Wings Financial Checking Accounts No Longer Include Points Rewards
Wings Financial, a credit union based in Minnesota, discontinued its points rewards program for checking accounts. The program that once let members earn points on debit card purchases and other account activity is no longer available on new or existing checking accounts.
If you held a Wings Financial checking account while the points program was active, those points may still be in your account, but you cannot earn new points on checking activity. The credit union has shifted its rewards structure, and checking accounts now function as standard transaction accounts without a points component.
This change affects both new members opening accounts and existing members whose accounts no longer accrue points. If you are considering Wings Financial or already bank there, you should understand what the current checking account offers instead of points.
Key Takeaways
- Wings Financial discontinued points rewards on checking accounts and does not offer them on new accounts opened today.
- Any points you earned before the program ended may still be redeemable, but you should contact Wings Financial directly to confirm your balance and redemption options.
- Current Wings Financial checking accounts earn no rewards on debit card purchases or monthly activity.
- If rewards are important to your banking choice, you may want to compare other credit unions or banks that still offer cash back or points on checking.
What Happened to the Wings Financial Points Program
Wings Financial operated a rewards program that gave members points for various account activities, including debit card transactions. Members could accumulate these points and redeem them for cash, merchandise, or other rewards. The program was marketed as a benefit of membership and was one of the features that differentiated Wings Financial checking accounts from basic accounts at other institutions.
The credit union discontinued this program as part of a broader restructuring of its product offerings. Credit unions and banks periodically review their rewards programs based on cost, member usage, and competitive positioning. When a program becomes expensive to maintain or members do not use it heavily, institutions often phase it out rather than continue funding it.
The exact date of the discontinuation varies depending on when your account was opened and what type of membership you held. If you are unsure whether your account ever may have access to for points, your Wings Financial statement or online account dashboard should show your transaction history and any remaining point balance.
How to Check if You Have Remaining Points
If you had a Wings Financial checking account during the points program era, you may still have points sitting in your account that you have not redeemed. The first step is to log into your online banking portal or mobile app and look for a rewards or points section. Many credit unions display point balances prominently on the account overview page.
If you do not see a points balance displayed online, contact Wings Financial directly by phone or visit a branch. Have your account number ready and ask a representative to check your account for any remaining points balance. They can tell you whether points are still redeemable and what your options are for using them.
Do not assume your points have expired. Some credit unions allow members to redeem points indefinitely, while others set expiration dates. Wings Financial's policy on point expiration should be confirmed with the credit union directly, as policies vary and may have changed since the program ended.
Current Wings Financial Checking Account Features
Without the points program, Wings Financial checking accounts now offer standard features like debit card access, online banking, bill pay, and mobile deposit. The specific features and any monthly fees depend on which checking product you choose, as credit unions typically offer multiple account tiers.
Some Wings Financial checking accounts may include perks like no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, or fee waivers for overdrafts under certain conditions. These features vary by account type, so you should review the current account disclosures on the Wings Financial website or ask a representative which features explore to the account you are considering.
If earning rewards on your checking account is important to you, Wings Financial's current checking products will not meet that need. You would need to look at other financial institutions that still offer cash back, points, or interest rate bonuses on checking accounts.
Comparing Wings Financial to Banks with Checking Rewards
Several banks and credit unions still offer rewards on checking accounts, though the structure and earning rates vary widely. Some offer cash back on debit card purchases at a fixed percentage. Others offer bonus interest rates on checking balances or points that can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or cash.
When comparing checking accounts with rewards, look at what you actually spend money on and whether the reward rate justifies any fees or balance requirements. An account that offers 1% cash back on all purchases might be more valuable to you than one offering 5% cash back only at certain merchants. Similarly, an account with a high monthly fee might erase the value of the rewards you earn.
You can research current checking account offers through financial comparison websites, bank websites directly, or by calling institutions in your area. Keep in mind that reward programs change frequently, so what is available today may not be available next year.
What to Do if You Want Rewards on Your Checking
If you currently bank with Wings Financial but want a checking account with rewards, you have two main options. First, you can switch to a different financial institution that offers rewards on checking. Second, you can keep your Wings Financial checking account for basic transactions and open a rewards checking account elsewhere.
Some people maintain accounts at multiple institutions to take advantage of different features. For example, you might keep a Wings Financial account for its other benefits or because you use their branch network, while opening a rewards checking account at another bank for daily spending.
Before switching banks entirely, consider whether Wings Financial offers other products or services that matter to you, such as loans, savings rates, or branch convenience. Switching banks involves updating automatic deposits and payments, so weigh the value of rewards against the hassle of moving your banking relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still redeem points I earned before the program ended?
Possibly, but you need to contact Wings Financial directly to find out. Call their member service line or visit a branch with your account number. Ask whether your remaining points are still redeemable and what the redemption process is. Do not assume points have expired without confirming with the credit union.
Will Wings Financial bring back the points program?
There is no public announcement indicating that Wings Financial plans to restore the points program. Credit unions rarely reinstate discontinued rewards programs, though they may introduce new rewards offerings in the future. If rewards are essential to your banking choice, plan based on the current product offerings rather than hoping for a program return.
Are there credit unions near me that still offer checking rewards?
Some do, but it depends on your location and which credit unions operate in your area. Search online for credit unions in your state and visit their websites to see current checking account offers. You can also call local credit unions directly and ask whether they offer rewards on checking accounts.
What if I have a Wings Financial savings account instead of checking?
Savings accounts typically had different terms than checking accounts under the old points program. Contact Wings Financial to ask whether savings accounts ever earned points and whether any balance remains in your account. Savings products often have different reward structures than checking.
How do I switch my direct deposit to a new bank if I leave Wings Financial?
Contact your employer's payroll department or HR office and provide them with your new bank's routing number and your new account number. Most employers can update direct deposit information within one pay period. Keep your Wings Financial account open for at least one pay cycle after the switch to make sure the new deposit goes through correctly.