Pentagon Federal Credit Union
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  1. Home
  2. Checking
  3. Free Checking
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Free Checking is built with you in mind

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No monthly fees

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No minimum balance requirements

PenFed Credit Union

Apply for Free Checking

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Your info will be pre-filled.

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Apply now and we'll create your membership during the application process.

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Features
FAQs
PenFed Credit Union

Apply for Free Checking

Member

Log In for a faster experience.
Your info will be pre-filled.

I’m a member

Guest

Apply now and we'll create your membership during the application process.

I’m not a member

Features & benefits

Making deposits has never been easier. With PenFed’s mobile app, mobile deposits is fast, simple and secure right from your mobile phone!

Move your money with ease

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Bill Pay: Pay your household bills online

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Transfer funds: Move money between accounts

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Send money: Send money to friends and family

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Free checks: Get a box of checks when you open a new checking account

Transfer Money
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Need cash?

+ATMs: Find Fee-free PenFed ATMs at familiar spots like Target®, CVS Pharmacy®, Circle K®, Winn Dixie®, Rite Aid®, Kroger®, Speedway®, and Safeway®

Find a location

Get excited for PenFed’s new mobile banking experience. For current and new customers, our mobile app is your gateway to a brighter financial future.

Banking at your fingertips

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Deposit checks: Snap a photo with your phone

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Check balances: See your account activity

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Bill pay, transfers: Manage your finances easily

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Send money: Use Zelle® 4 or other payment apps

Download the Mobile App
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Avoid overdraft fees with linked savings or a line of credit

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Overdraft from Savings - Access your savings to cover insufficient funds in your checking account without incurring a fee

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Overdraft Line of Credit - Overdraft lines of $ and up - which are subject to credit approval – enjoy a fixed rate of % APR3

Overdraft Options

Maximize your wallet

Enjoy no monthly fees2, fee free ATMs, 24/7 online and mobile banking and early access to your paycheck

No monthly fees

  •  Keep your money and lose the fees

  • Open an account with as little as $25

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24/7 banking at your fingertips

  • Easy access: Check your balances and transactions anytime, anywhere
  • Go digital: Enjoy paperless banking for convenience and sustainability
  • Manage: Pay bills, transfer funds, and stay informed with instant alerts
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Get paid early

  • Quicker access: Receive your direct deposit up to 2 days earlier1

  • How it works: We'll make your paycheck available as soon as we receive your deposit information from your employer

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Debit card controls

  • Manage your card: Request a new card, lock your card, add authorized users, and more!
  • Pay with ease: Use your smartphone or contactless Visa® debit card for convenient payments
  • Protect your device: Safeguard your cell phone with your PenFed debit card
  • Enjoy peace of mind: Benefit from zero liability protection5 in case of unauthorized transactions
PenFed Power Cash & PathFinder Rewards Visa® Cards

Checking elevates your credit card rewards

Pair your checking and credit cards, and you can enjoy % Cash back on all purchases with your Power Cash Visa® Credit Card and/or points on all travel plus a $ annual fee waiver with your Pathfinder Visa® Credit Card.

Find Your Card

FAQs

A Free Checking account offers no monthly service fees and no monthly minimum balance requirements. Certain account activity fees still apply, including but not limited to outgoing wire transfer and stop payment fees. Please see PenFed Service Fees for a full list of associated fees.

  1. Electronic Funds Transfer - You can send funds from your external bank account using your PenFed account number and the PenFed routing number: 256078446.
  2. Mobile Check Deposit - Download our mobile app.
  3. Internal Transfer – Use an existing PenFed account.
  4. Cash and Check Deposit – Visit a PenFed branch location or use a branch ATM.
  5. Mail a check – Follow the instructions below:
    • Print the following deposit voucher: (Form 451W.pdf)
    • Complete all fields in Section 1 and Section 2 and enter your account number in Section 3.
    • Mail the check with your voucher to:

PenFed Credit Union
Box 247009
Omaha, NE 68124-7009

Note: Please allow 5-7 business days for USPS mail delivery time.

  1. Log on to PenFed Credit Union or the PenFed Mobile app to:
    • Perform an online transfer to an internal or external bank account
    • Write a check
    • Use online bill pay
    • Wire transfer
  1. Cash Withdrawal 
    • Use your PenFed Debit Card at an ATM or at a point of sale with merchants that offer cash back.
    • Visit a PenFed branch location

Generally, when you request an electronic transfer or make a check deposit, your funds will be available for withdrawal no later than the 5th business day after you initiate your transaction at PenFed.

Your debit card will arrive within 5 to 7 business days after your account is opened.

Access to PenFed's ATM network — PenFed, Allpoint and Co-op — will be free. This includes both withdrawals and balance inquiries. PenFed will not charge an out-of-network ATM fee, but out-of-network ATM fees may be levied by the financial institution that owns the ATM, and fees will vary depending on the financial institution that owns the ATM.

Yes, you can enroll in overdraft protection through Overdraft from Savings or an Overdraft Line of Credit. For more information please visit our Overdraft Protection (penfed.org) page.

You can order checks online, by phone, or in our branches. Your first set of 40 checks will be delivered for free within 7 to 10 business days after the order has been placed.

As an -year-old Financial Institution, we’ve stood by our members through thick and thin. We’re not just a credit union. We’re your partner. Becoming a PenFed member means never facing a financial decision alone.

Disclosures

1Early access to direct deposit is available for all PenFed members that set up a direct deposit with their employer or other payor. Early direct deposit eligibility may vary between pay periods and timing of payors funding.

2Have peace of mind knowing that PenFed won’t hold you responsible for unauthorized transactions on your Visa debit card. Visa’s Zero Liability policy applies to purchases made in the store, over the telephone, online, or via a mobile device. Visa’s Zero Liability policy does not apply to transactions not processed by Visa.

3Rates and offers current as of and are subject to change.  After account opening, a three business day waiting period applies for credit line advances. This account can only be accessed by overdraft from a checking account. No other types of advances are permitted.

4U.S. checking or savings account required to use Zelle®. Transactions between enrolled consumers typically occur in minutes.

2023 Early Warning Services, LLC. Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

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This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Rates are current as of May 2025 unless otherwise noted and are subject to change.

APY = Annual Percentage Yield
APR = Annual Percentage Rate


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Routing #256078446

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