This account offers a pretty decent rate if you’re able to meet Georgia Credit Union’s requirements. To qualify for their enhanced perks — a higher APY and up to $10 in ATM refunds a month — you’ll need to have at least $500 in direct deposits, enroll in e-statements and make at least 15 debit or credit card transactions each month.

Even if you don’t meet the above requirements, you’ll still get features like a Visa debit card, free identity theft services, online and mobile banking. You can also link to your savings account for overdraft protection, which will set you back $4 for each transfer.

How to get the Unified Checking account

You can stop by any one of Georgia United Credit Union’s branches or fill out an online application form to open an account. If doing so online, you’ll need to agree to open a Prime Share account with a $5 opening deposit and a nonrefundable one-time $5 membership fee. The form will also ask you for personal details such as your name, address, Social Security number and state-issued ID. Then, you can fund both accounts.

This account is best for those who have had issues in the past with deposit accounts or don’t otherwise qualify for a regular checking account. However, the monthly maintenance fee is pretty steep, and you are required to make direct deposits to keep the account open. As for how much interest you can earn, you’ll need to contact Georgia United Credit Union as the rates aren’t advertised on their website.

Unfortunately, you can’t waive the monthly maintenance fee but you can switch to a Unified Checking account — which doesn’t have any monthly fees — if you can prove to Georgia United Credit Union you can maintain your account in good standing. This means you’ll need to make regular direct deposits and ensure your account doesn’t go into overdraft. There isn’t a time frame as to when you can switch accounts. When we contacted the credit union, customer service representatives recommend making a request after three months of account opening.

How to get the Restart Checking account

In order to open the Restart Checking account, you’ll need to apply at a Georgia United Credit Union branch. Bring along information such as your Social Security number, state-issued ID and direct deposit details. If you’re not already a member, you’ll need to open a Prime Share account with a minimum of $5 and pay the one-time $5 membership fee.

This account is best for parents or guardians who want to help their child learn how to manage money and have them be rewarded for their efforts in school. Upon parental approval, your child can get a Visa debit card and access their account online or via the mobile app. The rates aren’t advertised on Georgia United Credit Union’s website, so you’ll need to contact customer service to find out what they are.

Your child can earn money through a few incentives. If he earns an “A” in certain subjects, Georgia United Credit Union will deposit $2 into their account for each grade, up to $10 per report card or $20 per academic year. Your child can also receive up to $10 — a total of $20 per year — for 10 hours of volunteer service and after submitting an essay about why it’s important to give back to the community.

On your child’s 18th birthday, the account will be converted to a Unified Checking account.

How to get the Money Masters Teen Club account

You and your child will both need to head to the nearest branch to open an account. If you’re not a member, you’ll need to become one by opening a Prime Share account and paying the one-time $5 membership fee. Both of you will need to provide information such as your address and Social Security number, plus a method to fund the account.

Also referred to as a share savings account, anyone who wants to become a Georgia United Credit Union member needs to open a Prime Share account. You get e-statements, an ATM card and online and mobile banking. There is a quarterly maintenance fee, but you can get it waived if you keep at least $5 in the account.

Once you open this account, you can open a secondary savings account which the credit union calls a “You Name It” account. For either account, Regulation D limits you up to six certain withdrawals/transfers a month. Account holders can make two free withdrawals each month or else there will be a $2 fee per transaction. If you try to make more than six, your transaction may be denied.

How to get the Prime Share account

You can open the Prime Share account by filling out an online application form. It’ll ask you to fill in personal details such as your name, address and Social Security number. Afterward, you’ll need to pay the one-time $5 membership fee to fund your new account.

Both the Christmas and Vacation Club accounts are best for people who want a separate savings account to set aside money for their short-term goals. With both accounts, you can make deposits in any amount and as often as you want. To find out what the rates are, contact Georgia United Credit Union, as they’re currently not advertised on their website.

You can open the Christmas Club account at any time and any savings you incur will be automatically deposited into your Prime Share account on Nov. 1. You can make unlimited withdrawals between November and Jan. 1. If you do so outside of those times, you’ll be charged a $5 early withdrawal fee.

The Vacation Club account allows you to make one withdrawal each quarter. Otherwise, you’ll need to fork over a $5 excessive withdrawal fee. You can also open this account any time of the year.

How to get the Christmas or Vacation Club account

Both the Christmas and Vacation Club account can be opened by heading to a branch. Bring along information such as your state-issued ID and Social Security number. If you’re not already a member, you’ll need to open a Prime Share account and pay a $5 one-time membership fee.

