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Northwest Federal offers four checking account options with unique features to benefit your lifestyle and your wallet.

Spend. Save. Earn.

Swipe more. Earn More. Up to 5% APY*. Every time you get a deposit or make a purchase, you’re earning more on your money from a credit union you trust. It’s a simple, easy way to reach your financial goals a little faster.

Earn up to 5% APY* with Dividend Rewards Checking

Already a member?

Login to Online Banking to add checking to your membership.
Add A Checking Account

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield as of 3/1/25. When your Dividend Rewards Checking account qualifications are met during a Monthly Qualification Cycle, balances up to $25,000 when at least 12 debit card transactions are posted receive APY of 4.00% (or 5.00% when 20 or more debit card transactions are posted). Rates and rewards are variable and may change after account is opened. Each individual is limited to being the primary owner on 1 (one) account. Click here for complete details. Insured by NCUA.

Earn 4.00%4 cash back

in a Debit Rewards Checking account
on up to $200 of everyday debit card purchases each month when monthly qualifications are met.

Monthly dividends and free checks

in an Elite Checking account for members who frequently write checks, make regular deposits to their checking account, and maintain a minimum daily balance of $5,000.

Choose the Checking That Fits Your Lifestyle

Northwest Federal’s FREE Dividend Rewards Checking benefits debit card users who want to earn the highest dividend rate we offer on checking accounts:

  • 5.00% APY up to $25,000*
  • 0.50% APY on portion of balance above $25,000*

There is no minimum balance required to open your Dividend Rewards Checking account, and you’ll earn our highest checking account dividend rate and enjoy ATM fee refunds** provided you meet these monthly qualifications:

  • Enroll in eStatements for your monthly account statement instead of paper
  • Complete 20+ debit card purchases each qualification cycle
  • Make a minimum deposit of $500 in ACH deposits monthly to your account

Plus, once you’ve opened your Dividend Rewards Checking account, open our Rewards Savings Account for even greater benefits.

Open your FREE Dividend Rewards Checking today!

Join Today and Open Checking or Login to Online Banking to Open Checking

* APY = Annual Percentage Yield as of 03/01/25. When your Dividend Rewards Checking account qualifications are met during a Monthly Qualification Cycle, balances up to $25,000 when at least 12 debit card transactions are posted receive APY of 4.00% (or 5.00% when 20 or more debit card transactions are posted). Balances greater than $25,000 earn 0.50% APY on the portion of balance greater than $25,000, resulting in an APY for this tier ranging from 4.00% to 1.38% APY (or 5.00% to 1.63% APY when 20 or more debit card transactions occur) depending on the account’s balance. APY calculation is based on an assumed balance of $100,000. Rates and rewards are variable and may change after account is opened. Each individual is limited to being the primary owner on 1 (one) account.  In order to receive reimbursement of domestic ATM fees (up to $5/month) incurred, your account qualifications must be met during the Monthly Qualification Cycle. Monthly Qualification Cycle means the period beginning on the first day of the current month and closing on the last day of the current month. Debit card transactions may take one or more days to post to the account and must post during the Monthly Qualification Cycle in order to qualify for the account’s rewards. The following activities do not count toward earning account rewards: ATM transactions, Debit card purchases processed by merchants as ATM transactions, transactions made with debit cards not issued by Northwest Federal.

** See account disclosures for ATM fee refund restrictions.

Northwest Federal’s FREE Debit Rewards Checking rewards frequent debit card users on purchases:

  • Earn 4.00% cash back* on up to $200 of everyday debit card purchases ($8 maximum cash back per month)

There’s no minimum balance to open your Debit Rewards Checking. Plus, you’ll earn debit card rewards and enjoy ATM fee refunds* as long as you meet these monthly qualifications:

  • Enroll in eStatements for your monthly account statement instead of paper
  • Complete 12 debit card purchases each qualification cycle
  • Make a minimum deposit of $500 in ACH deposits monthly to your account

Once you’ve opened your Debit Rewards Checking account, open a Rewards Savings Account to earn even more on your savings!

Open your FREE Debit Rewards Checking today!

