Have you ever wondered if your checking account is really working for you? Maybe you haven’t thought about it before—but now’s a great time to take a closer look. Whether you’re opening a new account or already have one with Honor Credit Union, this guide will help you figure out which checking account fits your lifestyle right now.
The best part? If your spending habits change, switching accounts is simple. Let’s walk through the features so you can feel confident in your choice.
💳 Meet the Accounts
At Honor, we offer two powerful checking options: Benefits Checking and Connect Checking. Here’s how they compare:
ACCOUNT FEATURES | BENEFITS CHECKING | CONNECT CHECKING |
Instant Deposit | ✅ | ✅ |
Debit Card Round Up | ✅ | ✅ |
Overdraft Protection | ✅ | ✅ |
No Minimum Balance or Fees | ✅ | ✅ |
No ATM Fees | ✅ | ✅ |
5.15% APY on daily balances* | ✅ |
|
Earn 1% Back with Debit Card Rewards |
| ✅ |
Both accounts offer no fees and great features—but they serve different purposes:
- Benefits Checking: A high-yield account that pays interest* on your daily balance.
- Connect Checking: Rewards you with 1% cash back when you use your debit card for everyday purchases qualifying purchases** like gas, groceries, and dining out.
Who Are These Accounts Best For?
- Benefits Checking is ideal if you keep a higher balance and want to earn interest.
- Connect Checking is perfect if you use your debit card frequently for day-to-day spending.
💡 Know What You Need
Answer these quick questions to find your best fit:
Do you keep a high balance in your checking account?
- Yes → Benefits Checking
- No → Connect Checking
Are you on a fixed budget?
- Yes → Connect Checking
- No → Benefits Checking
Do you want cash back when you shop?
- Yes → Connect Checking
- No → Benefits Checking
Do you want to earn interest each month?
- Yes → Benefits Checking
- No → Connect Checking
Your answers can point you in the right direction—based on how you use your money today.
🧠 Think About Where You Are Now
While it’s great to plan for the future, choosing an account that fits your current lifestyle is a great start. If your income changes or your goals shift, you can always switch later. And if you ever have questions, the Honor team is here to help.
📝 A Few Notes About Requirements
Benefits Checking requires a few simple steps to earn the full interest rate (5.15% APY):
- Enroll in eStatements
- Set up at least one direct deposit each month
- Log in to online banking once a month
- Make at least 20 debit card purchases per month (ATM transactions don’t count)
Connect Checking earns 1% cash back at qualifying merchants—so be sure to check if your favorite stores, gas stations, and restaurants are included.
✅ Choose with Confidence
- Choose Benefits Checking if you keep a higher balance and can meet the monthly requirements to earn interest.
- Choose Connect Checking if you use your debit card often and want to earn cash rewards every time you shop.
Remember, there’s no wrong choice—and you can switch anytime your needs change.
🏁 Final Thoughts
No matter which account you choose, you’ll enjoy perks, protection, and a little extra money back in your pocket. Just make sure you meet the account requirements to unlock all the benefits.
Ready to get started?
We’re here to help! Call us at 800.442.2800 or stop by your local branch to open your account today.
*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rates accurate as of 11/1/24, $25 minimum deposit required to open. Earn the 5.15% APY on balances of up to $10,000.00. Members not meeting the Dividend Requirements will not earn dividends. Dividend Requirements are e-Statements, Direct Deposit, at least 20 debit card transactions per month that clear your account as signature-based or PIN-based point of sale (POS) debit transactions (PIN-based ATM transactions not eligible; please note that Honor posts transactions based on how they are received from merchants) and minimum 1 monthly online banking login. ^ATM foreign surcharge fees will be refunded monthly up to $20/month. Members not meeting requirements will not earn ATM foreign surcharge fee refunds. No free checks offered on this account. One account per Member. Rate is variable and may change after account is opened. Insured by NCUA.
**APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rates accurate as of 11/1/24, $25 minimum deposit required to open. Account earns 0.00% APY. Members earn 1 reward point per every $1 spent on qualifying net debit card purchase transactions (purchases minus returns/credits) posted to their Connect Checking accounts as signature-based or PIN-based point of sale (POS) debit transactions (PIN-based ATM transactions not eligible; please note that Honor posts transactions based on how they are received from merchants). Qualifying purchase transactions are defined as those retailers whose Mastercard Merchant Category Codes (MCC) are classified as follows: Grocery Stores, Supermarkets, Restaurants, Fast Food, Drinking Places, Discount Stores, Variety Stores, Wholesale Clubs, Pharmacies, and Gasoline (gas stations, EV charging stations). All other debit card transactions will not accrue reward points. Account holders are advised to refer to the uChoose Rewards program terms for comprehensive details on point redemption, limitations, expiration, and other pertinent information. Some restrictions may apply. Insured By NCUA.
^APY = Annual Percentage Yield, 0.00% APY. $250 paid when new or existing member without a current checking account opens a personal checking account with a minimum opening deposit of $25, sets up qualifying direct deposit(s) totaling $500 or more and conducts 8+ debit card transactions all within 60 days of account opening. A qualifying direct deposit is defined as one from a recurring paycheck, pension, or government benefits (such as social security) payments only. Non-payroll related ACH, person-to-person payments and transfers from other financial institutions or other Honor CU accounts do not qualify. Bonus will be paid within 30 days of minimum requirements being met. New account must remain open and maintain a positive balance for at least 90 days. If criteria is not met, $250 bonus will be withdrawn from account. New members must open account at honorcu.com/bonus/ or a local member center location. Existing members must open new checking account at member center location, phone, or video appointment, and specifically mention the $250 offer at time of opening. Existing members that have closed a checking account at Honor in last five years, not eligible. Offer subject to change without notice. The value of the reward may be reported on the appropriate Internal Revenue Service (IRS) forms and may be considered taxable income to you. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your specific situation. Insured By NCUA.
More To Explore

10 Genius Ways to Use Your Tax Refund (That Future You Will Thank You For)
Here are 10 smart ways to make your tax refund work for you—instead of watching it disappear in a Target

Building Credit Like a Boss
A lot goes into building good credit, but don’t worry—we’re breaking it all down. You’ll learn how to build credit,

Labor of Love: Pregnant Homebuyer Signs On Dotted Line Between Contractions!
Learn how Honor can help you overcome any obstacles and get you into the home of your dreams this year.