There's no minimum to open and no minimum to keep in the account.
Actually this is not exactly true. You must open and keep a savings account with a minimum of $100. The checking account has no minimum, but you must open a savings account to open a checking account.
I have been with AFCU for 6+ years now. It is good if you live in NYC. All the ATMs at McDonalds are free.
Some important Cons:
-When your ATM/check card expires and they send you a new one, they NEVER update the expiration date in the computer. So you try to use it and it gets rejected until you figure it out and call the bank. This has happened to me each time I have gotten a new card.
-Branch locations: there are 2 in NYC. One at AEA and one at the musicians' union, I believe. This has never been too serious an issue for me. But sometimes weeks can go by before I would have a chance to make it to Times Square during banking hours.
-They do not mail you a hard copy of interested earned for taxes. You need to download it through the website for your records. (Which I neglected to do for 2007 and the IRS caught me)
Some important Pros:
-low fees compared to other banks. (99 cents for using another ATM, very reasonable minimum balance)
-the online banking is pretty user friendly. I have not had much opportunity to use the new BillPay but the old BillPay was pretty simple and very reliable.
-the eMax savings account actually offers you interest! It is on a tiered scale depending on qualifications you met, but when the stock market is loosing money, it's nice to see my balance grow even if it baby steps.
-I have had many bad experiences with larger banks and I like being a part of a smaller bank/ credit union. I feel less like a number and more like someone will help me if I need it.