Group of young adults smiling at the camera

Student Saver Checking Account

...Because it’s never too early to start learning about money!

 
 
Hey parents! Ready to help your kid flex their financial independence? It's never too soon to start. Our Student Saver Checking account is perfect for kids aged 10 to 17. Learning about spending and saving money is a big deal, and we hope you think so too! So, whether they’re saving up for tech, sports, hobbies, or a hang out sesh with their friends, they’ll get everything they need from this account to make it happen.

Everything they need:

  • With 0.25% APY* they’ll be able to earn a little extra money each month.
  • Debit Mastercard® and Digital Wallet for easy purchases.
  • Get paid up to two days early with Early Pay1

And nothing they don't:

  • No monthly service fee regardless of the balance
  • No hoops or hassles to transfer funds.
  • Plus, they can skip the ATM fees2

Start saving from the get-go!


From as early as age 10, your kid can start learning how to manage their money. Starting now sets them up for smart money moves later when they apply for jobs, rent their first place, and split bills in college. Members Choice Student Saver Checking is perfect for kids 10-17 who want a debit card, to keep track of their money, and get a head start on good money habits. It’s a fun way for them to start thinking about their future!

Student Saver account benefits

  • Earn on Every Dollar: Get a 0.25% APY* interest rate on all balances.
  • For Younger Savers: Eligibility starts at 10 years of age.
  • Two Days Early Pay: Paychecks or any other direct deposit into their account will be paid up to two days early.1  Early Pay is a free feature—there are no fees to use this benefit.
  • Debit Card & Digital Wallet: No more running money to them—now they can access their cash anytime with a Debit Mastercard® and our Mobile App.
  • Maximized ATM Refunds: Receive up to $25 in ATM refunds each month.2
  • Begin building banking history: Banking history is important to start building credit to make big purchases in the future (like renting their first apartment or buying their first home).
  • Improve Financial Knowledge: Learn practical financial skills with access to over 175 library resources.

Plus these benefits


**Zelle® will be available for Student Saver Checking members under the age of 18, but is not intended for children under 13. Transactions between enrolled users typically occur in minutes. MCCU does not charge any fees for sending money using Zelle. However, your mobile carrier's message and data rates may apply as well as other fees related to your account (e.g., Choice Pay Overdraft Protection, Stop Payment, NSF Fees, etc.).

Have questions for one of our representatives?

Fill out the short form below to hear back within the next business day.

Join Members Choice, where your money grows along with your financial wisdom.

Ready to start? Sign up today and take the first step for your financial future

Join Online

Open a new membership account for a student.

Open an Account in a Branch

To apply in person, visit a branch near you.

Requirements

  • If under 16, must have a qualified adult joint owner
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • No direct deposit requirement
  • No minimum balance to open

Restrictions

  • Not eligible for Choice Pay
  • $500 daily limit on combined ATM, Signature or Point-of-Sale transactions

FAQs about Student Saver Checking

For students ages 10-15, an adult is required as a joint accountholder. For students ages 16-17, a joint accountholder is optional.
You may access your account 24/7 via Online Banking, Mobile Banking and the Audio Response system. You may also speak to a live representative by calling 281.398.9900. Please be advised that when calling outside of regular business hours, live representatives have limited account access.
If the parent is listed as a joint accountholder, they will have access to all of the same alerts and debit card controls as the primary accountholder. As an added measure, all Student Saver Checking accounts come with a $500 daily limit on combined ATM, Signature and Point-of-Sale transactions.
Your Members Choice debit card is accepted worldwide, however, for peace of mind, we have some tips to share about traveling with your MCCU debit card.
One of the perks of being a credit union member is taking advantage of program discounts. These can be found on the Member Discounts page.

Student Saver Checking accounts will have access to an online education hub with over 175 resources on practical financial skills. We also maintain a blog with up-to-date Financial Literacy articles and tips.
Early Pay is a free, automatic feature for Members Choice Complete Checking® accounts. You don’t have to pay a fee to get paid early.
 
Members Choice often receives a message up to two days before your direct deposit to let us know that the money is on the way. When this happens, we can reduce the extra processing time to get your money in your hands sooner.

There are a few factors that impact the delivery of your direct deposit. You might get your direct deposit between two days earlier and on your regularly scheduled payday. Here are some reasons why you might not receive your deposit early:
  • You recently set up direct deposit for the first time
  • Your deposit type is not eligible, such as a bank-to-bank transfer
  • There’s a payroll system issue from your payer
  • You reached the transaction limit or monthly deposit dollar limit for early processing
  • Early direct deposits also depend on timing—your payer must provide payment details on time so the deposit can process early. If your deposit doesn't arrive early, expect it to arrive on your scheduled payday

Zelle® is a fast and convenient way to electronically send and receive money with friends, family and others you trust, even if they bank somewhere different than you. You can use  Zelle® to do things like gift people money, pay the sitter, or split the cost of a night out with friends. Zelle® is accessible for members with Members Choice Complete Checking®, Cash Back Checking and Student Saver Checking, and is available in your online and mobile banking account.  

