SmartStart

HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE

SmartStart
Student Banking

Designed for young people, ages 15–26, taking their first steps toward financial independence.

WHY CHOOSE SMARTSTART?

SmartStart gives you powerful tools and freedom to manage your money your way. It’s simple, smart, and secure.

No monthly maintenance fees or balance requirements

Enjoy FREE online & mobile banking, E-statements, and mobile deposit

Get a FREE debit card and access to digital wallet, including Google Wallet and Apple Wallet

Move money instantly with Zelle— it’s fast, secure, and hassle-free

Receive a FREE partner-branded high school debit card,

including a $20 bonus for students enrolled in partner schools

Student Programs & Perks

Cardinal Credit Union isn’t just about banking—it’s about empowering students with financial education. With SmartStart, you can take advantage of free perks and unrivaled benefits. We also share helpful tools that make it easy to manage, save, and grow your money on your terms.

So, go ahead and take the next leap forward with these student programs offered by Cardinal.

SmartStart Checking Account

No fees, free digital tools, debit card, ATM access, and more.

Shared Secured Visa®

Start building your credit safely with a low-limit Visa.

SmartStart Stock

Earn free stock automatically with every purchase using your Cardinal debit card.

Mad City Money Scholarship Competition

Learn budgeting in a realistic game of life, where high school seniors who attend partner schools can earn scholarship money.

Pay for “A”s

Earn cash for academic achievements.

SmartStart Savers

Become a member of our high school savings program to track deposits and win Club seats to Cleveland Browns home games, and more!

Sallie Mae Student Loans

Finance your future with Sallie Mae loans through Cardinal.

Refer A Friend

Bring a friend on board—both earn cash bonuses when they sign up.

SMARTSTART CHECKING ACCOUNT

You’re going places – and your money should help you get there.

Whether you’re opening your first account or just looking for a smarter way to manage your money, SmartStart makes it easy. Designed for students and young adults (ages 15–26), this account gives you all the tools you need to bank confidently—and without the fees.

So go ahead—skip the fees, earn a little extra, and start building your financial future with SmartStart. Not a member of one of our partner schools? No problem!

SmartStart Application

Perks Include:

  • No Monthly Fee
  • FREE Debit Card
  • FREE Online & Mobile Banking
  • FREE Direct Deposit
  • FREE Online Statements and Mobile Deposit
  • Free transfers via Zelle
  • Digital Wallet, including Google Wallet and Apple Wallet SmartStart

Are you a member of one of our partner schools?

SmartStart Application for Partner Schools

SHARED SECURED VISA®

Your busy lifestyle requires flexibility. Your credit card should keep up.

With a Share Secured Visa® from Cardinal, you get a smart, simple way to start building credit while keeping costs low. Whether you're buying books, grabbing lunch, or shopping online, this card gives you the freedom to spend responsibly without the hidden fees.

It’s the perfect first card—safe, straightforward, and built to grow with you

Apply Today

Shared Secured Visa® Perks Include:

$50 bonus when $500 is spent within the first 3 months

No Balance Transfer Fee

1.5% Cash Back on all purchases

SMARTSTART STOCK

Turn everyday spending into investing, automatically. Members ages 18–28 can open an account to start earning free stock every time you swipe your Cardinal debit card. Earn 1% back in stock from companies like Apple, Starbucks, and Google in your online banking dashboard. There are no fees, no minimums, and no extra steps—just real rewards, built right into your lifestyle.

Every purchase becomes an investment, building your confidence and wealth over time.

Learn More

SmartStart Stock features:

  • No fees, no minimums, no commissions
  • $10 welcome bonus when you join
  • Choose from NYSE & NASDAQ companies
  • Track everything in your Cardinal CU mobile app

CARDINAL CREDIT UNION MAD CITY MONEY SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION

Ready to test your real-life budgeting skills? Mad City Money is a live, 90-minute simulation where students step into adult life for a competition built on financial responsibilities.

Think of it like the game of Life, but with real world lessons. You'll take on a job, get a salary, and navigate housing, transportation, daycare, debt, and more, all while building a budget.

Features:

  • Live, interactive financial simulation for high school seniors attending partner schools
  • Fun, fast-paced budgeting challenge with judges
  • Eye-opening glimpse into adult money decisions
  • Win team scholarships

Watch the video of our last competition on YouTube!

PAY FOR “A”S

Doing great in school pays off, literally. Earn $1 for every “A” on your quarterly report card, with cash deposited straight into your checking account. At Cardinal, we’re proud to encourage smart study habits and smart banking.

  • Earn $1 for every “A” per quarter

SMARTSTART SAVERS

This program rewards students who go above and beyond, both in school and in life. If you have a school-branded debit card, you’re eligible to become a SmartStart Saver.

You’ll set three personal savings goals and track your progress. Along the way, you’ll build better money habits—and maybe even score Club seats to a Cleveland Browns home game.

Learn More

SmartStart Savers includes:

  • Exclusive Brownie the Elf Savings Card
  • Personalized savings goals
  • Strong saving habits with real rewards
  • Chance to win Club seats to a Cleveland Browns home game

SALLIE MAETM STUDENT LOANS

Get the money you need to help make higher education happen.

Cardinal Credit Union partners with Sallie Mae to offer student loans for undergraduates, graduate students, and parents borrowing for a degree-seeking student. These flexible loans are designed to support your academic goals with competitive rates and repayment options.

Learn More About Student Loans

Loan Highlights Include:

  • Competitive fixed and variable interest rates
  • No origination fees or prepayment penalties for degree-granting institutions
  • Multiple repayment options to fit your timeline

REFER A FRIEND

Don’t gatekeep the great rates and perks with Cardinal! Refer a friend to open a SmartStart Checking Account and score a $25 cash reward when they sign up.

Highlights:

  • You and your friend each get a $25 reward
  • Easy way to boost your account balance, together

REAL ACCOUNTS. REAL LEARNING.

Cardinal believes financial education is a critical part to help students and young adults develop positive, lifelong habits. That’s why we offer our “Real Accounts. Real Learning.” program, an 8-week course taught in partner schools that teaches students about financial literacy and savvy money management.

Get ready for a crash course in financial wellness. From online banking to investments and crypto, scams to savings, you’ll learn how to handle real-world money moves with confidence. Our financial wellness course is interactive, hands-on, and taught by pros who get what students actually need.

Learn how to budget, use credit wisely, spot fraud, and even start investing for your future. It all helps you make smart money choices now so you’re ready for whatever’s next.

Learn More

Real Accounts. Real Learning.

is currently offered at these schools: Eastlake North High School, Lake Catholic High School, Mentor High School, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin High School, and Willoughby South High School.

Financial Tools for Ages 12 and Under

If you don’t meet the age requirements for our SmartStart programs, see the wide range of financial tools, services, and education for children ages 13 and younger featuring our Lil’ Brownies Youth Savings Account.

Learn More
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