Credit unions are similar to banks in that they usually offer the same basic financial services to customers, including savings accounts. Although they may not have as many branches or the extensive set of features big banks do, credit unions may offer higher interest rates for theirsavings accounts, which means a bigger payout for storing your money over time.
Not all credit unions are available to the public, however, as most are created specifically for certain groups. These may include federal employees, educators, military, or employees who work at specific organizations.
It’s important to first understand how credit unions work before applying for any type of account. Learn the differences between savings accounts at credit unions and savings accounts at banks, and the options that are available.
Note
- You may pay lower fees and get a higher savings yield if you open an account with a credit union instead of a bank.
- Credit unions require memberships in order to open a savings account.
- No matter the institution, high-yield savings accounts may offer higher interest rates than regular savings accounts, though they may have other requirements.
Credit Union Savings Account Basics
Savings accounts at credit unions work the same way as bank savings accounts. You deposit funds in the account, which is insured by a government body and earns interest in return for you letting the financial institution use the money. At a credit union, these interest payments are called dividends. The more you deposit, the more interest you accrue.
Yields
The rate of interest you earn on your savings, taking into account compounding, is called the annual percentage yield (APY). It varies depending on the credit union and other factors. Many credit unions pay higher interest rates on savings accounts than banks. Better rates are one way that credit union profits are distributed to members. But you’ll want to look at individual banks and credit unions to find the best savings account interest rates.
Different types of savings accounts may have different interest rates. For example, high yield savings accounts usually have higher interest rates thanregular savings accounts. However, these accounts may require a larger opening deposit or ongoing balance.
Fees
Though credit unions typically have lower fees than banks, some fees may apply.Your credit union may charge you overdraft fees or fees for using out-of-network ATMs, although many credit unions have options that allow you to be refunded for these ATM fees. This may also include monthly fees if you don’t maintain the required minimum balance on your savings account.
Minimum Balance Requirements
A minimum balance is the amount of funds that must stay deposited in the savings account. This means you have to keep a certain balance to earn dividends, or to avoid a low balance fee. For example, an account holder with a minimum balance of $100 won’t receive dividends during a period when their savings is only $90.
Note
Your APY may vary depending on the minimum balance you keep. For example, some savings accounts pay a high interest rate if you keep a $5,000 balance, and a lower rate for smaller balances.
Deposit Insurance
Savings accounts at federally insured credit unions are protected in a similar way as savings accounts at banks. While the accounts at banks are protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), accounts at credit unions are protected by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). This insures deposits up to $250,000.
Credit Union Savings Accounts vs. Bank Savings Accounts
You’ll want to consider the differences between credit unions and banks before you open a savings account.
| Credit Union Savings Account | Bank Savings Account |
| You must meet membership requirements to join a credit union and apply for an account | Members of the general public can apply for an account without meeting any specialty membership requirements |
| Generally higher APY and lower fees for savings than banks offer | Generally lower APY and higher fees on savings than credit unions offer |
| Nonprofit organization | For-profit organization |
Having a savings account at a credit union means the account holder is a member, and essentially owns a piece of the credit union. A volunteer board elected by members manages the organization. Banks, on the other hand, are owned by their shareholders, so account holders are simply customers.
Credit unions are nonprofit organizations. Profits go back to their members in the form of lower rates on loans and higher yields on savings accounts. Banks are for-profit, meaning they keep profits to reinvest in the company or distribute to shareholders.
That being said, there are banks that offer better rates than credit unions.
How To Open a Savings Account at a Credit Union
To open a savings account at a credit union, you’ll first need to obtain a membership. Most credit unions are geared toward particular groups, such as members of a certain profession or people working for a particular organization. You’ll need to apply to become a member.
Note
Some credit unions have options that allow anyone to join. For example, you might become eligible by making a small donation to a specific charity. To find out if this might be an option for you, you’ll need to carefully read membership requirements for credit unions you might be interested in joining.