Join Today and Open Checking or Login to Online Banking to Open Checking

* When Debit Rewards Checking account qualifications are met during a Monthly Qualification Cycle, you will receive 4.00% cash back on up to a total of $200.00 in debit card purchases that post to the account during that cycle period. A maximum of $8.00 cash back may be earned per Monthly Qualification Cycle. Rates and rewards are variable and may change after account is opened. There are no recurring monthly maintenance charges or fees to open or close this account. Rewards less than a penny cannot be distributed. This account is not to be used for commercial purposes. Each individual is limited to being the primary owner on one account. In order to receive reimbursement of domestic ATM fees (up to $5/month) incurred in a statement cycle your account qualifications must be met during the Monthly Qualification Cycle. Qualifications must be met during the Monthly Qualification Cycle. Monthly qualification cycle means the period beginning on the first day of the current month and closing on the last day of the current month. Debit card transactions may take one or more days to post to the account and must post during the Monthly Qualification Cycle in order to qualify for the account’s rewards. The following activities do not count toward earning account rewards: ATM transactions, Debit card purchases processed by merchants as ATM transactions, transactions made with debit cards not issued by Northwest Federal.

 

FREE Choice Checking provides value to members who write checks and prefer a no-frills account without having to sacrifice convenient service options like free transactions at network ATMs nationwide.

  • No minimum balance requirements
  • No monthly maintenance fees
  • Free first box of checks
  • Unlimited check writing
  • Free transactions at 30,000+ ATMs nationwide
  • Convenient services available, including: Direct Deposit, eStatements, Visa® Debit, Online Banking, Mobile Banking, and more

Open a free Choice Checking Account today!

Join Today and Open Checking or Login to Online Banking to Open Checking

Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association.

Elite Checking benefits members who frequently write checks, make regular deposits to their checking account, and expect to maintain a minimum daily balance of $5,000.

  • Monthly dividends
    • Earn standard dividend of 0.02% APY* or
    • Earn 0.07% APY* with a deposit of $1,000 per month to Elite Checking
  • Free check reorders
  • Free Cashier’s Checks
  • Free transactions at 30,000+ ATMs nationwide
  • Up to $10 per month out of network ATM fee refunds available**
  • Convenient services including: Direct Deposit, eStatements, Online Banking, Visa® Debit, Mobile Banking, and more

Open your Elite Checking Account today!

Join Today and Open Checking or Login to Online Banking to Open Checking

Please note: You must maintain a minimum average daily balance of $5,000 in Elite Checking to avoid $10 monthly maintenance fee.

*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Fees may reduce earnings on accounts. Dividends are compounded daily and paid monthly. Rate is subject to change without notice. Rate may change after the account is opened.

**Elite Checking account holders will be refunded a total of $10 in out of network fees and ATM surcharge fees each month. Elite Checking ATM refunds of up to $10 will be credited at month-end.

Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association.

Already a member? Login to Online Banking to add checking

Add Checking in Online Banking

Not yet a member?

Join Today and Open a Checking Account

Early Pay is Here!

You now have access to your direct deposit—including paychecks, tax refunds, retirement, and social security—up to two business days sooner.

Early Pay is a free service available on eligible Northwest accounts. Early access to direct deposit will not occur on weekends or holidays and is based on when the originator provides payment details.

DIGITAL FEATURES

Enjoy the Convenience of Online and Mobile Banking

When it comes to accessing your accounts and managing your day-to-day finances you have options. Online and Mobile Banking offer you convenient and contactless access to your accounts anytime, anywhere.

Access Your Accounts Online
From your desktop or laptop, click LOG IN in the upper right corner of this page, then enter your username and password. If you are logging in for the first time, choose Register Now. You will be prompted to create a unique password and validate your account.

Download the Northwest Mobile App on your mobile device

Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
iPhone and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

Pay Bills With a Few Simple Clicks

Use Bill Pay within Online Banking to pay your monthly bills, schedule automatic payments and set up recurring payments easily and securely. There’s no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no reason not to use this convenient service that saves you time and money.

Login to Online Banking to set up Bill Pay today.

Learn more about Bill Pay, view our video here.

