Checking Accounts
Checking that works as hard as you doIt’s your Advantage
New! Debit Card Round Up
Enroll and start saving automatically with our new Debit Card Round Up Program! Every time you use your 1st Advantage debit card, we’ll round up your purchase to the next dollar and transfer the difference to your savings account. It’s an easy way to grow your savings—one transaction at a time. Sign up today to start saving!
Manage Your Money with Confidence & Ease
Open a checking account that supports your lifestyle and aligns with your vision for the future. We offer several checking account options that provide convenience and access anytime.
All of our Checking Accounts include:
Access to nearly 30,000 Surcharge-Free ATMs Nationwide†
Direct Deposit with Early Pay up to Two Days Early
Send & Receive Money with Zelle®
Free Bill Pay (when you sign up for e-statements)
Free Access to your Credit Score and Credit Report
Free Mobile Banking
Which Checking Account is best for you?
At 1st Advantage, our members don’t just get the best products and services — they get options too. Compare these great checking account options so you can choose the account that helps you achieve your goals.
High-Yield Checking
Our High-Yield Checking account is built to help your money do more. Enjoy the convenience of everyday checking—plus the earning power of a high-yield interest rate on qualified accounts, all with no monthly maintenance fee. It’s a smarter way to grow your funds while managing your day-to-day spending.
✓Qualified Accounts earn up to 4.00%^ APY^
✓ $0 Monthly Fee
✓ $0 Minimum Balance
✓ Free Debit Mastercard***with Identity Theft Protection, Zero Liability^^ & Chip Technology
Premier Checking
You deserve platinum-level perks—and Premier Checking delivers. Earn dividends, enjoy Everyday Rebate Rewards, and get peace of mind with identity theft insurance. With no minimum balance, free checks, and a full suite of premium benefits, this account helps your money go further while you enjoy more of what matters.
✓ $5 Monthly Fee
✓ Pays Dividends
✓ Free Debit Mastercard***with Identity Theft Protection, Zero Liability^^ & Chip Technology
✓ Everyday Rebates1 (up to $40 per year)
✓ $5,000 Identity Theft Insurance1
✓ Increase on Certificate Rates2
✓ Accidental Death Insurance
Preferred Checking
Upgrade your everyday banking with Preferred Checking. Earn dividends and enjoy extra perks, all with no monthly fee when you maintain a $250 minimum balance. From added features to built-in value, it’s checking that goes beyond the basics.
✓ $0 Monthly Fee ($7 if daily average daily balance drops below $250)
✓ Pays Dividends with $100 Average Daily Balance
✓ Free Debit Mastercard***with Identity Theft Protection, Zero Liability^^ & Chip Technology
✓ Everyday Rebates1 (up to $40 per year)
✓ $2,500 Identity Theft Insurance1
✓Accidental Death Insurance
✓ Extended Warranty & Purchase Price Protection
Free Advantage Checking
Our free Advantage Checking gives you everything you need—and nothing you don’t. With easy access wherever you go and no minimum balance requirement, it’s a simple, straightforward account that puts you in control. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, reliable checking option, this one’s got you covered.
✓ $0 Monthly Fee
✓ $0 Minimum Balance
✓ Free Debit Mastercard***with Identity Theft Protection, Zero Liability^^ & Chip Technology
Youth Spend
Our Youth Spend Account allows you to teach your child the responsibilities of managing money that will pay off as they grow into adulthood.
