CFCU is bringing the latest and greatest banking technology to make your member experience even better! Get all the details about what ITMs (interactive teller machines) are and how you can use them.  

The ATM But Better: Introducing ITMs

Fueling innovation for your financial well-being

 is providing easy access to safe, secure, leading edge, and technologically relevant services. As a people-first credit union, we’re always looking for ways to push the envelope of what banking looks like.

You may have noticed that the drive-thru experience at some of our new CFCU branches looks a little different. (And there’s more where that came from coming soon!) So, without further ado…

We're replacing our drive-thru ATMs with ITMs!

. And if you didn’t know, ATM stands for 

What is the difference between an ATM and an ITM?

An ATM allows customers to perform a variety of tasks, from deposits to withdrawals, transfers, and much more. ITMs bring together all these services with a human touch. These machines have the option to connect you with a teller via video chat. That’s right! A real person, a Michigan-based CFCU team member, not some automated program that tends to be more frustrating than helpful.

After you pull up to the ITM in the drive-thru, the machine will give you two options:

Touch the screen on the left-hand side within the box labeled “TOUCH HERE to speak with a personal teller” or

Insert your card to begin your ATM transaction

Plus, if you find yourself wanting to ask a question during an ATM transaction, you can connect with a team member anytime. Just press the “Help” button located on the screen. Our team members are ready and happy to help!

All it takes is a couple of taps to chat with a real person—not a faceless machine, not AI—a Michigan-based CFCU team member who knows our services in and out.

Whether it’s a brisk Michigan morning, you’re chauffeuring your 

, or you’re really short on time, there’s no need to get out of your car to speak with one of our team members! Using an ITM will cut down on the time you spend—no more waiting in long lines or even walking to and from the branch doors.

Have a simple banking question? Need to tackle something complex? Our ITM team members are ready and happy to assist you with all the services you’re used to inside 

ITMs allow for a type of flexibility in banking that people couldn’t have imagined even 20 years ago. It’s part of how we’re walking with you towards building a better financial future and igniting your wild dreams. Find ITMs at our new 

 branches. More locations coming soon—stay tuned!

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Ignite your Impossible Dreams. Become a member today!

Spread more joy with every swipe of your card! Learn about how your purchases can do good in Michigan communities.

Giving is Easier than Ever this Season!

What if we told you that making more change in our communities could be a part of your routine? Even something you could do without even realizing it? Well, we want to make it easy for you to give back, because our purpose is more than just supporting our members through thick and thin. We’re dedicated to making the lives of all Michiganders better.

That’s why, when you shop while using your CFCU Mastercard® Debit or Credit Card, you can help raise funds for local organizations! In fact, members just like you raised $120,000 last year alone! Join the momentum as you’re crossing off your holiday shopping list this year and feel an extra rush of those warm, fuzzy feelings knowing that your giving is going further.

 holders: Every time you swipe your card, we donate one cent to a local charity! 

To choose or change the charity linked to your debit card, give our Care Center a call at (877) 937-2328! A few taps and a quick chat are all it takes to begin making a difference! Once you’ve linked your card, it’s automatic—you won’t have to think about it again and again. Now that’s giving made easy! 

 holders: You can choose to send your credit card rewards points to a local charity. 

Plus, Platinum Rewards, World, and Business Mastercard

 holders get to choose where their spending earns extra points from October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025! (Psst. That’s just in time for the season of giving.)

Many folks tend to spend a bit more leading up to and around the holidays. Over time, your actions can pour good back into our communities, from trips to the grocery store to prep for sharing delicious meals to finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Or perhaps your holiday plans include traveling to spend time with those you love, everything from trips to the pump or the airport will add up. There’s endless opportunities at the touch of your fingertips for your spending power to do more.

We’re all about making the mitten a better place to live! Learn more about the ways we’re helping pour more money back into the communities we serve:

 to make a deeper, lasting impact on our communities by tackling Michigan’s largest barrier to economic prosperity. In 2024, the foundation provided ‌​‌‍$530,000+ in grants to 42 local organizations!

