Best Credit Union Savings Account Rates — October 2026
Brian McKay
Brian McKay
Founder & Data Architect- Automated Online Rate Data Aggregation
- Location-Based Rate Tables
- Bank & Credit Union Health Safety Ratings
- Finance Calculators
Credit union savings account rates range from 4.00% to 10.00% APY, verified by MonitorBankRates as of October 15, 2026. Top credit union savings rates currently available include ORSA Credit UnionORSA Credit Union500 S HARVEY ST, PLYMOUTH, MI 48170 1759A5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 12.47% offering High Yield Savings at 10.00% APY, and Avestar Credit UnionAvestar Credit Union125 W Madison St, Waterloo, WI 53594A5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 8.52% offering Round Up Savings Account at 10.00% APY, and Neighbors Credit UnionNeighbors Credit Union6300 S Lindbergh Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63123 7804A5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 7.12% offering SMART Savings at 10.00% APY, and Alliance Credit Union Fenton, MOAlliance Credit Union Fenton, MO1280 S Highway Dr, Fenton, MO 63026 1913A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 4.70% offering Star Student Savings Club at 10.00% APY. Savings rates as of October 15, 2026 according to verified data from MonitorBankRates.
We evaluate every listed institution using proprietary Safety Grades (A+ to F), Star Ratings, and Texas Ratios — helping you find credit unions that offer both competitive rates and financial stability.
APYs reflect actual verified offers. Rates subject to change. Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Compare the Best Credit Union Savings Rates
Qualifying balance up to $1,000.00
Balance: $0.01 to $5,000
Balance: $1 - $1,000; Qualifying balance up to $1,000.00
Ages: 0-12; Balance: $0.00 - $500.00; Rate of 9.57% gives 10.00% APY on the first $500; funds above $500 earn the regular savings rate; $1 for each A or B on semester report card; maximum payout $25/year per youth account; open at any branch
Balance: Up to $1000.00
Tier 1; Balance: $0.00 - $10,000.00; for service members deployed in combat zones; contact us to determine eligibility; direct deposit of net pay required; withdrawals not permitted
Balance: $5 - $1,000
Super-high dividends paid on balances up to $1,000. Cash rewards for deposits $1-$10 awarded at different transaction intervals. Financial incentives for good grades Up to $20 each year. High dividends are paid out quarterly. Cash is awarded and electronically deposited into your child's account after their 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th in-person deposits of $5 or more. Your child can receive $1 for every 'A' or equivalent earned, up to $5 per quarter.
Qualifying balance up to $1,000.00; Today's Rates (homepage)
APY paid on the balance up to the first $500.00; dividend rate of 0.25% paid on the remaining balance over $500.00
Primary savings account; Qualifying balance up to $500.00; 0.05% dividend rate on balance above $500.00; Dividend rates effective as of November 1, 2024
Primary savings account; Qualifying balance up to $500.00; 0.05% dividend rate on balance above $500.00; Dividend rates effective as of November 1, 2024
Qualifying balance up to $500
Balance: $25.00 - $2,500.00; Dividend Paid: Quarterly
Balance: $.01 to earn dividends
Balance: $0.01 to $1,000.00
- Oct 13, 20267.00%▲ from 1.25%
- Sep 18, 20261.25%first recorded
Balance: $0.01 - $1000.00; Dividends paid quarterly; Must have an Avadian checking account and debit card to open; Cannot make deposits or transfers into a Centsible Savings Account; Avadian match contribution credited quarterly, maximum total match $250 per year; Rate subject to change
Earns 7.00% APY on balances up to $500; Regular savings rate applies to balances above $500; Youth account for ages 0-19 with parent/guardian joint signer; Dividends compounded and credited quarterly
Ages: 0-19; Parent/guardian joint signer required; Balance: $0.00 - $500.00 earns 7.00% APY; Balance above $500.00 earns 0.25% APY (dividend rate 0.25%); No monthly fee or minimum balance
Account balances up to $1,000; Balance: $0.00 - $1,000
Balance: $0 - $1,000.00
Balance: $0.00 - $2,000.00
