Got Your First Checking Account? Here’s What You Need to Know

Mar. 12, 2019

Checking vs. savings accounts, debit vs. credit cards…what’s the difference? If you’re wondering how your checking account or debit card works, check out our new video or keep reading.

How Your Debit Card Works

Your debit card connects to your checking account. Unlike a credit card, your debit card uses money that you already have.

You can use your debit card in stores, online or at ATMs. Any store that accepts cards should accept your debit card.

Adding or Removing Money

You can add or remove money to or from your checking account. It’s important to keep track of your checking account balance to make sure you don’t overdraw it when using your debit card.

There are a few ways to deposit or withdraw money:

• Set up direct deposit of your paycheck, so money goes straight to your checking account when you get paid.
• Use remote check deposit in our mobile app to deposit checks with your smartphone or tablet.
• Use our app to transfer money from another account to your checking, or vice versa.
• Use one of our surcharge-free ATMs to deposit a check or cash, or withdraw cash from the ATM.
• Visit a branch to make a deposit or withdrawal.

Psst…our mobile app has several more tools you can use to manage your money, set goals and improve your finances.

Why It’s Smart to Deposit Money to Your Checking Account First

If you have a savings and checking account, it’s a good idea to deposit money to your checking account first. That’s because there’s a law that limits withdrawals from your savings account each month (see details below).*

Starting with the money in your checking gives you more flexibility, as Carolyn learned when she was low on funds at the grocery store and couldn’t transfer money out of her savings. By putting money in your checking account first, you can move it around or withdraw as needed. Then when you’re ready, you can transfer some money to savings.

Having a debit card gives you an easy way to manage and use your money. If you have any questions, call or text us at 503-256-5858.

*Per Federal Reserve Regulation D, up to 6 electronic, online, telephone, overdraft or debit card withdrawals can be made from a savings account per month.