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Choosing the right high yield savings account credit union can be a daunting task, but it's worth the effort to secure a safe and lucrative place for your savings.
High yield savings account credit unions offer significantly higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, with some rates reaching up to 2.5% APY.
To find the best credit union for you, consider factors such as membership requirements, fees, and minimum balance requirements.
A good credit union will have low or no fees, making it easier to keep your savings intact.
Some credit unions offer rewards programs or other perks that can boost your savings even further.
Look for credit unions with a strong reputation and a history of stability, as they are more likely to offer reliable service.
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What Is an Account?
A high yield savings account is a type of deposit account offered by credit unions or banks. You can deposit money into it whenever you want.
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You can make deposits in various ways, including check deposits, cash deposits, one-time or automatic transfers, and direct deposit. Check deposits can be made in branch, at an ATM, or through Mobile Deposit. Cash deposits can be made at a branch or ATM.
Here are some common ways to make deposits:
- Check deposits (in branch, at an ATM, or through Mobile Deposit)
- Cash deposits (at a branch or ATM)
- One-time or automatic transfers (through Digital Banking)
- Direct deposit
Your balance in a high yield savings account earns dividends, which are paid monthly into your account.
Benefits and Features
A high yield savings account credit union is a great way to grow your savings, and one of the biggest benefits is the rate, which is typically very competitive and significantly higher than a traditional savings account.
You can earn a higher rate of return with a high yield savings account credit union, with some rates reaching as high as 4.00% APY.
One of the best things about high yield savings accounts is the flexibility of the account. You can typically make withdrawals from your account as needed, unlike share certificates (CDs) which require you to keep your money in your account for a set period of time.
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With a high yield savings account credit union, you can enjoy free services such as mobile and online banking, as well as free online eStatements.
Here are some of the benefits and features of a high yield savings account credit union:
Requirements and Limitations
To open a high yield savings account with a credit union, you'll need to meet some basic requirements. A minimum balance of $1 is typically required to earn dividends.
If you're using a specific credit union's high yield savings account, like Credit Union 1, you'll need to keep a balance of at least $1 to accrue interest. Keeping your balance higher than this minimum will help you grow your savings over time.
You'll also want to be mindful of the account limitations. For example, some accounts may only allow three withdrawals per calendar month, with a fee assessed for each excess withdrawal.
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Requirements for High Yield Account
To open a high yield savings account, you'll need to meet certain requirements.
Most accounts will have a minimum balance required to earn dividends, so you'll need to keep a certain amount of money in your account.
For some accounts, like Credit Union 1's, the minimum balance is just $1.
Keeping your balance higher than the minimum will ensure you can continue to grow your savings.
You'll need to check the specific requirements for the account you're interested in, as they may vary.
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Account Limitations
Account Limitations are something to keep in mind when choosing a savings account. You're allowed no more than three withdrawals from the Everyday Account w/ High-Yield Savings during any calendar month.
If you exceed this limit, you'll be charged a $15.00 fee for each instance. This fee is applied at the time of occurrence, so it's essential to plan your withdrawals accordingly.
The Everyday Account w/ High-Yield Savings has a 60-day funding requirement. If your account isn't funded within this time frame, it will automatically be closed.
To avoid a $10.00 monthly fee, you'll need to meet one of the following requirements: maintain a $500 daily minimum balance, make a $500 external, digital deposit, or enroll in electronic statements.
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Choosing the Right Account
To choose the right high yield savings account credit union, consider your financial goals and needs. You can use a high yield savings account for any savings goal, from building an emergency fund to saving for a short-term goal like a vacation.
Some credit unions offer competitive rates, such as Georgia United Credit Union's High Earning Savings Account, which earns up to 3.50% APY*. Others, like Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) Primary Savings, offer a strong APY on small balances.
When selecting a credit union, think about the minimum balance requirements. For example, Credit Union 1's high yield savings accounts require a minimum balance of $1 to earn dividends. On the other hand, Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) Primary Savings has a $5 minimum deposit and no monthly fees.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a high yield savings account credit union:
- APY: Look for credit unions with competitive rates, such as Georgia United Credit Union's High Earning Savings Account or Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) Primary Savings.
- Minimum balance requirements: Consider credit unions with low or no minimum balance requirements, such as Credit Union 1 or Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) Primary Savings.
- Fees: Opt for credit unions with no monthly fees or low fees, such as Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) Primary Savings.
