loading...

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.

Our stylish cards are also packed with security features to keep their money safe wherever they go. Pick your favorite card 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

Heading to college soon?

Click the "Learn more" button to read about how you can apply for a Fortera Scholarship! Applications open again in January 2025.

FAQs

What is a Flex Checking Account?

+

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?

+

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?

+

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

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

+

We will require at least two official documents to verify your teen's identity. We can use a variety of documents, including social security cards, birth certificates, Medicaid cards, and insurance cards. If your teen is 17 years old, we require that one of the documents be a government-issued ID.

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.

If you have a question about whether an ID can be used, text us at 931.431.6800 or chat with us on our website. We will be happy to review your documents for you in advance.

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

+

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?

+

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?

+

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

What happens to my child’s Sprout Saving Account when they turn 13?

+

A Sprout Savings account stays a Sprout Savings account for life. This means that when your child turns 13, the account stays exactly the same and will remain open for as long as the parent or guardian would like. When you believe your kids are ready for a Flex Savings and Checking account, you can make an appointment at your local branch or video chat with us to close your current Sprout Savings account, and move those savings over to a Flex Savings account.

All families are different and the right time to give your kids this new responsibility is totally up to you. We're just here to help you and your family build those good, healthy savings habits.

Are contactless cards safe?

+

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.

Where can I use my contactless card?

+

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.

How do I know if my card is contactless?

+

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

Are contactless cards similar to a digital wallet?

+

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

What if I don’t have a contactless card, but want to get one? Can I request a contactless card?

+

Yes, you can walk into any branch and we can create you a contactless debit card instantly. You may also reach out to us at (931) 431-6800 or via video chat to request a new contactless debit or credit card.

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

+

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.

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

+

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

What's New