All Your Firsts, Covered with 1st Defense™ Checking

There are moments in life that stick with you forever—your first date, your first job, your first car, your first apartment. Each one brings excitement, independence and, let’s be honest, a little uncertainty, too. 

What many people don’t realize is that the financial tools you choose early on can make those milestones smoother, safer and a lot less stressful. That’s exactly where 1st Defense™ checking¹ comes in—helping you protect what matters while you move confidently through life’s “firsts.”

Dinner reservations, movie tickets, maybe coffee to keep the conversation going—while we can’t promise the date will be perfect, we can help with the cost.

1st Defense™ checking includes access to $hopping rewards²* and discounts² at local restaurants and businesses, so you can enjoy the moment without stressing about the bill. Because the only thing you should be thinking about is what to say next. 

With 1st Defense™ checking, you get more than a place to put your money. You also gain access to Financial Wellness 360°², which includes personalized coaching and tools designed to help you build smart financial habits from the start—whether you’re creating your first budget, setting savings goals or planning for what’s next. 

There’s nothing like holding the keys to your first car. It represents freedom and a whole lot of responsibility.

Unexpected roadside situations can happen to anyone, especially newer drivers. With 24/7 roadside assistance³ included, 1st Defense™ checking ensures you’re never stranded without support, whether it’s a flat tire, lockout or a need for towing. This protection travels with you wherever the road leads. 

Your First Apartment: Everyday Support for Real Life 

Rent, utilities, groceries, furniture—adulting gets real, fast. When you’re applying for your first apartment, there’s a good chance your credit will be checked along the way.

1st Defense™ checking includes credit file monitoring*, helping you stay informed about changes to your credit so you can be better prepared when opportunities—like signing that first lease—come your way.

You’ll also have access to valuable benefits like cell phone protection³, telehealth⁴* and health discount savings⁵*, giving you added support as you settle into your new space. Your first place should feel exciting—not stressful.  

Built for Your Firsts—and Everything After 

Life doesn’t slow down after your first milestones. There will be new jobs, new homes, new adventures and new goals.

1st Defense™ checking brings together security, savings and everyday value in one account for just $6.95/month—so wherever life takes you next, you’re ready. 

*Registration/Activation required.

¹Eligibility: Benefits are available to personal checking account owner(s) and their joint account owners subject to the terms and conditions for the applicable Benefits. Some Benefits require authentication, registration and/or activation. Benefits are not available to a “signer” on the account who is not an account owner or to businesses, clubs, trusts and/or organizations.

²Available via mobile or web only.

³Special Program Notes: The descriptions herein are summaries only and do not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the Benefits described. Please refer to the actual Guide to Benefit and/or insurance documents for complete details of coverage and exclusions. Coverage is provided through the company named in the Guide to Benefit or on the certificate of insurance. Guide to Benefit and insurance documents can be found online through your Members 1st Online Banking or Mobile App. Insurance Products are not insured by the NCUA or any federal government agency; they are not a deposit of or guaranteed by the credit union or any credit union affiliate. 

⁴Available for the account holder and their spouse/domestic partner and up to six (6) dependent children aged 2 and older. This is not insurance.

⁵This is not insurance.