For being a basic checking account, this one comes with a pretty hefty minimum opening deposit and monthly fee. As we noted above, however, it’s pretty easy to avoid that fee with its requirements, if you’re able to easily come up with the deposit to open the account, that is. You may also want to note that debits in excess of 30 per month will cost $0.25 per additional transaction, and receiving paper statements will result in an additional $5 fee.

This checking account does earn interest if you can maintain its high minimum balance requirement, increasing slightly once you hit the $1 million mark. If you can maintain that balance, it’s pretty easy to adhere to the requirements to avoid the monthly fee on this account. As with the bank’s other checking account, debits in excess of 30 per month will cost $0.25 per additional transaction, and receiving paper statements will result in an additional $5 fee.

How to get Pacific National Bank’s checking accounts

If you are a U.S. citizen residing in Florida, you can open either of these accounts in person at a branch. To do so, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number, government-issued ID and a way to fund the account.

This account does earn interest, but again, at pretty high rates for pretty high balances. As with the checking accounts, if you can maintain the minimum required balance and adhere to the account’s other requirements, it’s fairly easy to avoid the monthly maintenance fee. You may want to also note that receiving paper statements would cost you an additional $5 per month. As a savings account, it’s subject to Federal Reserve Regulation D, which limits certain withdrawals and transfers to six per month. Transactions in excess of this limit will cost you $20 for each item from the bank.

How to get Pacific National Bank’s savings account

If you are a U.S. citizen residing in Florida, you can open Pacific National Bank’s savings account in person at a branch. To do so, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number, government-issued ID and a way to fund the account.

While Pacific National Bank is currently only offering three promotional CDs, their opening deposit requirements and rates are pretty standard as far as today’s certificates go.

How to get Pacific National Bank’s CDs

You can open one of Pacific National Bank’s CDs online or in person; you’ll just need to provide your government-issued ID, Social Security number and a way to fund the account.

This account does earn interest, once again at low rates in exchange for high balances. As with most of its other accounts, it comes with a hefty monthly maintenance fee that can only be waived with an equally hefty minimum balance is maintained, along with other requirements. As with the regular savings account, receiving paper statements will cost you an extra $5 per month. As a savings account, this one is subject to Federal Reserve Regulation D, which limits certain withdrawals and transfers to six per month. Any additional withdrawals will cost an extra $20 each, imposed by the bank.

How to get Pacific National Bank’s money market account

Customers can open Pacific National Bank’s money market account online or in person at one of its Florida branches. You’ll need to provide your government-issued ID, Social Security number, and a way to fund the account.

If you just want a basic checking account, this one is free and comes with a Visa debit card. The account does not pay any interest.

There is an extensive free ATM network, though OnPoint Community Credit Union will charge you a small fee for using any out-of-network ATMs. If you also incur a surcharge from that ATM’s owner, the credit union does not refund any of those fees.

You will not have free access to online bill pay with this account. There is a monthly charge for that service, which kicks in after an initial three-month free trial. Overdraft fees are high as well.

How to get Basic Checking

To get Basic Checking, you must first be a member of OnPoint Community Credit Union. If you are eligible for membership, you can select the Basic Checking option when you fill out the online membership application. You’ll need to provide your name and address, Social Security number and your driver’s license or other identification. You can fund the account with a credit or debit card, or a checking account.

There is a one-time credit union membership fee of $10. To join the credit union, you’ll need to open a Regular Savings account with at least $5.

If you are already a member of OnPoint Community Credit Union and want to add a Basic Checking account, you can do so by logging into online banking and selecting “Services,” then “Add Accounts.”

The tiny amount of interest you might earn is barely worth the effort of this Interest Checking account. Despite advertised “tiered rates,” the APY is actually the same for any balance — and really doesn’t amount to much. You do get a free first order of checks with this account.

Another concern: You’ll need to take care to maintain a high enough average balance to avoid triggering a monthly fee. The credit union’s website lists a “$0” monthly fee for Interest Checking on its checking account product page, but if you read all the way down to the footnotes, it states there actually is a fee if you dip below the minimum monthly average balance. Overdraft fees are steep, too.

Perhaps the best feature of this checking account is the Visa debit card with free access to a 60,000-plus ATM network, with no fee from the credit union for using out-of-network ATMs. However, that doesn’t mean you can get cash from any ATM for free; the credit union does not refund any fees that the ATM owner might charge.

How to get Interest Checking

To open an Interest Checking account, you must first become a member of OnPoint Community Credit Union. You can join and open the account online. You’ll need to provide information like your name, address, Social Security number and driver’s license or other identification. You’ll also need a credit or debit card or bank account, with which to fund the new account.

If you prefer, you can also print out a membership application and send it in by mail with a $15 check to cover membership fee and the minimum opening balance.

Designed for customers who want a purely digital account, this eChecking account doesn’t include any paper checks and has no minimum balance requirement. It does come with free online and mobile banking, including online bill pay.

The account pays no interest and charges no monthly maintenance fees. You get a Visa debit card and access to an extensive surcharge-free ATM network.

When you open an eChecking account, the credit union requires you to enroll in e-statements within 30 days, to avoid having the account converted to a Basic Checking account (which has additional fees).

How to get eChecking

To open an eChecking account, you must first be a member of OnPoint Community Credit Union. If you are eligible for membership and want to apply, you can simply select the eChecking account option when you fill out the online membership application.

If you are already a member, you can log into online banking and select “Services” then “Add Accounts,” and choose the option to add an eChecking account.

