Rates Join Us Contact Us Español ONLINE BANKING LENDING CENTER MENU Checking Basic Checking Basic Checking is a totally free checking account with no minimum balance and no monthly fee. One thing that sets our checking apart from the others? Immediate availability of your direct deposit checks. This means your paycheck is typically available to you a day early! Visa Debit Card Enjoy the convenience of paying directly from your account. Visa Debit cards offer quick, secure and convenient access to your money in person, online and over the phone. If you have a lost or stolen Visa Debit Card, please notify us immediately at 620-342-2336. If unable to reach ESFCU directly, the ACCEL network can be reached 24 hours a day/7days a week at 800-472-3272. If you wish to set/change your PIN number, please call 800-992-3808. This is a great tool that lets you control your ESFCU debit card usage and spending on the go! Turn your debit card on and off Establish transaction controls for dollar amount limits, merchant categories and geographic locations Receive alerts when your card is used, approved or exceeds the transaction controls set by you Stay informed of potential fraud with alerts on attempted and declined transactions Get real-time balances for your account Get the mobile app that lets you control card usage and spending on the go. More about Debit Cards Debit cards are one of the most common forms of payment. In fact, according to Bankrate, 63% of people between 18 and 29 don’t bother with cash, checks, or a credit card, preferring to use their debit cards. When you use a debit card, the amount of the payment is debited, or subtracted from, the checking account to which the card is linked. You spend $5, and $5 comes out of your account, sometimes instantly and sometimes a few days later, depending on how the purchase is processed. There are generally no limits on the number of transactions you can make with a debit card in a single day. However, most debit cards have daily withdrawal limits, though they vary depending on the bank or card issuer. Larger banks tend to have the highest limits. Debit Card Benefits For ease of use, debit cards can’t be beat. You don’t have to worry about keeping cash in your wallet, and there’s always a record of how much you spent, and where, on your bank statement. Many stores and other sellers prefer debit to credit cards because they pay lower fees on debit cards. They’re accepted almost everywhere. In fact, many stores and other sellers prefer debit to credit cards because they pay lower fees on debit cards. Fees Debit cards usually have low—or no—direct fees. However, you’ll need to watch out for overdraft fees, possible out-of-network ATM fees, any applicable PIN transaction fees, and any monthly fees to maintain the checking account that the card is associated with. Didn't Make That Purchase If someone makes an unauthorized charge on your debit card, you will need to work quickly to resolve the problem. The Electronic Fund Transfer Act provides protections for you: if you report your card stolen or lost within two days, your maximum financial liability is either $50 or the total of the unauthorized transactions, whichever is less. If you wait longer than two days, you may be liable for $500 or more—so it’s important to act quickly. Debit Cards V. Credit Cards While credit and debit cards appear to be very similar, and you use them in a lot of the same ways, what happens after you use the card is completely different. With debit cards, the amount of a purchase is deducted directly from your bank account balance. But when you use a credit card, the amounts you spend are recorded, appear on your monthly statement, and must be paid back in full by the due date to avoid interest charges. There are some other differences that go beyond how the cards work: Cash Withdrawals In addition to purchases, debit cards are designed for cash withdrawals. If you use a machine within your bank network, you usually won’t pay any fees. But with a credit card, as soon as you withdraw the money, you’ll pay an upfront fee for the advance. And you’ll begin to accumulate a finance charge at a rate higher than your card’s APR (which is the rate you pay on purchases.) Consumer Protections Another difference between debit and credit cards is that if you buy defective merchandise with a debit card, you can’t withhold payment while your complaint is resolved. You’ve already paid. In contrast, your credit card provider will let you withhold payment while it investigates your claims in cases where you feel you shouldn’t have to pay. With a debit card, you have to investigate yourself, and there’s no assurance you’ll succeed in getting a refund. Credit History There is one area in which credit cards offer a real benefit that you don’t get with debit cards. Using a debit card to pay for purchases doesn’t help you build a strong credit history, since you’re not using credit. Of course, a strong credit history is not a guarantee when you are using a credit card. You still need to pay your bill on time, and pay it in full if you can. Disclaimer: While we hope you find this content useful, it is only intended to serve as a starting point. Your next step is to speak with a qualified, licensed professional who can provide advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Nothing in this article, nor in any associated resources, should be construed as financial or legal advice. Furthermore, while we have made good faith efforts to ensure that the information presented was correct as of the date the content was prepared, we are unable to guarantee that it remains accurate today. Neither Banzai nor its sponsoring partners make any warranties or representations as to the accuracy, applicability, completeness, or suitability for any particular purpose of the information contained herein. Banzai and its sponsoring partners expressly disclaim any liability arising from the use or misuse of these materials and, by visiting this site, you agree to release Banzai and its sponsoring partners from any such liability. Do not rely upon the information provided in this content when making decisions regarding financial or legal matters without first consulting with a qualified, licensed professional. Overdraft Protection Mistakes can happen to anyone. ESFCU Overdraft Protection was designed for your peace of mind. It works like a short-term loan and is only activated should you need it. Call any ESFCU loan officer at 620-342-2336 for details. 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