Rewards Checking

Earn 3.04%*

Use your card, earn cash back, and skip the extra fees. Embers Fire Rewards Checking is a simple, straightforward account built for everyday life.

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Grow Earn While You Spend

Your money should do more than sit there. Earn 3.04% APY1 interest on up to $10,000 and watch it grow over time, even while you’re using your account for everyday spending. 

Fire Checking Requirements

Earn 3.04% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on up to $10,000 for doing normal banking practices each month:

  • Conduct 10 non-PIN card purchases that clear your account.
  • Enroll in eStatements.
  • Log in to digital banking once per month.
  • One direct deposit that posts to your account monthly.
  • Keep your contact information current.
Save ATM Fees = Reimbursed

Use the ATM that works for you, without paying a fee. We’ll reimburse up to $10 in ATM fees each month*, so you're not paying to access your own money - though you'll have access to over 50,000 fee-free ATMs!

Access Get Paid Early

Why wait for payday? Get your direct deposit up to four days early3 so you can plan ahead, pay bills sooner, or just have access to your money when you need it. 

Protect Identity Protection

Your personal information could be monitored 24/7 with ID Theft Protection™ powered by Mastercard, all at no cost to you! It’s built in, so you can stay a step ahead of the fraudsters.

ID Theft Protection™

Achieve peace of mind knowing your personal information is being monitored 24/7 with ID Theft Protection™, powered by Mastercard - All at no cost to you. Monitor your:

  • Social Security Number
  • Debit + Credit Cards
  • Bank Accounts
  • Driver's Licenses
  • Social Handles
  • And much more!

Get Started

Embers Debit Card on Washington Street
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Debit Card Benefits

Not just a piece of plastic

Powered by Mastercard®, the Embers Debit Card is equipped with these perks4:

  • Extended Warranty
  • Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Mastercard ID Theft Protection™
  • Mastercard Airport Concierge™

Checking account FAQ

Have questions?

Opening a new checking account should be easy, not overwhelming. From what you’ll need to get started to how direct deposit works, these FAQs break down the basics so you can open your account with confidence and know exactly what to expect.

Can I open a checking account online?

Yes, you can open a checking account with Embers Credit Union online in as little as two minutes. You can visit open.embers.org to open the account that's right for you!

What is required to open a checking account?

To open a checking account at Embers Credit Union, you’ll need your Social Security number and a valid address. As part of the application, we’ll also securely verify your identity in the background and review the information provided to help protect you and prevent fraud. 

How do I set up direct deposit?

Direct deposit is a fast, secure way to get your paycheck sent straight to your Embers account. Most of the time, you can set it up in just a few minutes through your employer’s payroll portal or by sending a completed direct deposit form to your HR department. 

You'll most likely need:

  • The Embers Routing Number: 291172844
  • Your account number.
  • The account type (ie, checking or savings)

Feel free to contact us if you need assistance setting up direct deposit!

What's the difference between checking and savings?

A checking account is designed for everyday spending and typically linked to a debit card that’s used to pay bills, send money, make automatic payments, and more! A savings account is built for setting money aside and helping it grow over time. Most people use checking for daily money movement and savings for goals, emergencies, or anything they want to keep separate. 

Can you open a checking account if you're under 18?

Yes! While members under 18 are not eligible for Fire Rewards Checking, Embers does offer Teen Checking for ages 13–17.

Teens ages 13–15 will need a joint owner on the account. Teens ages 16–17 have the option to open an account on their own, though additional features and privileges are available with a joint owner.

Where can I open a checking account near me?

Embers Credit Union offers checking accounts for members across the Upper Peninsula, with local branch access in Marquette, Escanaba, Munising, Negaunee, Gwinn, Manistique, and Wells, plus online account opening when you’d rather get started from home!

If you’re searching for a checking account near you in Marquette, Escanaba, Munising, or anywhere in the UP, Embers is here to help make everyday banking simple.

Learn more

Related Checking Account Tips and Resources

Stay up to date with our latest insights, tips, and industry news.

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1.Fire Rewards Checking is a variable rate share draft account that provides rewards, including paying increased dividends and providing limited ATM fee reimbursements if minimum qualifications are met during the month. Current rewards are available online in our lobbies or by calling the credit union. The credit union has the right to modify or cancel qualifications or rewards at any time. Rate Information - The dividend rate and annual percentage yield may change every dividend period. We may change the dividend rate for your account as determined by the credit union board of directors. Compounding and crediting - Dividends will be compounded and credited to your account every month. If you close your account before dividends are paid you will receive the accrued dividends. Dividend period - For this account type the dividend period is monthly for example the beginning date of the first dividend period of the calendar year is January 1 and the ending date of such dividend period is January 31. All other dividend periods follow this same pattern of dates. The dividend declaration date is the last day of the dividend period and for the example above is January 31. Minimum balance requirements - No minimum balance requirements apply to this account. Daily balance computation method - Dividends are calculated by the daily balance method which applies a daily periodic rate to the balance in the account each day. Accrual of dividends on non-cash deposits - Dividends will begin to accrue on the business day you place non-cash items (like checks) to your account. Qualifications - Current criteria to earn rewards include: 1. Have at least 10 signature debit or credit card transactions post to the membership account during the dividend period. This only includes transactions not authorized by a PIN. Transactions may take up to several days to post to the account after authorization. 2. Be enrolled in e-Statements for the dividend period. 3. Log into digital banking at least once during the dividend period. 4. Receive at least one direct deposit (ACH deposit) into your membership account during the dividend period. 5. Have a valid email address, valid physical address, and valid phone number on file.
2. APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
3. Early availability of ACH deposits, including direct deposit, are subject to the timing of the payer’s submission of deposits. As a benefit to you we generally credit such deposits to your account on the day that we receive notification of them, which may be several days earlier than the scheduled payment date. Exceptions may apply.
4. You must purchase the new item(s) entirely with your Embers Card and/or accumulated points from your covered card for yourself or to give as a gift in order for Extended Warranty & Satisfaction Guarantee benefits to be valid. Airport Concierge Benefits are provided to you, the accountholder, at no additional charge. Non-insurance services may have associated costs, which will be your responsibility (for example, legal referrals are free, but the lawyer’s fee is your responsibility). The insurance benefits are provided under a group policy issued by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG company.