This checking account is designed for teens or anyone who want to establish or reestablish a checking account. It does not pay any interest but comes with a Visa debit card and free access to a broad network of ATMs. There is a fee if you use out-of-network ATMs though, and OnPoint Community Credit Union does not refund surcharges from out-of-network ATMs.

There is no minimum balance requirement. For members under 18, this is a free account. For adult members, there is a monthly fee that cannot be waived.

How to get Access Account

To get Access Account, you must be first be member of OnPoint Community Credit Union. If you are eligible for membership, you can select the Access Checking option when you fill out the online membership application. You’ll need to provide your name and address, Social Security number and your driver’s license or other identification. You can fund the account with a credit or debit card, or a checking account.

If you are under 18, you must open your account at a branch office. Those under 18 will need to list a parent or legal guardian as a joint owner of the account.

The Regular Savings account establishes your status as a member of the credit union. The account pays a below-average interest rate, but it does come with an ATM card, online banking and customer service by phone.

In accordance with the federal Regulation D, you can make unlimited withdrawals/transfers in person at a branch or ATM, but are restricted to six automatic, online or preauthorized transfers per month without penalty imposed by the credit union. The credit union can refuse or reverse any excess transactions.

How to get Basic Savings

You’ll get a Basic Savings account as part of the process of signing up for membership to the credit union, in person or online. You’ll need to provide your name and address, Social Security number and your driver’s license or other identification. You can fund the account with a credit or debit card, or checking account.

There is a one-time membership fee of $10 and a minimum deposit of $5 to establish the savings account.

Members who have at least four financial products with the credit union — which can include a credit card, auto loan, mortgage or other services — qualify for this account, which earns them privileges including these better interest rates on savings. The interest rates are tiered and go up as your balance increases.

In accordance with the federal Regulation D, you can make unlimited withdrawals/transfers in person at a branch or ATM, but are restricted to six automatic, online or preauthorized transfers per month without penalty from the credit union. The credit union can refuse or reverse excess transactions.

How to get Bundle Reward Savings

Credit union members can upgrade their basic savings account to a Bundle Reward Savings through online banking, by visiting a branch or by calling customer service at 800-527-3932.

The credit union’s CDs pay interest rates that are well above national averages — about triple the average rates, in fact, for some of the short-term CDs. Members that have multiple credit union products (like credit cards, mortgages or car loans) are entitled to a higher Bundle Rewards APY, which works out to an additional quarter of a point in interest on all CDs.

You may add more money to some of the CDs during the term. If you have a CD with a term of 3, 6, 12, 18 or 24 months, you can make subsequent deposits, with a $100 minimum.

OnPoint Community Credit Union members under the age of 18 are exempt from the high opening deposit requirement. Kids can open CDs with a minimum deposit of just $100, and are allowed to make subsequent deposits of $100 minimum each.

How to get OnPoint Community Credit Union’s CDs

To open a CD, you must first be a member of OnPoint Community Credit Union. Members can open a CD through online banking. After logging in, select “Services,” then “Add Accounts” to establish a new CD.

You can also open a CD by visiting a branch or calling customer service at 800-527-3932.

OnPoint Community Credit Union’s Annual Withdrawal CDs have a 5 year term and pay interest rates that are well above the national averages. Members with multiple credit union products are entitled to the higher Bundle Rewards APY, which pay an additional quarter of a point in interest.

This CD allows a bit of flexibility when it comes to accessing your money. After the first year, you are allowed to make one penalty-free withdrawal from the CD per year. You can withdraw up to 20% of the original amount of the CD.

How to get OnPoint Community Credit Union’s CDs

To open an Annual Withdrawal CD, you must first be a member of OnPoint Community Credit Union. Members can open a CD through online banking. After logging in, select “Services,” then “Add Accounts” to establish a new Annual Withdrawal CD.

You can also open the special CD by visiting a branch or calling customer service at 800-527-3932.

This money market account pays a tiered interest rate that steps up slightly as your balance goes up. However, it’s almost not worth the bother since even high balances earn relatively little.

The account does come with an ATM card and access to a substantial surcharge-free ATM network. However, there is a fee if you go outside the network, and OnPoint Community Credit Union doesn’t offer refunds on any fees charged by other ATM owners.

Per Regulation D, you can make unlimited withdrawals/transfers from the account in person or at an ATM, but are limited to only six automatic, online, mobile or phone transfers per month without penalty from the credit union. The credit union may refuse or reverse transfers that are in excess of that limit.

How to get FlexSmart Money Market Account

To open a FlexSmart Money Market account, you must first be a member of OnPoint Community Credit Union. Members can open a money market account by logging into online banking, selecting “Services” and clicking on “Add Accounts” to select the account they want to open.

You can also open the account by visiting a branch or calling customer service at 800-527-3932.

OnPoint Community Credit Union’s traditional and Roth IRA Certificates of Deposit pay virtually the same interest rates as the regular CDs, but there are some small differences between them. For one thing, the 5 year IRA CDs do not offer the annual withdrawal privilege. Also, there are no limits on subsequent deposits for IRA CDs.

The IRA CD rates generally are well above national averages, but the 12, 18 and 24 month IRA CDs also come with a special “Booster Rate” feature. They allow you to elect to adjust your rate to the credit union’s current offered rate, one time during the term of the CD. This option can work to your advantage if market rates happen to rise while your money is tied up in the CD.

Members that also have credit cards, car loans, mortgages or other products from OnPoint Community Credit Union may qualify for the higher Bundle Rewards rate, which is a quarter of a percentage point higher than the normal rate.

How to get OnPoint Community Credit Union’s IRA CDs

To open IRA CDs you must first be a member of OnPoint Community Credit Union. Members can research their retirement account options, including the pros and cons of Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs using the credit union’s Retirement Central planning tools.

