First Texas Bank has introduced the FREEDOM Checking Account, a financial product designed to support first responders, military members, nurses and educators. This initiative underscores the bank's emphasis on community engagement.

Account features

The account offers several key features intended to provide financial benefits to its users, some of which include the following:
  • No minimum balance
  • No monthly service charge
  • Unlimited transactions
  • No non-sufficient funds fee
  • Free first order of checks
  • Free 3x5 safe deposit box
“This account has allowed us to demonstrate our commitment to supporting our community,” President & CEO Alexis Michael said. “Our slogan for this new product is, ‘community heroes, meet your community bank.’ This is a small token of our ability to give back to those who give so much and alleviate some of their financial stress.”

Michael shared a personal connection to the initiative.

“I’m the wife of a first responder, one of our executives is married to a teacher and we have [other employees] who are married to first responders including military and medical personnel. We understand firsthand [how much these community heroes do], so it means a lot to us to recognize those who give so much,” she said.

Family who got a checking account at a bank in Austin

Commitment to community banking

With a history spanning over 125 years in Central Texas, First Texas Bank maintains a business model centered on community banking and relationship building.

“Even though banking may be evolving, people still want to talk to a real person. They still want to have a relationship with their banker, and we've never strayed from that,” Michael said. “We are a true community bank, focused on building relationships and supporting our community partners.”

Positive community feedback

First Texas Bank representatives actively engaged with local fire stations, police departments, nursing organizations and teacher groups to introduce the account, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

“The account has been very well received by the community, and our goal right now is to let our community heroes know that we're here to support them with a fee-free account option," Michael said.

Fire fighters in Austin

Simple account opening process

The process for eligible individuals to open a FREEDOM Checking Account is designed to be straightforward. Applicants must provide two forms of identification and proof of eligibility as a first responder, military member, nurse or educator. Accounts can be opened online, with subsequent completion of documents in person or via e-sign, or by visiting a banking center to meet with a personal banker.

Broader community support

Beyond the FREEDOM Checking Account, First Texas Bank emphasizes its broader role as a community partner. The bank supports numerous local nonprofits focused on serving economically disadvantaged groups, youth, veterans and local schools and booster clubs.

“It's important that every one of our marketing dollars goes back into our local communities,” Michael said. “We're not just a bank. We're not just a place where people put their money. We are a true community partner. That's what's important to us.”

For those interested in opening a FREEDOM Checking Account, click here to learn more.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.