Bank of the West 1% for the Planet Checking Account
Enjoy great banking features, while helping the planet!
securely on the bank's website
At first glance, the Bank of the West 1% for the Planet Checking seems just like any other traditional checking account, offering no interest or rewards. And it's true. At least partly. The Bank of the West 1% for the Planet Checking comes with a twist: it's an eco-friendly checking account, one out of few of a kind available today.
As part of Bank of the West's community involvement and sustainability initiatives, the bank has just recently joined 1% for the Planet, which is an organization helping protect our planet by providing funds to environmental nonprofits. So far, over $250 million have been donated thanks to donations made by both business and individuals alike. As a member of the organization, Bank of the West has designed the 1% for the Planet Checking.
The 1% for the Planet Checking has everything you need for daily banking. But, what matters more is that, if you open a Bank of the West 1% for the Planet Checking, Bank of the West will donate 1% of its net revenues earned from this account to 1% for the Planet, meaning your regular banking will contribute to making a positive change in the world without your having to do anything! (But, it'd be nice if you engaged in eco-friendly initiatives as well!) Plus, each time you use your Bank of the West Mastercard debit card for purchases, you'll be able to track your CO2 emissions thanks to the carbon tracking tool provided in the Bank of the West Mobile Banking app.
Speaking of the Mastercard debit card, you'll get it for free with this checking account, including a range of benefits, such as Zero Liability Protection and Mastercard ID Theft Protection. You'll be able to use your Mastercard worldwide, knowing you're protected against unauthorized transactions and identity theft. You can also add your card to a digital wallet, and use your smartphone device for even more convenient and safer payments! In the event you're unhappy with your purchase, but the store won't accept the return, you can file a claim, thanks to Mastercard's Satisfaction Guarantee (make sure to read the fine print first to see whether your purchase is eligible).
By downloading the Bank of the West Mobile Banking app, you'll have access to your 1% for the Planet Checking anywhere with an Internet connection, so you can manage your account while on the go. With features, such as mobile check deposits, Quick balance, and custom account alerts, you'll stay on top of your money, and be able to bank without ever having to visit a local Bank of the West branch, look for an ATM or spend time on the phone waiting for assistance. However, Bank of the West Customer Service agents are always there to help you, and you can reach out whenever you have issues or need guidance, whether it be with online banking or money management in general.
To conclude, if you're looking for a basic checking account to meet your daily banking needs, you should definitely consider the Bank of the West 1% for the Planet Checking. While there are, indeed, much better regular checking account offers, this one at least does some good for the world.
Checking account details
- Monthly fee can be waived if you have any direct deposit each month OR if you're younger than 25.
- Free Mastercard debit card.
- Online and Mobile Banking with Mobile Banking App, and Bill Pay.
- Free access to Bank of the West ATMs.
- Overdraft Coverage Options.
- Environmentally friendly checking account.
Checking account fees
-
Monthly Fee$10 (can be waived)
-
APY0.00%
-
Minimum Deposit to Openany amount
-
Out-of-Network ATM Transaction Fee$3
-
Out-of-Network ATM Withdrawal Fee$3
-
Overdraft Fee$35
-
Non-Sufficient Funds Fee$35
-
Foreign Transaction Fee1% + 2%
Bank of the West 1% for the Planet Checking Account FAQ
Sure you can open a Bank of the West 1% for the Planet online! All you need to do is click the "APPLY NOW" button on this page, which will lead you directly on the Bank of the West website. There, you'll be asked to complete an application form, and provide your personal information, such as your name, address, contact, etc. You'll also be asked for a bank account number, a credit card number or a debit card number to make an opening deposit.
No, there aren't any minimum amounts you're required to keep in your 1% for the Planet Checking account balance, just like there's no minimum opening deposit required.
The complimentary Bank of the West Mastercard debit card comes with a range of benefits thanks to which you'll be able to shop safely, such as:
- Mastercard Zero Liability Policy: protects you against unauthorized transactions, provided that you can prove you've done your best to prevent debit card loss or theft, and that you report the loss or theft of your Mastercard debit card to Bank of the West as soon as it happens.
- Mastercard ID Theft Protection: if you believe you've been a victim of identity theft, contact 1-800-Mastercard. The Mastercard ID Theft Protection services also include Online Monitoring Dashboard (requires activation), Monthly Risk Alert / Newsletter, Identity Monitoring, Resolution Services, Lost Wallet Assistance, Single Bureau Credit Monitoring, Financial Account Takeover, and URL and Domain Monitoring.
- Extended Warranty.
- Satisfaction Guarantee.
For convenient and secure purchases, you can add your Bank of the West Mastercard debit card to a mobile wallet, and make in-store or online purchases using your mobile device. Depending on the type of your device, you can add it to Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay simply by installing the app, entering your Mastercard debit card information, and following the remaining steps.
Since your 1% for the Planet Account debit card is made from 100% compostable plastic, you can recycle it once you're done with it, although you'll need to remove the magnetic stripe and metal chip, as they aren't biodegradable.
Bank of the West's carbon tracking tool is available in the Bank of the West Mobile App, so, in order to access it, you'll need to download the app first. The carboon tracking tool uses the Åland Index, which measures the potential carbon impact of purchases made using the 1% for the Planet debit card. Based on merchant code, which indicates the types of goods or services provided by the merchant, as well as on the amount of purchase, the calculation is done as an estimate of your carbon impact. However, the actual impact can be higher or lower, depending on a variety of factors. If interested, you can learn more on the official Åland Index website. Bank of the West also has some tips on how to track and offset your carbon footprint, available here.
You can download the Bank of the West Mobile Banking App from the App Store or Google Play. Once you've installed the app, you'll be able to sign in to your Bank of the West 1% for the Planet Checking account, and start using the bank's mobile banking features, including money transfers with Zelle, ATM and branch locator, and more! You'll also be able to track the carbon impact of your purchases made using your 1% for the Planet Mastercard straight from the app!
With Bank of the West being the first bank to offer a checking account that gives back to the planet, it partnered with 1% for the Planet. This means Bank of the West will donate 1% of its net revenues generated from all of its 1% for the Planet checking accounts to support Protect Our Winters, which is one of the leading climate advocacy nonprofits.
No, Bank of the West will make donations to 1% for the Planet at no additional cost to you. The funds will be contributed to Protect Our Winters using net revenues Bank of the West earns from its 1% for the Planet Checking accounts. If you want, you can always make a donation to the organization directly.
Bank of the West's routing number is 121100782.
7 Best Checking Accounts for 2023
Featured Checking Accounts
| Bank | Monthly Service Charge | Minimum Deposit to Open | APY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of the West Any Deposit Checking Account | $10 (can be waived) | any amount | 0.00% |
| Bank of the West 1% for the Planet Checking Account | $10 (can be waived) | any amount | 0.00% |
| Bank of the West Premier Checking Account | $25 (can be waived) | any amount | 0.01% |
| Bank | Monthly Service Charge | Minimum Deposit to Open | APY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comerica Bank Rich Rewards® Checking Account | $18 (can be waived / reduced) | $50 | 0.01% |
| Comerica Bank Premier Checking Account | $22 | $50 | 0.01% |
| Comerica Bank Comerica Platinum Circle Checking® | $0 | $50 | 0.10% / 0.25% |
