SmartStart Banking

Your financial future starts here     

SmartStart Banking is designed exclusively for teens and young adults ages 13-22, providing the tools and support needed to pave the path to financial independence. Easily manage money with modern banking conveniences backed by the trusted, local expertise Pioneer is known for.


NO MONTHLY SERVICE FEE

ATM FEE BENEFITS

INSTANT ISSUE DEBIT CARD

MOBILE APP, CHECK DEPOSIT, & DIGITAL WALLET

ACCOUNT ALERTS & CARD PROTECTION

ONLINE BANKING & BILL PAY

PAIRS WITH POCKET CHANGE SAVINGS TOOL


Visit any location in our branch network to open a checking account and start banking with confidence today.

Find a Branch Near You


SmartStart Banking Features:












Opening An Account:

Teen (Age 13-17)

  • $5 minimum to open account
  • Adult 18+ (parent/guardian preferred) and teen required to be present for joint checking account opening
  • Both adult and teen must provide valid photo identification (Drivers License, Drivers permit, NYS photo ID, passport) and proof of address at account opening.  If teen age 13-17 does not have photo ID, they may provide their social security card along with their birth certificate

Young Adult (Age 18-22)

  • $5 minimum to open account
  • Young adult can open account individually or with co-owner
  • Both adult and young adult must provide valid photo identification (Drivers License, Drivers permit, NYS photo ID, passport) and proof of address at account opening
  • Once account owner turns 23, account will automatically be converted to Essential Banking











1. Only Pioneer’s $1.00 fee for external ATM withdrawal is waived; fees from other banks associated with the transaction will be reimbursed via a credit of up to $15 per statement cycle. International ATM withdrawal fees may apply.
2. You must be registered to use Pioneer's free Online Banking Service and Mobile Banking. Third party messaging and data rates may apply. Sign up here!
3. Bill Pay may not be used to pay the IRS, state & local taxing authorities, government agencies, or court-ordered payments. Other payments may be excluded.
4. Enrollment in the Pocket Change program is free with eligible Pioneer Checking and Savings accounts. Checking account terms and conditions apply, including applicable fees. See checking account terms and conditions for more information.
5. Overdraft Protection is not available for SmartStart accounts.  While this account prevents you from overdrawing in most cases, we will decline or return transactions when you do not have enough money in your account to cover the charge. However, there may be times when your account could have a negative balance if, for example, a transaction is approved for one amount, but then the actual charge is more than what you have in your account, i.e. adding a tip at a restaurant after the transaction for the meal was already approved. Even if a transaction results in a negative balance, Pioneer will not charge an overdraft fee. You must promptly repay all overdrafts.