A Checking Account that Rises to the Occasion

Money doesn’t grow on trees. It grows in a Rise Transaction Account.

Our new Rise Transaction Account is a fee-free, high-yield checking account that rewards you for higher balances and more transactions.

When you meet a few simple requirements, you can earn more on your balance:

  • $1,500 or more in direct deposit into your checking per month
  • 21 or more transactions on your Empeople debit or credit card
  • Sign up for eStatements and provide us with a valid email
  • Use Digital Banking within the last 90 days

Plus, enjoy no minimum balance requirements and no monthly fees. The more you transact, the more you earn — that’s it.

Additionally, you’ll get access to all of our great services, including access to our highly-rated Digital Banking, free bill pay, Visa® debit card(s), access to a nationwide fee-free ATM network, and more!

Are you an existing member interested in opening a Rise Transaction Account, or switching over your existing Empeople checking account? Don’t worry — your account number and debit card remain the same and you won’t have to change a thing. Contact us at (800) 338-6739 or email [email protected].

Rise Transaction Account Rates
Level 1
All balances earn

Up to
0.10%APY1

Level 2
Required: over 21 debit or credit transactions per month; enrollment in eStatements; use of digital banking within the last 90 days; the primary member must have a valid email address on file; over $1,500 in direct deposit per month²
Rise Transaction Account: $0 - $4,999.99

Up to
1.82%APY1
1.80%Rate3

Rise Transaction Account: $5,000 - $9,999.99

Up to
1.94%APY1
2.05%Rate3

Rise Transaction Account: $10,000 - $19,999.99

Up to
2.38%APY1
2.80%Rate3

Rise Transaction Account: $20,000 and over

Up to
2.38%APY1
0.25%Rate3

Level 3
Required: over 31 debit or credit transactions per month; enrollment in eStatements; use of digital banking within the last 90 days; the primary member must have a valid email address on file; over $1,500 in direct deposit per month²
Rise Transaction Account: $0 - $4,999.99

Up to
2.84%APY1
2.80%Rate3

Rise Transaction Account: $5,000 - $9,999.99

Up to
2.96%APY1
3.05%Rate3

Rise Transaction Account: $10,000 - $19,999.99

Up to
3.41%APY1
3.80%Rate3

Rise Transaction Account: $20,000 and over

Up to
3.41%APY1
0.50%Rate3

Features
  • 80,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide
  • No monthly service fee
  • Earn more on your everyday spending money

You can easily open a Rise Transaction Account by calling our member service center at (800) 338-6739 or sending us a secure message in Empeople Digital Banking.

¹APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rates may change after the account is opened. Fees may reduce earnings on account. Rate is accurate as of last dividend declaration date. Rates and terms subject to change without notice.
²Transaction count is NOT a combination of debit and credit card transactions. Debit card transactions must be posted to the account within the calendar month for it to be considered a qualifying transaction. Credit card transactions must be posted between the 27th day of the previous month and the 26th day of the current month to be considered a qualifying transaction. Excludes ATM and cash transactions. Dividends compounded and credited monthly; interest calculated on each split based on average daily balance. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Truth in Savings Disclosure.
³Rate = dividend rate.
Please note: You must be at least 14 years old to open this account.

Do I get a free debit card?

Your Instant-Issue debit card is free with your Rise Transaction Account and gives you access to your funds anywhere, anytime with over 80,000 fee-free ATMs.

Learn more about Empeople Debit Cards!

Can I freeze my debit card if I lose it? Or set alerts for when it's used?

Stay informed and in control with real-time Card Controls. This Digital Banking feature allows you to lock or unlock your Empeople debit card, set limits for transaction amounts and merchant types, and let us know when and where you’re traveling.

Customize alerts to ensure you’re on top of your transactions. Set text or email alerts for balance thresholds, transaction types, transactions at certain merchants or locations, and other activity.

Fraud Alerts help you manage your account activity and quickly identify potentially fraudulent transactions. When you provide us with your mobile number, we will automatically sign you up to receive automated alerts to your mobile device using text messaging and/or digital voice phone calls.

Set Up Card Controls

How do I set up direct deposit?

Access your money faster with Direct Deposit. Click on a category for easy setup instructions.

+ Standard Pay Deposit

For Non-Deere Employees

Use our Direct Deposit Form for paychecks not related to John Deere payroll, government agency employment, or Social Security pay.

+ Deere Payroll

For Deere Employees

      1. Access your Deere Self-Service website at John Deere ESS
      2. Login with your Deere username and password
      3. Click on the My Payroll link
      4. Click the link to Banking Information

+ Deere Retirees and Social Security Pay

Deere Retirees

Contact Deere Direct at (888) 432-3373 for assistance

Social Security Pay

To set up direct deposit of your Social Security or Supplemental Security Income, call the helpline at (800) 333-1795 or visit the Social Security website.

What happens if I overdraft my account?

Accidents happen, and the Rise Transaction Account is here to break your fall. You have options available to you when you are short on funds:

  • Overdraft Protection

We make it easy to use your savings account, money market account, or EZ Cash Line of Credit to make overdrafts a thing of the past.

Overdraft Protection can assist in covering items coming through your checking account when your balance doesn’t cover the transaction. You can choose your first line of defense – a savings account (fees may apply) or a line of credit. Contact us to set up Overdraft Protection on your account today. It’s easy!

  • Courtesy Pay

Sometimes life throws an unexpected curveball your way or you find yourself a ‘little short’ before payday. When you agree to Courtesy Pay on your account, we will cover your transactions so you can get gas, groceries, or whatever you need while avoiding the potential embarrassment of a declined charge.  Contact us to learn more about Courtesy Pay and breathe a little easier knowing you’re covered. Fees may apply.

Is there an age restriction for this checking account?

Yes, you must be at least 14 years old to open this account.

Use these calculators to decide what home buying experience is for you.

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