Wear Your Colors!
Open a student or sensible checking account with us and receive a free Ivy Tech T-shirt!1 Show off your school pride while enjoying the benefits of a great checking account designed just for you.
Open an account and get a free T-shirt to match your Ivy Tech debit card.
When you open your new Purdue Federal checking account online or in branch, pick up this free shirt at one of the three branches below.1
Just want to get a credit card?
Click here to apply for a Visa® credit card
What you need to open an account
- At least $30 ($5 goes into Member Ownership share, $25 into checking)
- Unexpired government-issued ID
- Student ID
- Social Security Number
Contact us for additional information for those under 18 years old or for alternative documentation options.
Branch Locations
Excited to snag your free shirt for opening an account? Or prefer to set things up in person? Swing by one of these Purdue Federal branches! Whether you're in Crown Point or Lafayette, we've got you covered.
Northwest Indiana CDT
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to Noon
Lafayette-West Lafayette EDT
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to Noon
Student Visa® Credit Cards
Cover college costs and life expenses with a card that features a low, fixed interest rate and cash-back opportunities.
Learn moreChecking Benefits
- No monthly fees
- 24/7 access to digital banking on your smartphone or laptop2
- Mobile check deposit with our mobile app
- Free bill pay and person-to-person payments
- Access cash at a nationwide network of more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs
- A Purdue Federal branch right on the Lafayette campus
- Create custom account alerts - via email and text - to alert you about important activity on your account
Get the Student Package!
Our Student Package hooks you up with all the essential tools you need to nail financial success in college, giving you:
Student Checking Account
Visa® Traditional Rewards Credit Card
Basic Savings Account
Just hit the button below to get started with your application. As you go through the process, all you need to do is add a Student Checking Account and Basic Savings Account to your Traditional Rewards Credit Card, and that'll wrap up your Student Package.
The Financial Vine
A hub of helpful articles, videos and other resources from our financial experts that can help Ivy Tech students make the most of their money.
Learn MoreWould recommend to a friend
I've had my Student Checking since I started my first job back in 2006. Purdue Federal Credit Union's staff are always helpful if I have any questions about my Student Checking Account. It is great that I can do all of my banking needs either online or at a branch, so I know that my questions will always be answered. Finally, with the great service that Purdue Federal provides their members, you can't go wrong with a FREE Checking Account.… Read More
Would recommend to a friend
Couldn't be happier with my choice for PEFCU! Have never had a problem. My friends are always trying to get to a bank over in Lafayette or a credit union back at home. I can do everything I need online and on campus. Even when I'm off campus I can easily put more money in my account with UDeposit!… Read More
Would recommend to a friend
I've had my Student Checking since I started my first job back in 2006. Purdue Federal Credit Union's staff are always helpful if I have any questions about my Student Checking Account. It is great that I can do all of my banking needs either online or at a branch, so I know that my questions will always be answered. Finally, with the great service that Purdue Federal provides their members, you can't go wrong with a FREE Checking Account.
Member since 1993
Lafayette, IN
Would recommend to a friend
Couldn't be happier with my choice for PEFCU! Have never had a problem. My friends are always trying to get to a bank over in Lafayette or a credit union back at home. I can do everything I need online and on campus. Even when I'm off campus I can easily put more money in my account with UDeposit!
Member since 2010
Fort Wayne, IN
The fraud system is so flawed. The whole point of a student account is to be flexible, but any out of state transactions shut down the card. I've even been frozen for a $4.XX purchase at my local Kroger, 4 blocks from my apartment. Then to make matters worse the help line is only open during business hours. If you're going to shut the account down for dumb reasons at least provide a 24 hour help line to verify purchases. Or add an additional way to disable the fraud system, email/text/etc.
Member since 1996
Bloomington, IN
Good for just a debit card. Due dates on credit card payments aren't very pronounced. Cash Rewards program doesn't show how far you have to go to earn your next payout which is pretty annoying. Overall not a horrible decision.
Member since 2016
West Lafayette, IN
Would recommend to a friend
Free Checking and other services? Friendly staff just an email away? A branch two minutes from my apartment? An online portal that actually works? You have any idea how hard it's been to get all of those things at the same time?
Member since 2014
West Lafayette, IN
Would recommend to a friend
I like the Student Checking Account by PFCU as it gives flexibility of Online Banking. Convenient to use. The Manage Your Budget feature is a great way to help you keep on track for your savings goal!
Member since 2012
Farmington, MI
Would recommend to a friend
I've had an account here since I got my first job, and I couldn't be happier. Whenever I go in I'm greeted by an incredibly friendly and helpful staff; and I love the perks and low rates. It's great for not only students but anyone.
Member since 2013
Lafayette, IN
Would recommend to a friend
Not a lot of fees and it is really awesome how there are so many ATMs affiliated with this bank. Also, the people at the branches in Lafayette are great at being efficient as well as friendly.
Member since 2014
Lafayette, IN
Would recommend to a friend
Absolutely everything you need--with no annoying hidden fees or small print! The folks at PFCU are always friendly and helpful. They have very competitive rates, and offer nationwide ATMs through the Shared Branch program. I don't even need to switch banks after graduation, because I can use any Shared Branch in the country! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a no-nonsense, high-quality experience!
Member since 2014
Hartford City, IN
Would recommend to a friend
It's a great account for students. I only wish they had more branches outside of West Lafayette so that even if I go out of state, I can deposit money into my account if need be.
Member since 2016
West Lafayette, IN
Would recommend to a friend
I love having my bank so convenient to me. We have a PFCU in my school, so I can access my account whenever I need to. Plus, in all my interactions in all the branches I've been to in the surrounding areas, not one of them has been remotely negative. Everyone is super understanding and cool while explaining stuff I probably should've been able to figure out anyways. I love calling PFCU my bank.
Member since 2015
Lafayette, IN
Would recommend to a friend
I've had no problems with my Purdue Fed account since getting it. I love the services they provide and the support staff are always helpful. Would totally recommend them to anyone wanting to switch.
Member since 2015
Cicero, IN
Would recommend to a friend
Really easy to apply online, help and assistance is available whenever you need it online or in person, over the phone or by email. The Student Checking Account is an amazing offer for High School students like me, the minimal fees and other perks made me choose Purdue Federal Credit Union over the rest and I'm glad I did, my peers have the same account as me and they enjoy it too, and I continue to recommend it to mature friends turning 18 needing a bank account for work, etc.
Member since 2017
West Lafayette, IN
Write a Review
1Membership eligibility required. Subject to approval. T-shirt offer not available to existing checking account holders. Offer valid on new Student and Sensible Checking accounts opened between August 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024 in our branches or online at www.purduefed.com. $25 minimum opening deposit for Student and Sensible Checking accounts. $5 deposit in Member Ownership Share required. T-shirt must be picked up at our branch located in Ivy Hall on the Ivy Tech Lafayette campus, 4709 Meijer Ct. in Lafayette or 113th & Broadway in Crown Point only. T-shirt offer valid while supplies last, no guarantee; one t-shirt per member. Federally insured by NCUA.
2 Please see the Digital Banking Services Agreement for full disclosures. Data rates may apply.