Frequently asked questions
Can I overdraw my Access Checking account?
It’s possible, but we won't authorize transactions when you don't have enough money in your account to cover them, reducing the risk that you overdraw your account. We also won’t pay any checks you write unless your available balance is sufficient to cover them.
However, there are some situations beyond our control that may cause you to overdraw your account. These typically occur when a transaction posts for more than the authorized amount or when an intervening transaction reduces the available balance in your account.
- For example, if you add a tip to a transaction after we've approved the transaction without the tip, the addition of the tip may cause the transaction to exceed the available balance in your account, causing you to be overdrawn.
- Or if we credit a deposit that is later returned unpaid, you may see a negative balance in your account.
If these, or other similar situations occur, we won't assess an overdraft fee, but you would need to repay the negative amount promptly.
Can I write checks on my Access Checking account?
Yes, there are no restrictions on check writing for Access Checking accounts. Checks can be ordered for a cost.
Can I convert my Access Checking account to another Advantis personal checking account?
Yes. If Access Checking was the only account you qualified for at account opening, you may be eligible to convert your account to another Advantis personal checking account after six months of account ownership in good standing. If, at time of account opening, you qualified for other Advantis personal checking accounts, you are eligible to convert your account at any time.
Does Access Checking also serve as a second-chance checking account?
Yes, while Access Checking is a great account for everyone, it can also be considered a second-chance checking account, which provides a great opportunity for members unable to open standard accounts due to past credit or banking history.
How is this account more accessible, and what are the opening qualifications?
We believe everyone deserves access to financial freedom, so this account has minimal opening qualifications, and is perfect for those who have had past account or credit challenges.
Members who have a ChexSystems history of owing money to another financial institution will not be required to repay the debt before being eligible to open an Access Checking account if the total owed is less than $500, not due to fraud activity on the account, and is from a single financial institution. However, you will need to repay any past debt owed to Advantis.
Will I have to pay fees to use an ATM?
Advantis will not charge a fee if you use our ATM or another ATM in the Co-op network. Most credit unions are members of Co-op, but you should always look for the Co-op sign on the ATM to avoid fees. We will charge you a fee for each subsequent transaction if you make more than five transactions per month at an ATM outside the Co-op network. You may also be charged a fee by another financial institution if you use a non-Advantis ATM or a non-Co-op ATM. If another financial institution charges a fee for making a transaction at their ATM, you will be notified and be given the opportunity to cancel the ATM transaction.
With Access Checking, we won’t authorize your transactions unless you have enough funds available to cover them, reducing the risk of overdrawing your account. And if an overdraft does occur, you won’t be charged overdraft fees.
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