Make your money work with Smart Money Checking

Unlike traditional checking accounts where higher balances earn higher interest rates, reverse-tier checking accounts operate inversely. They offer higher interest rates for lower balances and decrease as the account balance increases. See Smart Money Checking rates here.

Smart Money Checking has multiple tiers based on account balances in increments of $2,000. Each tier earns a different interest rate, with the highest rates applied to lower balances and decreasing as the balance increases. Members can earn interest at each tier depending on their Average Daily Balance calculated at the end of the month. Example: If their average daily balance was $4,500 in this account, they'll earn 6.00% APY on the first $2000, 3.00% APY of the second $2,000, and 1.00% APY on the remaining $500. See how much you may earn over the course of a year with our Smart Money Checking Reverse Tier Calculator.

You will receive a 6.00% APY on your balance that is below $2,000 if all requirements for the higher rate are met. See how much you may earn over the course of a year with our Smart Money Checking Reverse Tier Calculator.

• 16 combined debit and/or credit card qualifying purchase transactions that post and clear in the statement months on the same membership account. ATM and cash advance transactions do not count toward the debit card transaction requirement.

• At least one (1) ACH/Direct Deposit of $500 a month

• Enrolled in eStatements

16 combined debit/credit card purchase transactions that post and clear in the statement months on the same membership account. ATM and cash advance transactions do not count toward the debit card transaction requirement.

You are automatically enrolled in eStatements when you enroll in Digital Banking.

Members must have at least one (1) direct deposit of at least $500 deposited into their Smart Money Checking a month to qualify for premium APY. An ACH is any deposit made to your checking account using your account and routing number, this could be any deposit that was automatically completed, such as your payroll deposited by your employer or your pension.

The dividend rate paid is based on the Average Daily Balance in the Smart Money Checking for the month. If the requirements are not met, the dividend rate of 0.01% APY is applied for the statement month. See how much you may earn over the course of a year with our Smart Money Checking Reverse Tier Calculator.

You can order free temporary checks upon request. Contact us.

Members are automatically opted in for Courtesy Pay on Draft/ACH transactions if member is in good standing. However, members are automatically opted-out of debit card Courtesy Pay, but may opt in at any time. You can also set up Overdraft Protection by applying for a personal line of credit or linking a savings or credit card to automatically transfer.

The CO-OP Shared Branch network means our members now have access to nearly 30,000 surcharge-free ATM locations and more than 5,900 convenient branch and self-service locations covering all 50 states. Find CO-OP ATM and Shared Branches here.

If this is your first time using Digital Banking:

1. Click "Login" on the top right corner of WesterraCU.com, then "Personal Banking."

2. Then, click on the "Enroll in Digital Banking" link.

3. Enter your account (member) number, the primary account holder's Social Security Number and date of birth and click "Continue."

4. Create your username and password.

5. Read and "Accept" the Digital Banking disclosures.

6. Then, click "Create."

7. Once you are logged in, you will be prompted to receive a one-time security code, verify your email address, and then you can access your accounts.

WeGotYa is a Courtesy Pay service that adds a measure of protection to your spending/checking account.

WeGotYa (Courtesy Pay) may cover your transactions when you do not have sufficient funds in your spending/checking account. You will be charged a $20 WeGotYa (Courtesy Pay) fee each time we pay a transaction that overdraws your account. A maximum of three fees per day, per checking. You will only incur WeGotYa (Courtesy Pay) fees for covered transactions if your account is overdrawn. That means, instead of declining an automated (ACH) payment, check, one-time or recurring debit card transaction because of insufficient funds, Westerra Credit Union may pay your item, which may save you additional charges from the company you intended to pay.

If you’re set up for automated (ACH) payments or checks, good news: You’re automatically enrolled in WeGotYa (Courtesy Pay). Members must Opt-IN to WeGotYa (Courtesy Pay) for one-time and recurring debit card transactions. Accounts must be brought positive within 30 days of going negative.

To qualify for WeGotYa (Courtesy Pay), you must be at least 18 years old, have your spending/checking account opened for more than 30 days, and be in good standing with the credit union. These criteria may be changed at any time without notice. WeGotYa (Courtesy Pay) does not cover transactions through ATMs, tellers, phone banking, Digital Banking transfers or Money Market Account checks.

Overdraft Protection is an optional level of protection you can elect to add to any checking account to help manage your finances and avoid over-drafting your account. Overdraft Protection can save you from incurring fees when you don’t have sufficient funds in your checking account. It is also useful for covering unexpected costs in an emergency. Please view our additional FAQs for more information.

• On your mobile device, open the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android) and download the app.

• Launch the app and enter your Westerra Digital Banking username and password.

Similar to Zelle, Pay People is a free person-to-person (P2P) payment service in Digital Banking and our mobile app that makes sending and receiving money as easy as emailing and texting.

In notifications, you may also see it referred to as PayItNow.

• Debit card purchases – Earn 1 point for every $3.00 you spend when you sign for your purchase.

• Bonus points – Earn bonus points when you use the ShoppingFLING feature on Westerra Rewards.

If you already have a Westerra debit card, you are already part of the rewards program. Reward points will automatically be combined in your rewards account for your Westerra cards based on your primary account information. Personal and business reward points will not be combined.

Access and redeem your rewards points through Westerra Digital Banking:

• For personal accounts: Log in to Digital Banking on your browser, look for "Card Rewards" in the "Quick Actions" menu on the right.

If you prefer, you can access your rewards account online at Westerra Rewards and register using your name exactly as it appears on your Westerra account and the last six digits of your Westerra Signature debit card.

Points can be redeemed at any time through Westerra Rewards.

• Cash Back – You have the option to redeem rewards points for cash to be applied directly to your account.

• Gift Cards – Redeem for gift cards to your favorite places to shop and dine. There are even electronic gift cards you can use instantly online or at the store.

• Travel – Westerra Rewards offers the largest selection of travel rewards in the market today. Choose from flights, cars, hotels, cruises, vacations and experiences.

• Experiences – Redeem your points for experiences, theme parks and events, concerts, sports and event tickets.

• Merchandise – Redeem points for home appliances, sports items, computers, electronics, gourmet foods and more.

• Charitable Donations – You also have the option to donate your points.

Normally, more money means a better APY. With a reverse tier account, you earn larger returns on smaller amounts, and smaller returns on larger amounts.