CHECKING ACCOUNTS

Free checking.
Full features.
No catches.

0 monthly fee. $15 minimum balance. No hoops. Just a checking account that works as hard as you do — with a local team behind it.

Compare Accounts

Find the right fit for you.

NEED WAY TO BUILD COMPARISON CARDS HERE

Feature MHV Free Checking Big Bank Checking National CU
Monthly maintenance fee$0 — always$12–$35/mo$0–$5/mo
Minimum balance to avoid feeNone$1,500–$10,000$300–$500
Surcharge-free ATM network118,000+15,000–20,00030,000+
Mobile check deposit✓✓✓
Zelle® transfers✓✓✕
Overdraft protection options✓✕✓
Local branch & decisions7 counties, 14 locationsRegional only✕
Profits returned to members✓✕✓
MOST POPULAR

Free Checking

$$0
Monthly Fee
  • No monthly maintenance fee
  • No minimum balance required
  • 118,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
  • Full mobile & online banking
  • Instant card controls
  • Zelle® included
Open Free Checking
Features

Everything you'd expect.
None of what you don't.

Zero monthly fees

No service charges, no minimum balance, no tricks. A checking account that doesn't eat what you put in it.

Mobile deposit & banking

Deposit checks, pay bills, transfer funds, and manage your card — all from the MHV app, available 24/7.

118,000+ surcharge-free ATMs

Access Allpoint and CO-OP networks nationwide — at Walgreens, Target, CVS, and thousands more locations.

Instant card controls

Freeze your card, set spending limits, receive real-time alerts. Full control from the app — any time.

Zelle® built in

Send money to friends and family in minutes — directly from your MHV account in the mobile app.

Overdraft protection options

Link a savings account or line of credit as backup — so a timing issue doesn't turn into a fee situation.
GETTING STARTED

Open in three steps.

Apply online in minutes

Fill out a simple application from your phone or computer. No branch visit required — takes about 5 minutes.

Confirm your identity

We verify your ID digitally using your driver's license or state ID. Safe, secure, takes under a minute.

Fund with $5 and you're in

A $5 membership share opens the door to everything MHV offers. Transfer from any bank account — instant.
HOW IT WORKS

Open in three steps.

Step 1.

Apply online in minutes

Fill out our simple online application — no branch visit required. Have your ID and Social Security number handy.
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Step 2.

Confirm your funding

Transfer as little as $5 to open your account. Fund from any bank account or debit card.
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Step 3.

Start banking right away

Your account is open. Download the app, set up direct deposit, and get your debit card in 5–7 business days.
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Resources

Checking Account Resources

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MEMBER STORIES

What our members say
about banking here.

“MHVFCU has been an outstanding partner for my small business, and also my personal finances. It is a great place to be a member!”

“I have always been very happy with the friendly service and services offered by the credit union. I have had family and friends join upon my recommendation.”

“It’s feels like there is a genuine care about the members of the credit union.”

COMMON QUESTIONS

Everything you need to know.

Still have questions? Our local team is available by phone or in-branch.

Call us at 845.336.4444

Find a branch near you

Yes. MHV Free Checking has no monthly maintenance fee, a low $5 minimum balance requirement, and no direct deposit requirement. It's free to open and free to keep, regardless of how much you use it or keep in it.

Anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, Westchester, Putnam, or Rockland County is eligible. Immediate family members of existing MHV members also qualify. 

Just $5 to open your membership share — which stays in your account as your membership stake. An additional $ 5 deposit is required for Free Checking.

Yes. MHV branch ATMs accept cash and check deposits 24/7. The Allpoint and CO-OP network ATMs are for cash withdrawals only — but surcharge-free for MHV members nationwide.

Absolutely. Joint accounts are available for Free Checking and all other account types. Both account holders must be MHV members. Open online or at any branch.

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Section: Testimonials

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“Every time I have a question about anything, it gets handled quickly and efficiently. ”

“The staff, the environment, the atmosphere of the Woodstock Branch of MHV makes for an incredibly pleasant, easy and efficient experience.”

“This is best location out of all the MHV locations. If you need help at this location in Woodstock ask for Rachel! she is truly amazing and went above and beyond to help set a account. We can’t thank her enough.”