Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union’s free checking account has no minimum opening deposit or monthly fee. Customers have access to over 50,000 fee-free ATMs in the CO-OP, MoneyPass, and SUM networks. Also, Better Than Free Checking offers the same benefits that all the credit union’s checking account customers enjoy, including:

• Visa debit card with EMV chip technology
• Free online bill pay
• Online and mobile banking
• Free mobile check deposits via an app
• Overdraft protection transfers from a savings account
• Access to the Stash Your Cash program, which rounds up purchase amounts to the nearest dollar and deposits the excess into an Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union savings account
• MyPlus Rewards points for debit card transactions

The MyPlusRewards™ program earns cardholders 1 point for every $6 in debit card transactions, or 2 points in any month with 30 or more such transactions. Customers can also earn 1.25 points per $1 spent with a Premier Select Rewards Visa^®, or 1 point per $1 spent with a Visa^® Platinum Rewards card. Points can be used for various rewards, ranging from charitable donations and gift cards to travel, merchandise, cash back, fee reversals and rate reductions. Terms apply.

Interest Reward Checking requires a higher opening deposit than the Better Than Free Checking account at Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, but all balances at that level or higher earn interest. The account charges a modest monthly fee, but that fee is easily waived with a balance at least as high as the opening deposit requirement. Beyond these differences, the account is very similar to the credit union’s free checking account, from the lack of an ATM fee to the high overdraft fee that is waived with overdraft protection. The account carries all the added benefits offered by the free checking account, from online and mobile banking to the Stash Your Cash and MyPlus Rewards™ programs.

How to get Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union’s checking accounts

You can open both Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union checking accounts online. You’ll need to upload a photo of a valid ID, such as your driver’s license, state ID or passport. You’ll also need to provide your Social Security number and a source of funds for the account, such as your savings account number or a credit or debit card.

Membership Savings is a basic savings account. For a small opening deposit and no monthly fee, account holders gain membership into the credit union and have access to an interest-bearing savings account that has no ATM fees.

Interest is paid in two tiers, but the highest rates are reserved for deposits of $500 or less. Interest accrues daily and is paid monthly. Certain withdrawals are limited by federal Regulation D up to six a month. Excess withdrawals are not permitted. Overdraft fees are high and cannot be reduced through overdraft protection.

Customers looking to open additional basic savings accounts beyond the Membership Shares account can look towards the Shares II Savings account. This account carries the same fee structure as the Membership Savings account, with no monthly fees and no ATM fees. But watch out for a high overdraft fee that cannot be waived. Withdrawals from the Shares II Savings account are also limited to six a month. But the Shares II Savings account doesn’t offer the higher interest rate paid on balances of $500 or less that can be found with the Membership Savings account. Customers are allowed to open as many Shares II Savings accounts as they would like.

The WINcentive Savings account is essentially a basic savings account with a major twist. Every month that account holders increase their savings balance by at least $25, they’ll earn an entry (up to four a month) in a statewide drawing. The grand prize is $5,000, and drawings are held monthly, quarterly and annually. On top of these drawings, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union also holds its own monthly, quarterly and annual draws, increasing the opportunity to win.

How to get Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union’s savings accounts

You can open any of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union’s savings accounts online. As with the bank’s other accounts, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number, funding source and a copy of a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID or passport.

Basic Certificates at Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union have a $500 minimum and terms from three to 60 months. Then the credit union has two additional products designed for people with smaller opening deposits.

Certificate Builder CDs have a 12-month term but allow for unlimited contributions until maturity. The minimum balance for these CDs is just $100.

Wahoo CDs have the smallest minimum deposit at just $1. Wahoo CDs have 12-month terms, but total contributions are limited to $25,000.

For all CDs at the credit union, interest accrues daily and is paid monthly. Likewise, all CDs are subject to the early withdrawal penalty outlined above.

How to get Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union’s CD accounts

You can open any Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union CD online. Applicants must provide their Social Security number and funding source, as well as upload a copy of their government-issued ID.

