Online Banking

Essential Checking

Reestablish your checking history.

Which account is for you?

Curious about which account could be right for you? Take our quick quiz and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

Which account is for you?

close

Start managing your money better with a simple checking account that’s ideal for those who want to reestablish checking credibility. Plus, you’ll have access to online banking, the Arkansas Federal mobile app, and more!

Features & Benefits

illustration of person with dollar

Build Credibility

Take a step toward financial success by starting or reestablishing your checking history and working toward your dreams.

illustration of woman and calendar

Early Pay

Tired of waiting for payday? With us, you don’t have to. Set up direct deposit and get paid up to two days early with Early Pay.Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds in your Arkansas Federal account are subject to your employer/payer, or benefit provider’s funding. Actual payment dates may vary.

Save Automatically

With Cents to Savings, round up your debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and send the difference to your savings.

More Great Benefits

Extended Warranty Insurance

When you use your debit card, you’ll enjoy double the time period and duplicate the coverage of the original manufacturer’s or U.S. store brand warranty for a maximum of one year.3

$0 Monthly Fee

Enjoy no minimum balance requirements, no monthly fees, and no worries.

Access over 30,000 ATMs

Choose from our network of more than 30,000 ATMs across the country.

Tap to Pay (Contactless)

Pay in seconds with a tap of your card at a contactless-enabled terminal.

Digital Banking

Enjoy convenient, secure 24/7 access to your accounts right from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Control your card 24/7, monitor your credit score with Credit IQ, pay bills, send secure messages, make digital payments, and so much more.

Digital Wallet

Instead of carrying your card around, securely store it in your phone’s digital wallet for quick checkouts in-store or online.

ID Theft ProtectionTM

Should you become the victim of Identity Theft, Mastercard will assist you with credit bureau notification and debit card replacement and provide you with an ID Theft Affidavit.3

$0 Fraud Liability

You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your account or account information.Certain restrictions apply. See www.mastercard.us/zero-liability for details.

Happy cheerful smiling young adult man doing online shopping or e-shopping satisfied entrepreneur making online payment paying for service or goods self employed freelancer collecting fee

Also Included

  • Turn your card on and off, set spending limits, and receive alerts with My Cards
  • Quickly and securely send money to friends and family with Zelle®
  • Online bill pay
  • Access to e-Statements, e-Notices, and e-Alerts
  • Get paid safely and conveniently using Direct Deposit

Go Cashless

When you add Apple PayGoogle Pay or Samsung Pay to your credit or debit card, you not only save time at checkout, your payments are safer. Click the logos below for information on how to get started.

Apple Pay
Samsung Pay
Google Pay

Get Started

Call 800.456.3000 or visit your local branch to set up your Essential Checking account today!