: Detroit-based, world-famous artist Tony Roko established his 

 in 2017 to provide art and entrepreneurial training for Metro-Detroit’s most underserved communities. The non-profit’s mission is to encourage individuality, support creative growth, and reinforce self-worth through artistic expression.

 empowers Michigan LGBTQ+ youth and young adults by providing supportive housing, clinic access, and educational opportunities. Their work centers around supporting young people of color who are experiencing barrier to health and wellbeing.

Whichever organization you help support, you can help make fellow Michiganders’ seasons a little brighter and spread some holiday cheer every day—without having to write a big check!

In 2024, charitable donations from debit cards alone 

!!! Crunching the numbers, that’s nearly $10,000 a month. Talk about cha-ching! We can’t wait to see what an incredible impact your purchases will have in the future. Together, we can help Michigan’s communities become stronger and more vibrant.

Relentless Care Foundation

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Take all that change you’ll be growing to new heights by pairing it with our High Yield Savings Account. Boasting 10% APY on your first $1,000 and boosted rate beyond that, there’s no need to sacrifice savings-speed for simplicity!

High Yield Savings Account

Boost It With High Yield Savings

High Yield Savings

Grow faster with 10% APY*

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rate offered may change at any time. The minimum balance to open the account is $5.00. The 10.00% APY is earned on balances of $.01 to $1,000.00. Balances of $1,000.01 and above earn an APY of 0.10%. Fees could reduce earnings. Federally insured by the NCUA.

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Gift cards aren’t what they’re cracked up to be. Don’t gift just for the now, gift for the future.

Why You Should Ditch the Gift Card This Holiday Season

The holidays will be here before you know it. While you’re out 

, you’ll probably see a variety of gift cards on display in the checkout area. These cards, sometimes referred to as gift certificates, may seem like the perfect solution for someone on your list you’re struggling to find a gift for. But when it comes to these pre-loaded cards, the best gifts don’t come in the smallest packages (or in this case, enclosed within a paper sleeve).

What people don’t know about gift cards…

They hold onto the money, even if it’s not used

While it might be tempting to snag some cards and call your giving a day, you can spend your gift money much smarter.

Here’s the thing: buying a gift card is basically the same thing as giving a business an interest-free loan (that’s not FDIC/NCUA insured) until a purchase is made. You’d be surprised how many gift cards don’t even get used—more on that later.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop after the gift card is used. We’ve all gone to check out with a gift card and there’s something leftover… because rarely is a purchase an even dollar amount without any change. The remainder of that dollar is then trapped in the card, and there’s no way to get it out. The money goes to waste for you and your loved one. -1 point for you, +1 point for the corporation’s balance sheet.

Depending on the type of card you choose, there is a range of funds you can load on the card. But there is always a minimum, putting constraints on how much you must spend. Where the recipient can use the funds is also quite limited. Most gift cards can only be used at a certain store, restaurant, etc. If you pick a place the person on your list doesn’t like, it will simply sit there and collect dust. Even cards that are general use, marketed as basically a debit card, are a hassle to use online (sometimes unusable) if the funds don’t match up exactly since many sites won’t allow you to use a gift card with another form of payment. What’s more is that there often isn’t a great way to check your balance.

They are actually worth less as time goes on

Did you know that in some states gift cards can be subject to inactivity fees? Rest assured, Michigan isn’t one of them, but if a loved one lives out of state, the card could be subject to fees if not used within the first 12 months. The funds will whittle down and potentially drain your gift to zero. That is another negative point to your score vs. the corporation (who continues to benefit).

What’s more, all gift cards are impacted by inflation, meaning that the funds you put on the gift card today won’t go as far in the coming months.

There’s also the possibility for a gift card to become completely worthless if the company tied to it goes out of business.

In fact, consumers often need to split payments between gift cards and another form of payment (if that is allowed). Research by 

 showed that 61% of people spend more than the gift card is worth, averaging $31.75 above and beyond the value of the card!