Balance: $0.00 - $1,000.00; Preferred dividend rate on balances up to $1,000; Available to youth up to age 221/2, or 261/2 with paperless eStatements; Open via Digital Banking, Member Contact Center, or branch
Student defined as child 18 years or younger; only one student share per qualifying SSN; Max deposit of $2,500.00
Balance: $0.00 - $10,000.00; Promotional rate on first $10,000.00; balances above $10,000.00 earn the regular Money Market rate; no minimum balance required to earn dividends; dividends paid monthly
Balance: $5 to $500; Qualifying balance up to $500.00; Dividend rate and APY may change every quarter
Club Accounts
Bonus rate for certificated and classified school employees of Board approved SEGs; deposits by direct deposit, payroll deduction, online banking transfer, or at any branch; maximum deposit per month $3,000; dividends not earned on deposits over $3,000; combined $3,000 monthly maximum with Christmas Club
Earn on Debit Card Round Up and Share Certificate dividends (sign-up required) and other qualifying bonus dividends; APY as of 9/01/2026 if balance is above $5; promoted rate paid on entire balance maintained at $5.01 and above; no interest on balances $5.00 and below; $5.00 monthly inactivity fee applies; consumer accounts only
Balance: $0 - $1,000
Balance: $0.01 - $1,000.00; Must be 17 years old or younger to open with parent or legal guardian; transferred to Primary Savings the quarter after 18th birthday
Balance: $0.01 to $700.00; Earn 6.00% APY on the first $700 deposited; Limit one Six7 savings account per person; Online or mobile eStatement enrollment avoids paper statement fee
Balance: $0.00 - $25,000.00
Ages: 0-21; Balance: $0.00 - $2,500.00; Dividend Credited: Monthly; Balances above $2,500.00 are paid the standard share savings rate; Annual Percentage Yield designated as APY and subject to change at any time
Anticipated Dividend Rate; Anticipated APY; Must be school/college employee and set up payroll deduction; see More details on Summer Savings account
Balance: $25 - $2,500; Summertime Savings for School Employees only, working 10 month schedules to help save for summer months; requires an electronic direct deposit between $25-$2,500 monthly deposit; no cash or checks deposit allowed
Balance: up to $2,000.00
Balance: up to $2,500; balances over $2,500 earn 0.01% APY on remaining balance; One Stash Savings account per member; Dividends compounded and credited monthly
Balance: $0.00 - $2,500.00; Balance over $2,500.00 earns 0.01% APY; One Stash Savings account per member; Stash (Emergency) Savings; Rate and minimum opening deposit as stated on page
Balance: $0.01 - $1,000; Qualifying balance up to $1,000.00; Rates are variable and may change after account opening
Get a $25 bonus when your account balance reaches $1,000
Qualifying balance up to $3,000.00
Qualifying balance up to $750.00
Qualifying balance up to $3,000.00
Published APY range: 5.88% to 5.99%. Balance: $1,000.01 - $1,044.68; Must be 17 years old or younger to open with parent or legal guardian; transferred to Primary Savings the quarter after 18th birthday
Program year June 15, 2026 - June 15, 2027; fixed rate for entire program year; Deposit $50 - $2,000 each month via direct deposit or payroll deduction; dividends paid quarterly and at maturity June 15, 2027; one-time additional deposit of up to $2,000 allowed; Limit 1 account per Member; Membership required
Balance: $0-$2,000; No minimum to open and no minimum balance required; Membership eligibility required; Limit of one Reverse Tier Savings Account per member
Balance: $100.00 and over; Additional deposits up to $8,000; Minimum additional deposit $100; Matures on teen's 18th birthday; Withdrawal before maturity incurs penalty of all dividends earned
Balance: $0-1,000
Balance: $0.00 - $500.00; No minimum balance or deposit necessary; Only one account per primary membership; Get a 0.25% APY boost when paired with any OCCU checking account
Balance: $0-$1,000; Credited and compounded quarterly
Ages: under 12; Balance: first $500 deposited; Youth savings account, initial $5 deposit to establish membership
Dividends Paid: Monthly
Balance: greater than $1,000.01; Members up to age 17 (or older with a current student ID); $5.00 Main Share Membership Savings required to open
No additional details available.
