Southland News

What is a rewards checking account? Earn debit card rewards on everyday purchases

August 12, 2026

Debit card rewards are less common than credit card rewards, but they do exist. These programs let you earn points on qualifying purchases using money directly from your checking account.

At Southland, we offer debit card points through our Enjoy! Rewards Checking account. Here’s how it works.

How do debit card points work?

With our Enjoy! Rewards debit card, you earn one point for every $3 spent on qualifying purchases.

You can also choose three categories in which you will earn 3X points:

    • Groceries

    • Gas

    • Utilities and subscriptions

    • Restaurants

    • Travel

Choosing categories that match your regular spending can help you earn more points without changing how much you spend.

What can you do with debit card points?

Enjoy! Rewards points can be redeemed in several ways, including:

    • Cash back

    • Gift cards

    • Travel and experiences

    • Merchandise

    • Fuel at participating Shell stations

    • Donations

    • Refunds on select fees

You can view your points balance and redeem rewards through Digital Banking

How are debit card rewards different from credit card rewards?

Both programs let you earn rewards from purchases, but the payment methods work differently.

A credit card uses borrowed funds that must be repaid. A debit card draws money directly from your checking account. If you prefer to spend from your available balance, a rewards debit card provides a way to earn points without relying on credit.

If you also have an eligible Enjoy! Rewards credit card, you can combine the points earned with both cards.

What else comes with Enjoy! Rewards Checking?

Debit card points are one of several account benefits. Enjoy! Rewards Checking also includes:

    • Get paid up to two days early with direct deposit1

    • Up to $20 per month in ATM fee rebates when qualifications are met

    • Access to nearly 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs

    • No minimum opening deposit

    • Multiple ways to waive the $5 monthly service fee

Is a rewards debit card right for you?

A rewards debit card may be worth considering if you already use debit for most purchases and want to earn points without borrowing money.

Before choosing an account, review how points are earned, which purchases qualify, how rewards can be redeemed and whether account fees apply. It is also important to choose a program that rewards the types of purchases you regularly make.

Get rewarded from day one. Qualifying Members who open an Enjoy! Rewards Checking account and have qualifying direct deposits will get a limited-time $300 bonus.2

Learn more about our Enjoy! Rewards debit card program.

1. Direct deposit: Early access depends on the timing of the submission of the deposit from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the deposit is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

2. Membership is subject to eligibility. All new accounts will be verified through ChexSystems and are subject to approval. Additional terms, rates, conditions, restrictions and fees may apply. 

To qualify for the 30,000 bonus points, Member must open a new Enjoy! Rewards Checking account and receive qualifying direct deposit totaling $1,500 or more per month for three consecutive months within 90 days of account opening. Direct deposit must be an electronic deposit of payroll, pension, Social Security or other qualifying recurring income from a third-party employer or government agency directly into the account. Transfers between accounts, person-to-person payments, mobile deposits, ATM deposits, branch deposits and other non-payroll deposits do not qualify.

Bonus points have a stated Member value of $300 and will be credited within 10 business days after all qualifying requirements are met.

Offer is available only to Members who do not currently have an Enjoy! Rewards Checking account. Enjoy! Rewards Checking accounts opened on or after 7/1/26. Account conversions are not eligible. Limit one promotional bonus per Member. Account must remain open and in good standing at the time bonus points are credited.

New Enjoy! Rewards Checking is not eligible for bonus if an Enjoy! Rewards Checking was closed within the previous 12 months. Business accounts are not eligible for Enjoy! Rewards Checking, Enjoy Rewards or bonus points. Offer is subject to change without notice. Offer is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Enjoy! Rewards: Enjoy! Rewards Checking and/or an Enjoy! Rewards Visa® Platinum credit card is required to participate in the Enjoy! Rewards program. Program conditions and restrictions may apply. Not available on all Southland Visa cards.

Enjoy! Rewards Checking: $5 monthly service fee waived and up to $20 of ATM fee rebates paid when monthly qualifications of direct deposit, one bill pay or 10 debit card transactions per month are met. $5 paper statement fee waived for Members with eStatements or over 65.

Points: You’ll earn points on purchases of products and services, minus returns or refunds, made with an Enjoy! Rewards debit card. Debit card purchases earn one point per every three (3) dollars of each qualifying transaction. Enjoy your way – Earn 3X Points (1 base point plus 2 bonus points) per every three (3) dollars of each qualifying transaction for the three categories you choose. These include retailer/service providers whose Visa Merchant Category Code (MCC) is classified as grocery (5300,5411 and 5499), utility (4814, 4816, 4899 and 4900), gas (5541, 5542 and 5552), restaurants (5812 and 5814) and travel (4511, 7011, 7512/3000-3308, 4722, 4111, 4121 and 4131). Additional points accumulated for other banking relationships, products and services. For complete details, refer to Enjoy! Rewards Program Terms and Conditions at SouthlandCU.org/enjoy. Offer is subject to change without notice.
 
ATM and Digital Banking: Unlimited FREE ATM Transactions at Southland Network ATMs, which includes all Southland and CO-OP® ATMs. Use of an out of network ATM will result in a $3.00 withdrawal fee, per transaction and inquiry, and possible third-party surcharges. Web/App access is needed to use Digital Banking. You may be charged access rates depending on your carrier. Check with your service provider for details on specific fees and charges. Some restrictions may apply. Mobile Deposits are available to Members in good standing only.