This account is for kids up to 11 years old, and a parent or legal guardian needs to be the joint owner. There is no ATM card for this account, so the only way for your child to access their money is online or in person. By the way, rates aren’t advertised on the Georgia United Credit Union’s website, so check with customer service to see what they are.

The Money Mammals is a website linked to the credit union that offers games, coloring pages and an app that teaches your child how to manage their money. Upon account opening, your child will get a free welcome bag plus a $5 refund back into their account. Each account also comes with a Savings Reward card — your child can earn a punch on the card for every $5 deposit your child makes in person. These can be redeemed for a toy (6 punches) or a $1 deposit (12 punches).

Once your child turns 12, the account will be converted to a Money Masters Teen Club account.

How to get the The Money Mammals Saving Money is Fun Kids Club account

You and your child will need to apply for an account in person. You’ll need to become a member by opening a Prime Share account with $5, plus pay an additional $5 for a one-time membership fee. Make sure you bring your state-issued ID and Social Security number for both you and your child as you’ll need those to open the account.

While the money market account offers a higher rate than the Prime Share account, they’re both much lower than what’s being offered elsewhere. Aside from the lowest tier, the minimum balance amounts are quite high considering you’re not earning great rates.

Features of the account include limited check-writing capabilities, e-statements and online and mobile banking. The monthly maintenance fee can be waived if you maintain a $1,000 minimum daily balance. Since this is technically a savings account, Regulation D limits you up to six certain withdrawals a month. However, you’re only allowed three free withdrawals a month at Georgia United Credit Union, or else you’ll need to pay a $2 fee for each one you go over.

How to get the Sterling Fund Money Market account

Head to a Georgia United Credit Union branch or call customer service 1-888-493-4328 at to open an account. You’ll need to provide details such as your name, address and Social Security number. You’ll also need to become a member by paying a $5 one-time fee as well as open a Prime Share account.

If the thought of investing in the stock market makes you nervous, consider putting your retirement savings into an IRA CD instead. These accounts compound and credit interest daily. Unlike the regular CDs, you must keep all interest earned in the IRA CD until maturity. Most of these rates are much lower than competitors, except for the 27 month promo rate. However, Georgia United Credit Union will only let you open the account with new money, meaning funds currently not on deposit at the credit union.

When you hit the CD’s maturity, your IRA CD will automatically renew unless you make changes during the seven-day grace period. The 27 month promo CD will automatically be renewed into a 2 year CD at Georgia United Credit Union’s current APY.

How to get Georgia United Credit Union’s IRA CDs

Go to the nearest branch to open an IRA CD. If you’re not already a member, you’ll need to pay a one-time $5 membership fee and open a Prime Share account. Don’t forget to bring along information such as your Social Security number and state-issued ID.

The IRA savings account is best for people looking for a place to park their retirement funds without needing to lock it in like the IRA CDs. There is no ATM access — you’ll need to go in person or by logging into your account online to access funds.

If you decide to make withdrawals, keep in mind that you may need to pay IRS penalties and/or taxes. It’s best to check with the current rules and regulations so you’re aware of your options.

How to get Georgia United Credit Union’s IRA savings account

You need to head to the nearest branch to open an account. Bring along information such as your Social Security number and a method to fund the account. If you’re not an existing member, you’ll need to open a Prime Share account plus pay a one-time $5 membership fee.

The Berkshire Bank’s Regular Checking account has a fairly steep minimum opening deposit considering the account’s very basic features. This checking account does not earn interest, and it charges a monthly service fee unless you maintain an average daily balance of $1,200.

You’ll also have to pay out-of-network ATM fees. Even at The Berkshire Bank ATMs, you’re only allowed 25 free withdrawals a month. If you use its ATMs more than 25 times in a month, you’ll have to pay an ATM fee. Finally, you’re allowed a maximum of 75 debits or withdrawals per month at no charge; after that, you’ll be charged 25 cents per transaction.

While it’s possible to use this account in a way that minimizes fees, it requires you to carefully track your daily balance and monthly transactions — and doesn’t offer much in return.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s Regular Checking account

There is no option to apply for any of The Berkshire Bank’s accounts online. Instead, you’ll have to visit a branch.

If you’re looking for a checking account that earns interest, The Berkshire Bank’s NOW Checking account will at least pay a little. This account earns tiered interest, meaning the interest rate you earn depends on your balance. The minimum balance required to earn interest is quite high, though, and the interest rates are less than impressive.

This account also charges a monthly service fee that’s even higher than that charged by the Regular Checking account. To waive the fee, you’ll have to maintain an average daily balance of at least $1,500. Many may find this difficult to do on a regular basis. This account only allows 50 debits or withdrawals per month at no charge. If you exceed that number, you’ll have to pay 25 cents per transaction.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s NOW Checking account

You cannot apply for The Berkshire Bank’s checking accounts online. To open an account, you’ll have to visit a branch.