Minimum Balance for Dividend: N/A; Dividend compounded & credited: Quarterly
Balance: $0 - $1,000; Qualifying balance up to $1,000.00; Dividends Paid: Monthly
No additional details available.
Earn up to 5.12% APY*
No additional details available.
- Oct 4, 20265.10%▲ from 0.23%
- Sep 14, 20260.23%first recorded
Paid: Quarterly
Qualifying balance up to $500.00; Special interest rate of 5.10% APY up to the first $500 in the savings account; balances above $500 paid at current rate
Balance: $0.00 - $500.00; Premium rate on first $500; Balances above $500 earn 0.25% APY; APY effective 07/01/2026; No minimum balance required to earn APY; STCU membership required
Balance: $0.01 - $5,000
Qualifying balance up to $1,000.00 on deposit; amounts over $1,000 receive the current savings dividend rate; special rate limited to one Youth/Teen/Milestone Savings Account per minor; converts to a regular Share Savings Account at age 22; NCPD FCU deposits the first $50 for Youth Accounts.
Balance: $0 - $15,000.00; Qualifications, limits, and other requirements apply to the Heroes Savings account; Rates effective July 1, 2025
Qualifying balance up to $10,000.00
Debit Card: Yes; For kids 7 and under; Prizes for deposits over $10; Annual birthday surprise
No additional details available.
Featured rate in Alltru Savings Accounts section on Money Market page
Balance: $0.00 - $500.00
No additional details available.
Balance: $0-$500; Compounds monthly; Maximum of one SavingsPlus account per membership share; variable rate account
Balance: $0 - $500; Compounded Quarterly
Balance: up to $1,000.00; Premium rate of APY is applied to the first $1,000 in the Emergency Savings account. Balances above $1,000 earn .
Balance: $1.00 - $2,500.00; Qualifications Required; First tier APY; Consumer accounts only; Limit one High Interest Savings or Delta Savings account per member; Rates effective as of 10/13/2026
Balance: $0 - $1000; Blended rate: statement displays a weighted average of the two balance-tier rates; First-year earnings based on a 12-month average; Limit of one account per member
Balance: $1.00 - $500.00; Available for children 16 and under; Balances over $500 earn the regular savings APY; Dividends calculated daily and credited monthly; Island Federal provides the first $1 to open
Balance: $1.00 - $500.00; Balances over $500 earn the current savings APY; Limit of one account per unique minor/joint ownership; Dividends calculated on daily balance and credited monthly
Balance: $0 - $499.99; Deposit or withdraw as needed; No monthly service fee
Balance: $0.01 - $1,000.00; Promotional rate; Product exclusively for members under 18; Upon turning 18 converts to a Club Account; In-Branch Only (appointment required to open)
Balance: $0.01 - $5,000.00; One Thrive Savings account per member
Balance: $0 - $499.99
Balance: $0.00 to $1,000.00; Dividends declared, paid and compounded monthly; Tiered rate on average daily balance of $0.01 to $1,000.00
Up to 5.00% APY; Dividends credited Monthly
- Sep 21, 20265.00%▲ from 0.05%
- Sep 14, 20260.05%first recorded
Qualifying balance up to $1000.00; Monthly Fee $0.00
Balance: $0-$1,000.00; Blended APY; Limit one Youth Savings account per member
Savings Account for Members under 18 years old; Balance: $0.00 - $1,000.00; Balances above $1,000 earn the regular savings rate; No monthly service fees
- Oct 14, 20265.00%▲ from 0.75%
- Sep 22, 20260.75%▼ from 5.00%
- Sep 14, 20265.00%first recorded
Earned on debit card transactions rounded up to the next whole dollar and deposited into Round UP Savings; 100% match of rounded-up transfers for first 90 days (max $250), then 5% annually (max $250 per year); Online Banking and eStatement required; Rate effective as of January 1, 2025
Balance: $0.00 - $1,000.00; Tier 1; Dividend 4.89%; Blended APY 5.00%; Tiered rate account; Dividends compounded daily and paid monthly
Balance: $500.00 - $999.99; Limit 1 per membership; checking with a debit card required to open account; not eligible for combination with business or youth savings accounts
Balance: $0 - $2,500
