BECU offers a student checking account called the Student eChecking Account

BECU (Boeing Employees Credit Union) does have a checking account designed for students. It's called the Student eChecking Account, and it's available to members between ages 13 and 25 who are enrolled in school at least half-time. The account comes with no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees on purchases — though overdraft fees do apply to ATM withdrawals and transfers if you don't have enough funds.

BECU is a credit union, not a bank, which means membership is required before you can open any account with them. Membership is open to people who live, work, or go to school in Washington state, or who are related to a current BECU member. If you meet the membership requirement, you can open the Student eChecking Account online, by phone, or in person at a BECU branch.

The account includes a debit card, online banking, mobile banking, and access to BECU's ATM network. BECU operates its own ATMs and is part of the CO-OP network, which means you can withdraw cash at thousands of ATMs nationwide without a fee. If you use an out-of-network ATM, BECU will refund the fee the other ATM charges.

Key Takeaways

  • BECU's Student eChecking Account has no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees on debit card purchases.
  • You must be between 13 and 25, enrolled in school at least half-time, and a BECU member to open the account.
  • Membership requires that you live, work, or attend school in Washington state, or are related to a current BECU member.
  • The account includes a debit card, online and mobile banking, and access to thousands of ATMs through BECU's network and CO-OP partners.

Who can open a BECU Student eChecking Account

You must meet three requirements: be between 13 and 25 years old, be enrolled in school (high school, college, or university) at least half-time, and be a BECU member. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must co-own the account with you.

BECU membership is the first step. You can become a member if you live in Washington state, work in Washington state, attend school in Washington state, or are a family member of someone who is already a BECU member. Once you're a member, you can open the Student eChecking Account. There is no membership fee.

If you don't currently meet the membership requirement, check whether a parent, sibling, or relative is already a BECU member — if they are, you can join through family membership. Otherwise, you'll need to establish a connection to Washington state first.

How to open the account and what you'll need

You can open a Student eChecking Account through three methods: online at becu.org, by calling BECU at 1-800-233-2328, or by visiting a BECU branch in person. Online is the fastest route if you have all the documents ready.

You'll need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport), proof of enrollment in school (a current student ID, class schedule, or letter from your school), and proof of your Washington state connection if you're not already a BECU member. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian will also need to provide their ID and sign the account agreement.

If you open online, the process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. BECU will verify your identity and enrollment status, then send you a debit card by mail within 5 to 7 business days. You can use online banking and mobile banking immediately after approval, even before the physical card arrives.

Fees and what they cover

The Student eChecking Account has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement, which means you can keep any amount in the account without penalty. There are also no overdraft fees on debit card purchases — if you don't have enough money, the transaction will be declined rather than charged an overdraft fee.

Overdraft fees do apply to ATM withdrawals and transfers (online or in-person) if your account goes negative. Those fees are $25 per transaction. To avoid this, monitor your balance before withdrawing cash or moving money between accounts.

Other services are free: online banking, mobile banking, bill pay, transfers between your own accounts, and ATM withdrawals at BECU ATMs or CO-OP network ATMs. Out-of-network ATM fees are refunded by BECU, so you won't pay anything to use ATMs outside their network.

How the account works when you graduate or turn 26

The Student eChecking Account is designed for students, so your status in the account changes when you no longer meet the age or enrollment requirement. When you turn 26 or are no longer enrolled in school, BECU will contact you about converting to a standard checking account.

The conversion is automatic and doesn't require you to close the account or move your money. Your existing debit card and account number stay the same. The main difference is that a standard BECU checking account may have different fee structures or minimum balance requirements depending on which product you choose — BECU offers several checking options for non-students.

You'll have time to decide which account works best for you after graduation. BECU will send you information about your options before the conversion happens.

How to contact BECU and access your account

BECU customer service is available by phone at 1-800-233-2328, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific time. You can also visit a BECU branch in person — they have locations throughout Washington state.

Once your account is open, you can manage it online at becu.org or through the BECU mobile app (available on iOS and Android). You can check your balance, view transactions, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks using mobile check deposit. You can also set up alerts to notify you when your balance drops below a certain amount.

If you have questions about your account after opening it, customer service can walk you through features, help you troubleshoot, or explain fees. They can also help you if you lose your debit card or need to report fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a BECU Student eChecking Account if I'm homeschooled?

Yes, as long as you can show proof of enrollment in an accredited homeschool program or curriculum. BECU accepts documentation from homeschool organizations and programs. Contact BECU directly to confirm what documents they'll accept for your specific situation.

What happens if I move out of Washington state?

Your account stays open and active. BECU membership is not limited to Washington residents — once you're a member, you can keep your account even if you move. You can still use online banking, mobile banking, and your debit card anywhere in the country.

Can I have a joint account with a friend or roommate?

No. The Student eChecking Account is an individual account. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be a co-owner, but you cannot add a friend or roommate to the account. If you want a shared account with someone else, you would need to open a different type of account and both would need to be BECU members.

Is there a limit on how much money I can keep in the account?

No. There's no maximum balance limit on the Student eChecking Account. You can deposit and hold as much money as you need. The only requirement is that you maintain your student status and age may be able to access to keep the account as a student account.