Free Credit Union Checking Account San Diego
Are you looking to open a Checking Account in San Diego? Mission Fed offers a free Checking Account with eStatements as well as a Smart Checking Account, all which include online access to help you manage your daily transactions conveniently.
Which is right for me?
Mission Fed banking services offer several different Accounts, including Breeze, a free Spending Account, Easy Checking, a free Checking Account with eStatements, and Smart Checking, so you can choose the option that works best for you. Before applying to open a bank account, review the account options below to help you make your decision.
Options | Breeze Spending Account | Easy Checking Account | Smart Checking Account |
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Totally free Open Account |
Free with eStatements Open Account |
Earn dividends Open Account |
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Monthly Fee | None | None when enrolled in eStatements otherwise $2 | None with monthly direct deposit of $500 or more or average daily balance of $1,500 or more, otherwise $7 |
Initial Minimum Deposit | $5 | $5 | $5 |
Free Mastercard® Debit Card | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Fee-free CO-OP Network ATM Use | Yes, at 30,000 ATMS in the U.S. and Canada | Yes, at 30,000 ATMS in the U.S. and Canada | Yes, at 30,000 ATMS in the U.S. and Canada |
Overdraft Protection Options* | Yes, free | Yes, with fee | Yes, with fee |
Mobile Banking apps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Online Banking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Zelle® | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Free Online Bill Pay* | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Earns Dividends | No | No | Yes, on balances of $500 and higher, calculated daily. Tiered based on balance |
Free EasySave | Yes | Yes | Yes |
eDocuments | Yes | Yes | Yes, optional |
Customer Service Available by phone/email | Yes | Yes | Yes |
WebChat | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Free, 24/7 Access to Automated Phone Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Free, Unlimited Check writing | No, Debit Card Access Only | Yes | Yes |
Age Requirement | Minimum age 13. Ages 16 & 17 with valid government issued ID do not require parent/legal guardian signer. | Minimum age 13. Ages 16 & 17 with valid government issued ID do not require parent/legal guardian signer. | Minimum age 13. Ages 16 & 17 with valid government issued ID do not require parent/legal guardian signer. |
*Age 18 and older. Refer to Fee Schedule for full details on account fees and charges. |
Learn how Mission Fed’s Easy Checking Accounts work
Open a credit union account at Mission Fed
All of our accounts offer a Platinum Debit Card with no monthly service fee, access to 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs including at many 7-Eleven Stores, 24/7 access via Online Banking and Mobile Banking, Mobile Deposit and Online Bill Pay with our free Mission Fed Mobile Banking apps, access to customer service via phone, secure messaging and Webchat, and free, unlimited check writing. Check out the benefits of our credit union Checking Accounts:
- Easy Checking
Easy Checking is a San Diego free Checking Account, with eStatements. This is an easy account to open, requiring just a $5 initial opening deposit. When you enroll in eStatements, there is no monthly service fee, otherwise the monthly service fee. If you’re looking for a San Diego free checking account in San Diego, our Easy Checking Account is the one for you. - Smart Checking
Smart Checking is ideal for earning dividends on the money in your account. This Checking Account allows you to earn dividends by maintaining a higher account balance. This is also an easy Checking Account to open—just make an initial deposit of $5 and maintain a monthly direct deposit of $500 or more; OR maintain an average daily account balance of $1,500 or more to avoid a monthly service fee.
How to open a Checking Account
We make applying to open a Checking Account easy at Mission Fed. You can apply to open a Checking Account online, over the phone or in person at the branch of your choice! No matter how you apply, we’re happy to help walk you through the process.
To apply for a new Checking Account, you’ll need to provide proof that you live or work in San Diego County, a valid government ID, and your Social Security Number.
Choose from these easy options for opening your new Checking Account:
Once you are approved, make a small opening deposit of $5, and you can begin using your new account right away!
After finally getting fed up with the impersonal treatment from the mega-banks, I switched to Mission Federal. It was like coming home. They align with my values. I feel good doing business with Mission Fed. I’m a member for life.-DJ K.
How does a Checking Account work?
A regular Checking Account is used for money you intend to spend relatively quickly or frequently, as opposed to a savings account that is used to save money for larger purchases or emergencies. Most people use these accounts for paying their regular bills and completing everyday transactions like groceries, gas or other necessities. Checking Accounts require an initial deposit and then allow you to deposit and withdraw money—via debit, ATM or check. If you receive a paycheck via direct deposit, you’re likely to have that money deposited into a Checking Account.
With Mission Fed, you’ll enjoy an array of benefits and services. Our Checking Accounts can be accessed online, and you’ll receive a Mission Fed Platinum Debit Card with no monthly usage fees, which offers you convenience and security. You’ll also have access to 30,000 fee-free CO-OP ATMs throughout the United States and Canada, offering you easy access to your account when you’re at home in San Diego and when you travel. In addition, you’ll have round-the-clock access to your account seven days a week with our Online Banking, plus free Mission Fed Mobile Banking apps with Mobile Deposit available for the iPhone®, iPad® and iPod® touch, and Android™ phones.
If you’re looking to go paper-free or have quick, online access to important documents, Mission Fed’s Checking Accounts with online access also provide you with the option of convenient eDocuments, including account statements, time-sensitive notices and more. Should you have any questions regarding your account or any other service, we offer helpful customer service and support by phone, email or Webchat Mondays through Fridays 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturdays 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Open a Mission Fed account today! Apply to open a Checking Account online, visit one of our convenient branches, or contact us with any questions you have.
