GET $150 with Northwest Student Checking.*

 

For the possibilites ahead

 

Student Checking built for what’s next. 

For a limited time, earn $150 bonus when you open a new Northwest Student Checking account and complete qualifying activities.* 
See full offer details
 

Step 1

Open your account

Open a new Northwest Student Checking account by December 31, 2026
 
Open now
Find a location near you

Step 2

Use your card

Make seven (7) or more qualifying transactions within a single statement cycle during the first three statement cycles.

Step 3 

Get your $150 bonus

Once you complete the requirements, we’ll deposit the $150 bonus into your account within 30 days
For where you are. And where you’re going.

For where you are. And where you’re going.

Northwest Student Checking gives you simple ways to manage your money, with digital banking tools and no monthly service charge. You can check your balance, deposit checks, manage your debit card and keep an eye on spending from almost anywhere.
And when you’re ready to start saving, build credit or plan for college, we can help you understand your options.
 
  • Built for students ages 16-241, helping students and
    young adults build a strong financial foundation
  • $25 minimum opening deposit
  • No monthly service charges
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • Overdraft Protection available at no charge
  • Free Statement Savings account with no monthly service charge
  • This account does not earn interest


The Next Way To Bank Better

Get Paid Up to Two Days Early
With our Early PayŦ feature, you may receive eligible direct deposits for payroll or government benefits up to two business days earlier.

Monitor Your Credit Score
With Credit Score, instantly view your credit score, set up credit alerts and access personalized tips to help you improve or maintain the great score you already have.

55,000 Fee-Free ATMs

More than 55,000 free ATMs worldwide§ through the Allpoint® Network

24/7 online and mobile access

to check balances, transfer funds, pay bills and much more

Zelle®
A fast, safe and easy way to send and request money with friends, family and others you trust from your Northwest mobile app and online banking account.**

Manage cards on-the-go
Turn cards on or off instantly, set custom limits and get notified of every transaction for added peace of mind.  

 

Start building money habits that work for you 

Managing your own money is a big milestone. A Northwest Student Checking account gives you the tools to track spending, manage everyday purchases and start building good financial habits.
As your goals and needs evolve, Northwest has solutions and guidance to help with what’s next, from building savings and learning about credit to paying for college. 
Open now
Stop by your nearest location

Budgeting and money resources

Explore practical guidance from the Northwest Financial Wellness Center on budgeting apps, splitting expenses with roommates, managing everyday spending and more.
 

5 Smart Money Habits to Build in your 20s

 

Smart Money Habits for Gen Z: How Small Steps Lead to Big Wins

 

Low or No Credit? Key Strategies to Boost Your Credit Score

 

Do I still need to track my spending in 2026?

 

Understanding Bank Fees and How to Avoid Them

 
Helping your child build financial independence
For Parents

Helping your child build financial independence

As a parent, you want to trust that your child’s financial wellbeing is in good hands. A first checking account is about more than having a debit card. It’s an opportunity for your child to learn how to budget, spend responsibly and manage money with greater independence.
 
Northwest Student Checking provides the everyday banking tools they need, along with digital access and help from local bankers when questions come up.
 

Is your student under 18?

Students ages 16 and 17 can open a Northwest Student Checking account with a joint owner who is 18 or older.
Find a financial center

 

Frequently asked questions about Northwest Student Checking

Who can open a Northwest Student Checking account?

Northwest Student Checking is available to students ages 16 to 24. Students ages 16 and 17 must open the account with a joint owner who is 18 or older.¹
 

How much do I need to open an account? 

You need a minimum opening deposit of $25.
 

Does Northwest Student Checking have a monthly fee?

No. Northwest Student Checking does not have a monthly service charge. Other account or service fees may apply. 
 

Does the account have a minimum balance requirement?

No. You don’t need to maintain a minimum balance.
 

How do I earn the $150 Student Checking bonus?

Open a new Northwest Student Checking account by December 31, 2026, then make seven or more qualifying debit card transactions during one statement cycle within your first three statement cycles. Once you meet the requirements, we’ll deposit the bonus within 30 days.*
 

Can a 16- or 17-year-old open an account?

Yes. Students ages 16 and 17 can open an account with a joint owner who is 18 or older.¹
 

Does Northwest Student Checking earn interest?

No. Northwest Student Checking does not earn interest.
 

Can I manage the account from my phone?

Yes. Northwest mobile banking lets you check balances, deposit checks, transfer money, pay bills and manage your debit card, depending on service eligibility and availability.

*To qualify for the $150 student checking bonus, open a Northwest Student Checking account between September 28 - December 31, 2026, and complete seven (7) or more qualifying transactions within a single statement cycle during the first three statement cycles following account opening. Qualifying transactions include one-time or recurring purchases made using your Northwest debit card, including contactless (tap-to-pay) transactions and purchases made through Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, or Samsung Pay® when linked to your debit card. A combination of onetime and recurring debit card purchases posted to your account will be used to satisfy the transaction requirement. Money transfers and other non-purchase transactions do not qualify. After all qualifying activity requirement(s) have been fully completed and verified, the bonus will be deposited into your new account, typically within 30 days after the statement cycle in which you satisfy the requirement(s). To receive the bonus, the account must be open at the time of payment.

Northwest Bank reserves the right to limit customers to one new account-related bonus per calendar year. Bonus payments may be reported to the IRS as interest income on Form 1099- INT. If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), the bonus may be reported on IRS Form 1042-S. No promotional code is required at the time of application. Offer subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice.

1You must be between the ages of 16 and 24 to open a Northwest Student Checking account. Applicants under the age of 18 must have a joint account owner who is at least 18 years old. 

**Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

Apple Pay® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Google Pay™ is a trademark of Google LLC. Samsung Wallet is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Mobile data or text charges may apply.

§Includes ATMs accessed through Northwest's membership in the Allpoint ATM Network. For more information, visit allpointnetwork.com.

Ŧ Early Pay is a free service made available on eligible checking accounts enrolled in direct deposit. Early Pay grants you access to your eligible direct deposit payments up to two days prior to the scheduled payment date. Early availability is based on the timing of the payer’s payment instruction and standard fraud prevention restrictions apply. Early access to direct deposit will not occur on weekends or holidays and is based on when the originator provides payment details. If originator does not send the deposit in a timely manner, your deposit will arrive on the original scheduled date.