Student Loans
Great Lakes Credit Union has everything you need to help manage your money and plan for the future.
Free High-Yield Checking Account
Next-Level Checking that Does More
Get more from your checking! Take advantage of a no-fee checking account that pays interest and includes benefits that make banking a breeze. Open an account today to put your money to work, save on fees, and enjoy personalized service that puts your needs first.
Free High-Yield Checking Accounts Near Chicago, IL
Sign up for a free checking account in Chicago that earns interest! With our Free High-Yield Checking, you can earn a great rate on balances up to $10,0001 while also taking care of your daily checking needs. Earn reward points on debit card purchases, manage your accounts online and with your mobile device, and schedule automated bill payments to ensure your bills are always paid on time. Our Free High-Yield Checking Account simply does more!
Get More from Your Checking Account
Earn Up to 5.00% APY*
Qualify to earn as much as 5.00% APY* on balances up to $10,0001.
Federally Insured by the NCUA
Accounts are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for up to $250,000.
Get Your Paycheck Up to 1 Day Earlier
You may qualify to get paid up to 1 day earlier, depending on when your payer sends funds.2
Shared Branching
Gain access to 5,600 branch locations and nearly 30,000 ATMs nationwide through the CO-OP Shared Branching Network.
Everyday Checking, Supercharged
Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? With our Free High-Yield Checking Account, you can say goodbye to ordinary checking and hello to checking that rewards you for your everyday banking.
Getting started is quick and easy — it only takes a few minutes to fill out our short application. Open an account today to put your money to work, earning interest and enjoying additional great benefits!
Additional Features of Our Free High-Yield Checking Accounts
Debit Card Rewards
Earn 1 point for every $100 of debit card purchases that you can redeem for cash, merchandise, gift cards, and even airline tickets.
Earn Higher Rates
Earn even greater rates when you combine a GLCU Free Checking Account with a Money Market account.
24/7 Online & Mobile Banking
Manage your account anywhere, anytime, from the comfort of your home or with your mobile device.
Fraud Alerts
Enroll in Visa Fraud Alerts to be notified of suspicious activity involving your Visa debit card.
Free Bill Pay
Schedule automatic payments to make sure all of your bills are paid on time and to avoid late fees.
Personalized Service
Our members are our top priority! We’re here to help you achieve your financial goals.
Why Choose Great Lakes Credit Union?
Great Lakes Credit Union is a nonprofit organization where our members are the owners. Our primary focus is on serving our members' needs instead of earning profits for distant shareholders. That's how we are able to offer better rates and lower fees than our competitors. We pass the savings on to you!
We're also a local financial institution that supports the community. We want to see the greater Chicago economy thrive through business growth and community initiatives. We would love to partner with you for all of your banking needs. Become a member today to experience banking that puts your needs first.
“From the moment I walked in the door everyone was so prompt, polite, and made me feel like a valued client!”
Free High-Yield Checking Account Credit Union FAQs
What is a high-yield checking account?
A high-yield checking account offers higher interest rates on your balance than traditional checking accounts, which helps your money grow faster. It’s ideal for both short- and long-term savings goals.
How do I open a Great Lakes Credit Union Free Checking Account?
Opening a GLCU Free Checking Account is easy! To become a GLCU member, you just need to open a Share Savings Account to start enjoying all of the awesome products and services GLCU has to offer. Contact us or visit a branch, and we’ll help you get started.
What is a Money Market account?
A GLCU Money Market Account is similar to a savings account in that you can access your money as needed. Unlike a regular savings account, however, a Money Market account pays dividends to the account holder. Money Market accounts also have higher minimum balance requirements.
Can I access my money anytime with a high-yield checking account?
Yes, you can access your funds when you need them through ATMs, debit cards, online banking, and by writing checks.
Is it really free?
Yes! There are no minimum balance requirements to open a GLCU Free Checking Account — and no monthly service fee or hidden fees!
Do I get a debit card with my Free Credit Union Checking Account?
Yes! You will receive a debit card with your GLCU Free Checking Account. If you need a new one, give us a call or stop by any of our Chicago, IL branches. We’ll print up a new card for you in minutes.
What happens when I have over $10,000 in my Free Checking Account?
Free Checking balances of over $10,000 will earn the standard savings rate. The dividend rate may be calculated using two different rates and will appear as a blended APY on your monthly statement.
What is the difference between “interest” and “dividends?”
Interest and dividends are both ways that investors can earn money, but where they come from and how they are paid are different. Interest is money earned by lending money. When you deposit money in an interest-bearing account or buy a bond, you are lending your money. The bank or bond issuer pays you interest in return. Dividends are payments made by an organization (such as a credit union) to its shareholders (members of the credit union) out of its profits. Credit union members own a “share” of the organization and are entitled to some of its profits, which are distributed as dividends. The dividend rate of a particular financial product, such as a checking account or share certificate, is determined by the credit union’s board of directors.
More Ways We Can Serve Your Banking Needs
Fresh Checking Account
Get a fresh start on your finances and rebuild or establish your banking history. There is no minimum monthly balance requirement, and you can get started with only a $25 initial deposit.
High-Yield Savings Account
Grow your savings faster with a competitive rate and access your funds when you need them. Easily track your account balance with either online or mobile banking.
Holiday Savings
Enjoy a stress-free holiday season. Plan ahead for the holidays by setting aside funds throughout the year for gifts, events, and other needs.
Have a Question? We’re Ready to Assist