A traditional money market account, the Capitol Money Market account carries a $2,000 minimum opening deposit requirement and has no monthly fees. Interest accrues daily and compounds monthly, with deposits of $5,000+ earning the highest rates. The account has check-writing privileges but no ATM access. Certain withdrawals are limited by Regulation D up to six a month.

The Nova Money Market account at Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is for customers with high balances seeking the highest yields. The account has a very high minimum opening deposit requirement, and it also carries a steep monthly fee that can only be avoided by maintaining this high balance. Interest is only earned if the account balance remains above the opening deposit requirement. You can write up to six checks per month in this account, but there is no ATM access. Overdraft fees remain high, with no overdraft protection program reducing the fee.

How to get Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union’s money market accounts

Only the Capitol Money Market account can be opened online. Unlike most other accounts at Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, you’ll have to visit a branch to open an A+ Money Market or a Nova Money Market account. You’ll need your Social Security number, a funding source and a color copy or picture of your valid ID, such as a passport, driver’s license or state ID, to open an account.

The IRA Savings account is where Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union customers can keep money that is not deployed elsewhere. There’s no minimum deposit or monthly fee, but there is also no ATM access. Interest is paid on all balances — at a rate that triples the credit union’s standard savings rate.

Features of CDs in IRAs at Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union are the same as in the credit union’s taxable accounts. But the CD roster is limited in the credit union’s IRAs. There are only three regular CD terms of 12, 36 and 60 months. The 12 month Wahoo and Certificate Builder CDs are still available in IRA format.

Basic Certificates still have a $500 minimum. Certificate Builder CDs, which allow unlimited contributions, have a $100 minimum opening deposit. Wahoo CDs carry a small $1 minimum but limit deposits to $25,000.

For all IRA CDs, interest accrues daily and is paid monthly. IRA CDs carry the same early withdrawal penalties as the credit union’s non-IRA CDs.

How to get Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union’s IRA products

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union IRAs cannot be opened online. You’ll need to bring your Social Security number, valid ID and funding source to a branch to open an IRA.

Vibrant Checking is a checking account for teenagers, but it still comes packed with additional features and benefits. In addition to the waived membership fee and the waived minimum share balance fee, the account comes with traditional checking benefits, a Visa debit card, 24/7 account access via mobile and online banking, bill pay, person-to-person transfers, and unlimited access to all Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union ATMs. A $500 secured Platinum credit card is also available, as long as a parent or guardian is willing to make the required security deposit.

Account holders can also participate in the Fun Bucks Savings program, which pays a 5.09% APY as of Dec. 6, 2018 on funds that can be held until the account holder turns 12, 15, or 18.

Aspire Checking, designed for college students, is similar to the teen-oriented Vibrant Checking account, though with a few distinctions. Aspire Checking also comes with waived membership fees and waived minimum share balance fees, along with bill pay and person-to-person transfers.

However, the funding requirement for membership in the credit union — a $5 deposit in a Share Savings account — is funded by Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union itself, meaning no money is required at account opening.

This account also comes with 4 refunded monthly foreign ATM withdrawal fees. Account holders who complete an online financial literacy course become eligible to apply for a $500 partially secured Platinum credit card and a 0.15% auto loan rate discount.

Choice Checking is the standard checking account offered by Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union. It comes with common features, like the choice of check designs, online banking, bill pay, and person-to-person transfers. There’s a monthly fee with this account, but it can be waived through a variety of means.

Discounts of 0.10% for unsecured loans and 0.15% for auto loans are also available through this account; discounts can jump as high as 0.20% and 0.30%, respectively, if you have additional Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union loans and direct deposit.

Members aged 55 and older may also enjoy additional features through the credit union’s Heritage Benefits:

• One free box of custom checks per year
• A 25 percent discount on safe deposit box rentals
• Free official checks
• Free money orders
• Participation in the SaveTopia Discount Program, which offers discounts at more than 80 local and national merchants via a mobile app

Those that may not have access to traditional checking accounts might need a credit-building account to start out. Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union’s Opportunity Checking account fits this need.

The account offers traditional checking account products and services, but it also has some restrictions. There is no check writing with this account, and there is no courtesy pay option to handle overdrafts. There are no ATM deposit capabilities, no mobile check deposit and no shared branch access.