Once approved, you can open a savings account online or in person at a branch. Complete the application with your information and provide the necessary documentation, which usually includes your Social Security number and a government-issued ID.
Finally, you’ll probably need to make a minimum opening deposit. Credit unions consider your savings account to be your “share” of the organization, and may call it a share account.
Note
Conduct your research before choosing a credit union. Some savings accounts might offer additional features, such as the ability to use an ATM card or a debit card to access funds. The best credit unions have low fees, high APYs, good service, and extras like user-friendly apps.
The Bottom Line
It might make sense for you to open a savings account at a credit union, depending on your needs. Although you probably won’t qualify for membership at every credit union, there are many available to the public. Review your options and see if any of the available credit unions have a savings account that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How safe is my credit union savings account?
The money deposited into a savings account is safe at credit unions that are federally insured. The National Credit Union Association (NCUA) insures these funds for up to $250,000 per individual account holder. The insurance protects you from losses if the credit union is unable to pay you back your funds.
How old do you have to be to open a savings account at a credit union?
In general, it’s difficult for minors to open a savings account without a parent or guardian. Different credit unions may have different age requirements, but since you typically need to be 18 to sign a contract, it’s not common for a minor to be able to open an account by themselves.
How do I close out a savings account at a credit union?
To close your credit union savings account, you’ll need to contact the credit union directly and give it your account information. Some credit unions may also require you to fill out a form. Before closing the account, make sure there aren’t any pending withdrawals, update your direct deposit information with your employer and others who make direct deposits to your account, and download your account’s history if needed.
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Sources
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Credit Union Administration. "Deposits Are Safe in Federally Insured Credit Unions."
My Credit Union. "What is a Credit Union?”
I have extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of financial services, particularly in the comparison between credit unions and banks. My understanding is based on firsthand experience and a deep dive into the intricacies of these institutions. Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Credit Unions Overview:
- Credit unions are similar to banks, offering basic financial services, including savings accounts.
- They may have fewer branches but can provide higher interest rates on savings accounts.
-
Membership Requirements:
- Credit unions are often created for specific groups like federal employees, educators, military, or employees of certain organizations.
- Membership is required to open an account, and not all credit unions are available to the general public.
-
Savings Account Basics:
- Savings accounts at credit unions function similarly to bank savings accounts.
- Deposits are insured by a government body, and interest earned is referred to as dividends.
-
Yields and Interest Rates:
- Annual Percentage Yield (APY) represents the interest earned, varying among credit unions.
- Credit unions may offer higher interest rates on savings accounts compared to banks.
-
Fees:
- Credit unions generally have lower fees than banks.
- Possible fees include overdraft fees, out-of-network ATM fees, and monthly fees for low balances.
-
Minimum Balance Requirements:
- A minimum balance is necessary to earn dividends or avoid low balance fees.
- APY may vary based on the minimum balance kept.
-
Deposit Insurance:
- Federally insured credit unions are protected by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
- Deposits are insured up to $250,000, similar to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for banks.
-
Credit Unions vs. Banks:
- Credit unions require membership and may offer higher APY with lower fees.
- Banks are for-profit organizations, while credit unions are nonprofit, returning profits to members.
-
How to Open a Savings Account at a Credit Union:
- Obtain membership, often geared towards specific groups.
- Apply for an account online or in person, providing necessary documentation and a minimum opening deposit.
-
Closing a Credit Union Savings Account:
- Contact the credit union directly to close the account.
- Ensure no pending withdrawals, update direct deposit information, and download account history.
-
Safety of Credit Union Savings Account:
- Federally insured credit unions protect deposits up to $250,000 per individual account holder.
-
Age Requirement to Open a Savings Account at a Credit Union:
- Minors may find it challenging to open an account without a parent or guardian due to age and contractual limitations.
This comprehensive understanding should provide you with a solid foundation to make informed decisions about savings accounts at credit unions compared to banks. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
