Fresh Start Checking: Your Financial Rebuild Solution

A checking account is vital to managing your finances, but a Fresh Start Checking account can offer you another shot at banking if you’re having trouble getting one.

You can also access the following:

Easy Direct Deposit Setup

Access to direct deposit, so your money is deposited quickly into your account.

Personalized Financial Counseling 

Get face-to-face advice to counsel you on budgeting, debt payoff, and other areas of money management. 

Options to Upgrade Your Account

A Fresh Start account isn’t a permanent account type. After six consecutive months with no overdrafts and upon your request, you can convert your account to a Focus Federal Credit Union checking account of your choice.

Does Fresh Start Checking come with overdraft protection?

Fresh Start Checking contains no-waiver account fees, strict requirements, and no overdraft service. Once you establish a better history, you can convert to a Focus Federal Credit Union traditional checking account, which includes plenty of benefits. 

Are there any monthly fees associated with Fresh Start Checking?

A monthly service charge of $9.99 keeps your Fresh Start Checking account active.

Is there a limit on the number of transactions or withdrawals?

Fresh Start Checking accounts offer unlimited transactions, so you don’t have to worry about additional multi-transaction fees. 

Can I use my Fresh Start Checking account to set up a direct deposit for my paycheck? 

You must complete your employer’s direct deposit authorization forms and submit a voided check to set up direct deposit.

What happens if I don’t meet the requirements to convert my Fresh Start Checking account to a different account option?

After six consecutive months with no overdrafts and upon your request, you can convert your account to a Focus Federal Credit Union checking account of your choice. If denied the conversion option, you can reapply when you build an additional record of positive financial decisions.

What happens if I miss a monthly fee payment?

Consider signing up for overdraft protection, which transfers funds from your linked savings account to your checking account when your balance is low.

Is my Fresh Start Checking account FDIC insured?

The NCUA protects your money against bank failure, up to $250,000 per depositor for each qualifying ownership category.

Can I upgrade my account to a different checking account before the six-month probationary period ends?

Focus Federal Credit Union requires six consecutive months of no overdrafts to ensure you’re heading in a positive financial direction. You can then request to convert your account to a traditional checking account.