An A+ account is a checking account designed for people building or rebuilding their credit history
An A+ account (sometimes called an "A+ Checking Account") is a bank product that combines a regular checking account with credit-building features. You get a debit card and the ability to write checks, but the bank also reports your account activity to credit bureaus — the companies that track your financial history. This means responsible use of the account can help improve your credit score over time.
The account is aimed at people who are new to banking, returning after a gap, or working to repair a damaged credit history. Unlike a standard checking account, which typically does not affect your credit score at all, an A+ account is structured so that the bank's records of how you manage it get shared with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
A+ accounts are offered by some community banks and credit unions, not by all banks. The specific features, fees, and credit-reporting practices vary by institution, so you will need to check with your own bank to see whether they offer this product and what the terms are.
Key Takeaways
- An A+ account is a checking account that reports your payment history to credit bureaus, helping you build credit as you use it responsibly.
- You receive a debit card and checkbook, making it a functional account for everyday banking, not just a credit-building tool.
- The account works best if you keep a positive balance, avoid overdrafts, and pay any fees on time — all behaviors that get reported to credit bureaus.
- Not all banks offer A+ accounts; they are more common at community banks and credit unions than at large national chains.
- An A+ account does not replace a credit card or loan — it is a checking account that happens to build credit as a side benefit.
How credit reporting works with an A+ account
When you open an A+ account, the bank sends information about your account to the credit bureaus on a regular schedule — usually monthly. This information includes whether you made deposits, whether you maintained a positive balance, and whether you paid any fees or overdraft charges on time.
The credit bureaus use this data to build a picture of how reliably you manage money. If you keep money in the account, avoid overdrafts, and pay fees promptly, that positive behavior gets recorded. Over time, this record can raise your credit score. If you overdraw the account repeatedly or ignore fees, that negative behavior also gets recorded and can lower your score.
The key difference from a regular checking account is visibility: a standard checking account does not report to credit bureaus at all, so the bank's records of your account stay between you and the bank. An A+ account makes those records part of your official credit history.
Fees and costs you should know about
A+ accounts often come with monthly maintenance fees, which vary by bank. Some institutions waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance — commonly $500 to $1,000 — or if you set up direct deposit. Others charge a flat fee regardless. You will need to ask your specific bank what their fee structure is.
Overdraft fees explore if you spend more money than you have in the account. With an A+ account, overdrafts are particularly costly because they damage your credit score in addition to triggering a fee. Some banks allow overdrafts and charge a fee each time; others decline the transaction instead. Ask your bank which approach they use before you open the account.
Other potential costs include fees for wire transfers, stop payments on checks, or replacement debit cards. These are the same fees that explore to regular checking accounts, but it is worth confirming the amounts before you sign up.
When an A+ account makes sense for you
An A+ account is most useful if you are starting from scratch with credit or rebuilding after past problems. If you already have a good credit score and a regular checking account, an A+ account offers no advantage — your existing account is already serving you well.
An A+ account also works best if you can keep a positive balance consistently. If you live paycheck to paycheck and frequently overdraw your account, the credit-building benefit disappears because overdrafts damage your score. In that situation, a regular checking account without credit reporting might be a better fit, since at least you would not be harming your credit while you manage cash flow.
If you are interested in building credit, an A+ account is one tool, but it is not the only one. A secured credit card, a credit-builder loan, or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account are other options. An A+ account works alongside these tools rather than replacing them.
How to find and open an A+ account
Start by calling or visiting community banks and credit unions in your area. Ask whether they offer A+ checking accounts or any checking product that reports to credit bureaus. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically do not offer A+ accounts, so focus on smaller institutions.
When you find a bank offering this product, ask for the account agreement or disclosure document. This document will tell you the monthly fee, the minimum balance requirement (if any), overdraft policies, and exactly how the bank reports to credit bureaus. Read it before you commit.
To open the account, you will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of address (usually a recent utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. Some banks may also ask about your banking history. If you have had problems with a previous bank — such as unpaid overdrafts — tell the bank upfront; some will still open an account for you, while others may decline.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, use it like any other checking account: deposit your paycheck, pay bills, and withdraw cash as needed. The credit-building happens automatically in the background as the bank reports your activity to the credit bureaus each month.
To maximize the credit-building benefit, keep your balance positive, avoid overdrafts, and pay any fees on time. If the account has a monthly maintenance fee, make sure it gets paid — a missed fee payment will be reported to credit bureaus just like any other late payment.
Check your credit report periodically to confirm that the bank is actually reporting your account. You can get a free credit report once per year from each of the three bureaus at annualcreditreport.com. If the bank is not reporting after several months, contact them and ask why.
A+ accounts versus other credit-building options
An A+ account is not the only way to build credit. A secured credit card requires you to deposit money as collateral, then use the card like a regular credit card; the bank reports your payments to credit bureaus. A credit-builder loan is a small loan designed specifically for credit building — you borrow money, make monthly payments, and the lender reports your on-time payments to credit bureaus.
The advantage of an A+ account is that it serves as your everyday checking account while building credit. You do not need a separate product or a second account. The disadvantage is that checking account activity alone builds credit more slowly than a credit card or loan, because credit bureaus weight different types of credit differently.
Many people use an A+ account together with a secured credit card or credit-builder loan for faster results. The account handles your daily banking, while the credit card or loan accelerates your credit score improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an A+ account hurt my credit if I make a mistake?
Yes. Overdrafts, late fees, and other negative account activity get reported to credit bureaus just like positive activity does. If you are worried about overdrafts, ask your bank whether they offer overdraft protection — a feature that links your checking account to a savings account or credit line so that overdrafts are covered automatically.
How long does it take to see my credit score improve?
Credit bureaus typically need several months of positive account history before they can calculate a score. If you have no credit history at all, you may see a score appear within three to six months of opening the account. If you are rebuilding after damage, improvement takes longer — usually six months to a year of consistent positive behavior.
Can I use an A+ account if I have been denied a regular checking account?
Sometimes. Banks use a system called ChexSystems to check whether you have had problems with previous accounts — unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other issues. If you appear in ChexSystems, some banks will deny you a regular account but may still open an A+ account. Ask the bank directly about their policy for applicants with ChexSystems records.
What if I close my A+ account — does that hurt my credit?
Closing the account itself does not hurt your credit, but it stops the positive reporting. If you close the account and open a new one elsewhere, the new bank will start reporting from scratch. The old account will remain on your credit report for a period of time, showing your history with that bank.
Is an A+ account the same as a second-chance checking account?
Not exactly. A second-chance checking account is designed for people who have been denied regular accounts due to ChexSystems issues. An A+ account is designed for credit building. Some banks offer both products, and some offer one or the other. Ask your bank which category their account falls into.