Certified Accounts
Steps to Opening a Bank On Certified Account
A basic banking account is an important first step in participating in the financial mainstream, depositing your paycheck safely, paying bills effectively, accessing or building credit, and saving for emergencies and the future. However, one key challenge facing people without accounts has been a lack of safe and appropriate banking products offered by mainstream financial institutions, particularly those without overdraft. Instead, nearly 63 million adults across the nation rely on costly alternative financial services – like cash checkers, payday lenders, and pawn shops – for routine financial transactions.
Banks and credit unions across North Carolina offer low-cost, low-fee transaction accounts that are certified as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards. Want your bank or credit union’s account to join this list? Get in touch with the CFE Fund and learn more!
These accounts do not allow overdraft or non sufficient funds fees, so you’ll never be hit with a surprise fee.
Certified accounts are $5 or less per month, with no unpredictable fees.
Certified accounts always allow free deposits, free withdrawals, and free bill payments.
Certified Accounts in North Carolina
No Overdraft Fees. No Dormancy Fees. No Low Balance Fees. Free Check Cashing.
Bank On Certified Account Comparison Document
Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking (Online Only)
Tools/Features
- No Fees, ATM Access, Digital Wallet, Mobile Check Deposit
Alliant Credit Union Teen Checking (Online Only)
Tools/Features
- Available for Ages 13-17, No Fees, Parental Monitoring and Smart Limits, Mobile Banking, Digital Wallet
Ally Bank Spending Account (Online Only)
Tools/Features
- eCheck Deposit, Mobile Banking, No Transaction Limit
AmerisBank Opportunity Checking (In-Branch Only)
Tools/Features
- Online Banking Access, Debit Card, eStatements
Banc of California Banc-on account (in-branch only)
Tools/Features
- Online Banking, Mobile Check Deposit, No Overdraft Fees
Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking
Tools/Features
- Digital Wallet, No Transaction Limit, Savings Account Optional
Bank OZK Freedom Advantage Checking (in-branch only)
Tools/Features
- Online Bill Pay, Checkless Account, No Transaction Limit
BCU GO Checking (in-branch only)
Tools/Features
- Early Direct Deposit, VISA Debit Card, Mobile Check Deposit
Excite Credit Union Bank On Checking (in-branch only)
Tools/Features
- Online Banking, Mobile Check Deposit, Online Bill Pay
F&m bank access checking (in-branch only)
Tools/Features
- Online Banking, Mobile Check Deposit, Online Bill Pay
Fifth Third Bank Express Banking
Tools/Features
- Free Check Cashing and Money Orders, No Overdraft Fees
first community bank community connect checking
Tools/Features
- Online Banking, Mobile Check Deposit, Direct Deposit
First Horizon Bank Access Checking Account (in-branch only)
Tools/Features
- Online Bill Pay, Checkless Account
first-citizens bank and trust sure advantage (in-branch only)
Tools/Features
- Digital Banking, Online Bill Pay, Mobile Check Deposit
flagstar bank flagstar one account (in-branch only)
Tools/Features
- No Overdraft Fees, Online Banking and Bill Pay
LifeStore Bank Progress Account (in-branch only)
Tools/Features
- No Overdraft Fees, Online Banking and Bill Pay
movement bank anywhere checking
Tools/Features
- Online Banking and Bill Pay, No-Fee ATM Access, VISA Debit Card
north state bank beyond checking
Tools/Features
- No Overdraft Fees, Online Banking, Checkless Account
quorum federal credit union qFlex checking (online only)
Tools/Features
- No Overdraft fees, No-Fee ATM Access
Self-Help Credit Union Personal Checking (in-branch only)
Tools/Features
- Online Banking and Bill Pay, Free Starter Checks
Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking
Tools/Features
- Zelle, Online Bill Pay, Mobile Deposit, Digital Wallet
Woodforest National Bank WBank Account (in-branch only)
Tools/Features
- ATM Access, Checkless Account
* Monthly fee may be waived if certain conditions are met. Contact the respective financial institution for more information.