Pay Bills Using Online Banking

Online Banking is a free, convenient and secure way to:

  • Check account balances, transfer funds
  • Pay bills, make loan payments, set up auto pay
  • Change your address, order new checks
  • Open new accounts: Checking, Savings, Money Market, and Certificates

Pay Bills Using Mobile Banking

Access accounts on the go with Mobile Banking:

  • View balances and transactions
  • Pay bills and review payments
  • Deposit checks with Mobile Deposit®
  • Find a branch or ATM
  • Download our free Mobile Banking app at the App Store℠ or Google® Play Store to get started.

App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
Google Play is a trademark of Google, Inc.

Save paper, save time and protect your privacy

Go paperless and contactless with your monthly account statement to save time, reduce clutter, protect your privacy and protect the environment. You’ll receive an email on the first business day of the month letting you know your eStatement is available through Online and Mobile Banking.

Enroll in eStatements today!

Login to Online or Mobile Banking and access the EDOCS Widget.

It’s that easy!

View our eStatements video.

Access Accounts at Your Fingertips

Check on accounts from your touchtone phone with our user-friendly Telephone Banking service available in English and Spanish.

  • Call 703-709-6917 or 800-932-7666 (toll-free)

Learn More about Telephone Banking

Put an end to embarrassing moments at the checkout.

Our Member Protection Plan may cover your checking account overdrafts up to $500 on certain types of transactions based on the plan you choose.

  • Enjoy a safety net when your balance is low
  • Pay less on overdrafts*
  • Overdraft transactions of $5.00 or less will not incur a fee

Member Protection Plans

Standard Member Protection Plan
MPP Standard offers additional, optional coverage that is available upon request by eligible accountholders. Under this plan, the Credit Union authorizes and pays overdrafts for the following types of transactions:

  • Checks, ACHs and other transactions made using your checking account number
  • Automatic bill payments
  • ATM transactions
  • Everyday debit card transactions

To opt into this plan:

  1. Login to Online Banking
  2. Under Quick Links, select Member Protection Plan/Courtesy Pay Form
  3. Complete and submit the form via Message Center

Limited Member Protection Plan
MPP Limited offers coverage that comes with your eligible checking account1. Under this plan, the Credit Union authorizes and pays overdrafts for the following types of transactions:

  • Checks, ACHs and other transactions made using your checking account number
  • Automatic bill payments

Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Protection Plans – Draw Accounts

Protect your account from overdrafts by linking your savings, credit card, Money Market Account or Line of Credit loan to your checking account. If your checking account has insufficient funds, we’ll automatically transfer money from these accounts.

To Enroll:

  1. Contact our Call Center at 703-709-8900 or 844-709-8900 (toll-free)
  2. Login to Online Banking to send us a message via Message Center

1 For eligible accounts opened on or after 5/17/21. Accounts opened prior to 5/17/21 must enroll in the MPP Limited plan.

*Member Protection Plan enrollees will pay a reduced fee of $29.50 on overdrafts instead of $32.50 for insufficient funds fee. A fee may be imposed for covering overdrafts created by check, in-person withdrawal, ATM withdrawal, or other electronic means. A maximum of six (6) MPP, overdraft and/or returned item fees will be charged per day.

The Member Protection Plan (MPP) is not a line of credit. However, if you overdraw your account, we have the discretion to pay the overdraft subject to the limit of your MPP and the amount of the overdraft fee. Northwest Federal is not obligated to pay any item presented for payment if your account does not contain sufficient available funds. You must bring your account to a positive balance for at least twenty-four (24) hours within every thirty (30) day period. Northwest Federal will not pay overdrafts if you have exceeded your MPP limit or if you are delinquent in repayment.

To determine whether you have enough money in your account to cover a transaction, we use your account’s available balance which is based upon the deposits and withdrawals to your account and all pending electronic transactions, including pre-authorized transfers, point of sale transactions, and merchant payment authorizations, regardless of whether they have posted to your account.

Member Protection Plan disclosure.

Real-time Control

Get real-time control of your Northwest Federal debit and credit card right from your mobile device with this handy app. Set the terms for when, where and how your cards are used anytime, anywhere:

  • Turn cards on/off to protect from potential fraud
  • Receive transaction alerts
  • Quickly and easily add your cards to digital wallets

Download Northwest’s CardControl+ app from the App StoreSM or Google PlayTM to start using it today!

App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc.