 
How do I enroll in Zelle®?

Step 1: Log in to the MCCU Houston TX app.

Step 2: In the main menu, select "Transfer and Pay". Then "Zelle®".

Step 3: Enroll your email address or U.S. mobile number.

You may also visit the Zelle® enrollment page for more detailed instructions and FAQs. Congratulations! You're ready to start sending and receiving money with Zelle®. Next time you need to be paid back, ask for Zelle®!


How can I access Zelle®?

You can send, request, or receive money with Zelle®. To get started, log into the MCCU Houston TX app or online banking. In the main menu, select "Transfer and Pay". Then "Zelle®".

 

How do I use Zelle®?

To send money using Zelle®, simply select someone from your mobile device's contacts (or add a trusted recipient's email address or U.S. mobile number), add the amount you'd like to send and an optional note, review, then hit "Send." The recipient will receive an email or text message notification via the method they used to enroll with Zelle®. Money is available to your recipient in minutes if they are already enrolled with Zelle®.

To request money using Zelle®, choose "Request," select the individual from whom you'd like to request money, enter the amount you'd like, include an optional note, review and hit "Request". If the person you are requesting money from is not yet enrolled with Zelle®, you must use their email address to request money. If the person has enrolled their U.S. mobile number, then you can send the request using their mobile number.

To receive money, just share your enrolled email address or U.S. mobile number with a friend and ask them to send you money with Zelle®. If you have already enrolled with Zelle®, you do not need to take any further action. The money will be sent directly into your Members Choice Credit Union account, typically within minutes.

If someone sent you money with Zelle® and you have not yet enrolled with Zelle®, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the link provided in the payment notification you received via email or text message.

  2. Select Members Choice Credit Union.

  3. Follow the instructions provided on the page to enroll and receive your payment. Pay attention to the email address or U.S. mobile number where you received the payment notification—you should enroll with Zelle® using that email address or U.S. mobile number to ensure you receive your money.




Student Saver Checking Resources

Banzai Junior 

Banzai Junior offers interactive financial education for kids aged 8 to 12, using a summer lemonade stand storyline to teach concepts like budgeting, interest, and expenses, with activities such as quizzes and currency counting. Available in English and Spanish, it engages users with fun scenarios and humor while covering topics like payments, taxes, and budgeting techniques. Get Started

Banzai Teen 

Banzai Teen offers teens aged 13-18 a safe environment to navigate real-life financial challenges, aiming to save for registration at Vanderbilt Community College amid unexpected hurdles and quirky scenarios. Available in English and Spanish, it includes modules like Life Scenarios for practicing banking, budgeting, income, and expenses before diving into the game. Covering credit cards, auto loans, budgeting methods, and more, Banzai Teen combines education with engaging storytelling to prepare teens for financial decisions. Get Stared
 

Disclosures

*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. 
 
 
Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of December 1, 2024. Rates may change at any time without notice, before or after the account is opened. There are no requirements nor minimum balances to earn the stated APY for active Student Saver Checking accounts.
 

1 Early Pay: Early pay is not dependent upon the account qualifications noted above. At our sole discretion, we may make your money available to you up to two days before we receive the funds from the payor. Early availability of direct deposits is dependent on the timing of your payor’s payment instructions and/or fraud prevention overlays. These limitations may be modified at our sole discretion without advance notice. We do not guarantee early availability of any direct deposits, and eligibility of a direct deposit for early availability may change between pay periods. Any direct deposit not posted early will be made available according to our Funds Availability schedule. We reserve the right to discontinue the service at our sole discretion and without notice.


2 ATM Fee Rebates: We will reimburse you for ATM fees imposed during the month by our institution and other U.S. financial institutions. The maximum ATM fee rebate is $25 for each month. ATM fee rebates will be transferred to the checking account. If you believe that you have not been reimbursed the correct amount, please contact us. We must hear from you no later than 30 days after the statement cycle when the reimbursement was applicable.

 
 
Student Saver Checking is not eligible for Choice Pay. At age 18, account will be converted into a Complete Checking account.

 

If not currently a Members Choice member, a $5 deposit is needed to establish membership. All memberships are subject to approval including credit approval.
 

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