To graduate to a Choice Checking account, you’ll need to complete an online financial literacy course.

As with the Choice Checking account, credit union members aged 55 and older opening an Opportunity Checking account are entitled to the additional features offered by the credit union’s Heritage Benefits program, including a free order of checks, free money orders and official checks, a safe deposit box rental discount, and participation in the SaveTopia Discount Program.

How to get Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union’s checking accounts

To open any type of account at Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union, you’ll need to start by becoming a member. You can do this online by providing a valid government-issued ID, such as a passport, driver’s license or state ID, along with your complete physical address, email address and Social Security number.

To qualify for membership, you’ll have to pay a $10 membership fee and live, work, volunteer, worship, own a business or attend school in Orange, Seminole, Osceola or Lake counties. You must also open and deposit $5 into a share savings account via a credit card, check, or debit card. During that process, you can choose to add a Choice checking account. However, additional checking accounts cannot be opened online. You’ll need to visit a Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union branch or call the credit union’s contact center at (407) 896-9411 within or Orlando or (800) 771-9411 from outside Orlando.

Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union’s Share Savings account is a standard savings account, but all Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union members must open one. In addition to the $5 minimum opening deposit, a one-time, $10 membership fee is also required.

The account allows for unlimited deposits and in-person withdrawals, although there’s a limit on certain transfers of six per month, per Regulation D. If you make certain transactions in excess of the limit, you’ll face account closure.

In most ways, Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union’s Holiday & Summer Share accounts are identical to the bank’s traditional savings account. However, there is no minimum to open this account.

Unlike some club-type accounts found at other banks or credit unions, there is no mandatory distribution date for these accounts, nor is there a restriction on access. As long as you keep the minimum $50 balance in the account, you can continue earning interest.

You cannot access these accounts via an ATM; you must either visit a branch or move your money via online or mobile access. Certain transactions in excess of six per month will result in account closure.

Origin Savings is a starter savings account that is similar to the credit union’s Share Savings account, but with some tweaks. As with Share Savings, there’s a $5 minimum deposit to open this account, but there is no monthly fee with Origin Savings. However, there is also no ATM access.

Origin Savings account holders have access to the credit union’s Fun Bucks Program, which allows for additional earnings at a high rate — 5.09% APY as of Dec. 6, 2018 — on deposits of at least $10. These funds must be kept in the account until at least age 12 or the earnings are forfeited.

Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union’s Vibrant Savings account is very similar to the Origin Savings account, with some modifications for its teenaged account holders. There’s still a $5 minimum opening deposit, and there are no monthly account fees or ATM access.

However, this account does have debit card access. A $500 secured credit card is also available with a deposit from a parent or guardian. Account holders have access to the credit union’s Fun Bucks Program, earning an APY of 5.09% as of Dec. 6, 2018, up until age 15; premature withdrawals forfeit earned interest.

Upon turning 18, account holders can switch their account to a Share Savings account.

Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union’s Health Savings account has a small opening deposit and no monthly maintenance fee. It carries the same federal tax and eligibility restrictions as all health savings accounts do. To open this account, customers:

• must participate in a valid high-deductible health insurance plan
• cannot have additional first-dollar medical coverage (e.g. specific injury coverage, vision, dental, accident, disability, and long-term care insurance permitted)
• cannot be enrolled in Medicare
• cannot be claimed as a dependent on another’s tax return

All HSA accounts carry tax benefits, but you should consult your tax advisor regarding the consequences of both contributions and withdrawals.

How to get Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union’s savings accounts

The process for opening a savings account online at Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union is the same as with any type of account. First, you’ll need to become a member using the online process. You can do this with a valid government-issued ID, such as a passport, state ID, or driver’s license, along with your physical address, email address, and Social Security number.

Members must pay a $10 membership fee and live, volunteer, work, worship, own a business, or attend school in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, or Lake County. You’ll have to fund a share account with at least $5 via a credit card, check, or debit card.