Primary account holder must be 17 years of age or younger; Rate applies to balances up to $1,000; Balance: $1,000 and under; Any amount over $1,000 earns the current Share Savings rate
Qualifying balance up to $2,000.00
Balance: $0 - $999.99; Valid thru 10/31/2026; Blended rate account, dividend rate applies only to balance within this tier
Qualifying balance up to $1,000.00; debit card purchases rounded up to the nearest dollar and transferred
Balance: $0 to $1,000.00; Earn 5.00% APY on all balances up to $1,000; Rates are blended for balances over $1,000; Limit one NEXT eSavings account per social security number; Requires an open and active NEXT rewards Checking account
Balance: $0-500; Qualifying balance up to $500.00; Must be under 25 years of age; minimum monthly deposits of at least $10 required, otherwise earns Young Investors rate
Balance: up to $19999; Compounded: Monthly
Balance: $0-$499.99; Visit A Branch to Open Account
Bonus dividend rate for first 12 months from account open date; Balance: $0.01 - $2,500.00; Qualifying balance up to $2,500.00; New members only; Anticipated APY 5.0%; Non-bonus rate 0.05% with 0.05% APY on balances $2,500.01 and greater; Offer subject to change without notice
Balance: $0.00 - $1,000.00; Must be an active Meijer Team Member; Eligible for overdraft protection; Eligible for debit card round-up; No monthly service fees
Balance: $0.00 - $5,000.00; Variable tiered-rate thereafter; No monthly fee; Ministry savings account
Balance: $0 - $5,000; Membership required, $5 minimum to open a membership
Balance: $5-1,000; Minimum Required to Earn APY: $5
Balance: $0-$5,000; Variable-tiered rate, each tier accrues at its own rate; Earn 5.00% APY on balances up to $5,000; No monthly fee; Must register & use Online/Mobile Banking; One Harvest Savings account per member
Qualifying balance up to $5,000.00; Balance: $0-$5,000; Tiered savings: $5,000.01-$10,000 earns 2.25% APY, $10,000.01+ earns 0.10% APY; $5.00 monthly fee if balance falls below $100.00
Balance: 0-$500
Rates valid as of 10/15/2026
Balance: $0-$500.00; Qualifying balance up to $500.00
Balance: 0-$500
Balance: $25.01 - $500.00; Max. balance up to $500.00; Funds over $500.00 revert to the current regular share dividend rate
Balance: $0 - $500
Balance: $.01 - 5,000.00; Qualifying balance up to $5,000.00; Online or mobile banking only
One Per Member (Primary SD Checking only); $50 Minimum Balance for Dividends; Qualifying balance up to $500.00; Personal Checking Accounts receive dividends as shown; Business Checking Accounts do not receive any dividends
Qualifications Required; Qualifying balance up to $500.00; Rate may change after account is opened; No monthly fees; Limited to one SmartPlus Savings account per member
One Per Member (Primary RS Savings only); $50 Minimum Balance for Dividends; Qualifying balance up to $500.00
Balance: $0.00 - $500.00; Earn 5% on the first $500, primary share savings account only (one per member); $50 minimum balance to receive dividends; Standard dividends apply to balances exceeding $500
Interest paid on up to $2,500; earns 10 times the interest rate of a regular savings account; Round Up via OCFCU debit card purchases
Balance: $0.01-$499.99; Split rate account
Ages: up to 21; Balance: $100 - $2,500.00
Balance: $0.00 - $500; Dividends paid on daily balances up to $500; variable APY of 5.00%
Balance: $0.01 to $2,000.00
Balance: $0.00 - $999.99; Minimum Opening Balance:; Minimum Required Balance:
Balance: $5 - $5000; Qualifying balance up to $5,000.00; Balances exceeding $5,000 earn 0.100% APY
Balance: $100.00 - $5,000.99 earns APY 5.00%; Balances $5,001.00 and above earn APY 0.20%; Requires open checking account under same membership number; Must be 22 or older; One per Social Security or Taxpayer Identification Number; Minimum Balance/Average Daily Balance: $5/$100
Available only with Unitus Checking; Rate effective 12/12/25; 5 deposited for each debit purchase of $5.00 and up; opt-in round-up available
Balances $1,000.01 and over earn a lower, standard savings dividend rate than the first $1,000 on deposit
Balance: $0.00 - $499.99; Minimum Required Balance: $5
Balance: $1 - $500; Daily Average Balance
No additional details available.
