice, Riley, Rooks, Russell, Rush, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee, Stafford, Sumner, Wabaunsee, or Wyandotte.
• Any non-profit, small business, organization, trust, or custodial account whose signatory would otherwise be eligible for membership by the criteria above.

Once you become a member, you’re a member for life, no matter if you move or change jobs.

Credit Union of America offers Youth Core checking accounts starting at the age of 14. If the child is under age 16, a parent or guardian must sign up as a joint account holder.

At age 16, youth may have their own Youth Core Checking Account with proper ID and review of the Greenpath CheckRight online course. Accounts for youth require a physical Social Security card to be presented during the account opening.

Open Youth Core Checking (14+)

Credit Union of America offers Youth Core Checking Accounts starting at the age of 14. If the child is under age 16, a parent or guardian must co-own the account.

At age 16, youth may have their own Youth Core Checking Account with proper ID and review of the Greenpath CheckRight online course. Accounts for youth require a physical Social Security card to be presented during the account opening.

At CUA, we take financial literacy seriously. That’s why we offer checking account products designed specifically for young people aged 14 and up. We believe that learning about financial responsibility and personal money management early is the key to long-term prosperity.

Yes. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) insures deposits in your Youth Core Checking Account. It protects all deposit accounts for balances up to $250,000 per account. Please refer to NCUA.gov for additional information.

Contact us to close your checking account remotely. You can also visit your local branch to request closure.

To open a checking account, you need to be a Credit Union of America (CUA) member. To join CUA, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Employed in the field of education in the state of Kansas
• Retired from the field of education in the state of Kansas
• Work for a Select Employer Group
• Family member of an existing CUA member
• Resident, employee or paid in the following counties: Anderson, Atchison, Barber, Barton, Butler, Chase, Clark, Clay, Cloud, Coffey, Comanche, Cowley, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Finney, Ford, Franklin, Geary, Gray, Harper, Harvey, Hodgeman, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Kingman, Kiowa, Leavenworth, Lincoln, Linn, Lyon, Marion, McPherson, Miami, Mitchell, Morris, Osage, Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pottawatomie, Pratt, Reno, Rice, Riley, Rooks, Russell, Rush, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee, Stafford, Sumner, Wabaunsee, or Wyandotte.
• Any non-profit, small business, organization, trust, or custodial account whose signatory would otherwise be eligible for membership by the criteria above.
• Belong to the American Consumer Council (ACC). CUA can complete your membership at no additional cost to you.*

*If you do not meet one of the above membership requirements, we will sign you up for the American Consumer Council (ACC) at no extra cost. This will ensure you can open an account at Credit Union of America.