CU One Credit Union has taken a bold step forward in redefining what a checking account can be. Through a new partnership with Bits of Stock, CU One has embedded a free-to-premium investing experience directly into every checking account it offers. This isn’t just an add-on feature. It’s a statement: ownership is no longer optional—it’s part of membership.

In an era where most banks still reward customers with points, discounts, or coffee mugs, CU One is giving its members something more meaningful: fractional stock ownership.

Ownership Built Into Every Account

The partnership ensures that every CU One member—whether opening a simple checking account or upgrading to premium—has a built-in path to ownership. By embedding fractional investing directly into the core product, CU One makes wealth-building accessible, automatic, and seamless.

• Universal access: No separate app or complicated sign-up. It’s all integrated into CU One’s digital banking experience.

• Graduated journey: From free rewards to premium investing, members can evolve their financial lives without leaving their credit union.

• Signal of innovation: CU One is positioning itself as a first mover in a space where few credit unions currently offer digital investing options.

Checking Accounts Reimagined: Features, Fees & Ownership

Economics: From Fees to Value

The brilliance of CU One’s strategy is in reframing fees. Instead of being seen as a cost, monthly account fees are structured as gateways to added value.

• A $5 Rewards Checking fee (often waived) provides members with a no-cost entry into investing.

• A $9.99 Investor Checking fee unlocks premium benefits, but the value is immediately clear: members can earn up to $20 back in stock rewards every month, effectively doubling the fee in value while also accessing richer banking services.

• This creates a subscription-style model for banking, where members pay for enhanced features but also build long-term wealth with each debit card swipe.

Why This Matters

For Members:

• Investing becomes accessible and unintimidating.

• Everyday spending turns into long-term wealth-building.

• Members get more than just banking—they get a financial growth journey.

For CU One:

• Embedding ownership fosters loyalty and deepens engagement.

• Positions the credit union as an innovator, especially for Gen Z and Millennials who demand investing options.

• Differentiates CU One from big banks and fintechs by aligning digital innovation with member-first values.

The Bigger Picture: Credit Unions Leading Through Ownership

This partnership illustrates a playbook for the future of credit unions. By bundling free-to-premium investing into checking accounts, CU One is proving that community financial institutions can:

• Compete with fintechs on digital innovation.

• Stay relevant to younger generations seeking wealth-building tools.

• Deliver on the mission of financial wellness by transforming everyday banking into ownership.

Conclusion

With the integration of Bits of Stock into every checking account, CU One has reimagined what it means to be a member of a credit union. This move isn’t just about rewards. It’s about creating a culture of ownership, loyalty, and financial empowerment. In CU One’s new model, checking isn’t just checking—it’s the start of an investing journey. And that’s a blueprint for the future of community banking.