Age: 0-18; 5.00% APY on balances up to $1,000; 5.00% to 3.21% APY on balances between $1,000 and $2,500 depending on balance in account; 3.21% to 0.50% APY on balances over $2,500 depending on balance in account; 1 free withdrawal per quarter; $25.00 fee for each additional withdrawal
Qualifications Required; Balance up to $500.00; First Entertainment Checking Account with eStatements only; active online Bill Pay or Direct Deposit; One First500 Account per Social Security Number
Rates as high as
- Oct 5, 20265.00%▲ from 4.40%
- Sep 14, 20264.40%first recorded
Balance: first $500; Ages 17 and under; Requires enrollment in Digital Banking and eStatements; Parent or legal guardian as Joint Owner
Balance: $0.00 - $1,000.00; Variable rate tiered account; no maximum balance
Balance: <$2,000; APY applies to balances up to $1,000
Balance: Up to $1,000
Age: 19 or younger; 5.00% applies only on first $500; parent or legal guardian must be joint on account for minors; transfers to prime share account at age 20; deposits over $500.00 earn the regular share savings rate
Balance: up to $1,000.00; APY applies to balances up to $1,000; balances over $1,000 revert to the standard savings rate
No minimum balance requirement; no monthly service fees; low opening deposit of $100
- Oct 2, 20264.64%▲ from 4.24%
- Sep 15, 20264.24%first recorded
Balance: $0-$1000; Compounded Quarterly
Balance: $5.00 - $999.99
No additional details available.
Balance: $100.00 and over; Additional deposits up to $5,000; Minimum additional deposit $100; Matures on child's 13th birthday; Withdrawal before maturity incurs penalty of all dividends earned
Balance: $0.00 - $2,499.99; Promotional APY of 5.00% for first 6 months on the first tier up to $2,499.99
Rate Type: Variable
Monthly transfer of $10 minimum from checking, share savings, money market, or student savings; not available for bump-rate or flexible certificates; limit $100,000 combined Dedicated Savings and Flexible Certificate Accounts; $10 minimum balance after any withdrawal unless closed
Balance: Up to $25,000
- Oct 14, 20264.50%▲ from 4.41%
- Oct 7, 20264.41%▲ from 0.10%
- Sep 18, 20260.10%▼ from 4.41%
- Sep 15, 20264.41%first recorded
Balance: $0 - $5,001; Online Only; available to new members only; tiered account
Monthly transfer of $10 minimum from checking, share savings, money market, or student savings; not available for bump-rate or flexible certificates; limit $100,000 combined Dedicated Savings and Flexible Certificate Accounts; $10 minimum balance after any withdrawal unless closed
Monthly transfer of $10 minimum from checking, share savings, money market, or student savings; not available for bump-rate or flexible certificates; limit $100,000 combined Dedicated Savings and Flexible Certificate Accounts; $10 minimum balance after any withdrawal unless closed
For members under the age of 18; account matures on the child's 18th birthday by transferring to primary share/savings; Range: $5.00; Rates as of 10/1/2026
Balance: $0.01 - $2,000.00; Compounded: Monthly; Limit 1 per Member
Balance: $1,000,000+; tiered account; tier rate applies to entire balance
Limited to Members who are buying a home and participating in SchoolsFirst FCU Home360; limit one per Membership; additional deposits allowed to a maximum balance of $150,000; partial withdrawals not permitted; withdrawals not used for a home purchase with SchoolsFirst FCU are subject to a penalty
- Sep 29, 20264.25%▲ from 4.05%
- Sep 14, 20264.05%first recorded
No additional details available.
