Freedom Checking
2.00% APY* and Fee Freedom
Open a UFB Freedom Checking account for fewer fees, faster transactions, and an industry-leading 2.00% APY* – 25x the national average† for an interest-bearing checking account.
2.00% APY*
Fight back against rising costs with a top-of-the-market 2.00% APY* on the money you use every day.
Hassle-Free Money Transfers and Access
Move money instantly between your UFB accounts, including access to over 90,000 ATMs worldwide.
Freedom From Fees
Skip the monthly maintenance fees and minimum deposit requirements.
Checking – With Interest
Take advantage of a customized checking account tailored to how you live your life.
Earn 2.00% APY* in your checking account, 25x the national average†
Fewer account fees keep more of your money where it belongs – with you.
Use your debit card at over 90,000 fee-free ATMs.
See Why Freedom Checking 2.00% APY* is a Top Choice
Discover the interest offered by these UFB competitors on their checking accounts – and see why 2.00% APY* is such a big upper hand.
| Institution | Checking Account | APY Available |
|---|---|---|
UFB | Freedom Checking | 2.00% APY* |
Bank of America1 | Advantage Relationship Banking | Up to 0.04% APY |
CitiBank2 | Regular Checking | 0.03% APY |
Chase3 | Premier Plus Checking | Up to 0.02% APY |
Wells Fargo4 | Premier Checking | 0.01% APY |
U.S. Bank5 | Smartly Checking | 0.00% APY |
Save Even More: Pair Checking with Savings
Saving for Tomorrow
Adding Portfolio Savings turns both accounts into a daily interest earning 1-2 punch.
Higher savings rates with a Freedom Boost of up to 0.20% APY.**
No monthly maintenance fees.
No minimum deposit required to open an account.
FDIC insurance up to the maximum allowance limit.
Why Bank With UFB Direct?
UFB Direct is known for market-leading rates, but we also provide:
Instant, hassle-free transfers between UFB Direct accounts.
Online account access available 24/7.
Access to over 90,000 ATMs.
Fewer fees.
Checking rates 25x the national average.†
We Take Data Protection Seriously
Fraud Protection
We regularly monitor all accounts for potential fraud and use anti-virus protection to help us detect and prevent viruses. Our firewalls help block unauthorized access by individuals or networks.
SSL Encryption
Our Secure Socket Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption creates a secure connection with your browser when you log in or fill out an application.
Automatic Logouts
We automatically log you out of your secure session after a period of inactivity to protect against unauthorized users.
UFB Freedom Checking
| Balance | APY* | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 to $1,999.99 | 2.00% | 1.98% |
| $2,000 to $9,999.99 | 2.00% | 1.98% |
| $10,000 to $24,999.99 | 2.00% | 1.98% |
| $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 2.00% | 1.98% |
| $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 2.00% | 1.98% |
| $100k or greater | 2.00% | 1.98% |
UFB Portfolio Savings
| Balance Tiers | APY* | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$9,999.99 | 4.01% | 3.93% |
| $10,000 to $24,999.99 | 4.01% | 3.93% |
| $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 4.01% | 3.93% |
| $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 4.01% | 3.93% |
| $100k or greater | 4.01% | 3.93% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Opening a checking account online is similar to opening one in person. Simply select the bank you’d like an account with and follow their account opening instructions. You’ll need to fill out an online application.
It depends on the account you open, but typically you’ll need a valid ID and your social security number.
Yes. Checking accounts are deposit products and therefore are insured up to $250,000 individually and $500,000 joint. If you need more coverage, explore our InsureGuard+ option for expanded FDIC insurance.
Direct deposit works by having your employer deposit your paycheck directly into a bank account instead of giving you a paper check to deposit yourself. Typically, direct deposit is a safer and faster way to receive your paycheck.
A Freedom Checking account is a checking account that provides debit card access to funds. When combined with a Portfolio Savings account, a Freedom Checking account can boost your savings rate up to 0.20%**.
A Portfolio Savings account is a savings accounts that offers up to 4.01% APY* alone and when combined with a Freedom Checking account, it offers up to 4.21% APY**.
When you open a Freedom Checking account with a Portfolio Savings account and follow the instructions above, you can earn up to a 0.20% APY** boost.