Youth Accounts

$mart Start Checking

Everyone’s got to start somewhere! If you’re looking to open your child’s first checking account, or just want a basic checking option for them, $mart Start Checking is for you!

Our $mart Start Checking Account is FREE (no monthly service charge) and comes with no minimum required balance.
To open a $mart Start Checking Account, your child must be 13 years or older and all you need is a $50 deposit and two forms of ID.

Credit union membership comes with real perks for your child—such as lower interest rates on future loans, higher yields on savings, free financial counseling, and much more!

Visit your nearest SWLACU branch to apply for a youth $mart Start checking.

$mart Start Savings 

It’s never too early to teach smart saving. We offer a way to open a savings account for a minor that allows them to begin saving for the future and practicing smart saving habits.

What you need to know

A minor share account opened by an adult as an irrevocable gift to the minor (any child under the age of 22). The adult (custodian) must sign the signature card representing the minor. He/she is responsible for any and all transactions relating to this account.

• An original or copy of the minor’s Social Security card must be presented at the time of opening the account

• Minimum opening deposit of $25

• Minimum required balance of $25

Visit your nearest SWLACU branch to apply for a youth $mart Start Savings. 

Lucky Lagniappe Savings

We’re making it easier than ever to save with a no-risk prize-linked savings account that allows your child to win up to $5,000! Set aside just $20 per month and they will be entered automatically to win monthly, quarterly and yearly prizes. 

• Open a Lucky Lagniappe Savings account. It only takes a $5.00 deposit to start. 

• Each time you or your child deposits $20.00, they will earn one entry (up to 5 times per month) into monthly cash prizes worth up to $100.00 and quarterly prizes worth up to $1,000.00.

• Save all year with no more than two withdrawals and they could be the lucky winner of $5,000.00

SWLA Credit Union Prizes:

• 3 Monthly Prizes of $50.00 each

• 2 Quarterly Prizes of $100.00 each

• 1 Annual Prize of $500.00

Statewide prizes:

• 10 Monthly Prizes of $100.00 each

• 2 Quarterly Prizes of $1,000.00 each

• 1 Special Drawing for $1,000.00

• 1 Yearly Grand Prize of $5,000.00

*This account offers no monthly fees. You and your child must be Southwest Louisiana Credit Union members to open.

VISIT YOUR NEAREST SWLACU BRANCH TO APPLY FOR A YOUTH LUCKY LAGNIAPPE SAVINGS.

Student Achievement Rewards Program

Students (under the age of 18) can earn Smart Star Bucks for good grades, school attendance, good behavior and other achievements! Students can redeem their Smart Star Bucks for prizes and money in their savings or checking account!

Ways to Earn Smart Star Bucks:

Visit your nearest SWLACU branch to open a savings or checking account and begin earning smart star bucks!*

*Must be a member of Southwest Louisiana Credit Union to participate in the Southwest Smart Star program. Students must be saving a minimum of $30 quarterly in order to participate in the program. Accounts must be open and active.