Additional savings accounts cannot be opened online. For those, you’ll need to visit a Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union branch or call the credit union’s contact center at (407) 896-9411 within or Orlando or (800) 771-9411 from outside Orlando.

None of the certificates in the Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union CD lineup have any monthly service charges or fixed-rate dividends. The CDs all pay fixed-rate dividends that are compounded daily and credited monthly. All CDs require $1,000 to open, with the exception of the 6-month Savings Builder Share Certificate, which is also the only account that allows additional deposits. The 10-month CD offers a special rate. Early withdrawal penalties apply to all CDs.

How to get Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union’s CD accounts

You cannot open a Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union term certificate account online. You’ll need to visit a Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union branch or call the credit union’s contact center at (407) 896-9411 within or Orlando or (800) 771-9411 from outside Orlando.

Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union’s Insured Money Market is designed to be a short-term investment account that still allows easy access to funds. Rates are tiered and vary according to current market conditions, with deposits of $1,000,000 and more earning the highest yields.

Deposits and in-person withdrawals are unlimited, but other specific transfers are limited to six per month, in line with federal Regulation D. Dividends are calculated from the date of deposit to the date of withdrawal; dividends are compounded daily and paid monthly.

How to get Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union’s money market accounts

You cannot open a Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union money market account online. You’ll need to visit a Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union branch or call the credit union’s contact center at (407) 896-9411 within or Orlando or (800) 771-9411 from outside Orlando.

Customers that have money in a Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union IRA that is not destined for a true investment account can find a decent holding place in the credit union’s IRA Savings Account. There’s no minimum balance to earn the savings account yield, and money can be transferred at any time to a different investment, such as a CD.

There is no ATM access with this account. Although the savings account itself is liquid, as an IRA, there are IRS restrictions to taking money out of the account entirely. Withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax and a possible penalty if account holders are below the age of 59.5.

The CDs available in a Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union IRA are not a distinct product line from those in the credit union’s taxable accounts. You’ll find standard CDs from three months to 60 months in a Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union IRA, with the same $1,000 minimum. The one difference is that there is no promotional 10-month, Fixed-Maturity Term Share Certificate available in Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union IRA accounts. The six-month, $5 minimum Savings Builder Share Certificate, however, is still available in IRA form. Early withdrawal penalties remain the same. These CDs do come in an IRA wrapper, so you’ll potentially face IRS taxes and penalties if you take money out of the IRA as a whole.

How to get Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union’s IRA products

You cannot open a Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union IRA account online. You’ll need to visit a Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union branch or call the credit union’s contact center at (407) 896-9411 within or Orlando or (800) 771-9411 from outside Orlando.

The Free Checking account is a straightforward option for banking clients who need basic checking account access, but don’t want to pay any fees. Although the account doesn’t earn any interest, it has no minimum balance requirements and provides a number of free features and benefits, including the following:

• Online and mobile banking access
• Unlimited check writing
• Online bill pay
• Mobile pay via a linked debit card using Google Pay, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay
• Mobile remote deposit of checks via smartphone

The Free Checking account carries a steep overdraft fee, but that can be reduced by signing up for transfers from a backup funding account. ATM access is available via debit card, and withdrawals up to six times per month are free of charge.

Consumers Credit Union’s Student Choice checking account is a starter account for minors, who must open the account with a designated adult.

Daily debit card withdrawals are limited to $310. No checks are included and no overdrafts are allowed. However, the account does provide a generous up to $25 maximum ATM fee monthly rebate for non-network ATMs, and it allows minors to apply for a Visa credit card through the account.

Other benefits include free electronic statements and online banking. As with the Free Checking account, however, no interest is paid on the Student Choice checking account.

Free Rewards account holders can earn high rates of interest but must clear certain hurdles earn the best rates. To qualify for Tier C, customers must ensure that each month, the following occurs:

• Complete at least 12 debit/check card point-of-sale purchases of any amount (must be made without the use of a PIN code and must clear and post as a credit transaction by the end of the month)
• Receive one direct deposit, pay one bill using the credit union’s online bill pay service, or make one ACH debit
• Access online banking at least once
• Receive bank correspondence (such as statements and notices) via the eDocuments service

Tier B customers must complete all of the above every month, and also spend $500 or more in Consumers Credit Union Visa credit card purchase transactions. Customers who spend $1,000 or more monthly on their Consumers Credit Union Visa credit card are bumped up to Tier A.

