A high-yield checking account that pays 57x¹ more.
Earn 4.00% APY2 — that's nearly $600 more in your pocket every year, and 57x better than the average bank.
See how our Max Checking interest rate compares.
Earning with Max Checking is a little like finding $50 between your couch cushions. Except it happens every single month.3
| Feature |
LMCU |
Fifth Third Bank |
Chase Bank |
Huntington Bank |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Winner: Best Value! |
||||
| Account | Max Checking | Preferred Checking | Premium Plus Checking | Perks Checking | |
| APY | 4.00% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.02% | |
| Approximate Interest Earned per Year | $600 | $1.50 | $1.50 | $3.00 | |
| Monthly Fee | $06 | $25 | $0 | $0 | |
High-yield checking
Earn 4.00% APY on balances up to $15,000 — 57x better than the average bank.
No fees, no minimums
No monthly fees and no minimum balance. Just more money staying where it belongs — with you.
Simple to qualify
Meet four easy monthly requirements and you're earning 4.00% APY. That's it.
How to earn 4.00% APY
- Make a direct deposit or ACH deposit into Max Checking
- Complete at least 10 debit or credit card purchases
- Log in to online or mobile banking at least 4 times4
- Stay enrolled in eStatements
Bank when you want, even at 2:00 a.m. With LMCU Anywhere, you've got the full capabilities of a branch on your phone or tablet whenever and wherever you want it.
Free mobile check deposit, Bill Pay, mobile wallet compatibility, and fraud protection. Everything a big bank offers, with the care and service that comes with a credit union checking account.
Free access to LMCU ATMs and 55,000 Allpoint ATMs worldwide. Plus, up to $10/month reimbursement for non-LMCU and non-Allpoint ATMs when you're on the go.
How much more could you earn with Max Checking?
At 4.00% APY2, that's nearly $600 a year if you keep a $15,000 balance. That’s a weekend trip, a car payment, or 180 cups of coffee with someone you like.
Account status is just a tap away.
Monitor your Max Checking requirements in the app under Account Info > Max Checking Status, or in online banking under Quick Links > Max Checking Status. Make sure your transactions clear by the last day of the month, your credit purchases clear within 24 hours, and your debit clears within 72 hours.
Max Checking FAQs
Max Checking is designed for members seeking a 4.00% APY interest checking account without the complexity of a separate savings or investment product. If you want your everyday balance earning a competitive rate (with no monthly fees and no minimum balance) this is your account.
Max Checking is LMCU's high-yield checking account, a modern rewards checking option, for members who want their everyday balance to earn a competitive rate. Just meet four simple monthly requirements, and you earn 4.00% APY on balances up to $15,000. No monthly fees, and no minimum balance required.
No. There is no monthly fee and no minimum balance required. Even if you don't meet the monthly requirements to earn interest, you won't be charged a monthly fee.
Each month, simply do these four things: make at least one direct deposit or ACH deposit into Max Checking, complete a minimum of 10 posted debit or credit card purchases, log in to online or mobile banking at least 4 times, and stay enrolled in eStatements.
You can still have a Max Checking account even if you don't meet the monthly requirements. Your balance just won't earn interest that month. If you'd rather open a no-fuss account with no requirements at all, Free Checking is a great alternative.
All balances up to $15,000 are eligible to earn interest at 4.00% APY. Balances beyond $15,000 earn at a different rate. If you typically keep a higher balance and are comparing high-yield checking account options, be sure to review the current Max Checking interest rate on balances above $15,000.
Why LMCU?
Sometimes our members say it best.
Bundle LMCU products and maximize your financial wellness
Disclosures
NerdWallet 2025
Rates may change after account opening. This APY is accurate as of 9/10/2026. Fees may reduce earnings. No minimum balance required. To earn interest some requirements apply. Monthly requirements must occur by 8:00 p.m. ET on the last day of the month. Purchases do not include ATM transactions. Credit or Debit card purchase requirements are based on purchase preference. Interest not paid on balances over $15,000. Interest not paid if requirements are not met. Nearly $600 is earned at 4.00% APY on balances of $15,000.00.
Information as of 04/14/26 and gathered via competitor websites based on zip code 49546. Approximate interest earned and monthly fee based on a $15,000 balance at standard rates and do not include potential Overdraft/returned item fees may apply.
Third party internet/mobile/data fees may apply.
All featured LMCU members were compensated for their time.