Services
Mobile and Online Banking
Use the Mission Fed Mobile Banking apps or Online Banking to manage your finances at your convenience.
Direct Deposits and Electronic Debits
With Mission Fed, Direct Deposit and electronic debits are easy to set up. Request the necessary form from the organization or employer making the Direct Deposit, or company or employer making the electronic deposit or debit. Be sure to indicate Mission Fed’s ABA routing number (#322281507) and your account number on the form.
Courtesy Pay Services
Learn more about courtesy pay services.
Tools You Can Use
If you prefer pen and paper balancing, you can use our Checkbook Balancing Form (PDF) to help you keep your finances in line.
Why choose Mission Federal Credit Union for a San Diego Checking Account?
Mission Fed is a San Diego Credit Union with strong ties to our community since we first began in 1961. We are committed to giving back to our members and our community, and that commitment continues each and every day. If you’re looking to open a bank account in San Diego, Mission Fed offers free Checking Accounts with eStatements that give back to the local community and to you. Mention Mission for Nonprofits or Mission for Our Schools when you open a Checking Account with us, and we’ll give $25 to the local school or approved nonprofit of your choice and reward you with $25 for participating in the program. That’s just one way we support our community and say thank you to our members who open a bank account with us.
If you’re interested in a free Checking Account with eStatements in San Diego, consider Mission Fed. As an established financial institution and San Diego Credit Union, we offer a variety of services to help you meet your financial goals, or as we like to call them, Mission Fed Moments. Whether you want to stop by, give us a call or open your Checking Account online, we’re here to help you. Ready to open an account?
Frequently Asked Questions
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This is a bank account used for day-to-day spending. You are most likely to deposit your paycheck into a Checking Account so you can use it to pay bills, buy necessities and pay your rent or mortgage. Most people use a debit card with their Checking Account for ease, but at Mission Fed you can also use your free checks or fee-free access to any number of ATMs to use your funds as well. Enjoy easy access to your account and pay your bills quickly by using Online Bill Pay, too.
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In order to open a new account, bring along your government issued ID, proof that you live, work or go to school in San Diego County, your Social Security card and make a small initial deposit, which varies slightly depending on the account. After that, you’re ready to begin using your account! If you’re opening a Checking Account, sign up for eStatements, and you’ll be able to enjoy a free Checking Account in San Diego with Mission Fed.
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Opening a bank account with Mission Fed is easy. You can apply for a credit union bank account online, in person with one of our knowledgeable employees or over the phone. No matter how you choose to apply, we make the process fast and easy. If you’d like help applying, or choosing the right account for you, call or make an appointment at your nearest branch and let us walk you through each step of the application process.
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Absolutely. Mission Fed wants to make opening a Checking Account as easy and convenient for you as possible. Feel free to apply online on your own schedule and get a fast response. Once you’ve been approved, just make your small initial deposit, and you’re all set! After you open your Checking Account online, sign up for Online Banking to enjoy the benefits of banking and online access made easy, and sign up for eStatements to enjoy a free Checking Account in San Diego.
Learn More About Checking Accounts with These Great Blog Posts!
Why choose a credit union rather than a bank?
If you’re debating whether or not to open a bank account in San Diego with a credit union, this infographic will certainly help make that decision easier for you! At Mission Fed, your success is our bottom line—find out the benefits of joining a credit union today and learn about our easy-to-get Checking Accounts!
What is a digital wallet and how does it work?
Mission Fed is proud to offer Apple Pay, which links your open Checking Account online to your smartphone via your Platinum Debit Card. But how did Apple Pay come to be? Learn all about the history of the digital wallet, and how you can explore the benefits of a Platinum Debit Card with Mission Fed and Apple Pay.
Banking with Mission Fed
Personal money management is made easy with Mission Fed Checking Accounts and Savings Accounts. Learn more about which account is right for you with this easy-to-read infographic. You’ll also learn about the benefits you’ll enjoy with Mission Fed’s easy Checking Accounts.
Enjoy the benefits of Online Banking
Mission Fed’s Online Banking system allows you to do your banking on your schedule from the comfort of your home, your office or even on the go. Our system is secure and easy to use so you can pay bills, transfer money between your Checking and Savings Accounts, access important documents and forms or monitor your transactions anytime. You can even open a Checking Account online! Find out how today.
All accounts are subject to approval. Programs, rates, terms, conditions and services are subject to change without notice. Please see the Official Rules for Mission for Nonprofits and Mission for Our Schools. 6/18
More Products & Services
Mission Fed Financial Counseling

Mission Fed knows that to achieve goals and dreams, managing money properly is key to success. Which is why we provide our members with financial counseling.
Easy Checking, free with eStatements

If you want all of the benefits of a great Checking Account—without the paper—we have a great option for you. Our Easy Checking Account has no monthly service fee when you enroll in eStatements.
Credit Union Certificates in San Diego

Just like a traditional CD, a Term Certificate offers you peace of mind with a dividend rate and the flexibility to choose a term that fits your investment needs.
Courtesy Pay Services

With Mission Debit Card Privilege, Mission Fed may authorize your PIN and signature-based Debit Card purchase transactions, even if there is not enough money in your Checking Account to cover them.
Branch/ATM Locator
Search for Mission Fed Branches and ATMs, or 30,000 CO-OP Network ATMs Nationwide
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