You can open IRA CDs online through the credit union’s IRA Service Center. You’ll need to provide personal information such as your address, Social Security number and other information.

You can also open the account by visiting a branch or calling customer service at 800-527-3932.

IRA Savings has no minimum balance requirement, and it’s free. However, it offers just a tiny amount of interest, so it’s probably not the best choice for your retirement money long term. It may make sense for some customers to use as a holding account for funds that are going to be invested elsewhere within a short time frame.

Per Regulation D, you are limited up to six certain withdrawals/transfers per month from the account without penalty from the credit union. OnPoint Community Credit Union may refuse or reverse transfers that are in excess of that limit.

How to get IRA Savings

To open IRA Savings, you must first be a member of OnPoint Community Credit Union. Members can research their retirement account options using the credit union’s Retirement Central planning tools.

Then, when you’re ready, you can open an IRA Savings account online through the credit union’s IRA Service Center. You’ll need to provide personal information such as your address, Social Security number and other information.

This Money Market IRA offers a tiered interest rate that steps up with your account balance, but even at the highest tier, the interest rate doesn’t amount to much. This account might benefit someone who has all their accounts in OnPoint Community Credit Union and needs to park some retirement funds for a short period before investing it elsewhere.

As with the credit union’s other savings accounts, there are transaction limits per federal Regulation D. You are limited up to six certain withdrawals/transfers per month without penalty from the credit union, and OnPoint Community Credit Union may refuse or reverse transfers that are in excess of that limit.

How to get a Money Market IRA

To open Money Market IRA you must first be a member of OnPoint Community Credit Union. Members can research their retirement account options using the credit union’s Retirement Central planning tools.

Then, you can open a Money Market IRA account online through the credit union’s IRA Service Center. You’ll need to provide personal information such as your address, Social Security number and other information.

You can also open the account by visiting a branch or calling customer service at 800-527-3932.

If you just want a standard, go-to account with no frills, this is the account for you at Home Savings. All of Home Savings’ checking accounts require just $25 to open, which is a pretty reasonable amount.

There is no fee for this account as long as you opt in to electronic statements. If you want paper statements, there will be a $2 or $3 monthly fee, depending on whether you want check images with the printed statements or not.

This isn’t a bad basic-level account, but given that the Simply Checking with Interest account is also free and offers interest above a certain balance level, why not try opening that account instead?

How to get Home Savings’ Simply Checking account

You can open the account online as a first step, but you’ll need to live in Home Savings’ core banking area because you’ll need to visit a branch location to finish signing the paperwork. You’ll also need to provide your Social Security number, a driver’s license (or other government-issued photo ID), and have a way to fund your new account (such as a check, ACH transfer, or credit card).

This is one of the few interest-bearing checking accounts we’ve seen at a bank like this that doesn’t charge a monthly fee. For that reason, this is the best checking account to open at Home Savings. After all, if you’re not able to meet the $1,000 balance requirement to earn interest, there won’t be any penalty in the form of a monthly fee like with many other checking accounts. So, you really have nothing to lose in opening this account.

Even though this account does earn interest, the interest rate offered is so low that you probably won’t see any real returns. As of press time, the interest rate offered on the lowest tier level is almost one point away from being zero, so don’t expect to get rich off this account.

How to get Home Savings’ Simply Checking With Interest account

You’ll need to visit a branch location in order to open this account. Make sure to bring your driver’s license with you and a way to fund your account. You can do this by providing a credit or debit card, or the routing information for your current bank account.

Normally, student checking accounts offer special perks, like free checks, higher interest rates, or no monthly fees. But since Home Savings doesn’t really charge monthly fees on its checking accounts anyways (unless you want paper statements), it has to pursue other options to attract students. Right now, that special perk is offering account holders a free custom photo debit card. That’s it.

This account is also only available to students aged 18-24. So if you’re a young adult and you’re really jonesing for a fancy custom debit card, this is the account for you. Once you’re too old for this account, you’ll have to close it and re-apply for a new “adult” checking account. It does not automatically transfer into a new type of account; Home Savings will require you to do it on your own.

How to get Home Savings’ Student Checking account

Students can open this account online, but in order to complete the application, you’ll have to get to a Home Savings branch to sign paperwork in order to open the account. You’ll also need to provide your driver’s license, Social Security number, and have a way to fund your new checking account. If you’ll be doing this by ACH transfer, you’ll need to provide Home Savings with your current account’s routing number.

If you’re a senior age 50 or above, you are eligible to open this checking account. Just like with the student checking account, oftentimes banks will sweeten the deal for senior checking accounts with extras like a higher interest rate.

If you opt for this account, you’ll only get two specific perks over the regular checking accounts. If you keep at least $5,000 in this account, you’ll get free paper statements. This might be a challenge for many seniors living on a fixed income. Secondly, you’ll get one free order of checks every year with this account.

Frankly, we think that it’d be better to open a senior checking account at another bank. You may qualify for more — and better — perks. You should at least be able to find an interest-bearing senior checking account without too much hassle.

How to get Home Savings’ Fabulous 50 Checking

If you do decide you want to open this account, you’ll need to visit a local branch. Home Savings requires you to present your driver’s license and Social Security number. You’ll also need to have a way to fund your new checking account, such as by ACH transfer (remember to bring your current account’s routing information) or by debit card.

If you’re just getting started on your savings journey at Home Savings and you don’t qualify for any of the bank’s other special savings accounts, this is the savings account you’ll start with. It only takes a $50 deposit to get started, but you might want to wait until you can commit to keeping at least $100 in the account. If you don’t keep $100 in the account each day of the month, you’ll have to pay a $1 monthly fee.