Best for All
A high yield savings account is a versatile option that can be used for any savings goal. It can help you reach your goals sooner by earning dividends at a faster rate than traditional savings accounts.
You can use a high yield savings account to save for short-term goals like a vacation, a new car, or a wedding. This type of account will give you the best return on your money.
A high yield savings account is also a great place to have an emergency fund because you can grow your savings while still having access to your money.
DCU Primary
DCU Primary is a solid option for those with small savings goals. You can earn a 6.17% APY on up to $1,000.
The APY drops significantly for balances over $1,000, so it's worth considering opening another savings account if you're planning to save a larger amount. This way, you can continue to earn high returns.
To open a DCU Primary Savings account, you'll need to join the credit union, which can be done through various means, including being a relative of a current member or working for one of DCU's participating employers.
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Once you're a member, you can open an account with just $5. There are no monthly fees, which is a big plus.
You can also get an ATM card, which can be used at any DCU or CO-OP ATM across the U.S.
Here are some key features of the DCU Primary Savings account:
Overall, DCU Primary is a great option for those with small savings goals, offering a strong APY and low minimum deposit requirement.
Affinity Federal Credit Union
Affinity Federal Credit Union offers a solid option for those who want to save without breaking the bank. Their SmartStart Savings account earns a 4.00% APY on the first $10,000, with a dividend rate of 1.00% thereafter.
This account has no balance minimum, which is a huge plus for those who are just starting out. You'll also get free access to up to 6 withdrawals or transfers per statement cycle, with no monthly fees.
However, there is a $2 monthly fee if you opt for paper statements instead of e-statements. And, if you don't have a checking account, you won't get an ATM card, which might be a drawback for some.
Despite these limitations, SmartStart Savings is a great option for those who want to save without a large deposit. According to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, the median transaction account balance is just $5,300, which is well below the $10,000 limit on this account.
Here's a quick summary of the benefits and drawbacks of Affinity Federal Credit Union's SmartStart Savings account:
Overall, Affinity Federal Credit Union's SmartStart Savings account is a solid choice for those who want to save without a large deposit and want to earn a decent interest rate.
Online High Yield Accounts
Online high yield accounts are a great option for those who want a convenient online account that earns a great rate. You can easily open an account online, in person, or over the phone, and have access to your money as needed.
Credit Union 1 offers a high yield savings account with no minimum balance to open and no monthly service fees, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free experience. Their account pays a highly competitive rate, so you can grow your savings quickly.
If you're looking for a high yield online savings account, Quorum Federal Credit Union's HighQ Savings Account is a great choice. It offers a 4.00% APY, no minimum balance, and no monthly fees. You can also make up to 6 free withdrawals or transfers per statement cycle.
Here are some key features of high yield online savings accounts:
High-Yield Online
High-Yield Online accounts offer flexibility and convenience. You can open a high yield savings account online, in person at your local branch, and over the phone. This makes it easy to manage your account and access your money when you need it.
Credit unions like KeyPoint Credit Union offer high-yield online savings accounts that pay a highly competitive rate. Their Ultra Savings account has a great APY on all balances. If you're looking for a convenient online account that earns a great rate, a high-yield online savings account is a great option.
If you're on a tight budget, a high-yield online savings account can help you grow your savings while keeping your money accessible. You can make withdrawals as needed, making it a great place to have an emergency fund.
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KeyPoint Credit Union
KeyPoint Credit Union is a great option for those looking for a high-yield savings account. They offer an Ultra Savings account with a 4.85% APY.
You'll need to make a minimum deposit of $1,000 to open the account, but after that, you're free to manage your money without worrying about monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
One of the perks of Ultra Savings is that you can earn a high APY on all balances, not just a specific balance threshold. This means you can earn interest on your entire savings, no matter how much you have.
You can also get an ATM card for your savings account, making it easy to access your money when you need it. KeyPoint has a locator tool to help you find your closest ATM.
To join KeyPoint Credit Union, you can enroll with The Financial Fitness Association (FFA) when you sign up for Ultra Savings, and KeyPoint will even pay the $8 membership fee for the first year.
Here are the key details about Ultra Savings:
- 4.85% APY
- $1,000 minimum deposit to open
- No monthly fees
- No minimum balance to maintain
- Up to 6 free withdrawals or transfers per statement cycle
Everyday Savings
High yield savings accounts are a great way to grow your savings over time. You can earn up to 3.50% APY with some credit unions, like Georgia United Credit Union's High Earning Savings Account.