Conveniently Transfer Funds

When you need to transfer money to another financial institution, foreign or domestic, we can help with convenient and secure online services. See our Schedule of Fees for applicable Northwest Federal fees.

Domestic outgoing wire transfer

To conduct a domestic wire transfer, you’ll need the following information about the receiving financial institution:

  • ABA Routing Number
  • Institution’s name
  • Recipient’s name, address and account number
  • Any special instructions (if applicable)

Wire transfers can be requested in Online Banking. Once logged in, access the QUICKWIRES widget.

Questions? Contact our Member Service Center at 703-709-8900 or 844-709-8900 (toll-free) or stop by a branch.

Foreign outgoing wire transfer

Here’s what you’ll be asked to provide when conducting a foreign wire transfer:

  • Your name, address, phone number and Social Security Number
  • Your Northwest Federal account number
  • Receiving institution’s Swift code, name and address
  • Receiving institution’s International Bank Account (IBAN) for countries in European Union
  • Recipient’s name and account number
  • Any special instructions (if applicable)

Questions? Contact our Member Service Center at 703-709-8900 (844-709-8900 toll-free) or stop by a branch.

Wiring money into your account

Domestic Incoming Wire:

You’ll be asked to provide the following information to the other financial institution:

  • Member’s name, account number and type of account
  • Northwest Federal ABA Routing Number: 256075025
  • Account address: 200 Spring St., Herndon, VA 20170
  • Northwest Federal phone number: 703-709-8900 or 844-709-8900 (toll-free)

Foreign Incoming Wire:

You’ll be asked to provide the following information to the other financial institution:

  • Name on Account: Northwest Federal Credit Union
  • Account Address: 200 Spring St, Herndon, VA, USA, 20170
  • Account Number: 4451688158
  • Beneficiary Bank: Bank of America
  • Beneficiary Bank Address: 901 Main Street, Dallas, TX, USA, 75202
  • ABA SWIFT (International wires any currency): 026009593 BOFAUS3N
  • Special Instructions: NWFCU account name, NWFCU account number and type of NWFCU account

Order Foreign Currency

Traveling out of the country? Order foreign currency online and have it delivered to your home in just two days with our convenient Online Travel Currency service. Upon your return, exchange your foreign currency for U.S. for a nominal fee.

Compare Our Checking Accounts

Compare the benefits of each checking account below and then open the Northwest Federal Checking account that works best for you!

Feature Choice Checking Elite Checking Dividend Rewards Debit Rewards
Dividend-earning account No dividends 0.02% APY1 or
0.07% APY1 with
$1,000 deposit per month		 5.00% APY up to $25,000, if monthly qualifications are met and 20+ debit card transactions2,3

4.00% APY up to $25,000, if monthly qualifications are met and at least 12 debit card transactions2,3

0.50% APY on portion of balance above $25,0002  (if qualifications are met)3

 No dividends
Rewards N/A N/A N/A Earn 4.00% cash back4 on debit card purchases up to $200 ($8 maximum per month) if qualifications are met3
Monthly fee No monthly fee $10 monthly fee if average daily balance falls below $5,000 No monthly fee No monthly fee
FREE
ATM transactions		 FREE transactions at
CO-OP ATM™, Alliance One®, CULIANCE®ATM5 and
Northwest Federal ATMs		 FREE transactions at CO-OP ATM™, Alliance One®, CULIANCE® ATM5 and Northwest Federal ATMs

Up to $10 per month out of network ATM fee refunds available6

 FREE transactions at CO-OP ATM™, Alliance One®, CULIANCE® ATM5 and Northwest Federal ATMs

Reimbursement for nationwide ATM fees incurred (up to $5) when qualifications are met3,7

 FREE transactions at CO-OP ATM™, Alliance One®, CULIANCE® ATM5 and Northwest Federal ATMs

Reimbursement for nationwide ATM fees incurred (up to $5) when qualifications are met3,7
FREE
Northwest Federal
custom logo checks8		 Free first box of checks Free check re-orders Free first box of checks Free first box of checks
Unlimited check writing ■ ■ ■ ■
FREE Cashier’s Checks N/A ■ N/A N/A
FREE Visa® Debit ■ ■ ■ ■
FREE Point-of-Sale
cash back		 ■ ■ ■ ■
FREE
Online Banking and
Bill Pay		 ■ ■ ■ ■
FREE eStatements ■ ■ ■ ■
FREE Telephone Banking ■ ■ ■ ■
FREE Mobile Banking app & Mobile Deposit®9 ■ ■ ■ ■
FREE Direct Deposit
of your funds		 ■ ■ ■ ■

1 APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Fees may reduce earnings on accounts. Dividends are compounded daily and paid monthly. Rate current as of 3/01/2025 and subject to change without notice. Rate may change after the account is opened.