Remember how we mentioned that many gift cards are never used? Don’t just take our word for it:

Up to 20% of gift cards funds go unspent 

That results in billions each year of unspent revenue for businesses. The unredeemed funds from gift cards are called “breakage” and businesses get to keep these funds as profit. There is no way to get those funds back other than spending every last cent within the limits of what the card can purchase. According to 

, Americans have a collective of $21 billion in unspent gift cards as of 2023.

Another way to look at it: 1 in 5 people don’t use their gift card balance. Below are common reasons why.

Statista found that a third of gift card holders in the U.S. admitted to forgetting about their gift cards entirely in 2024

The card got lost or expired. The same Statista findings reported that one in five people’s card expired before they even tried to use it. It’s also common for cards to get lost or damaged.

The amount leftover from other purchases is small. Many people find their purchases to be just under the gift card amount, and since those funds are trapped, they think it isn’t worth trying to spend. 

Options are limited. Again, many gift cards are tied to a specific store, or sometimes a restaurant. If there isn’t a location close by, suddenly the convenience is gone.

What if we told you there was a better way to gift funds to a loved one,without the limitations of a gift card?

Make their season and their future bright by 

 on their behalf. All it takes is $5 to get started!

The best part is that once you start the account, the money you put in will grow over time. These accounts are just as safe as a standard, typical savings account, but with a boosted 10% APY*. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!

As the funds grow, your loved one can withdraw small amounts for various purchases or continue to let it build and build to ignite their wildest dreams.The possibilities are endless. And with no upkeep fees—none of the funds will be lost to the gift card graveyard! Now that’s what we call holiday cheer!

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5 smart ways to make sure the holidays stay fun AND affordable for your family.

How to Pay for the Holidays (Without the Stress!)

Worried about keeping your gift giving on track this year? Here are some great tips to help keep your Black Friday (and beyond) out of the red

Between gift lists, travel plans, and a grocery cart that keeps mysteriously refilling itself, the holidays can feel like a financial juggling act—especially when the economy feels more uncertain by the day. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between celebrating and saving.

At CFCU, we’re here to help members like you handle the holidays with less stress and more confidence—so you can focus on what really matters: the people (and moments) that make this season bright.

 feature built into every CFCU debit card lets you split your holiday purchases into smaller payments that fit your budget.

So you can get the gifts, book the trip, or host the dinner—without draining your account all at once.

If you’re planning for bigger expenses, a credit union 

 or credit card can help you cover more while generally paying less in interest.

Prefer to use what you already have? Move your holiday funds into a high yield savings account to earn more while you plan ahead for next year. (With 10% APY* on tap, we like to think that our 

And don’t forget: every time you use your CFCU Debit Card, you’re earning Debit Card Rewards—so your everyday spending could turn into handy gift cards for next year!

3. Close the drains on your cash (like fees you don’t need!)

When every dollar counts, don’t let unnecessary fees eat into your joy—or your budget.

Start by checking where your money might be slipping away: overdraft fees, ATM fees, late fees, subscription renewals you forgot about.

At Community Financial, we’re serious about helping you keep your money yours. That’s why we built a $50 Overdraft Buffer into 

—no fees, no stress on the first $50 overdrawn. And when you do need to grab cash, thousands of fee-free ATMs across Michigan have you covered.

Little savings like these can quietly add up to a lot of peace of mind (and maybe a few extra gifts under the tree).

4. Start saving small now, ignite a lot of joy later 

Saving for the holidays doesn’t have to be all spreadsheets and sacrifice. Our 

 program automatically rounds up your debit card purchases and puts the spare change into your savings—effortless progress toward next year’s gift list. Want to take it up a notch? Join the 

, where you can start with as little as 10 cents and watch your total grow week by week. By the end, you’ll have a hefty holiday fund (up to $1,378 in one year!) that’ll bring smiles to the whole family.

, we give one cent toward the cause you choose, such as our 

. That means your daily spending helps fund local organizations that care for people, communities, and wild dreams across our state.

Because at CFCU, your money doesn’t just work for you—it works for good. And that’s what the holidays are all about.

The bottom line: You can make the holidays joyful and financially smart. With the right mix of tools, rewards, and heart, we’ll help you stay on track, stress less, stretch your spending power, and spread a little more cheer this season!

