How do I open a checking account?
Checking accounts can be opened through the Freedom First website or by meeting with a personal banker at a branch convenient to you.

Do you have different types of checking accounts?
Yes, Freedom First offers the following checking accounts:

  • Freedom Cash® earns you cash back on debit card purchases. Visit the product page for more information.
  • Freedom Stash® earns you dividends based on your Average Daily Balance. Visit the product page for current information.
  • Freedom Perks gives you access to over a dozen wraparound services that help save you money and protect you from financial emergencies. Visit the product page for current information.

What is my checking account number?
Your full checking account number can be found at the bottom of your checks. If you are enrolled in Online Banking, you can find your checking account number there. If you are having difficulty finding this information in your app or online banking portal, you can send us a secure message from within online/mobile banking for assistance. You may also get your checking account number by visiting a branch convenient to you. Account numbers are not provided over the phone for security reasons.

How do I add a joint owner to my checking account?
Joint owners can be added to an account by the primary member on the account. You may add a joint owner by visiting a branch convenient to you or by calling our Contact Center at 540-389-0244 (local) / 866-389-0244 (toll-free). You will need to complete a new membership application for the new joint owner on the account, and the joint owner must present a valid government-issued ID to the banking professional at one of our convenient branches.

Am I required to keep a minimum balance in my checking account?
Freedom Cash® and Freedom Stash® do not require a minimum Average Daily Balance. However, in order to take advantage of all of the perks offered by these accounts and to waive the monthly account fee, you will need to enroll in direct deposit. Freedom Perks has an Average Daily Balance requirement to waive the Average Daily Balance fee. Please refer to the product pages for the current account requirements, and refer to the Consumer Fee Schedule for any fees associated with our accounts.

How do I order checks?
Your first set of checks can be ordered at the time of your account opening or by visiting a branch and working with a member of our team, or by calling our Contact Center at 540-389-0244 (local) / 866-389-0244 (toll-free). Temporary checks can be printed during lobby hours at branches in sheets of four. The first sheet is free. If additional sheets are required, please refer to the Consumer Fee Schedule for the price of Temporary Checks. Please note that temporary checks cannot be purchased in the drive-thru.

How long will it take for my checks to arrive?
Your checks should arrive within 5-7 business days of opening your account. If you did not get four starter checks when you opened your account, you may get them printed at any branch if you need to write a check before receiving the set in the mail.

How do I re-order checks?
If you are enrolled in Online Banking, you may re-order checks from there. You may also visit a branch or call our Contact Center at 540-389-0244 (local) / 866-389-0244 (toll-free) and request a re-order from a member of our team.

How much do checks cost?
Check prices vary depending on the type. Please call the Contact Center at 540-389-0244 (local) / 866-389-0244 (toll-free) or visit a branch for pricing details.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of checks/withdrawals I may make per month?
There is no maximum number of checks cleared or number of withdrawals made on our checking accounts.

  • ATM withdrawals are limited to $515 per day.
  • Debit card point-of-sale transactions are limited to $4,500 per day.
If you have a transaction that will exceed these limits, please call the Contact Center at 540-389-0244 (local) / 866-389-0244 (toll-free) before proceeding.

How do I set up direct deposit for my paycheck?
Fill out the Direct Deposit Authorization form and take it to your employer so they may arrange for the appropriate routing from their account to your Freedom First account.

How do I make deposits to my checking account?
There are several different ways you can make deposits to your checking account:

  • In the Branch: Deposits can be made in any branch. All branches offer a Night Drop box should you arrive after operating hours, and most branches have a drive-thru that accepts deposits.
 
  • Via ATM: We currently only accept ATM deposits at our Bonsack, Prices Fork, South Main, West End, and Langhorne locations. Some of the surcharge-free ATMs in our network may also accept deposits, but please note that it may take several days for the funds to appear in your account.
 
