SAN DIEGO, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- North Island Credit Union has received national Bank On certification from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) for its Student Checking account, recognizing the account for meeting the rigorous National Account Standards for accessibility, affordability and consumer safety. The certification builds on the credit union's commitment to financial inclusion by helping students and young adults develop healthy money management habits and build a foundation for long-term financial success.
For many young people, opening their first checking account represents an important step toward financial independence, providing hands-on experience with budgeting, managing everyday expenses and making responsible financial decisions. Designed for students ages 13 to 25, North Island Credit Union's Student Checking account offers a convenient, affordable introduction to everyday banking and money management.
The account has no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements and can be opened with as little as one cent. Students also benefit from a debit card, online and mobile banking, digital wallet capabilities, access to more than 85,000 fee-free ATMs worldwide through the CO-OP and Allpoint networks and no fees for out-of-network ATM withdrawals.
"Helping young people develop strong financial habits early in life is one of the most meaningful ways we can support their long-term financial well-being," said North Island Credit Union President/CEO Steve O'Connell. "We believe every student deserves access to the tools and resources needed to confidently manage their money and make informed financial decisions. Earning Bank On certification for our Student Checking account reflects our commitment to removing barriers to banking and empowering the next generation to achieve financial independence."
The new certification builds on North Island Credit Union's ongoing financial inclusion initiatives, including its previously certified Bank On Checking account, designed to help unbanked and underbanked consumers access traditional financial services. Through its participation in regional Bank On coalitions, financial education programs and community partnerships, the credit union continues to help individuals and families gain access to traditional banking services and develop greater financial stability.
The Bank On National Account Standards, created by the CFE Fund, identify essential features of safe and affordable banking accounts, including low costs, no overdraft fees and convenient access to everyday banking services. The nationally recognized certification helps consumers and community organizations identify accounts that meet these standards and support greater financial inclusion.
North Island Credit Union also offers Student Savings accounts and financial education resources designed to help younger members learn essential money management skills, develop healthy savings habits and prepare for important future milestones. For more information about North Island Credit Union's Student Account programs, visit www.ccu.com/student-accounts/.
About North Island Credit Union, a Division of California Credit Union California Credit Union is a federally chartered credit union founded in 1933 with assets of nearly $5.4 billion, over 200,000 members and 25 retail branches. Named a Forbes Best-In-State Credit Union in 2024 & 2025, California Credit Union membership is available to community members and businesses nationwide. The credit union operates in San Diego and Riverside Counties as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. Federally insured by the NCUA, the credit union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. With a Low Income Designation, California Credit Union offers inclusive products and services to build financial stability in our underserved communities, including a checking account certified as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards. California Federal Credit Union operates as California Credit Union. Visit northisland.ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram® or Facebook® @northislandcu.
About Bank On The CFE Fund's national Bank On movement supports local coalition and financial institution efforts to connect consumers to safe, affordable banking accounts as a fundamental component of financial stability. Already, over 500 accounts at banks and credit unions nationwide – representing over two-thirds of the national deposit market share – are certified as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards, which designate both core and strongly recommended features that ensure low cost, no surprise fees, high functionality, and consumer safety. More than 100 Bank On coalitions across the country are working to connect unbanked and underbanked individuals to certified accounts, often through leveraging large-scale government program and payment opportunities. Visit www.joinbankon.org for more information.