Stop paying for what should be free. Open your 

 today and unlock Early Pay, a $50 overdraft buffer, and smarter debit card tools that put you back in control of every dollar.

Join Now

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Cut the fees and boost your cashflow in just five minutes!

‌5 minutes and $5 is all it takes to get started.

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Dream Wild™

The wildest dreams are best shared, so we do our best to support yours!

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APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rate offered may change at any time. The minimum balance to open the account is $5.00. The 10.00% APY is earned on balances of $.01 to $1,000.00. Balances of $1,000.01 and above earn an APY of 0.10%. Fees could reduce earnings. Federally insured by the NCUA.

10% on up to $1,000 Promo Details*

Avoid overdraft fees while maximizing your earnings. Discover the ideal checking account balance and learn how high-yield savings and CD options can grow your surplus funds.

How Much Money Should I Keep In My Checking Account? | CFCU

“How much money should I keep in my checking account?” is one of those simple questions that really deserves a simple answer. Fortunately, we’ve got one. By following a few simple rules you can strike the perfect balance of saving and fun so you can live your best life.

How Much Money Should You Keep In Your Checking Account?

Having enough money in your checking account to handle things like unexpected expenses helps reduce stress and keep you on top of your expenses. But keeping too much there can mean missing out on opportunities to invest and save for the future. So let’s break down the things you should consider to make the right choice based on your wild dreams.

What’s the average checking account balance?

The most recent data available from 2023 puts the 

average amount in Americans’ checking accounts

 at $62,410. However, that doesn’t tell the full story, as the median is just $8,000. That number is far closer to the true average for most everyday folks.

That said, while the national median can give you some idea of what to aim for, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Personal factors like your m

How much money should I keep in my checking account?

Most financial experts recommend using a simple formula to determine how much money you should keep in your checking account: two months worth of living expenses in addition to a 30% buffer for safety.

Start by gathering bank and credit card statements along with bills for the past several months. Then, take the expenses within those documents and 

 into fixed expenses (those that don’t change each month like a mortgage payment), variable expenses (those that change every month like water bills or groceries), and discretionary expenses (things like buying a new computer that don’t occur often), alongside money that goes into things like savings.

Adding your fixed expenses to an average of your variable and discretionary expenses should give you a good idea of your total monthly expenses. Remember, this doesn’t have to be perfect, the goal is just to get a rough idea of what you typically spend in a month.

Adding that 30% buffer mentioned above is important to be prepared for emergencies. It also helps avoid overdraft fees and ensure you maintain a minimum balance if your account requires one.

The right account can also help a lot here. CFCU’s 

 has features like a $50 overdraft buffer to help out when you need it. But beyond just having a buffer, this account has no monthly fees and no minimum balance, so you can spend more on the things you want.

Figuring out how much you should keep in your checking account is about more than just expenses, you also need to think about your income. How often do you get paid and how predictable are those payments? The less predictable your income the more money you should keep on hand just in case.

Of course, it can be tough to understand your income and expenses when they change from month to month. The 

 can help. With tools to track expenses and cash flow, it makes it easy to stay on top of your finances and create some predictability.

If keeping two months expenses plus 30% in your checking account is good, keeping even more in there is better right? Not exactly. Money in your checking account isn’t taking advantage of higher interest rates you can get in places like 

. Anything above that minimum should really go into long-term savings.

High-yield savings accounts represent a middle ground between checking accounts and things like CDs. This money can be accessed in an emergency but is still kept in a place where it can earn interest and grow far faster than if it stayed in your checking account. That’s why you should keep 3-6 months worth of expenses in an account like this.

 offers 10% APY* on your first $1,000. That means $100 a year that compounds with time to help give you financial security. Plus, it’s just $5 to open, comes with no fees or no minimum balance, and earns credit union dividends. Keeping money there means being ready for an emergency while ensuring your money grows for the future.

CDs and Money Markets for longer-term savings

For money you know you won’t need to access even in an emergency, CDs and Money Markets offer a great way to let it grow faster. Unlike investments in stocks, you’re guaranteed a set rate of return in exchange for keeping the money there for a specific period of time. The longer you keep your money there, the more it earns.

 options that make it easy to maximize your returns while minimizing hassle. Plus, CDs and Money Markets are not based on what’s happening in the stock market or economy, so they’re a good way to protect against volatility.