✓ For members 17 years old and younger
✓ $0 Monthly Service or Overdraft Fees
✓ Free Debit Mastercard***with Identity Theft Protection, Zero Liability^^ & Chip Technology
✓ Account Alerts
Empower Your Spending with Incredible Rates
It’s easy to open a new Checking Account. You can experience all the benefits of day-to-day spending and easy banking.
|
Account |
Dividend |
APY* |
Opening Balance |
Compounded/Credited |
Average Daily Balance** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
*APY = Annual Percentage Yield ^APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Qualified accounts earn up to 4.00% APY on balances up to $7,500 and 0.05% APY on balances over $7,500. Non-Qualified account balances earn 0.05% APY. Qualified accounts must have 10 or more posted Debit Card transactions (excluding ATM transactions) per month and eStatements. Failure to meet any one of these requirements during a calendar month will cause the account to default to the Non-Qualified account rate of 0.05% APY. APY as of 5/31/2025 and is subject to change. Dividends compounded monthly. No minimum balance to open. Fees may reduce earnings. This offer can be withdrawn at any time. |
|||||
|
Account Free Advantage Checking |
Dividend N/A |
APY* N/A |
Opening Balance N/A |
Compounded/Credited N/A |
Average Daily Balance** N/A |
|
Account Premier Checking |
Dividend 0.05% |
APY* 0.05% |
Opening Balance None |
Compounded/Credited Quarterly |
Average Daily Balance** $100 |
|
Account Preferred Checking |
Dividend 0.05% |
APY* 0.05% |
Opening Balance None |
Compounded/Credited Quarterly |
Average Daily Balance** $250 |
|
Account Youth Spend |
Dividend N/A |
APY* N/A |
Opening Balance N/A |
Compounded/Credited N/A |
Average Daily Balance** N/A |
|
Account High-Yield Checking |
Dividend up to 3.928%^ |
APY* up to 4.00%^ |
Opening Balance None |
Compounded/Credited Monthly |
Average Daily Balance** N/A |
Direct Deposit with Early Pay
Get immediate access to your paycheck when you sign up for Direct Deposit. As a 1st Advantage member, you get access to…
- Automatic payroll transfers to your checking account
- A safe and secure alternative to handling paper checks
- The Early Pay perk which allows you to receive your paycheck up to two days early
- View our Direct Deposit form here
Overdraft Protection
Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. When you overdraft on your account, Overdraft Services covers that gap. An overdraft occurs when you do not have enough money in your account to cover a transaction, but we pay it anyway.
Get Answers to Your Questions
The routing number for 1st Advantage members is 251480563.
You can order checks within Online Banking, in branch, or by calling our eBranch Call Center at 800-359-7650 or 757-877-2444.
To order via Online Banking, follow the below steps:
1. Login to your Online Banking account
2. Select which account you would like to order checks for (Checking, Money Market, etc.) by clicking on the name of the account
3. Click on the More Actions icon in the Account Details menu
4. Select Order checks
If you are ordering checks from another company, please use the information below:
Address:
1st Advantage Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 2116
Newport News, Virginia 23609
www.1stAdvantage.org
Routing Number: 251480563
Account Number – your checking account number is different from your member number. Do not use your member number. You can view your checking account number by logging into Online Banking, clicking on your checking account, and then clicking Account Information from the Account Details menu.
Not finding what you’re looking for? See all our FAQs or Contact Us.
Refer a Friend and Get Rewarded!
Share the love and benefits of being a part of 1st Advantage by referring your friends! When you refer a friend and they open a checking account and meet our qualifications, both of you receive $50* as a token of our appreciation. Help your friends experience the difference of our exceptional service and financial products and get rewarded!
Stories that Empower & Inspire
Explore our blog for the latest credit union news, practical tips, and financial advice to help you achieve more.
Paying Off High-Interest Debt
Ready to Start a Family? It’s Time to Change Your Spending and Savings Habits.
How to Build an Emergency Fund: 7 Tips to Get Started
Ready to Open an Account?
Disclosures
1 Restrictions may apply. Contact 1st Advantage for details.
2 Excludes specials. Certificate increase available on new certificates only. Contact 1st Advantage for additional restrictions and details.
†Applicable at CO-OP and 1st Advantage ATMs with our Debit Card
***Certain restrictions may apply. Please refer to the Mastercard Guide to Benefits for details.
^^Certain restrictions may apply. For details, visit Mastercard.us/zero-liability.html.