Balance: $0.00 - $499.99; Limit 1 per membership; checking with a debit card required to open account; not eligible for combination with business or youth savings accounts
Balance: $0.01-$25,000; Dividends Compounded: Monthly
Balance: $100 to $10,000; Available only to new members during the first thirty (30) days from the date of opening a membership; APYs assume a $100,000 minimum average daily balance
Deposits and withdrawals comply with Federal Regulations
- Oct 9, 20264.18%▲ from 4.05%
- Sep 14, 20264.05%first recorded
Compounded/Credited: Qrtly/Qrtly
Dividend rate 4.04%; $50.00 to open
- Oct 5, 20264.12%▲ from 3.65%
- Sep 14, 20263.65%first recorded
Balance: $0-$15,000; Loyalty Rate
- Oct 9, 20264.10%▲ from 3.60%
- Sep 17, 20263.60%first recorded
Monthly transfer of $10 minimum from checking, share savings, money market, or student savings; not available for bump-rate or flexible certificates; limit $100,000 combined Dedicated Savings and Flexible Certificate Accounts; $10 minimum balance after any withdrawal unless closed
Balance tier from $1,000,000
No additional details available.
Dividends compounded daily; declared monthly
Dividends compounded daily; declared monthly
Dividends compounded daily; declared monthly
Dividend compounded quarterly; Effective: October 1, 2026
Dividend compounded quarterly; Effective: October 1, 2026
Dividend compounded quarterly; Effective: October 1, 2026
Balance: $0.00 - $5,000.00
Balance: $15,000.01 to $25,000.00
Balance: $100,000.00 and over
Published rate range: 2.50% - 4.00%. Qualifications Required; Balance: $5,000 - $20,000 at 3.00% APY; $20,000.01 - $50,000 at 3.50% APY; $50,000.01 - $100,000 at 4.00% APY; over $100,000 at 2.50% APY; if qualifications not met, regular share dividend rate applies
Balance: $0 to $2,500; Qualifying balance up to $2,500.00; No minimum balance required to earn the disclosed APY; Only one Brighter Day Savings account allowed per member; Balances above $2,500 earn 0.25% APY; Membership required
Balance: $5 - $500
Balance: up to $500.00; Rate based on amount in account; Amounts over $500 receive the Regular Savings Rate of 0.05% APY
Required minimum share balance to earn stated APY is $100. Fees could reduce the stated APY. Early withdrawal penalty may apply to CD accounts. If you have any questions or require current rate and fee information on your accounts, please call the Credit Union at (808) 293-9063.