Given the fact that the interest rate is so low on this account, you’ll want to avoid the fee at all costs because it’ll probably swamp out any meager earnings you do get. As soon as you’re able, you may want to consider opening a higher-yielding account at Home Savings, or at another bank entirely.

How to get Home Savings’ Statement Savings account

Even though you can start to open this account online, it’s still basically restricted to people living in Home Savings’ core banking area in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. That’s because you’ll need to come into a branch to finish the account-opening process.

Home Savings offers this special savings account for people looking to save up for extra expenses during the holidays. When you open this account, you choose which account you want the funds deposited into when the club pays out — either your checking or savings account. The club savings account will automatically pay out the balance of the account into whichever account you designate on October 15 of each year, right in time to start shopping for the holidays.

Even though this account will start accruing as soon as you put money into it, you won’t see it credited to your account until it’s paid out in October. That might be kind of confusing at first because you won’t see interest deposits in your account, but rest assured, they will be included with your automatic transfer in October.

There are no automatic deposit requirements for this account. Rather, it’s entirely on you to remember to save into this account. It may be a good idea to set up automatic transfers anyways, just so that you don’t forget. You also are not allowed to make early withdrawals from the account, so only commit to putting in funds you won’t need until the holidays.

How to get Home Savings’ Holiday Club account

Home Savings does not support online applications for its Holiday Club account. Instead, you’ll need to go into a branch to open this account.

Home Savings makes it pretty easy for your child to get started with this savings account. All they’ll need is a $10 deposit to open the account, and they’ll start earning interest right from the start. There are also no monthly fees to worry about, so your child can watch their savings grow without being chipped away by fees.

Unfortunately, this account doesn’t offer a very high interest rate, so it’ll be awhile before your child sees any gains getting excited about. Many other banks and credit unions offer higher interest rates for kids’ savings account to yield earnings earlier, but Home Savings does not.

How to get Home Savings’ Big Bucks Children’s Savings account

Home Savings requires you to open this account with your child at a branch location. It operates branches in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

After your child turns 13, they’re eligible to open a Student Savers account at Home Savings. This account works much the same way as the Big Bucks Children’s Savings account, with a few caveats.

With this account, teens are given their own ATM card, and can access their account through online banking. Just like everyone else with a savings account, they’re limited up to six certain withdrawals per month, per Regulation D. Otherwise they’ll pay a $10 per withdrawal fee starting with the seventh withdrawal from the bank. If they go over the withdrawal limits too many times with the account, Home Savings may convert the account to a transaction-based account, such as a checking account.

When your child turns 18, they’ll need to close this account down and re-apply for another of Home Savings’ adult savings accounts. It does not automatically transfer into a new account, like at some other banks.

How to get Home Savings’ Student Savers account

You’ll need to visit a local Home Savings branch location with your teen to open this account. You’ll need to provide your Social Security number and a way to fund this account in order to get started.

If you don’t have the big bucks to open up a higher-yielding money market account (at least $10,000) and don’t want to lock your money away in a CD, this account might be your best bet to earn the most money at Home Savings. That’s not to say it’s a true high-yield savings account, however — far from it.

With this account, you can earn higher interest rates than with the Statement Savings account if you have at least $5,000 to deposit into the account. Again, you’ll want to make sure you keep at least this much in the account because if your balance drops below $5,000, you could face a $10 monthly service fee (ouch). Keep in mind that this may not be the best savings account if you’re saving up for a particular purchase, such as a fancy vacation or a vehicle, because due to the account limitations, you can’t liquidate the account without paying a monthly service fee.

This account is also limited up to six certain withdrawals per month due to federal Regulation D guidelines. If you go over that limit, Home Savings will charge you a $10 per withdrawal fee.

How to get Home Savings’ Platinum Savings account

Unfortunately, Home Savings does not offer online applications for this account. To get the Platinum Savings account, you’ll need to walk into a branch location. You can find these locations online, but they are all located throughout Ohio and in parts of West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Some of Home Savings’ CDs offer just about the highest rates you can find at this bank. But as always, there’s a catch: You’ll need to be willing to lock up your money away for a good chunk of time. You are allowed to withdraw interest on these CDs without paying a penalty, however, provided one thing: You withdraw the money when it’s credited to your account.

For CDs longer than a year, interest will be credited to your account on a monthly basis, whereas it’ll be credited to your account when it matures for CD terms under a year. So, realistically, you can’t withdraw your interest earned on short-term CDs anyways without paying a penalty.

Once your CD matures, it will automatically renew for another term length. If you want to take out the money, add more, or change the CD’s term length, you’ll need to do so during a brief seven-day grace period after the CD matures. After that, it’ll be locked in again for another term.

How to get Home Savings’ Regular CDs

You can start the account opening process for these CDs online, however you’ll still need to be able to make it into a branch to finish signing paperwork for this account. You’ll also need to be able to provide a funding source (debit card, credit card, or ACH transfer), a driver’s license, and your Social Security Number.

If you’ve got a lot of change rattling around in your bank accounts and you’re wondering what to do with it, consider opening a Jumbo CD. We can’t say whether Home Savings would be the right bank to hold your Jumbo CDs since it doesn’t publish its rates online, but typically the rates that most banks offer on these types of accounts are higher than on normal CDs.

You’ll need at least $100,000 to open these CDs. Remember that the limits of FDIC insurance are $250,000 per depositor, per bank, so you probably won’t want to deposit more than this. But if you are looking to park that amount of cash and you’re also interested in Home Savings, you do have this option.

