Smart Start: Empowering Teens with Financial Independence

Smart Start Perks Checking is designed to help teens and young adults develop financial independence while keeping banking simple, secure, and rewarding. With no monthly fees, a built-in rewards program, and intuitive budgeting tools, it’s the perfect way to encourage smart spending and responsible money management—all while earning valuable perks!

Features:

✔ No Monthly Fees – Keep more of their money with no hidden costs or surprises.
✔ Rewards for Smart Spending – Earn points every time they use their debit card through the Pioneer Perks program.
✔ Built-in Budgeting Tools – Track spending, set savings goals, and monitor where money is going—all in one easy-to-use platform.
✔ Free Online & Mobile Banking – Manage money on the go with real-time account access, mobile deposits, and spending insights.
✔ Nationwide ATM Access – Enjoy free withdrawals at over 300,000 ATMs nationwide.
✔ Safe & Secure – Advanced security features provide peace of mind while helping young members build smart financial habits.

The Power of Rewards

With Smart Start Perks Checking, spending smarter has never been more rewarding! Every time they use their debit card, they earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards, savings boosts, and other exciting perks—turning everyday purchases into something to celebrate.

For example, Taylor earned points toward a gift card just for grabbing lunch with friends and shopping for school supplies. Those points can add up quickly, helping teens make the most of their money while learning smart spending habits.

Empower Your Teen Today!

Start their journey to financial success with Smart Start Perks Checking—a checking account that’s built to reward responsibility and make banking fun and easy!

Why Choose Smart Start Savings?

Building strong savings habits early sets the foundation for lifelong financial success. Smart Start Savings makes it easy and rewarding for teens and young adults to grow their money, develop smart financial habits, and plan for the future—all with a high 3.00% APY on balances up to $10,000 and no minimum balance requirements.

Features:

✔ Earn 3.00% APY on Balances up to $10,000 – A high-yield savings account designed to reward consistent saving.
✔ No Minimum Balance Requirements – Start saving at any amount with no restrictions or penalties.
✔ Automatic Transfers – Easily move money from Smart Start Perks Checking to Smart Start Savings to encourage regular saving.
✔ 24/7 Account Access – Monitor savings growth, set financial goals, and manage funds with online and mobile banking.
✔ Secure & Insured – Funds are federally insured, providing peace of mind for both parents and teens.

Why It Matters

Smart Start Savings helps teens and young adults:
✅ Develop smart saving habits – Encourages setting aside money regularly with automatic transfers.
✅ Maximize their savings potential – Take advantage of a high interest rate that helps their money grow faster.
✅ Reach financial goals sooner – Whether it’s saving for a first car, a new phone, or future expenses, this account makes it easy to plan ahead.
✅ Gain financial confidence – Learning to manage savings early leads to better financial decisions in the future.

Start Saving Today!

Help your teen build a strong financial future with Smart Start Savings —where saving is simple, rewarding, and built for success!

Our Smart Start Product Suite goes beyond banking—it’s about empowering young members with the tools to manage money responsibly.

• Financial Education Hub: Access interactive lessons and resources designed to teach budgeting, saving, and spending in an engaging and simple way.
• Powerful App Tools: From tracking spending to creating budgets and monitoring balances, our app offers everything teens need to take control of their finances.

Explore financial lessons and start building smart money habits today:
Visit the Financial Education Hub

Help your teen gain the knowledge and confidence they need to grow and thrive!

With the Smart Start Accounts, you stay in the loop while your teen learns financial independence.

• Smart Monitoring: Parents can access account activity and spending insights without interrupting their teen’s independence.
• Stay Informed: Receive insights into where money is going and how it’s being used to encourage smart financial choices.
  
• Set Savings Goals: Work with your teen to establish goals and track their progress, fostering healthy financial habits.

Empower your teen while staying connected every step of the way!

Q: What is the age requirement for Smart Start accounts?

A: The Smart Start Perks Checking and Smart Start Savings accounts are available to members aged 14 to 21. A parent or legal guardian must be on the account for members under 18. 

Q: Are there any fees for these accounts?

A: No, there are no monthly maintenance fees or hidden charges for Smart Start Perks Checking or Smart Start Savings.

Q: Can parents monitor the account?

A: Yes! Parents can easily view account activity and spending through our secure online and mobile banking tools.

Q: Does the Smart Start Perks Checking account come with a debit card?

A: Yes, every Smart Start Perks Checking account includes a free debit card, perfect for everyday purchases and ATM access. However, a debit card will not be issued to the parent or guardian. 

Q: Are there spending limits on the debit card?

A: Yes, spending limits can be customized to help ensure responsible use. The daily limit for the Smart Start Checking is default set to $500. Spending limits increase at age 18. 

Q: Can Smart Start Perks Checking earn rewards?

A: Yes! Account holders earn points on purchases through the Pioneer Perks program. Points can be redeemed for gift cards, cash back, and more. Points begin accumulating once the debit card is registered and active on uchooserewards.com.

Q: What are the benefits of Smart Start Savings?

A: Smart Start Savings earns 3.00% APY on balances up to $10,000, helping young members grow their savings faster.

Q: What happens when the account holder turns 22?

A: At the end of the month in which the member turns 22, their Smart Start Savings account transitions to a standard savings account rate, and the Smart Start Perks Checking account transitions to a standard Perks Checking account. The 3.00% APY savings rate remains in effect until the end of that final month, ensuring members receive their full dividend before transitioning.

Q: Are there tools to help with budgeting?

A: Yes! Our mobile app includes spending insights, budgeting tools, and savings goal tracking.

Q: How can teens learn about managing money?

A: Members have access to our Financial Education Hub, offering interactive lessons on budgeting, saving, and smart spending.

Q: Can deposits be made into these accounts?

A: Yes! Deposits can be made through:
✔ Direct deposit
✔ Mobile check deposit
✔ Branch deposits
✔ Coinstar Machine Deposits – Learn more here.

Q: Is the money in these accounts secure?

A: Absolutely! Funds are NCUA insured, and accounts include advanced security features to protect against fraud.

Q: Can the account be opened online?

A: No, accounts must be opened in-branch. If an exception is needed, it must be approved by a Pioneer AFCU representative. 

Q: Do parents need to be involved in opening the account?

A: Yes, a parent or legal guardian is required to jointly open the account. If the teen’s parent is an existing Pioneer AFCU member, they can open the Smart Start account for their teen.

Q: Will the parent’s credit score affect the minor’s account?

A: No, a parent’s credit score will not affect the minor’s account. However, we will pull the parent’s credit.

Q: What are the required documents to open the account?

A: For members aged 14-15, a birth certificate is required. For members aged 16 and older, a photo ID is required.

Q: Are there overdraft protection options?

A: Courtesy Pay is not available. However, overdraft protection is permitted if the minor’s account is linked to a parent’s Pioneer AFCU account. This requires the parent’s signature.

Q: Are there overdraft protection options?

A: Yes, overdraft protection is available to help prevent unexpected fees or declined transactions.

Q: Can the minor withdraw money from the account?

A: Any withdrawals made by members under 18 will require a parent’s signature.

Q: Can multiple family members contribute to the account?

A: Yes! Family members can easily deposit funds into the account to help support savings goals.

Q: What financial opportunities are available as Smart Start members grow?

A:

• At age 18, members may qualify for credit cards, personal loans, and other Pioneer AFCU products, depending on income and creditworthiness.
• At age 21, members may be eligible for auto loans and expanded financial opportunities.