Monthly transfer of $10 minimum from checking, share savings, money market, or student savings; not available for bump-rate or flexible certificates; limit $100,000 combined Dedicated Savings and Flexible Certificate Accounts; $10 minimum balance after any withdrawal unless closed
Published APY range: 4.0182% - 4.0000%. Balance: $0.01 - $2,000; Compounding: Monthly; Blended APY range
- Oct 13, 20264.02%▲ from 4.02%
- Sep 18, 20264.02%▼ from 4.02%
- Sep 14, 20264.02%first recorded
Balance: $1,000.00 - $250,000.00; Minimum balance of $1,000.00 is required to receive the dividend; Tiered Rates; Dividends are compounded and paid monthly
Qualifications Required; Balance: $0-$50,000; Qualifying balance up to $50,000.00; Opening Fee: $0; Limit one Max My Savings account per primary account holder
Balance: $200,000.00 and over; Annual Percentage Yield*^ footnote applies
APY; Terms and Conditions apply; Dividend rate may change after the account is opened
New member promotion; featured rate on first $10,000 for one year; Balance: $0.00 - $10,000.00
Qualifying balance up to $25,000.00
When linked to a Kasasa checking account
- Sep 27, 20264.00%▲ from 2.50%
- Sep 14, 20262.50%first recorded
Balance: $5,002 - $14,999; tiered account
Balance: $25,000+; Compounding: Monthly
Published APY range: 4.000% - 3.3848%. Balance: $2,000.01 - $5,000; Compounding: Monthly; Blended APY range
Qualified; Balance: up to $20K
- Sep 25, 20264.00%▲ from 0.10%
- Sep 14, 20260.10%first recorded
Balance: $.01 to $500.00; Youth Savings Accounts will earn a higher APY for balances of $.01 to $500.00
Balance: $1,000.01 - $10,000.00
Balance: $500,000 and over
Balance: $0.00 - $100,000.00
Balance: $0 to $2,500; Only one Boost Savings allowed per individual; Additional conditions may apply
up to $5,000; Balance: $0.01-$5,000.00 earns 4.00% APY; 0.10% APY on any amount above $5,000; Special 4.00% APY rate applies until 12/31/2026, then converts to a Special Savings Account at market rates; Limit of 1 High Yield Savings Account per member; Must be a member to open; $5 share deposit required for membership
Savings Rate Trends
Daily averages from thousands of rates across 8,500+ institutions.
Why Choose a Credit Union for Your Savings?
Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperatives. Because they don’t answer to shareholders, they can return earnings to members through higher savings rates, lower loan rates, and minimal fees. Accounts at NCUA-insured credit unions carry the same federal deposit protection as FDIC-insured banks — up to $250,000 per depositor.
Many credit unions have expanded membership eligibility well beyond their original sponsor groups. Checking eligibility is easier than ever: most credit unions allow anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in a specific geographic area, or who joins an affiliated organization (sometimes with a small one-time donation), to qualify for membership.
How to Find the Best Credit Union Savings Rate
Because credit unions are community-based, the best rate for you depends on your location and eligibility. Use the state filter above to narrow results to credit unions operating in your area. For each institution, MonitorBankRates displays Safety Grades, Star Ratings, and Texas Ratios so you can weigh institutional health alongside the advertised APY.
What a Credit Union Savings Account Earns
Credit unions return earnings to members rather than shareholders, and that usually shows up directly in the APY. Here is a year of interest at the current credit union average versus the top verified offer in our table.
| Balance | Earned in 1 Year at 0.25% APY Credit union average |
Earned at 10.00% APY Top offer in our table | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $2.48 | $100.00 | $97.52 |
| $5,000 | $12.38 | $500.00 | $487.62 |
| $10,000 | $24.76 | $1,000.00 | $975.24 |
| $25,000 | $61.90 | $2,500.00 | $2,438.10 |
| $50,000 | $123.80 | $5,000.00 | $4,876.20 |
Assumes the rate holds for the full year with no withdrawals and monthly compounding. Credit unions pay dividends rather than interest — the same thing under a different name, declared periodically by the board. Rates are variable and can change.
How Credit Union Membership Actually Works
The main reason people skip credit union rates is assuming they won’t qualify. The eligibility rules are far looser than the reputation suggests.
Where You Live, Work, or Worship
Most credit unions now hold a community charter covering one or more counties. If you live, work, attend school, or worship in the area — or a family member does — you are eligible. That single rule covers the large majority of applicants.
Employer and Association Groups
Many credit unions serve employees of particular companies plus members of affiliated associations. Check the sponsor list before assuming you’re out; people are frequently eligible through a job they already hold and never realise it.