How to get Home Savings’ Jumbo CDs

To open one of these CDs, you’ll need to speak with a bank representative in person at the branch. You’ll also need some way to provide that hefty deposit, whether it be via ACH transfer (bring your current account’s routing information), cash, check, etc.

This account is a bit tricky. You’d think that it would offer higher interest rates than Home Savings’ savings accounts on all balances, but in fact it only begins to offer higher interest rates once you reach at least $50,000. That means that even though you need at least $10,000 to open the account, you’ll actually be at an earnings disadvantage for the next $40,000, until you reach the magic $50,000 threshold.

Above that level, however, this is the highest-yielding liquid savings account that Home Savings offers. You can even write checks from this account. There are a few limitations, however. You are allowed to make up to six certain withdrawals per month due to federal Regulation D laws, and any withdrawals in excess of that will cost you $10 a pop from the bank.

How to get Home Savings’ Money Market account

You can “open” this Money Market account online, but you’ll still need to go to a branch to finish signing the paperwork to open this account.

Home Savings’ IRA CDs come in a smaller variety than its regular CDs, which is probably fine because for most people, retirement is a long-term savings plan. The shortest-term IRA CD you can get at Home Savings is 12 months (which, coincidentally, offers a far higher rate than any of the other IRA CDs), and the longest term you can get is six years.

You can open these IRA CDs within a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA.

These IRA CDs behave just like Home Savings’ regular CDs. They’ll automatically roll over into another CD of the same type when they mature, with a short seven-day grace period when you can withdraw the funds or transfer them to an IRA account at a different (hopefully higher-yielding) institution.

How to get Home Savings’ IRA CDs

You can start the account-opening process online if you’re interested in these IRA CDs, however Home Savings still requires you to come in to finish opening the account. The reason is because you’ll need to be present to sign some paperwork. You will also need to provide your Social Security number, driver’s license, and a way to fund your new IRA CD.

Access Checking is designed to appeal to tech-savvy youths who need a debit-card account only, rather than a traditional checking account. This no-fee account doesn’t pay any interest. Although dubbed “Access Checking,” this account actually doesn’t offer check writing. The account offers free mobile banking and electronic statements, and account holders can remotely deposit paper checks via the app. Debit card purchases that exceed the amount of money available will be rejected; the account cannot be linked to overdraft protection sources as with other Travis Credit Union checking accounts.

If an account holder orders third-party checks that are presented for payment against this account, the transaction will be rejected and a nonsufficient funds fee will be assessed. However, if an account is temporarily overdrawn due to an otherwise-approved transaction, no overdraft fee will be charged. This could occur if a merchant doesn’t initially post the full value of the transaction, such as at a hotel or gas station.

Travis Credit Union’s Free Checking account is an entry-level offering with no monthly fee and a low minimum opening deposit requirement. And while it does not pay interest, the account still comes with the package of free features and benefits offered on all Travis Credit Union checking accounts, including the following:

• Online and mobile banking
• Bill pay
• A mobile app for iOS and Android that includes remote check deposit
• eStatements
• 24-hour phone banking
• Identity theft assistance
• Money Mover, which allows for free transfers into credit union accounts ($1 fee for transfers from the credit union to external accounts)

Customers with at least $500 they can keep on deposit at Travis Credit Union might want to look at the Dividend Checking checking account. Feature-wise, the account is almost identical to the credit union’s Free Checking account. Dividend checking does come with a monthly fee, but the same $500 that is required to earn interest on the account is enough to avoid the monthly fee. Beyond that, both accounts have the same ATM and overdraft fee structure and offer the same benefits, such as mobile and online banking, 24-hour phone banking, identity theft protection, and money transfers via the Money Mover program.

Structurally, Silver Wings Checking is almost a carbon copy of Travis Credit Union’s Dividend Checking account. Both accounts require a small opening deposit but pay interest on balances of at least $500. However, there is no fee attached to the Silver Wings Checking account, regardless of account balance. Silver Wings is designed to appeal to senior customers of the credit union, offering special perks such as a free box of standard checks and no fee for overdraft protection transfers.

Investor Checking pays the highest interest rate in the Travis Credit Union Checking account lineup, with balances of $50,000 or more earning the highest rates. Interest is paid in six tiers, although balances under $1,000 don’t earn anything. The moderate monthly fee can be avoided with a checking account balance of $2,500 or a combined $5,000 in balances across Travis Credit Union accounts.

Unlike other checking accounts at the credit union, Investor Checking allows four free non-network ATM withdrawals per month, although fees that may be charged by the terminal operator are not refunded. Account holders also enjoy no-free overdraft transfer protection transfers. One box of checks can be ordered for free at any time.

Youth Checking is a simple checking account designed to teach teenagers how to handle money. The account carries many of the same features as the Free Checking account, including a small opening deposit requirement, no monthly fee, and a free ATM card or Visa debit card. Account holders can also apply for a Young Adult Visa credit card with a $2,000 limit to help build credit.

How to get Travis Credit Union’s checking accounts

Most of Travis Credit Union’s checking accounts can be opened online. The exception is the Youth Checking account, which requires a visit to a branch location.

All customers at Travis Credit Union must open a Share Savings account, which is mostly a basic, straightforward savings account. A $5 opening deposit, on top of a $5 membership fee, is all that’s needed to open this no-fee account. Dividends are paid in a four-tier structure: balances over $10,000 earn the top normal rate, but balances below $100 earn nothing. The account has ATM access, with free in-network withdrawals but no refunds of other banks’ terminal charges. In accordance with federal regulation D, certain transfers and withdrawals through phone or online banking are limited to six per month. A $9 quarterly low-balance fee is assessed on balances of less than $100; this can be waived with a loan balance or an active checking account.