On top of the enhanced interest payments, the Free Rewards checking account offers the following additional benefits:

• Reimbursement for any and all ATM fees, if Tier C or higher requirements are met
• Online banking and bill pay
• Mobile banking
• No minimum balance requirement
• No monthly maintenance fees
• Unlimited check writing

If Tier C or higher requirements are not met, customers lose the fee reimbursement provision and are only paid interest at a 0.01% APY. To help customers keep on track, the credit union offers a service that shows activity such as monthly debit transactions and Visa spending.

How to open Consumers Credit Union’s checking accounts

As noted earlier, Consumers Credit Union has an online application for its flagship Free Rewards Checking account. Customers looking to open a Free Checking or Student Choice account can visit a branch or call the customer service line at (877) 275-2228.

A $5 deposit into a new Consumers Credit Union Membership Share Savings account is mandatory for any customers who want to be members of the credit union.

As required by Federal Reserve Regulation D, you are limited to up to six certain transactions each month from Consumers Credit Union’s Membership Share Savings or money market account. The credit union will assess a $5 fee for each additional transaction. Your account may also be closed, at the discretion of the institution.

The Christmas Savings account pays a higher interest rate than the credit union’s Membership Share Savings account, but funds must remain on deposit in the account from Nov. 1 through Oct. 31 of the following year, at which point money is automatically transferred into the account holder’s Membership Share Savings account.

The account requires a new $5 minimum deposit every year and automatically renews.

How to open Consumers Credit Union’s savings accounts

The credit union has a single online application for its accounts. Customers looking to open a Membership Share Savings or Christmas Savings account can also visit a branch or call the customer service line at (877) 275-2228

Consumers Credit Union’s CDs range in maturity from 91 days to 5 years, with rates guaranteed for the duration of the term. After a minimum deposit of $250, dividends are compounded daily and posted monthly. Promotional rates are offered in the 15 month and 45 month maturities. Withdrawing funds before CDs mature will trigger an early withdrawal penalty of between 60 and 120 days’ worth of dividends.

Customers with $100,000 or more to invest have access to the credit union’s jumbo certificate rates, which are higher for some maturities than the credit union’s regular certificate accounts. Promotional rates are offered for the same 15 and 45 month maturities as Consumers Credit Union’s regular CDs. Dividends are credited daily and posted monthly, with rates guaranteed for the life of the CD.

How to get Consumers Credit Union’s certificate rates

Consumers Credit Union has one online application for all account types, including regular and jumbo CDs.

Consumers Credit Union’s Money Market account pays a higher rate than the credit union’s savings account, but offers more access than its CDs. Rates are tiered, with the highest APY paid for balances of $100,000 or more.

Federal Reserve Regulation D requires that an account classified as a “savings deposit” must not permit more than six transfers or withdrawals per month. In the case of Consumers Credit Union, account holders will be assessed a fee of $5 per instance each time they exceed that limit — in some cases, the credit union may close the account in response to excess withdrawals. The account has no ATM access.

How to get Consumers Credit Union’s money market account

As noted earlier, Consumers Credit Union has one online application for all account types, including the money market account.

Consumers Credit Union’s IRA CDs follow the same format as the credit union’s non-IRA CDs. Minimum deposits are $250, and rates vary over the 91 day to 5 year maturity schedule. Higher rates are paid for the promotional maturities of 15 and 45 months. Early withdrawal penalties apply, at a cost of either 60 days’ or 120 days’ worth of dividends.

For IRA customers with at least $100,000 to invest, jumbo CDs are available in Consumers Credit Union’s IRA products. Rates are higher for some maturities than the credit union’s regular IRA CDs. Promotional rates are available for maturities of 15 and 45 months. Dividends are credited daily and posted monthly.

