If you ever had a checking account that was overdrawn when it was closed, your name may appear on a national ChexSystem list of individuals with past banking problems. This makes it difficult to find a bank willing to service your needs. But you can get your rating back in shape and get a fresh start managing your finances with Fresh Start Checking.

Fresh Start Checking is a checking account designed just for individuals who have had banking challenges in the past. In addition to all the basic features you want from a checking account, Fresh Start Checking is an affordable option that provides you with the tools to help you manage your account wisely.

Here’s what you’ll get:
- Unlimited check writing privileges
- ATM card available after 30 days
- Free Internet banking with banking@home
- Truncated monthly statements

Reasonable Fees
The monthly maintenance fee is just $6.00 with direct deposit of your paycheck or other source of regular income. If you don’t have direct deposit, the monthly maintenance fee is $8.00.

Plus, if you maintain your Fresh Start Checking account for 18 months without any overdraws, you may request any of our other checking products.

Visit one of our locations today to open a Fresh Start Checking account.

Checking Tips
- If you have a joint account, designate one person as the account manager.
- Ask about banking fees.
- Consider direct deposit.
- Enter all checks, ATM transactions and bank fee in your checkbook as they occur.
- Balance your checkbook against your bank statement every month.
- Never write a check for more that you have in your account.
- Make sure deposits into your account clear before withdrawing cash against those deposits.
- Report stolen checks immediately.
- Update your personal information when moving or changing names.

Checking Basics
- Write checks legibly.
- Write the check amount as far to the left as you can. Then fill any blank space with a single line from left to right.
- Always use a pen.
- Don’t erase mistakes.
- Never sign a blank check.
- Don’t use other people’s checks or let them use yours.
- Be cautious of post-dating checks.
- Keep your checks in a safe place.
- Destroy voided checks and deposit slips.