Checking Accounts
Advantage Plus Banking®
Our most popular checking account — a low $12 monthly maintenance fee that's easy to waive, packed with digital tools, and backed by one of America's largest banking networks.
Account Benefits
Everything Included with Advantage Plus Banking®
One account, all the tools you need to bank smarter every day.
Deposit checks, pay bills, transfer money, and lock your debit card — all from the Federal Crown Bank Mobile Banking app, rated #1 by J.D. Power for customer satisfaction.
Get instant notifications for every transaction, low balance warnings, and suspicious activity alerts — so you're always in control of your money, 24/7.
You're covered against unauthorized debit card transactions. Report it promptly and you pay $0 — guaranteed. Includes 24/7 fraud monitoring and instant card lock.
Tap to pay anywhere contactless payments are accepted. Compatible with Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and Samsung Pay® — set up instantly in the app.
Every debit card purchase is automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar and the difference is transferred to your savings. Save effortlessly without thinking about it.
Send and receive money in minutes using Zelle® — integrated directly in the Federal Crown Bank app. No fees when sending to enrolled Zelle® users.
Fees & Requirements
Simple, Transparent Fee Schedule
| Fee Type | Amount | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $12.00 | Maintain $1,500 minimum daily balance or receive $250+ in qualifying monthly direct deposits |
| Non-FCB ATM — Domestic | $2.50 | Use any of 15,000+ Federal Crown Bank or partner ATMs |
| Non-FCB ATM — International | $5.00 | Use in-network ATMs abroad; upgrade to Advantage Relationship for waiver |
| Overdraft Fee (per item) | $10.00 | Enroll in Balance Connect® overdraft protection |
| Returned Item Fee | $10.00 | Keep sufficient funds or link a backup account via Balance Connect® |
| Stop Payment Request | $30.00 | N/A — flat fee per request |
| Incoming Wire Transfer | $15.00 | Free with Preferred Rewards Platinum Honors or Diamond tier |
| Cashier's Check | $15.00 | Free with Preferred Rewards Gold tier and above |
Fees subject to change. See the Personal Schedule of Fees for complete details. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
Getting Started
Open Your Account in 3 Simple Steps
Complete a simple application in about 10 minutes. No paper forms, no branch visit required. Have your ID and SSN ready.
Transfer from another bank, deposit via mobile check, or fund at a branch. No minimum deposit required to open.
Your debit card arrives in 5–7 business days. Download the app and set up direct deposit right away to start waiving the fee.
PREFERRED REWARDS
Earn More the More You Bank
Link your checking with Merrill investing accounts and unlock Preferred Rewards — more credit card rewards, lower loan rates, and waived fees across your accounts.
Learn About Preferred RewardsEligibility
Who Can Apply?
Almost anyone can open an Advantage Plus Banking® account. Here's what you need:
- U.S. resident aged 18+ (16–17 with a joint adult account holder)
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Social Security Number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
- Current U.S. mailing address (P.O. Box not accepted as primary address)
- No opening deposit required — fund your account at any time after opening
Other Accounts
Compare Checking Accounts
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Waive the fee by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $1,500 or by receiving at least $250 in qualifying direct deposits per statement cycle. Qualifying deposits include payroll, pension, and government benefits — peer-to-peer transfers (Venmo, Zelle®) do not count.
Balance Connect® automatically transfers funds from a linked Federal Crown Bank savings account or credit card to cover a negative balance. It costs $12 per transfer but prevents returned items and their fees. Enroll in the app or at any branch — it's much cheaper than overdraft fees.
Yes. Add a joint account holder during the online application or at any branch. Both holders have equal access to all funds and features. Minors 16–17 may be added with an adult as the primary holder.
Yes. All Federal Crown Bank deposits are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. Joint accounts have up to $500,000 in coverage. This is federal insurance backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
ACH transfers from another bank typically arrive in 1–2 business days. Mobile check deposits may have a 1-day hold. Cash deposited at a branch is immediately available. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 5–7 business days of account opening.
Ready to Open Your Account?
Join millions of Federal Crown Bank customers. Apply online in about 10 minutes — no branch visit needed.