Checking Accounts

Share Draft (Checking) Accounts

Our checking account service is available to every qualified member. Your first 30 checks are free and you may apply for a ATM Card and/or Visa Debit Card. With our free Online Banking you can access your account balances, make transfers, nickname accounts, view statements and much more! Easy-to-read and easy-to-use monthly statements are also provided. Save your checks and manage your bills online with free bill pay. No monthly service or minimum balance fees apply to all members enrolled in Online Banking & eStatements. We recommend payroll deduction or direct deposit as a convenient way to make deposits.

Direct Deposit/Payroll Deduction

Amherst FCU accepts both Direct Deposit and Payroll Deduction from nearly all employers. Setting up a Direct Deposit or Payroll Deduction is a great way to save and allow quick and easy access to your funds or to build your savings. All you need is your account number and routing number. If your employer requires a voided check, we can provide an account verification letter upon request.

Fresh Start Share Draft (Checking) Accounts

As a community credit union, Amherst FCU strives to offer products and services to helps members obtain low cost, reliable service with personalized attention to the financial needs of every member. We realize that some members may not be eligible for a regular share draft (checking) account due to past account use or unforeseen circumstances. The Fresh Start Checking account offers a second chance to bank responsibly, ideally leading up to full share draft account access. Now you may have the same type of access to your money as anyone with a regular checking account, but for much less than dealing with check cashers. Restrictions and monthly fees apply. Each application is subject to management approval based on the applicant’s ChexSystems report. Not all members will qualify. Call the credit union at 716-634-3881 for more information.

ATM Cards

ATM service is available for withdrawals from Shares (Savings) Accounts and Share Draft (Checking) Accounts. Enjoy fee-less withdrawals from our ATM network including M&T and Allpoint ATMs.

Visa® Debit Cards

Visa® debit cards work just like a credit card only the funds are taken directly from your checking account. Use your debit card for purchases or cash withdrawals from an ATM. The Visa® debit card may be used in conjunction with Overdraft Protection so you never have to worry about the cost and inconvenience of bouncing a check. Since the card carries the Visa® logo, it is accepted worldwide.

Tips & Tricks: Debit Card Fraud

ATM Service

Use your Debit Card or ATM card for withdrawals from your savings or checking account with the credit union. Your first 6 transactions a month are surcharge free at any Allpoint or M&T Bank ATM. Please keep in mind that there may be transaction fees and/or surcharge fees that apply. Check out Allpoint’s online ATM locator to find ATMs on the go!

Overdraft Protection

Avoid bounced checks and payments with multiple layers of overdraft protection. By default, your draft (checking) account is linked to your share (savings) account for automatic overdraft protection with a small fee of $5.00 per automatic overdraft transfer. Amherst FCU will also manually transfer funds from attached and joint accounts when applicable as overdraft protection for a small fee of $8.00 per manual overdraft transfer. You may sign a request to opt-out of automatic and manual overdraft protection, though this may result in checks or payments bouncing and larger non-sufficient funds fees being assessed in lieu of the overdraft protection fees. Members may also apply for an overdraft line of credit.

Mobile Check Deposit

Deposit checks to your savings and checking accounts from your phone directly within our Online Banking app. Deposit made before 2:00pm will be posted on the same business day, deposits made after 2:00pm will process on the next business day.