What you need to open a Bellco checking account

Bellco Credit Union lets you open a checking account online, by phone, or in person at one of their branches. You will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are opening an account for a minor, you will also need to be the parent or legal guardian and bring their birth certificate or Social Security card.

Bellco requires an initial deposit to open most checking accounts, though the amount varies by account type. You can fund the account with a check, electronic transfer from another bank, or cash if you open in person at a branch. Some accounts have no minimum balance requirement after opening, while others do — the specific terms depend on which Bellco checking product you choose.

You do not need to be a Bellco member before you open a checking account. Membership and a checking account are the same thing — opening the account makes you a member automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Bellco checking account online, by phone at 1-800-235-5236, or at any Bellco branch location.
  • Bring a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of address dated within 60 days.
  • An initial deposit is required, and the amount depends on which checking account type you choose.
  • The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes online or about 20 minutes in person at a branch.

Opening an account online

Bellco's online account opening process starts at bellco.org. Click "Open an Account" and select the checking product you want. You will answer questions about your personal information, employment, and the source of funds for your initial deposit. The system will ask for your ID number and take a photo of your ID using your phone or computer camera — this is how Bellco verifies your identity without requiring a branch visit.

After you submit your information, Bellco reviews it and sends you a confirmation email within a few minutes to a few hours. You then fund the account by transferring money from another bank account or providing a check number to deposit. Once the deposit clears, your account is active and you can use your debit card and online banking when ready. The entire process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes of active time, though the account set up can take up to one business day.

If Bellco cannot verify your identity online — for example, if your ID is expired or the photo does not match their system — they will contact you by phone or email and ask you to visit a branch or call to complete the process by phone instead.

Opening an account by phone

Call Bellco at 1-800-235-5236 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mountain Time; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). A representative will walk you through the account opening questions, verify your identity by asking details from your ID, and set up your initial deposit. You will need to have your ID and proof of address available when you call.

Phone account opening takes about 20 to 30 minutes. After the call ends, Bellco mails you a debit card and checks to the address you provided. Your account is active for online banking and transfers when ready, but you cannot use the debit card until it arrives, which typically takes 5 to 7 business days.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Find your nearest Bellco branch using the branch locator at bellco.org. Bring your government photo ID, Social Security number, proof of address, and your initial deposit (as a check, cash, or be ready to transfer from another account). A representative will complete the account opening paperwork with you, which takes about 20 minutes.

If you bring cash or a check, your account is funded when ready and you can use online banking right away. If you transfer from another bank, the transfer processes according to that bank's timeline, usually 1 to 3 business days. You will receive a debit card and checks in the mail within 5 to 7 business days, but you can request a temporary debit card at the branch to use while you wait.

Bellco checking account types and their differences

Bellco offers several checking products with different features and requirements. The eSavings Checking account has no monthly fee and no minimum balance, making it the simplest option for most people. The Premium Checking account includes additional benefits like higher interest rates and fee waivers, but requires a higher minimum balance. Bellco also offers Student Checking for people under 25, which has no monthly fee and no minimum balance.

Each account type comes with online banking, mobile banking, bill pay, and a debit card. The main differences are monthly fees (if any), minimum balance requirements, and whether the account earns interest. When you open your account — whether online, by phone, or in person — you will choose which type you want. You can change to a different checking product later without closing your account.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is active, you can log into Bellco's online banking portal or mobile app using your Social Security number and a password you create. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money to other accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks using mobile check deposit. Your debit card arrives in the mail within 5 to 7 business days and is ready to use as soon as it arrives.

Bellco sends you a welcome packet by mail that includes your account number, routing number, and information about your account features. If you have questions after opening, you can call customer service at 1-800-235-5236, visit a branch, or use the chat feature in the mobile app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Bellco checking account if I have had banking problems before?

Bellco uses ChexSystems, a banking history report, to review new account requests. If you have unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other serious issues on your report, Bellco may decline your process. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com to see what Bellco will see. If there are errors, you can dispute them before you open an account.

Do I need to have a Bellco savings account to open checking?

No. A checking account is a complete membership on its own. You can open just a checking account, or you can open both checking and savings at the same time. Many people keep both, but it is not required.

What is the initial deposit amount?

The minimum initial deposit varies by account type. eSavings Checking typically requires $25 to $100, while Premium Checking may require $500 or more. When you start the account opening process online, by phone, or in person, you will see the exact minimum for the account type you choose.

Can I use my Bellco debit card right away?

You can use online banking and transfers when ready after your account opens. Your physical debit card arrives in the mail in 5 to 7 business days. If you open in person at a branch, you can request a temporary card to use while you wait for the permanent one.

What if I need to close my account later?

You can close your Bellco checking account at any time by visiting a branch, calling 1-800-235-5236, or using online banking. There is no penalty for closing. Bellco will send you any remaining balance by check or transfer to another account.