Platinum Choice Checking: $50,000+ Balance Benefits
Platinum Choice Checking is Associated Bank's premium account tier for customers with $50,000+ in combined relationship balances. It provides higher interest rates, unlimited ATM fee refunds, a $100 overdraft grace zone, annual financial reviews and enhanced digital banking tools. Benefits activate automatically when your total balance across checking, savings, HSA and investment accounts averages over $50,000 in a single month.
Associated Bank's Platinum Choice checking benefits kick in when your total relationship balance averages over $50,000. These aren't just small perks; they're money-saving features that add real value to accounts that have outgrown basic banking.
What qualifies you for platinum choice
You'll need an Associated Choice Checking account as your foundation. Then, Associated Bank reviews your total relationship balance across all your accounts.
Your relationship balance includes Choice checking, personal checking accounts, savings accounts, health savings accounts, and select investment accounts with Associated Bank.
When this combined balance averages more than $50,000 in one month, Platinum Choice benefits activate automatically.
Premium checking account comparison
| Account type | Monthly fee | Key features | Balance requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associated Access | Varies | Basic banking | Lower minimums |
| Associated Balanced | Varies | Mid-tier benefits | Moderate balances |
| Associated Choice | Varies | Enhanced features | Higher balances |
| Platinum Choice | Enhanced benefits | Premium tier | $50,000+ relationship |
Most banks charge monthly maintenance fees averaging $13.51, costing customers $162 annually. Platinum Choice helps you avoid these common banking costs while earning more on your money.
5 Platinum Choice Checking benefits that save money
1. Higher interest rates on your accounts
The national average for checking account interest sits at just 0.07% APY as of March 2026. Platinum Choice provides enhanced rates and bonus offers on your checking, select savings and money market accounts.
A $75,000 balance earning higher rates than the national average could mean hundreds more in your pocket each year. Your money works harder while staying accessible.
2. Unlimited ATM fee refunds anywhere
Out-of-network ATM fees now average $4.64 per transaction. Heavy users can face substantial annual ATM charges.
Platinum Choice refunds every surcharge from non-Associated Bank ATMs. Use any machine anywhere without watching fees pile up.
3. $100 overdraft protection buffer
Miscalculations happen. With average overdraft fees hitting $30.82 per occurrence, one mistake costs significant money.
Platinum Choice gives you a $100 overdraft grace zone. If your account goes negative by $100 or less, Associated Bank waives the overdraft fee entirely.
4. Personal financial wellness review
Managing substantial assets requires a strategy. Platinum Choice includes an annual financial wellness review with experienced personal bankers.
They'll examine your complete financial picture and suggest opportunities to organize your banking relationships and reach your goals faster.
5. Better digital banking tools
Seventy-six percent of adults in the United States use mobile banking apps. Platinum Choice enhances your digital access with expanded features and greater account flexibility.
Monitor and manage all your accounts from anywhere with premium digital tools designed for active account holders.
How much you could save annually
The numbers add up fast when you avoid common banking fees:
- Monthly maintenance fees: Save up to $162 yearly
- ATM surcharges: Heavy users may save substantially on fees annually
- Overdraft fees: Each avoided fee saves $30.82
- Enhanced earnings: Potential for hundreds more in interest above national averages.
For customers with $50,000+ in banking relationships, these savings may exceed $500 annually while providing better service and convenience.
How to open platinum choice checking
Account requirements
- Active Associated Choice Checking account
- $50,000+ average monthly relationship balance
- Qualifying accounts include personal checking, savings, HSA and select investments
Timeline for benefits
Benefits activate the month after you reach the $50,000 threshold. Track your progress through Associated Bank Digital or speak with a personal banker to efficiently combine accounts.
Required documentation
Opening additional accounts to reach the threshold requires standard banking documentation:
- Valid government-issued ID
- Social Security number
- Initial deposit for new accounts
- Proof of address.
Your money's safety and growth
The FDIC insures deposits up to $250,000 per ownership category at each bank. Since 1933, no depositor has lost FDIC-insured funds.
For customers with substantial balances, Platinum Choice provides both security and growth potential that basic accounts can't match.
Who should choose Premium Checking?
Premium checking accounts work best when you actively use the benefits. If you frequently travel, maintain substantial balances, or want higher earnings on accessible funds, the $50,000 threshold pays for itself.
Credit unions and premium bank accounts increasingly outperform basic checking in customer satisfaction and financial value. Platinum Choice positions your money for both convenience and growth.
Start banking to your full potential
Your checking account should match your financial progress. When your balances have grown beyond basic banking needs, Platinum Choice gives you the tools and benefits that serious savers expect.
Stop paying fees that premium customers avoid. Stop earning minimal interest on substantial balances. Stop settling for basic service when your banking relationship qualifies for much more.
Ready to see what your money can do?
Open an Associated Choice Checking account today and start building toward Platinum Choice benefits. Your financial future deserves banking that works as hard as you do.
