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everything you need to know
regarding the upcoming checking account changes
Great news! We’re making enhancements to two of our checking accounts designed to simplify your banking experience and give you even more value.
Rewards Checking → Free Checking1
On May 1, 2026, Rewards Checking will transition to become Free Checking—a simpler, more straightforward account designed with U in mind. The transition will happen automatically and requires no action on your part.
While the new account will continue to offer many of the everyday features you enjoy today, there are a few important items to note, including:
- Free with eDocuments1
- No minimum balance after account opening and no minimum balance fees2
- This account will no longer be eligible to earn ATM fee refunds or reward points for our CardPerks Program3
eCash → SafeSpend
On May 1, 2026, eCash will be renamed SafeSpend—a name that more clearly reflects the account’s focus on security and control. Aside from the name change, there will be no changes to the product or its features. The transition will happen automatically and requires no action on your part.
- A great fit for students, beginners, travelers, and online shoppers
- $5 monthly fee waived if you are 25 or under, or if you have an Ultra Checking or Free Checking account with United
- Use only what you deposit. Perfect for budgeting and avoiding overdrafts4
Free Checking FAQs
You will not receive a new debit card on May 1. Continue to use your current Rewards Checking debit card as you do today. Members will receive a new debit card with the updated Free Checking account name when their current card expires or upon request.
The last day to earn rewards with your Rewards Checking account will be Thursday, April 30. Members with a U Rewards Credit Card will continue to earn rewards without any changes.
The timing for point expiration isn’t changing at this time. Unredeemed points will expire at the earlier of:
- 24 months: If you don’t make any qualifying purchases with another enrolled card associated with the Card Perks Account (eg. U Rewards Credit Card) for 24 months, your points expire at the end of that period; or
- 36 months: Points will expire 36 months after the month they were earned if you make qualifying purchases on another enrolled card associated with the CardPerks Account (eg. U Rewards Credit Card).
ATM fee refunds will no longer be offered. You will receive five free withdrawals per month at any CO‑OP or Alliance ATM. When using a non‑United ATM, a $2 fee will apply for each balance inquiry and for any other transactions totaling more than five in any month.
Find surcharge-free ATMs near you
Prefer a checking account that offers ATM free reimbursements? Check out Ultra Checking, a dividend-bearing account option, which includes several perks, including up to $10 ATM fee reimbursements each month.5
Yes! Our U Rewards Visa® Signature credit card earns you cash rewards for every dollar you spend.
SafeSpend FAQs
You will not receive a new card on May 1. Continue to use your current eCash card as you do today. Members will receive a new card with the updated SafeSpend account name when their current card expires or upon request.
Yes; the inactivity fee structure will remain the same as eCash is today. If you don’t complete a transaction other than a preauthorized electronic funds transfer withdrawal on the account for 12 or more months, we may charge a non-refundable inactivity fee in the amount shown on our fee schedule to your account each month it remains inactive.
[1] A Paper Statement fee of $2.50 per statement will be charged if you are not enrolled in Digital Banking and eDocuments to receive electronic statements. You can enroll in Digital Banking and sign up for eDocuments or enroll via the United App.
[2] Minimum opening balance of $50 required.
[3] View updated CardPerks Terms and Conditions for more information.
[4] Overdrafts can occur when a charge exceeds the funds within the account or if an amount is added after the authorized amount – such as with a restaurant tip or gasoline pay-at-the-pump. Overdraft transfer protection is available as an optional feature.
[5] ATM foreign surcharge fees will be refunded monthly, up to $10/month; excluding international ATMs, balance inquiry, and ATM deposit fees. Members must meet the following monthly requirements to earn ATM foreign surcharge fee refunds: (a) enrollment in eStatements; (b) at least 1 direct deposit or ACH per month; and (c) a combined total of at least 20 cleared signature (swipe-and-sign/non-PIN) transactions on an Ultra Checking account or cleared credit transactions on a U Boost, U First, or U Rewards credit card account for which the Tax Reported owner is a cardholder are posted by 11:59 PM ET on the second-to-last calendar day of the dividend period.