  • On Your Phone: We also offer a way for you to deposits checks remotely with our smartphone app, Deposit AnywhereSM. To begin depositing checks using your smartphone, download the FFCU Mobile app from the iTunes or Google Play stores.
 
  • Direct Deposit: To deposit your paycheck, set up Direct Deposit by taking this form to your employer.

Are deposits in checking accounts insured?
Yes. Your deposits are federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the National Credit Union Administration, a United States Government Agency.

Can I access my checking account online?
Yes, with the Freedom First Online Banking. You may enroll in Online Banking by calling our Contact Center at 540-389-0244 (local) / 866-389-0244 (toll-free) or by visiting a branch convenient to you.

Can I access my checking account on a mobile phone or tablet?
Yes, Freedom First has the FFCU Mobile app. You may sign up for mobile banking from within Online Banking. The FFCU Mobile app is available in both iTunes and Android stores.

How do I cancel a check?
Stop payments can be placed on checks for a fee. Please refer to the Consumer Fee Schedule for current information.

What happens if I lose my checks?
A stop payment can be placed on lost/stolen checks for a fee. Please refer to the Consumer Fee Schedule for current information.

How do I make a transfer between Freedom First accounts?
For accounts under the same member number, transfers can be made through Online Banking, the FFCU Mobile app, at a branch, or by calling our Contact Center at 540-389-0244 (local) / 866-389-0244 (toll-free). Transfers made via the Contact Center may be subject to fees; please reference the Consumer Fee Schedule.

For one-time transfers between two separate Freedom First member numbers, please visit a branch or call the Contact Center at 540-389-0244 (local) / 866-389-0244 (toll-free). You can also do so using the Member Transfer feature in your online banking or mobile app. Transfers made via the Contact Center may be subject to fees; please reference the Consumer Fee Schedule.

To set up a regular transfer between separate member numbers, please visit a branch or call our Contact Center to complete a Cross Member Transfer Authorization form.

What is the fee if I don’t have sufficient funds to cover a check?
Non-sufficient funds for checks result in a NSF (overdraft) fee. Please check the Consumer Fee Schedule for current information.

How long does it take for a deposit to clear?
Cash deposits are immediately posted to the account. Check deposits are subject to holds, depending on the circumstances. Please visit a branch to see a teller or personal banker for more information on check holds.

Debit Cards


Do I also get an ATM card or debit card with my checking account?
ATM cards are only provided with savings accounts. Debit cards are used with checking accounts. The first ATM or debit card is free. Please refer to the Consumer Fee Schedule for the cost of Plastic Card Replacement.

How long will it take to get my debit card?
Your debit card should arrive within 5-7 days of opening your account (sent separately from your checks). Upon receipt, activate your card. 

What if I want to change my PIN?
Call our activation/PIN change phone number at 1-800-992-3808 or come in to a branch convenient to you to select a new PIN. You can also send us a secure message from within online/mobile banking for assistance. If you use Card Controls from within your online or mobile banking, you can activate, set, or change your PIN from within the app.

What do I do if my card has been lost or stolen?
Visit a branch or call 1-800-472-3272 to block your card. If you have added your credit card to the Card Controls feature in your mobile app, you can also turn your card off and report it lost/stolen from within the app without having to call.

May I use my debit card at an ATM to withdraw money from my Freedom First account?
Yes, you may use your credit card at any Freedom First ATM free of charge, as well as over 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs displaying the CULIANCE or Allpoint logos. Please use the Locator page on the Freedom First website to find ATMs near you.

Are there limits to the amount I can withdraw from an ATM or purchase?
In a 24-hour period, the maximum withdrawal from an ATM is $515 and maximum retail purchase is $4,500.

What retail locations will accept my Freedom First VISA® debit card?
Purchases can be made at any retailer displaying the VISA® logo. If you are traveling overseas, we highly recommend setting travel rules from within your mobile banking app using the Card Controls feature to ensure that your card is not mistakenly flagged as fraud.

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