The Ultimate Rewards Package is a special feature offered by Travis Credit Union. It provides a greatly enhanced yield on the first $500 in a Share Savings account for customers that have a checking account with eStatements and add either direct deposit or bill pay.

The Target Share account at Travis Credit Union is a secondary savings account designed to mirror the Share Savings account. Customers can open as many Target Share accounts as they would like to save for specific goals like the holidays, a vacation or special events (e.g. a wedding). Like the Share Savings account, the Target Share account has no monthly maintenance fee and requires a $5 opening deposit, although the additional $5 membership fee is not required on this account. ATM fees are the same, with nothing charged for in-network withdrawals, and the quarterly low balance fee also applies. Certain withdrawals and transfers share the same six-per-month limit as per Regulation D.

The first in a series of three youth savings accounts at Travis Credit Union, the T-Bird Club Savings account is for the youngest savers, up to 12 years old. There are no minimum deposit requirements and no monthly maintenance fees, and the quarterly low-balance fee is also waived. To help youngsters learn more about the financial world, this account, along with all youth accounts at Travis Credit Union, provides access to an interactive web site with various financial education topics. Every child signing up for the T-Bird Club account also receives a free piggy bank.

The Rising Stars Club is a youth savings account that gives older children more control over their financial lives. Account holders aged 14 to 17 are given access to an ATM card, as long as a parent co-signs for the account. Teens aged 16 or 17 can also sign up for a Visa debit card if they have a parent or guardian as a co-signer. Beyond these additional features, the account is like the T-Bird Club account, with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements and access to the credit union’s educational web site.

The Young Adult account at Travis Credit Union is the top-tier youth account and it functions like a full-fledged savings account. In addition to having no monthly fees or account minimums, the Young Adult account comes with a Free Checking account, free bill pay, a free ATM or Visa debit card, and mobile banking. This account is also the only youth account that pays dividends, although they are not listed on the website; you’ll have to contact the credit union directly to get current rates. Account holders are also eligible to apply for a Visa credit card with an up to $2,000 limit.

As with all Health Savings accounts, the HSA at Travis Credit Union requires enrollment in a high-deductible health plan to qualify. Contributions to the account may be tax-deductible, and distributions are generally tax-free when used for qualifying medical expenses. Travis Credit Union’s HSA is a bit unusual in that it offers check writing, which not all HSAs do. Interest is earned in two tiers, although currently only deposits of $100 or more earn any dividends.

How to get Travis Credit Union’s savings accounts

All traditional Travis Credit Union savings accounts, including youth accounts, can be opened online. You’ll need a Social Security number, government-issued ID, proof of physical address, employment and personal information, and a funding source. For the Health Savings account, customers must visit a branch or call (800) 877-8328.

For youth accounts, with the exception of the Young Adult account, a parent or guardian at least 18 years old must be the joint owner.

CDs at Travis Credit Union have a modest opening balance requirement and a fairly limited range of maturities. Although terms range from 6 months to 60 months, there are only a total of six maturities. Rates are fixed until maturity, and dividends are compounded monthly. Travis Credit Union CDs have a 6 day grace period after maturity during which funds can be withdrawn free-of-charge. Standard early withdrawal penalties otherwise apply.

In order to receive the bonus interest rates offered by Travis Credit Union’s Laddering Certificates, customers must purchase $50,000 in CDs laddered over five years, with $10,000 going towards a 1-year certificate, $10,000 going towards a 2-year certificate, and so on for up to five years. Every year a CD matures, it auto-renews into a new 5-year certificate, unless you notify the credit union first. The standard 6-day grace period applies, as does the early withdrawal penalty.

The Bump-Up Certificate at Travis Credit Union is a current special offer that can be pulled at any time. Account holders are allowed to “bump up” the rate on their CD to the then-current rate one time during the term. The minimum balance to open is twice that of a regular CD at Travis Credit Union, but the same early withdrawal penalty holds. Upon maturity, Bump-Up CDs automatically renew into standard certificates, with no promotional rate available. However, customers can withdraw funds without penalty during a 6-day grace period after maturity.

How to get Travis Credit Union’s CD accounts

You can open a Travis Credit Union CD account online. You can also visit a branch or call (707) 449-4000. As mentioned above, opening an account online takes about 10 minutes. If you’re not yet a credit union member, you must join by opening a Share Savings account. To complete the process, you’ll need your Social Security number, a valid ID like a passport or driver’s license, various personal and employment information, your address, and your source of funding.

The Flexible Money Market account occupies the entry-level spot in Travis Credit Union’s money market account portfolio. Travis Credit Union’s money market accounts have no monthly maintenance fee and pays interest, but the minimum opening deposit and the APY schedule varies from account to account.

For the Flexible Money Market account, interest is earned in five tiers, the most of any of the credit union’s money market accounts, with payouts beginning on the first dollar.

All of Travis Credit Union’s money market accounts have ATM access and the same ATM fee structure, but none of them have overdraft protection. Travis Credit Union charges a $15 excessive transaction fee for certain money market transactions in excess of six per month, including checks, pre-authorized or automatic transfers, online banking transfers, and telephonic transfers.

The Sterling Money Market account functions just like the Flexible Money Market account, with two major distinctions. First, the minimum opening deposit for this account jumps up to $25,000. Second, interest is paid in two tiers. To get anything more than a minimal rate, customers must maintain a balance at least as large as the minimum opening deposit.

As with the Flexible Money Market account, the Sterling Money Market account has ATM access and the same ATM fee structure, but with no overdraft protection. Account holders are assessed a $15 excessive transaction fee for certain transactions in excess of six per month, including checks, online banking transfers, pre-authorized or automatic transfers, and telephonic transfers.

