So you’ve researched and decided to open a checking account at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. Congratulations! Only one question remains—how do you open a checking account?

Fortunately, the steps to open a checking account are similar for most credit unions and banks, but today, we’ll explore how to open a MIDFLORIDA Free Checking account.

Start your account application with MIDFLORIDA.

Personal information to open a checking account at MIDFLORIDA

To open up any checking account at MIDFLORIDA, you’ll need to provide some personal information that proves who you are. More importantly, the information you provide will need to be verified.

Government-issued photo identification

The primary way you’ll prove you are who you say you are is with a valid government-issued ID containing your photograph.

Most of the time, this will be your driver’s license, but other forms of government-issued IDs will also suffice, such as:

• Passports
• Military IDs
• State ID card

If you’re part of a Native American tribe, you should also know that your tribal ID card is a valid government-issued ID. However, not all financial institutions will accept this, so check with the credit union or bank you’re applying to beforehand.

Valid physical address

In addition to your government ID, you’ll also need to provide a valid physical address.

You’ll also have to verify your address, which you can do by providing one of the following documents:

• Bank statements
• Utility bills
• Credit card statements
• Lease agreements
• Mortgage agreements

Other identifying information

Finally, you’ll also need to provide some other bits of identifying information, including your:

• Birthdate
• Social security number
• Phone number

An initial deposit for the new checking account

Once MIDFLORIDA confirms your identity, you can open your checking account. All you’ll need to do now is give them your initial deposit.

Here are the minimum initial deposit amounts for all of MIDFLORIDA’s checking accounts:

1.  MIDFLORIDA Debit Card Banking                                $50
2.  MIDFLORIDA Free Checking                                         $50
3.  MIDFLORIDA Freedom Banking                                   $25
4.  MIDFLORIDA Investor Checking                                   $1,000
5.  MIDFLORIDA Relationship Checking                           $500
6.  MIDFLORIDA Absolutely Free Student Checking         $25
7.  MIDFLORIDA High Yield Checking                              $1,500

While your best bet is to bring cash or a personal check, you can transfer money to your new checking account from another bank.

Special situations when opening a MIDFLORIDA checking account

The above information should be all you need to open a checking account. However, you’ll need to provide some more information for some checking accounts.

Minor checking accounts

If you’re under 18, you’ll need a parent or legal guardian to agree to be co-owner of your checking account. Your identity will also need to be verified with the financial institution.

Student checking accounts

Some credit unions and banks, including MIDFLORIDA, offer special student checking accounts. To open one, you may need to bring proof of student status, usually a student ID.

Joint checking accounts

When opening a joint account, all account holders must provide documentation. You can use the same document to verify the address, as long as it is accessible to all parties involved.

Opening a checking account as a non-citizen

While opening a checking account can be  more complex if you’re not a United States citizen, it’s still possible if your credit union or bank allows it.

Here’s the documentation you’ll need to provide:

•  A government visa or immigration documentation
•  One or two forms of photo identification, such as:
  • An unexpired passport
  • Government-issued driver’s license
  • Consular ID
  • Citizenship card
  • Student ID
  • Work ID
• Proof of residency, like the type you would have to show if you were a U.S. citizen

Open a Checking Account at MIDFLORIDA

To open a checking account at MIDFLORIDA, you just need a few key pieces of information.

You’ll need to provide a valid government-issued photo ID, a valid home address with proper verification, and other personal information.

Of course, you’ll also need to make an initial deposit, preferably in cash or a personal check.

If you’d like to experience the advantages of a MIDFLORIDA checking account, open an account online or visit the nearest branch.

As an added incentive, you can even get a $200 bonus when you sign up for a MIDFLORIDA Free Checking account¹. Talk to a teller and see if you meet the conditions!

Regardless of your account, you’ll get the kind of service that big banks offer, complete with the personal service only available at your local credit union.

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^{1 Offer valid as of July 15, 2024, and may be canceled at any time. MIDFLORIDA Credit Union membership and eligibility requirements apply. See associate for details regarding fees and terms. To qualify for the $200 incentive, you must open a new Free Checking account with direct deposit ($500 cumulative which must post within 60 days of account opening); accept and open online banking, online bill payment, eStatement, and a debit card; and complete 5 debit card purchase transactions in one calendar month (to be completed within the first 60 days of account opening). No dividends are paid on Free Checking. Annual Percentage Yield is 0.00%. Limit one incentive per Social Security number. Past checking account holders and previous recipients of checking account incentives are ineligible. The incentive will be deposited to new Free Checking account after the qualifications have been met, and will be reported to the IRS. Minimum to open Free Checking is $50.}