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Flex Checking

Keep your money ready.

Made for teens ages 13 - 17 and parents who want them to have the best start.

Flex Checking 101

Need an account for your teen that is safe, easy to use, and no hassle? Check out our Flex Checking account. All you need is $5 to open the account and both of your signatures.

Spend your money your way.

Practice makes perfect so let them practice funding their own everyday debit card swipes, one-click pay transactions, and app-to-app money moves. And no matter where or when they need it, they will always have their cash right in their pocket (in the form of one good-looking debit card). Keep their money safe and ready-to-spend, no sock drawer required.

Fortera Debit Cards

Where style meets security.

Brightly colored and sleek, these happy cards are also packed with security features to keep their money safe wherever they go. Pick your favorite color and order one online when you open a checking account or schedule an appointment at one of our local branches and pick up a card today. The choice is yours!

Numbers worth knowing.

    • Activate your card - 800.631.3197 (local) and 727.540.9434 (international)
    • To report a lost or stolen debit card during business hours - 800.821.5891
    • To report a lost or stolen debit card during non-business hours, resolve a problem with using your debit card, or dispute a charge on your debit card - 888.918.7313.
    • To report fraud on your debit card - 888.918.7313 (from outside the United States - 727.299.2449)
    • Change your PIN number - 888.886.0083

Flex Checking Account Benefits

Always in your pocket

On the couch or on the go, keep your money close with our Mobile App and Online Banking.

Where you go, we go

Credit Unions around the world work together to make sure our members can use branches and ATMs everywhere — surcharge-free. Nice, right? Download our CO-OP app and plot your next getaway.

Goal setting made simple

Our skilled experts are easy to reach and happy to help. For members and non-members alike, meetings and consultations are always free, so make the most of your money, on us.

Rest easy

With us, your money is always protected and insured by the National Credit Union Administration. You’re covered on all deposits up to $250,000, so save away.

Statements that save

....Trees, space, and worry. Always enjoy access to 18 months worth of e-statements. Keep more trees, toss your file cabinet, and know your info is always safe and sound.

Free Yourself

From fees. Every Go Checking Account comes with zero opening or maintenance fees. (We love you too.)

Pick your color

Security and style go hand in hand. Choose the debit card color that matches your personality, and breathe easy knowing that smart safety features are built right in. Our aim is to make you smile every time you open your wallet.

Get by with a little help

Or even a lot. Either way, we’re here. Call, text, or chat with our experts anytime you need a friend who knows all things Fortera.

Open your own Flex Checking account today and pick your card color!

Need a hand?

Tag us in. Whether you are on your couch or halfway around the world, use Fortera Video Chat to get quick answers from a friendly face.

What is a Flex Checking Account?

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Think of this checking account like a spending account. It's an easy, low-maintenance way to move your money around while also keeping it super secure.

It is designed specifically for teens ages 13 - 17. It's user-friendly, secure, and can keep up with anyone thanks to our mobile app, video chat, and text support.

Who is eligible to open a Flex Checking Account?

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To be able to open a Flex Checking Account, you must meet the following eligibility requirements: (1) You must be 13 - 17 years of age (2) You must live, work, worship, or attend school in one of our service regions; join an affiliated partner, or have an immediate family member who is a Fortera member. Our service regions include Montgomery, Stewart, Chester, Decatur, Lewis, McNairy, and Perry counties in Tennessee or Christian, Trigg, Todd, McLean, and Webster counties in Kentucky. Residents of other counties in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Arkansas may also be eligible. (3) You must have a Share Savings Account to establish Fortera Credit Union Membership.

What happens to my Flex Checking Account when I turn 18?

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The Flex Checking Account automatically rolls over and becomes a Go Checking Account. As you grow up, so does your account.

How much does it cost to open a Flex Checking Account?

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It only costs $5 to open an account.

What documents do I need to open a Flex Checking account?

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To verify your identity, we always ask that you come prepared with a government issued ID. It is important that it is not expired. Examples of acceptable IDs include a State Driver's License or a U.S or Foreign Passport. If we have trouble validating your ID, we may ask for a secondary ID. For children and teens, we have a variety of other documents we can use to verify identities. These include social security cards, birth certificates, medicaid cards, and insurance cards. If you have a question about whether or not an ID can be used, just text us at 931.431.6800.

How old do you have to be to open the Flex Checking Account?

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Members must be 13 - 17 years old to open this account.

Do you need a parent or guardian to open the Flex Checking Account?

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Yes, you must have a legal guardian present to open the account with you.

What if no one in my family has a Fortera Account? Can I still open a Flex Checking Account?

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Yes! As long as your guardians open the account with you, it is not necessary for them to have other accounts at Fortera.

Can I open a Flex Checking account online or do I need to open it at a branch location?

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You can open this account online or in-person. The choice is yours.

How do I know if my card is contactless?

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All contactless cards will have the contactless symbol on the front of the card.

Are contactless cards safe?

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Contactless cards are actually safer than traditional cards. Contactless payment puts you in control and protects your data. Your card or device never leaves your hand, reducing the risk of loss or counterfeit, and each purchase is uniquely encrypted. You’re also protected against double billing, even if you accidentally tap twice. Contactless cards are also an easy way to reduce contact and can help you avoid the potential for picking up bacteria and germs.

Are contactless cards similar to a digital wallet?

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Yes. Contactless payments use the same technology as mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Where can I use my contactless card?

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Use anywhere you see the Contactless symbol at checkout. Contactless checkout is ideal when speed and convenience are essential. You can use it at stadiums, fast food restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, transit locations, and more.

What do I do if I lose my contactless debit card?

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To report a lost or stolen debit card during business hours, please call 800.821.5891. To report a lost or stolen debit card during non-business hours, resolve a problem with using your debit card, or dispute a charge on your debit card, please call 866.557.5315.

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What's New

Nitty, gritty, and super important.

Fine print is your friend. When you have a minute, give these a good read:
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