The Partner-Charity Route
Where no other path fits, many credit unions extend eligibility to anyone who joins a partner non-profit, often for a one-time donation of a few dollars. It is a legitimate and widely used route to membership.
The Share Account
Joining means opening a share account, typically $5 to $25. That deposit is your ownership stake — it stays yours, earns dividends, and is returned if you close the account. It is a deposit, not a fee.
Nearly all credit unions keep your membership even if you move away or change jobs. Joining one with strong rates today preserves access to every product they offer later.
Is Your Money as Safe as It Is at a Bank?
Yes — the protection is equivalent, it simply carries a different name. This is the second most common hesitation after membership, and it rests on a misunderstanding.
| Credit Union | Bank | |
|---|---|---|
| Insurer | NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) | FDIC |
| Backed By | ✓ Full faith and credit of the U.S. government | ✓ Full faith and credit of the U.S. government |
| Coverage Limit | $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category | $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category |
| Savings Accounts Covered | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Who Owns It | Its members — you | Shareholders |
| Where Profits Go | Back to members as better rates and lower fees | To shareholders as dividends |
| What Interest Is Called | Dividends — same thing, different terminology | Interest |
Limits are per depositor, per insured institution, per ownership category — individual and joint accounts count separately, so a couple can hold more than the single-owner limit at one institution. Verify any credit union at ncua.gov before depositing.
About Our Credit Union Savings Rate Database
This page tracks savings accounts offered by credit unions specifically, drawn from the thousands of verified rates in our database. Every APY is sourced directly from the credit union’s own website and re-verified regularly, and each listing carries our Health Grade so the rate can be weighed against financial stability.
The highest verified APY in our table right now is 10.00% APY from ORSA Credit Union. APYs on these accounts are variable — the institution can change the rate at any time without notice, so today’s leader may not lead next quarter.
Credit Union Savings Calculator
See what your balance would earn at a credit union savings APY. We’ve prefilled the top verified rate — click any rate on the right to compare.
Assumes the APY holds for the entire period and dividends compound monthly with no withdrawals. Credit union dividend rates are variable and declared periodically — treat multi-year figures as illustrative. Some accounts require a minimum balance to earn the advertised rate, and dividends are generally taxable. Not a rate guarantee or an offer.
Methodology & Data Sources
Direct-Sourced & Verified Rate Data: We aggregate credit union savings rates directly from the official websites of credit unions using our proprietary rate aggregation technology. By pulling data straight from institutions’ own digital properties and manually verifying yields daily, every rate on MonitorBankRates.com is highly accurate and trustworthy.
Local, Regional, and Coast-to-Coast Coverage: Our systems monitor thousands of credit unions across all 50 states. Because credit unions frequently serve specific geographic areas or membership groups, using the state filter is highly recommended to surface the best local options.
Daily Updates & Time-Stamped Accuracy: Our rate updaters verify and update credit union savings rates daily. Every product listed features its own specific “last updated” date for full transparency.
Proprietary Institution Health & Safety Grades: MonitorBankRates evaluates the financial stability of every listed credit union. Our Health Grades (A+ to F) and Star Ratings are composite metrics calculated using objective NCUA regulatory data — including the Texas Ratio — ensuring you choose financially secure institutions.
Savings Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions about Credit Union Savings
What is a Credit Union?
Are credit union savings accounts safe?
How do I join a credit union?
Do credit unions offer better rates than banks?
Can I open a credit union account online?
What is the difference between a credit union share account and a savings account?
What fees do credit unions charge on savings accounts?
What are the best Credit Union Savings rates right now?
- ORSA Credit Union
High Yield Savings — 10.00% APY - Avestar Credit Union
Round Up Savings Account — 10.00% APY - Neighbors Credit Union
SMART Savings — 10.00% APY - Alliance Credit Union Fenton, MO
Star Student Savings Club — 10.00% APY - Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union
High Yield Savings — 10.00% APY
More Savings Rate Options