Consumers Credit Union’s IRA Money Market account has the same interest rates as its non-IRA money market account. It pays more than the credit union’s IRA savings account, but for the most part, rates are lower than its IRA CD rates. Tiered rates pay the highest APY on balances of $100,000 or more. There is no ATM access with this account.

The IRA Savings account at Consumers Credit Union is an interest-bearing account for cash that is not invested elsewhere, such as in the credit union’s CDs. The same rate is paid for every deposit above the account minimum of $10. There are no monthly fees with this savings account.

How to get Consumers Credit Union’s IRA rates

Consumers Credit Union requires applicants for IRA products to call (877) 275-2228 or visit a branch. No online application is available for an IRA product at the credit union.

Golden 1 Credit Union’s Free Checking account is a basic, free checking account. The account charges no fees unless you overdraw the account without a backup savings or loan account, or if you use a non-network ATM. However, 240 Golden 1 Credit Union and 30,000 CO-OP ATMs are available to use surcharge-free. The account does offer some limited additional features, including:

• Online, mobile and text banking services
• Free first box of Golden 1 Credit Union custom image checks
• Debit card
• Mobile deposit
• Online bill payment service
• Popmoney^® personal payment service

Golden 1 Credit Union’s Student Checking account is essentially the same account as the credit union’s Free Checking option, with slight differences. In fact, after five years, the Student Checking account automatically converts into a Free Checking account.

The Student Checking account offers the same benefits as the Free Checking account, including mobile, online and text banking, mobile deposit and online bill pay. Customers also receive one free order of checks and a debit card. Like the Free Checking account, the Student Checking account doesn’t pay interest.

To qualify for a Student Checking account, applicants must provide proof of enrollment, acceptance or attendance at any college or university.

Limited to students ages 16 or 17, the Freedom Checking account also requires a B-grade average or higher. The account allows youths the ability to withdraw and deposit funds without the oversight of a parent or legal guardian. Additional features are similar to the credit union’s other free checking accounts, including online and mobile banking access, mobile deposit, online bill pay and a debit card. When the account holder reaches age 18, the account automatically converts to a Free Checking account.

As with the credit union’s other free checking accounts, the New Generation account comes with the same basic features, from online and mobile banking to debit card access and online bill pay. However, one twist with the New Generation checking account is that ATM access is limited. For youths between ages 13 and 15, daily ATM withdrawals are capped at $40. For those between ages 16 to 17, the daily ATM limit is capped at $100. The account pays no interest.

Beyond the name, and the opening and maintenance requirements, Golden 1 Credit Union’s Premium Checking is similar to the credit union’s Free Checking account. In exchange for earning interest, the Premium Checking account drops the benefit of a free first box of checks.

Golden 1 Credit Union’s Golden Prestige^SM package is available to qualifying clients age 62 or older. Direct deposit of a recurring check, or $5,000 on deposit in any combination of savings accounts at the credit union, are enough to qualify, along with the age requirement.

How to open Golden 1 Credit Union’s checking accounts

As noted earlier, Golden 1 Credit Union has an online application for its Free Checking and Premium Checking accounts. Customers looking to open a Student, New Generation or Freedom Checking accounts can visit a branch or call the Member Service Contact Center at (877) 465-3361.

A $1 deposit into a Golden 1 Credit Union Regular Savings account is a mandatory requirement for membership in the credit union, in addition to the California regional requirement. A deposit of $100 is enough to trigger dividend payments.

Although the account offers unlimited ATM withdrawals, there is an excess withdrawal fee of $3 attached to in-branch cash withdrawals or transfers exceeding three per month. The account can be used as a basis for overdraft protection on the credit union’s checking accounts, and there are no monthly maintenance or minimum balance fees. In line with Federal Reserve regulations, there is a limit of six withdrawals/transfers a month with savings accounts. If you exceed the limit, it can lead to account closure.

Golden 1 Credit Union’s FlexSavings account is similar to holiday savings accounts at other financial institutions. After a small minimum opening deposit, the account pays interest on all balances until a date specified by the account holder. At that point, the money in the FlexSavings account is paid out to the member’s Regular Savings account at Golden 1 Credit Union. Payouts are on the first day of any month up to 20 years in the future. Withdrawals made before the specified date will result in the closure of the account.