If you’re a college student between the ages of 18 and 24, you can qualify for The Berkshire Bank’s Ultimate College Checking account. This is one of only two checking accounts offered by The Berkshire Bank that doesn’t charge a monthly service fee. You’ll also get unlimited debits and withdrawals at no charge, while almost all this bank’s other accounts have a monthly cap.

You won’t earn interest with this account, and you will still incur ATM fees at all non-The Berkshire Bank ATMs. Like this bank’s other checking accounts, you’re only allowed 25 free ATM withdrawals at The Berkshire Bank ATMs per month. But if you qualify for this checking account, it’s one of the low-fee checking accounts offered.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s Ultimate College Checking account

You will need to provide proof that you are a student with your application for this account. You can open an account at any The Berkshire Bank branch.

This checking account comes with a monthly service fee that can only be waived by maintaining an average daily balance of at least $500. While we prefer checking accounts with no monthly service fee, the requirements for waiving the fee on this account are lower than those required by other checking accounts at The Berkshire Bank.

The Super Security Checking account is designed for customers who receive monthly direct deposits from Social Security. If you do, and if you can maintain a minimum daily balance of at least $500, you’ll qualify for this account’s interest rate. For a checking account, this  rate is quite competitive.

You’ll only get 50 fee-free withdrawals and debits per month with a Super Security Checking account. After that, you’ll be charged a 25 cents fee for each transaction.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s Super Security Checking account

To qualify for this account, you need to receive monthly direct deposits from Social Security. You can apply in a branch.

The Premier Checking account is a non-interest-bearing account. Like most of The Berkshire Bank’s checking products, this account charges a monthly maintenance fee. You’ll need to maintain at least $25,000 in combined account balances to waive the monthly service fee, and this minimum is also required to qualify for Premier Checking anyway.

But you’re only allowed 25 debits or withdrawals per month at no charge. If you use your debit card more than 25 times per month, you’ll be charged 25 cents for each additional transaction. You also will not earn interest on this account. Ultimately, there are few features that make this account’s monthly maintenance fee and high balance requirements worthwhile.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s Premier Checking account

You can open a Premier Checking account by visiting a branch and applying in person. There are no online applications.

You won’t earn any interest with this checking account, but it’s one of only two checking accounts at The Berkshire Bank that doesn’t charge a monthly service fee. The minimum opening deposit requirement is higher than most other banks, but it’s still feasible.

You will still have to pay ATM fees at non-The Berkshire Bank ATMs, and this account only allows 50 free debits or withdrawals per month. If you exceed that limit, you’ll be charged 25 cents per transaction.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s 60 & Better Checking account

You can apply for a 60 & Better Checking account by visiting a The Berkshire Bank branch.

The Berkshire Bank’s Basic Banking account has a low monthly maintenance fee, but it cannot be waived. It also has the lowest minimum opening deposit requirement of any checking account offered by this bank. The account does not earn interest, and ATM fees aren’t refunded.

There are some serious limitations that come with the Basic Banking account. First, you’re only allowed eight free debits or withdrawals per month at no charge, and you can’t exceed that number. You must be a New York resident to open this account, and you can’t have any other transactional accounts with The Berkshire Bank or any other financial institution if you hold this account. This account has little practical purpose for most people.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s Basic Banking account

You can apply for a Basic Banking account at any of The Berkshire Bank’s New York locations.

Like the Basic Banking account but for New Jersey residents, this checking account charges a low monthly maintenance fee that cannot be waived. It doesn’t earn interest, and you will have to pay ATM fees on non-The Berkshire Bank ATMs.

You can only use your account for up to eight debits or withdrawals per month, which is pretty limiting. The account is only open to New Jersey residents, and you can’t hold this account if you have any other transactional accounts with The Berkshire Bank or other financial institutions.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s New Jersey Consumer Checking account

You can apply for this account at any of The Berkshire Bank’s New Jersey branches.

This account does not bear interest. But it requires that you open a Blue Ribbon Savings account to go with it, which does earn interest. You’ll need to maintain an average daily balance of at least $800 to waive the monthly service fee, which is lower than the requirements for most other checking accounts at The Berkshire Bank.

This account has the same ATM fees as the rest of The Berkshire Bank’s checking accounts. Unlike most of this bank’s checking accounts, though, the Blue Ribbon Checking account allows unlimited fee-free transactions.

While this is one of The Berkshire Bank’s better checking account offerings, it still comes with monthly maintenance and ATM fees, which can be avoided at other banks.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s Blue Ribbon Checking account

You’ll need to open a Blue Ribbon Savings account to qualify for this checking account. You can open both at a branch.