To qualify for the best rates, you may need to maintain a high balance or make regular deposits. For example, Credit Union 1's high yield savings account has a rate of 3.50% APY for balances over $25,000.
One of the benefits of a high yield savings account is the flexibility to make withdrawals as needed. This is different from share certificates (CDs), which require you to keep your money locked in the account for a set period of time.
You can use a high yield savings account for any savings goal, such as building an emergency fund or saving for a short-term goal like a vacation. Credit Union 1's high yield savings account has no minimum balance to open and no monthly service fees.
Some high yield savings accounts also offer free withdrawals and transfers. For example, Quorum Federal Credit Union's HighQ Savings Account allows up to 6 free withdrawals or transfers per statement cycle.
Here are some key features of high yield savings accounts from credit unions:
Pros and Cons
A high yield savings account credit union can be a great option for those looking to earn a strong return on their savings. One of the biggest advantages is the strong APY with no cap, which means you can earn a higher interest rate without worrying about reaching a maximum limit.
You can also enjoy no minimum deposit requirement, making it easy to get started. Plus, there are no monthly fees if you sign up for e-statements, which is a great way to save even more money.
Here are some of the key benefits of a high yield savings account credit union:
- Strong APY with no cap
- No minimum deposit
- No monthly fees if you sign up for e-statements
- Offers checking account and ATM access
What Will I Be Worth
With this savings account, your earnings will depend on your balance and whether you meet the qualifying deposit requirement. If you deposit $100 or more in a month, you'll earn a 3.50% APY.
The account is tiered, so if you don't meet the deposit requirement, your earnings will be based on your balance. Balances $9,999.99 or below earn 0.10% APY, while balances $10,000.00 to $24,999.99 earn 1.75% APY.
If you have a balance of $25,000.00 or more, you'll earn 3.50% APY, which is the highest rate. To avoid service fees, you'll need to maintain a minimum balance of $5.00 in the account.
Fees may reduce your earnings, and you'll be charged a $5.00 fee per month if your balance falls below $5.00. You'll also be charged a $5.00 fee per withdrawal if you exceed the two free withdrawals per month.
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Pros
The pros of this account are definitely worth mentioning. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:
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You can earn a strong APY with no cap, which means your money can grow without any limits. This is a great feature for those who want to save and earn interest without worrying about hitting a cap.
There's no minimum deposit required to open an account, making it accessible to anyone. This is perfect for those who want to start small or don't have a lot of money to invest.
Signing up for e-statements can help you avoid monthly fees, which is a big plus. It's always a good idea to opt for digital statements to stay organized and save some cash.
You'll also have access to a checking account and ATMs, which is convenient for managing your finances on the go. This feature is a must-have for those who need to deposit or withdraw cash regularly.
More Savings Options
If you're looking to save big, the credit union's top savings rates are a great place to start. You can earn a high APY with minimal effort.
To qualify for the top rates, simply maintain a high balance or regularly deposit money into your account. This can be as little as $100 per month.
The APY for balances less than $25,000, with monthly net deposits of $100+, is 3.50%. This is a great option for those who want to save consistently.
For those with higher balances, the APY remains the same at 3.50% for balances $25,000 or more.
If you have a smaller balance, you can still earn a decent APY. For balances $10,000 - $24,999.99, the APY is 1.75%.
For smaller balances, the APY is lower but still worth considering. For balances less than $10,000, the APY is 0.10%.
Here's a quick reference guide to the credit union's savings rates:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bank gives 7% interest on savings?
Unfortunately, no banks currently offer 7% APY on savings accounts. However, some credit unions may offer higher rates on checking accounts, so be sure to review the terms and conditions.
How much will $1,000 make in a high-yield savings account?
You can earn a minimum of about $45 in interest on a $1,000 deposit in a high-yield savings account with a 4.50% APY or higher, but rates can be higher with some accounts. Interest rates vary, but with rates between 4.00% and 5.00%, you can earn even more.
Sources
- https://www.creditunion1.org/learn/cu1-education/what-is-a-high-yield-savings-account/
- https://www.iccu.com/accounts/savings/high-yield-online-savings/
- https://www.cuofco.org/high-yield-savings
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/best-credit-union-savings-accounts/
- https://gucu.org/bank/savings/high-earning-savings-account
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