The Youth Savings account at Golden 1 Credit Union allows minors to make withdrawals and deposits in their own savings account. The credit union will charge $3 per transaction for every in-branch withdrawal or transfer beyond three each month, Per Regulation D, six withdrawals/transfers is the limit per month. If you go over that, you may face account closure by the credit union.

Transactions can be made without the presence of a co-signer, although the account must have an adult joint owner until the youth reaches age 18. The account carries no monthly fee and pays dividends on all balances.

Golden 1 Credit Union’s Santa Saver account has the same requirements as the credit union’s FlexSavings account, with one specific difference: Santa Savers are required to take a distribution every year on Nov. 1. Other withdrawals or transfers are not allowed. This account also renews automatically every year.

How to open Golden 1 Credit Union’s savings accounts

Golden 1 Credit Union’s online application is available for all of the credit union’s savings accounts, if members have an online banking password. New members can sign up for the Regular Savings and Santa Savers account by joining the credit union online. Members can also open additional regular savings accounts as they wish using the online application process. Other options are to visit a branch or to call the Member Service Contact Center at (877) 465-3361.

Golden 1 Credit Union’s CDs range in maturity from 3 months to 5 years. Dividends are compounded and credited monthly. Rates are tiered, with balances of $100,000 or more earning the highest APY. The early withdrawal of CD deposits triggers an early withdrawal penalty of between 90 and 365 days of dividends. Golden 1 Credit Union’s CDs automatically renew, although there is a seven-day grace period after maturity during which account holders can withdraw their funds without a fee.

How to get Golden 1 Credit Union’s CD rates

Current members of Golden 1 Credit Union can open certificate accounts online by logging in to their account and clicking on the “Open an Account” tab. Non-members can either join the credit union and apply online, in-person at a branch, via the Member Service Contact Center at (877) 465-3361, or by mailing in a paper application.

Larger deposits into Golden 1 Credit Union’s Money Market pay a higher rate than the credit union’s savings account. The highest APY is paid on balances of $100,000 or more. The account has ATM access, but only at Golden 1 Credit Union ATMs.

Dividends are compounded monthly and are variable. Account holders are restricted to six withdrawals per month; otherwise, the account may be closed. Although dividends are paid on any amount, balances below $2,500 are assessed a monthly fee.

How to get Golden 1 Credit Union’s money market account

As noted earlier, Golden 1 Credit Union has one online application for most account types, and the Money Market savings account qualifies for an online application for existing members with an online banking password. New members will have to join the credit union first before being offered online access to the money market account application. Otherwise, customers can visit a branch or call the Member Service Contact Center at (877) 465-3361.

Golden 1 Credit Union’s IRA CDs follow the same maturity range and pay the same rates as the credit union’s non-IRA CDs, with the exception of the special offered on the 12 month CDs. Minimum deposits are $500, but rates are tiered, so deposits of $100,000 or more pay a higher APY. Early withdrawal penalties apply and can be significant.

Golden 1 Credit Union offers a special 12 month IRA certificate for account holders with smaller initial deposits. As opposed to the credit union’s traditional $500 IRA CD minimum, the special 12 month CD carries a minimum opening deposit of just $25. As with the credit union’s other CDs, rates are tiered, and a slightly higher rate is offered for deposits of at least $100,000. The early withdrawal penalty, if triggered, is significant.

The IRA Savings account at Golden 1 Credit Union is an interest-bearing account for cash deposits. There are no interest rate tiers, so all deposits earn the same rate. The account carries no monthly maintenance fees.

How to get Golden 1 Credit Union’s IRA rates

IRA products at Golden 1 Credit Union are available to members only. However, new customers can join online, enroll in online banking and use the same online application available for other Golden 1 Credit Union accounts, as noted earlier. Applicants can also choose the mail-in option by obtaining a paper application from the credit union’s website. Applicants for IRA products can also call (877) 465-3361 or visit a branch.