2 APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APYs accurate as of 03/01/25. When your Dividend Rewards Checking account qualifications are met during a Monthly Qualification Cycle, balances up to $25,000 when at least 12 debit card transactions are posted receive APY of 4.00% (or 5.00% when 20 or more debit card transactions are posted). Balances greater than $25,000 earn 0.50% APY on the portion of balance greater than $25,000, resulting in an APY for this tier ranging from 4.00% to 1.38% APY (or 5.00% to 1.63% APY when 20 or more debit card transactions occur) depending on the account’s balance. APY calculation is based on an assumed balance of $100,000. Rates and rewards are variable and may change after account is opened. Each individual is limited to being the primary owner on 1 (one) account.  In order to receive reimbursement of domestic ATM fees (up to $5/month) incurred, your account qualifications must be met during the Monthly Qualification Cycle. Monthly Qualification Cycle means the period beginning on the first day of the current month and closing on the last day of the current month. Debit card transactions may take one or more days to post to the account and must post during the Monthly Qualification Cycle in order to qualify for the account’s rewards. The following activities do not count toward earning account rewards: ATM transactions, Debit card purchases processed by merchants as ATM transactions, transactions made with debit cards not issued by Northwest Federal.

3 Monthly qualifications are: (1) Receive an eStatement each cycle (2) Have at least 12 debit card purchases post to your account each monthly qualification cycle (or 20 or more to earn the higher dividend rate for Dividend Rewards); (3) Have $500 in ACH deposits post to your account each monthly qualification cycle. Debit card transactions may take one or more days to post to the account and must post during the Monthly Qualification Cycle in order to qualify for the account’s rewards. ATM transactions do not count toward earning account rewards.

4When Debit Rewards Checking account qualifications are met during a Monthly Qualification Cycle, you will receive 4.00% cash back on up to a total of $200.00 in debit card purchases that post to the account during that cycle period. A maximum of $8.00 cash back may be earned per Monthly Qualification Cycle. Rates and rewards are variable and may change after account is opened. There are no recurring monthly maintenance charges or fees to open or close this account. Rewards less than a penny cannot be distributed. This account is not to be used for commercial purposes. Each individual is limited to being the primary owner on one account. In order to receive reimbursement of domestic ATM fees (up to $5/month) incurred in a statement cycle your account qualifications must be met during the Monthly Qualification Cycle. Qualifications must be met during the Monthly Qualification Cycle. Monthly qualification cycle means the period beginning on the first day of the current month and closing on the last day of the current month. Debit card transactions may take one or more days to post to the account and must post during the Monthly Qualification Cycle in order to qualify for the account’s rewards. The following activities do not count toward earning account rewards: ATM transactions, Debit card purchases processed by merchants as ATM transactions, transactions made with debit cards not issued by Northwest Federal.

5 No Northwest Federal fee and no surcharge fees apply.

6 Elite Checking account holders will be refunded a total of up to $10 in out of network fees and ATM surcharge fees each month. Refunds will be credited at month end.

7 In order to receive reimbursement of domestic ATM fees (up to $5/month) incurred in a statement cycle your account qualifications must be met during the Monthly Qualification Cycle.

8 To receive Northwest Federal logo checks at no charge, your order must be limited to one box per order. Any number of boxes exceeding one per order will be charged to your account.

9 Message and data rates may apply for mobile banking. Message frequency depends on account settings. To get help with Mobile Banking, call us toll-free at 844-709-8900. Mobile Deposit is a registered trademark of Mitek Systems, Inc. Qualification criteria apply for Mobile Deposit. Mobile Deposit is available for iPhone 4 and later, iPad 3 and later and most Android devices enabled with a camera. iPhone and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

Fees are subject to change.

Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association.