The Sterling Money Market account is a mirror image of the first two money market accounts in the Travis Credit Union stable, with two notable exceptions. The minimum opening deposit requirement on this account jumps up to $50,000, and the interest rate paid at that level and above is commensurately higher.

Beyond these differences, the Sterling Money Market is essentially the same account as the others. ATM access comes with the account, and there are still only ATM fees for non-CO-OP machines. There is also no overdraft protection with this account. Certain electronic, telephonic, or pre-authorized transactions in excess of six per month are assessed a $15 fee.

The Premiere Plus Money Market account pays its best interest rate on deposits of at least $75,000, which is also the minimum amount required to open the account; smaller deposits earn hardly any interest at all. This account doesn’t have a monthly fee and has all the other benefits and restrictions that the credit union’s other money market accounts share, including no monthly fees, free in-network ATM transactions, and no overdraft protection. The excess activity fee of $15 applies to certain transactions in excess of six per month.

The Jumbo Money Market account is the big dog when it comes to money markets at Travis Credit Union, requiring a whopping $100,000 minimum opening deposit. Customers must maintain this balance in the account to earn anything but a token APY. However, those that can manage it will benefit from the credit union’s highest money market interest-rate payout. There are no monthly fees with this account, but the overdraft fee can’t be reduced via overdraft protection. ATM access is provided, with no fees charged on in-network transactions. As with the credit union’s other money market accounts, certain transactions in excess of six per month are met with a $15 excessive transaction fee.

How to get Travis Credit Union’s money market accounts

All of Travis Credit Union’s money market accounts can be opened online. As mentioned above, you can open an account with a government-issued ID, proof of physical residence, employment and personal information, a Social Security number, and a funding source.

The IRA Savings account is a way for customers to earn a little bit of interest on otherwise uninvested IRA money. The rate paid is low, but it applies to all deposits above the minimum $200 opening deposit requirement. There is no ATM access with this account and no monthly maintenance fee. As the account is in an IRA, overdrafts are not allowed.

IRA CDs at Travis Credit Union have the same $500 minimum as the credit union’s non-IRA CDs. However, the 6-month CD is left off the maturity in the credit union’s IRAs. Customers must choose from just five different terms, ranging from 1 year to 5 years. Rates paid on those CDs are identical to the credit union’s taxable CDs.

The same Bump-Up Certificate that is available in taxable accounts at Travis Credit Union is also available in the credit union’s IRAs. This rate is a current special offer, but can be changed or removed at any time. Bump-Up CD holders can up the rate on their CD to the then-current rate once before maturity. As with the taxable Bump-Up CD, the IRA version has a minimum balance twice that of a regular CD. Bump-Up CDs automatically renew into standard certificates, upon maturity with no promotional rate available. However, customers can withdraw funds without penalty during a 6-day grace period after maturity. Otherwise, an early withdrawal penalty applies.

Laddering Certificates are available in both taxable and IRA form at Travis Credit Union. Customers purchasing $50,000 of the certificates earn bonus interest rates. The $50,000 invested must be distributed across five maturities, with $10,000 in a 1-year certificate, $10,000 in a 2-year certificate, and so on for the full five years. Every time a CD matures, it auto-renews into a new 5-year certificate, unless the credit union is notified in advance. A 6-day grace period applies before auto-renewal, as does the early withdrawal penalty.

How to get Travis Credit Union’s IRA products

You can call the Member Service Center at (800) 877-8328 for additional information, but the account opening process for an IRA must take place in a branch. As with all Travis Credit Union accounts, you’ll need to become a member before you can open an IRA. To open an account, you’ll need to provide basic personal and financial information, along with your Social Security number, a valid ID like a state ID, passport or driver’s license, and a funding source.

Lakeland Bank’s Elite Checking account doesn’t offer any interest. Instead, this account comes with a “revolutionary benefits package” called BaZing. This package offers roadside assistance, ID theft monitoring, protection, and insurance, as well as discounts at “over 360,000 national, regional, and local merchants.” Unfortunately, it doesn’t specify what those merchants are or how good the discounts are, so there’s no way to know if it’ll actually be something you can use until after you sign up for the account.

All of this comes with a high price tag: $7 per month. You can get this fee reduced in a couple of different ways. First, if you sign up for e-statements, Lakeland Bank will reduce the monthly price by $1. Now you’re at $6 per month. You can reduce it further by using your debit card or by making mobile deposits. Each mobile deposit or debit card purchase you make gives you a $0.25 rebate. So, by signing up for e-statements and making at least 24 total debit card purchases and mobile deposits per month, you can effectively erase the monthly fee from this account.

How to get Lakeland Bank’s Elite Checking account

If you’re at least 18 years old and you live in Lakeland Bank’s service area, you can apply for this account. You can open it online or at a Lakeland Bank branch. You’ll need to provide your contact details, your Social Security number and have a way to fund your new account. Lakeland Bank accepts checks, cash and even credit/debit opening deposits (up to $1,000, that is).

You might expect that a bank’s most premium-level account would come with a higher monthly fee, and boy does it ever: a whopping $25 per month. Luckily, there is a way to get it waived, but that’ll also cost you. Specifically, you’ll need to have at least $15,000 combined across all your Lakeland Bank accounts — deposit accounts like CDs, savings accounts and outstanding loan balances.

In return, you’ll earn a small amount of interest. You’ll also qualify for rate discounts on Lakeland Bank loans when you set up automatic payments from this checking account, although the bank doesn’t specify how high those rate discounts are. Similarly, you can get unspecified “special rates” on CDs. Finally, you can get free checks and money orders with this account and a small amount ($1,000) of ID theft protection and assistance.