Key takeaways
- Platinum Choice activates when your average relationship balance hits $50,000 across all Associated Bank accounts.
- You'll earn higher interest rates on checking and savings accounts compared to national averages.
- Every ATM surcharge from non-Associated machines is automatically refunded, with no daily limit.
- Your account includes a $100 overdraft buffer—you won't pay fees if you go negative by $100 or less.
- An annual financial wellness review with a personal banker helps you organize your complete banking picture.
Platinum Choice Checking Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I qualify for Platinum Choice?
You need an Associated Choice Checking account and a $50,000+ average monthly balance across all your Associated Bank accounts combined. This includes personal checking, savings, money market, health savings accounts, and select investment accounts. You can check your total relationship balance through Associated Bank Digital or ask a personal banker to help you get there.
What happens if my balance drops below $50,000?
Your Platinum Choice benefits continue as long as your average monthly relationship balance stays above $50,000. If it dips below that threshold for a month, your benefits pause. Once your balance climbs back above $50,000 the following month, Platinum benefits reactivate automatically with no reapplication needed.
Are there any monthly fees for Platinum Choice?
No monthly maintenance fee applies to Platinum Choice accounts. You also avoid the ATM surcharges that pile up for basic account holders and escape overdraft fees within your $100 grace zone. The account is designed to save money, not cost you extra.
How quickly do the benefits activate after I reach $50,000?
Benefits turn on the month after you first reach a $50,000 average relationship balance. If you hit the threshold in June, you'll start earning enhanced rates and getting ATM refunds in July. Track your progress through digital banking or speak with your personal banker about the best way to combine your accounts.
Can I use any ATM and still get refunds?
Yes. The unlimited ATM fee refund covers any non-Associated Bank machine anywhere in the country. Whether you're at a grocery store, convenience store, or traveling out of state, every surcharge gets refunded automatically. You'll see the refund process in your account statement.
What's included in the annual financial wellness review?
Your personal banker will examine all your Associated Bank accounts and discuss your financial goals. They'll identify ways to position your money better, suggest account combinations that work for you, and help you plan for what comes next. This review is included with your Platinum Choice benefits at no additional cost.
You must meet and maintain enhanced Choice Checking benefit tier qualifications for Platinum Choice, Emerald Choice, or Emerald Private Choice, listed on the Associated Choice Checking Product Disclosure, to obtain enhanced benefits. Calculations are completed at the end of the calendar month, if qualifications are met benefits will start within 45 calendar days. (1419)
You must meet and maintain enhanced Choice Checking benefit tier qualifications for Platinum Choice, Emerald Choice or Emerald Private Choice, listed on the Associated Choice Checking Product Disclosure, to obtain enhanced rates on Associated Choice Checking, Associated Relationship Savings, and Select Money Market accounts. For current rates, refer to an Associated Bank Deposit Account Rates Sheet or ask a banker for more information. (1415)
Associated Bank and MoneyPass® ATM use is free for Associated Bank customers. ATM owners outside of the Associated and MoneyPass networks may charge a fee. Associated Bank may charge a fee for using an out-of-network ATM. International fees may apply. Review your account disclosure and fee schedule for more details. MoneyPass is a registered trademark of Fiserv Solutions, LLC or its affiliates. (1206)
Overdraft grace zone – An Overdraft Fee will not be charged if account is overdrawn $50 or less for most personal checking accounts. For eligible Associated Choice Checking customers, no overdraft fee will be charged if account is overdrawn $100 or less for Platinum Choice, or $250 or less for Emerald Choice, and no overdraft fees will be charged for Emerald Private Choice. If an overdraft is paid by Associated Bank, a deposit must be made to bring the account back to a positive balance. Regular account requirements and fees for overdrafts will otherwise apply. Overdraft Protection Transfer service links your checking account with your other accounts at Associated Bank, including another checking account, savings account, money market account, Consumer Credit Card, Checking Reserve Line of Credit or Premier Line of Credit. There is no fee for this service, for more details on transaction limits and terms and conditions of these products, please refer to the Consumer Deposit Account Fee Schedule, applicable Checking Product Disclosure, What You Need to Know About Overdrafts and Overdraft Fees, Understanding Overdrafts and Your Options to Manage Fees or the Deposit Account Agreement. (1068)
For Platinum Choice, Emerald Choice or Emerald Private Choice customers, when you meet and maintain the benefit tier qualifications, listed on the Associated Choice Checking Product Disclosure, you will receive an annual financial wellness review. Appointments are required to experience this benefit, and all customers may schedule a financial wellness review. AB-C and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult with your advisors regarding your individual situation. (1429)
Associated Bank does not charge a fee to download our digital applications; however, transactional fees may apply. Carrier message and data rates may apply, check your carrier’s plan for details. Visit AssociatedBank.com/disclosures for Terms and Conditions for your service. (1406)
Investment, Securities and Insurance Products:
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