Figuring out how much money belongs in checking, savings, and tools like CDs is simple once you know the basics. But even if you’re just getting started with figuring out your personal finances, CFCU can work with you to figure it all out!

 always enjoy personalized services alongside all kinds of tools to help you learn how to build personal wealth and enjoy financial freedom. Join over the phone or in person to enjoy everything we offer plus free financial counseling.

How Much Money Should You Keep in Your Checking Account

Help is available now. See how we’re helping Michiganders find food support, make the most of every dollar, and keep moving forward.

How Can Michiganders Find Support with SNAP Benefits Right Now?

Help is available now—during the federal government shutdown and beyond.

—our state’s version of SNAP—is at risk. Many members may experience 

 around their benefits in the weeks ahead.

To help bridge the gap, Starlight has added hundreds of food banks and food assistance resources to their Benefits Finder. 

Instantly locate nearby food pantries and meal programs

Check eligibility for food assistance programs

Get directions and contact details—all in one place

Access it right from your phone, whenever you need it

Because no one should have to wonder where their next meal will come from. And with the right tools, we can make sure no one has to. 

Tap to learn more and download Starlight now

Is your checking account helping you make the most of your dollar?

We get it—with uncertainty in the air stretching every dollar becomes even more important. That’s where the cashflow boosting features of your 

 can make a real difference. It’s designed to give you breathing room when you need it most.

 Life happens. That’s why we don’t charge overdraft fees on the first $50 you go over. It’s a little cushion to keep you covered.

 Get your paycheck up to two days early—automatically. Because you shouldn’t have to wait to take care of what matters.

Breaking up a bigger grocery trip or an unexpected big purchase is easy. There’s no new app, no extra account—just flip on flexible payments for eligible purchases on your CFCU debit card right in our app.

It’s everything you need to handle the ups and downs of daily life, built right into your checking account.

Because taking care of yourself and your family shouldn’t be hard. Whether it’s finding food resources through Starlight or finding financial relief with 

We know that support looks different for everyone. But no matter what, we believe in walking with you every step of the way—helping you save a little, breathe easier, and keep dreaming wild. And, remember, all of our Michigan members always get 

How to get CloseEnuff™ checking and the Starlight government resource app 

 now. It only takes five minutes and five bucks to get started.

APY Disclaimer*

We’re proud to announce that we are now the Official Partner of the University of Michigan Women's Ice Hockey Club. By standing with U-M Women’s Hockey, we’re helping create a future where Michigan’s women athletes don’t have to choose between chasing their sport and staying in the state they love. Our support is about more than ice time—it’s about leveling the playing field and investing in women's sports. 

Leveling the Ice: Official Partner of the University of Michigan Women's Ice Hockey Club!

That’s why we’re proud to announce that we are now the Official Partner of the University of Michigan Women's Ice Hockey Club

Right now, women athletes in our state face a tough choice: fund their own club ice hockey experience or leave Michigan to play varsity somewhere else. In a state that lives and breathes hockey, that just doesn’t add up.

By standing with U-M Women’s Hockey, we’re helping create a future where Michigan’s women athletes don’t have to choose between chasing their sport and staying in the state they love. Our support is about more than ice time—it’s about leveling the playing field and investing in women's sports.

Because the wildest dreams—like breaking barriers and rewriting history—deserve every chance to shine. And we’re honored to play a part in that journey.

University of Michigan Women’s Ice Hockey

 is helping all Michiganders Dream Wild™!

By standing with U-M Women’s Hockey, we’re helping create a future where Michigan’s women athletes don’t have to choose between chasing their sport and staying in the state they love. Our support is about more than ice time—it’s about leveling the playing field, investing in women, and sparking the momentum that could make U-M the first elite varsity-level women’s hockey program in Michigan.

UM Women's Hockey Video

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University of Michigan Women’s Ice Hockey Upcoming Schedule

UM Hockey Photo

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