This savings account requires that you also sign up for a Blue Ribbon Checking account. With the two accounts paired together, you’ll get free unlimited check-writing, as well as your first order of checks.

With the Blue Ribbon Savings account, you’ll earn better interest rates than you would at many traditional banks, but it’s still possible to find significantly higher rates at online banks. With The Berkshire Bank’s savings accounts, this account is the best option for balances of $250,000 or more. Customers with balances that fall in the lower tiers may want to consider other savings options with The Berkshire Bank that offer a slightly higher APY.

Per Federal Reserve Regulation D, you’re allowed a maximum of six certain withdrawals a month. After that, a fee is exacted by the bank.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s Blue Ribbon Savings account

You can apply for Blue Ribbon Savings and Blue Ribbon Checking accounts by visiting one of The Berkshire Bank’s branches.

The Platinum Super Savings account offers decent rates, but you do have to maintain a sizable minimum balance to earn interest. It’s not the best option The Berkshire Bank offers for customers with balances in the highest and lowest tiers, but if you plan to maintain a balance of $50,000, the Platinum Super Savings account is a good alternative to Blue Ribbon Savings because it doesn’t require you to maintain any specific checking account with The Berkshire Bank.

You’re only allowed to complete up to six certain withdrawals per month. If you complete more, you’ll be charged a fee by the bank. This is the case with all savings accounts due to Federal Reserve Regulation D.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s Platinum Super Savings account

You can visit any The Berkshire Bank branch to open a Platinum Super Savings account.

This account requires a slightly higher minimum balance to begin earning interest than the others. But of The Berkshire Bank’s savings accounts, it offers the best interest rate for balances in the lowest tier. More specifically, this account is best if you plan to maintain a balance between $15,000 and $499,999.99.

As with any savings account, you are limited up to six certain withdrawals a month due to Federal Reserve Regulation D. If you exceed this amount, you’ll be charged a fee for each transaction by the bank.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s Statement Super Savings

If you’re interested in opening one of The Berkshire Bank’s savings accounts, you can do so by visiting a branch or calling their customer service line.

This account is ideal for customers who don’t plan to deposit a lot of money into their savings account. It’s the only savings account at The Berkshire Bank that earns interest on balances below $10,000, although the rate is low. It actually offers the best rates of any of The Berkshire Bank savings accounts for balances below $250,000. After that, you’ll want to switch to one of its other savings options.

The Statement Savings account is also the only savings account at The Berkshire Bank that charges a monthly maintenance fee. While it can be waived by maintaining an average daily balance of $300 or more, there are plenty of other banks that offer fee-free savings accounts.

As per Federal Reserve Regulation D, you’re allowed a maximum of six certain withdrawals. After that, a fee is exacted by the bank.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s Statement Savings account

To open a Statement Savings account, you’ll need to visit a branch. Accounts cannot be opened online.

The Berkshire Bank offers many short-term CDs that can be hard to find at other financial institutions, allowing you to choose term lengths as short as one month. There are a wide variety of options for people who prefer flexibility, but its offerings fall short when it comes to long-term CDs. The longest term length available is three years, while most banks offer up to five years.

The rates offered by most of these CDs are also less than impressive, especially if you don’t plan to make a large deposit. That being said, if you plan to deposit $10,000 or more, the rates offered for the six month, nine month, 12 month, 14 month, 18 month and 24 month CDs are closer to those offered by the competition. The minimum opening deposit is fairly low.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s CDs

You can open a certificate of deposit with The Berkshire Bank at any of its branches.

The Money Market Checking account requires a minimum balance to earn interest that might not be attainable for some customers. Also, the interest rate on this account is quite low, and any interest accumulated is likely to be unnoticeable.

You’ll also have to pay a monthly maintenance fee on this account unless you can meet the requirements to get it waived. To do that, you have to keep an average daily balance of at least $2,500.

Federal Reserve Regulation D limits savings accounts to six certain withdrawals a month. If you make more than six withdrawals from your money market account in one month, you’ll be charged a fee by the bank for each additional withdrawal.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s Money Market Checking account

You can apply for a money market account at any The Berkshire Bank branch.

To check the most current rates on The Berkshire Bank’s IRAs, you’ll have to give them a call. According to a customer service representative, they match the rates on their regular CDs.

While there are a wide range of short-term IRAs available at The Berkshire Bank, the longest term they offer is 18 months. The early withdrawal penalty can be sizeable if you have a larger balance and a longer term.

How to get The Berkshire Bank’s IRA CDs

You can open an IRA with The Berkshire Bank at any of its branches.