BECU offers a student checking account designed for people under 25

BECU (Boeing Employees Credit Union) has a Student Checking Account that is open to members aged 13 to 24. The account comes with no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and a debit card. You can open it online or at a BECU branch if you are a member of the credit union.

BECU is a credit union, which means it is owned by its members rather than shareholders. To open any account at BECU, including the student checking account, you must first become a member. Membership is open to people who live, work, worship, or go to school in Washington state, or who are related to someone who already belongs.

The student account is meant to help younger people learn to manage money before they turn 25. At that point, the account converts to a regular checking account with the same features, so there is no disruption to your banking.

Key Takeaways

  • BECU's Student Checking Account is open to people aged 13 to 24 and has no monthly fee or minimum balance.
  • You must be a BECU member before you can open a student account, which requires living, working, or studying in Washington state or having a family member who is already a member.
  • The account includes a debit card and online banking access, with the same features available to adult members.
  • When you turn 25, your student account automatically becomes a regular checking account without any action needed on your part.

How to become a BECU member first

Before you can open the student checking account, you need to join BECU. Membership requires that you meet one of these conditions: you live in Washington state, you work in Washington state, you worship at a place of worship in Washington state, you attend school in Washington state, or you are a family member of someone who is already a BECU member.

You can start the membership process online at becu.org or visit a branch in person. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian will need to co-sign. The process takes a few minutes and you will need a valid ID. Once you are approved as a member, you can then open the student checking account.

What comes with the student checking account

The student account includes a debit card that you can use to withdraw cash at ATMs and make purchases at stores. BECU has its own ATM network, and you can also use ATMs at other credit unions through the CO-OP network at no charge. If you use an out-of-network ATM, BECU will refund the fee that the other bank charges.

You get online banking and a mobile app so you can check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills from your phone or computer. The account also includes fraud protection — if someone uses your debit card without permission, BECU will investigate and typically refund the money.

There is no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance you have to keep in the account. You can deposit checks by taking a photo with the mobile app, or you can deposit cash and checks at any BECU branch or ATM.

What happens when you turn 25

Your student account does not close or require you to do anything when you reach your 25th birthday. Instead, it automatically converts to BECU's regular checking account. The conversion is seamless — your account number, debit card, and online banking stay the same. You keep all the same features: no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and the same ATM access.

The only difference is that you are no longer in the student tier. If you want a different type of account later — such as a savings account or a money market account — you can open one at that time.

Comparing BECU student checking to other options

Many banks and credit unions offer student checking accounts. BECU's version is competitive because there is no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and ATM fees are refunded. Some other banks offer similar terms but may require you to set up direct deposit or maintain a certain balance to waive fees.

If you do not meet BECU's membership requirements, you might look at student accounts from banks like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, which are available nationwide. You could also check with smaller local banks or credit unions in your area — many have student accounts with no fees.

The main trade-off is branch access. BECU only has branches in Washington state, so if you move out of state for school or work, you will rely on online banking and the ATM network. If you need in-person service regularly, a national bank might be more convenient.

How to open the account

Once you are a BECU member, opening the student checking account takes about 10 minutes online. Go to becu.org, log into your member account, and select the option to open a new account. Choose the Student Checking Account and follow the prompts. You will be asked to confirm your personal information and set up online banking access.

Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or transfers from another bank. If you need the account sooner, you can visit a BECU branch in person and sometimes get a temporary card on the spot.

What you need to bring or provide

To become a BECU member and open the student account, you will need a valid photo ID (such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport) and proof that you meet the membership requirement. Proof of residence in Washington, enrollment in a Washington school, or a family member's BECU membership is usually enough.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian will also need to provide their ID and sign the membership agreement. They do not need to be a BECU member themselves, but they will be listed as a co-owner or authorized signer on your account depending on your age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a BECU student account if I live outside Washington state?

No, unless you attend school in Washington state, work there, or have a family member who is already a BECU member. BECU membership is limited to people with a connection to Washington. If none of those explore to you, you would need to look at student accounts from national banks or credit unions in your state.

Do I need a parent's permission to open a student account at BECU?

If you are under 18, yes — a parent or guardian must co-sign the membership agreement and the account. If you are 18 or older, you can open the account on your own as long as you meet the membership requirements. Some BECU branches may ask for parental consent even at 18 depending on their policy, so ask when you explore.

What happens if I move out of Washington after I open the account?

Your account stays open and active. You can continue to use your debit card, online banking, and the ATM network anywhere in the country. You will lose access to in-person branch service, but all other features work the same. If you move back to Washington later, you can use branches again.

Can I have a joint account with a parent or guardian?

Yes. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian will typically be listed as a co-owner. If you are 18 or older, you can ask to add a parent as an authorized user, though the account will be in your name. Ask BECU directly about their policy for your age group, as it may vary.

Is there a fee if I overdraft my account?

BECU does charge overdraft fees if you spend more than you have in the account. The fee amount varies, so check BECU's current fee schedule on their website or ask at a branch. Some accounts offer overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account to cover shortfalls — ask whether that is available for student accounts.