If the additional benefits of the Elite Checking account piqued your interest, you also have the option of adding them onto your Platinum Checking account. But again, there’s a cost: an extra $3 per month, with no way to waive the fee.

How to get Lakeland Bank’s Platinum Checking account

You can apply for this account online or at a Lakeland Bank branch. If you’re opening it online, you’ll still need to provide a valid ID and send in a signature card. Even if you opt for the online opening, you’ll still need to live within Lakeland Bank’s core service area.

If the Platinum Checking account features overwhelmed you, this account may be a better option for you. The only perk it offers (besides offering a similar amount of interest) is a small $1,000 identity theft protection and assistance package.

But again, you’ll need to make sure you can consistently meet the requirements to waive the monthly fee on this account. If your average account balance drops below $500 for any given month, you’ll have to pay up a high $15 monthly fee for the account. Given the poor interest rate offered on this account, it’s unlikely that you’ll come out ahead if you have to pay the monthly fee, even if you do earn interest.

How to get Lakeland Bank’s Personal Checking with Interest account

If you’re a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old and live within Lakeland Bank’s service area, you can open this checking account. You’ll need to provide the bank with your Social Security number, a valid ID, your personal contact information and a way to fund your new account. If you apply online, Lakeland Bank will require you to mail in a signature card before your account can officially be opened.

If you don’t really care about earning interest or anything fancy but still use your checking account frequently, this might be the best account for you at Lakeland Bank. That’s because there are no limitations on how many checks you can write each month with this account, and it comes with a smaller monthly fee. You’ll pay $6 per month to have this account, but if you keep at least $250 in the account, this fee will be waived.

Even though this account doesn’t really have too much fanciness going on with it, it still comes with $1,000 in ID theft protection and assistance. In fact, most of Lakeland Bank’s checking accounts come with this feature, so there’s almost no getting away from it.

How to get Lakeland Bank’s Classic Checking account

You can apply for a Classic Checking account in person or online on Lakeland Bank’s website. To be eligible for an account, you’ll have to be at least 18 years old, live within Lakeland Bank’s service area, have a Social Security number and be able to fund your new account with an opening deposit. Those who apply online will have to send in a signature card to complete their application.

If you’re a student between the ages of 17 and 24 and want to open an account at Lakeland Bank, you’ll definitely want to go for this one. It’s the only one Lakeland Bank offers that doesn’t carry a monthly fee.

There are a few other nice things that come with this account. Like almost all of Lakeland Bank’s checking accounts, this one comes with $1,000 in ID theft protection and assistance, but it also comes with roadside assistance and free overdraft transfers. To get this free overdraft protection, you’ll have to visit a branch location in person to set it up and use a savings account that’s in your name.

Once you reach age 25, Lakeland Bank will automatically convert this account into a Classic Checking account. You’ll definitely want to reassess your checking account at that point, because the Classic Checking account does carry a monthly fee. Finally, you’ll also need to sign up for e-statements within 60 days after you open this account. If you don’t, it’ll automatically be converted to a Classic Checking account.

How to get Lakeland Bank’s Student Checking account

If you’re under age 18, you’ll need a parent or guardian to open this account with you as a joint owner. You’ll also need to show proof that you are, in fact, a student, either at a high school or a college. Lakeland Bank doesn’t accept online applications for this account, so you’ll need to visit a local branch location to apply for it.

This account is a bit odd. For starters, you’re only allowed to write eight checks per month from this account. If you need to write more than that, you’ll have to pay a $0.50 processing fee per check (ouch).

Then there’s the monthly fee. It’ll cost you $3 per month to get this account, and Lakeland Bank doesn’t offer you any ways to have the fee waived. That means each month, every month, you’ll have to pay $3 to keep this account open.

How to get Lakeland Bank’s Consumer Checking account

If for some reason you decide this account is right for you, you’ll need to head to a local Lakeland Bank branch to get it. The bank does not offer the ability to apply for this account online.

Unfortunately, Lakeland Bank only offers one savings account for adults, and this is it. It’s your only option. Any interest payments you earn with this paltry interest rate will be tallied up and applied to your account on a quarterly, not monthly, basis.

Although you only need $100 to open this account, try to wait until you can keep at least $250 in the account. If your average daily balance drops below this level, you’ll have to pay a $5 fee for that month. Due to federal Regulation D, you can make up to six certain withdrawals/transfers per month from this account without penalty from the bank. If you need to make more than that, you’ll pay a $10 fee for each extra withdrawal.

How to get Lakeland Bank’s Statement Savings account

You can apply for this account online if you wish. If you do, you’ll need to provide your name, contact information, Social Security number and a valid ID to prove your identity. You’ll also need to send in a signature card. Alternatively, you can apply for an account in person and open it immediately.

This youth savings account is available to anyone under the age of 21. Sadly, it also offers a small interest rate, but it does come with a few other (rather unimpressive) perks.

When your child opens this account, Lakeland Bank will match their opening deposit and credit it to the account within 45 days. It’ll only match up to $10, however. This account is also free, which is nice, considering that children often don’t have the chops to get fees waived every month. Your child is allowed to make up to six certain withdrawals/transfers without penalty imposed by the bank per federal Regulation D, unless they want to pay a $10 fee for each extra withdrawal.

Once your child turns 21, this account will turn into a Statement Savings account, complete with a $250 minimum balance requirement in order to waive a $5 monthly fee.

How to get Lakeland Bank’s Young Savers account

You’ll need to visit a local branch to open this account, as online applications are not supported. If your child is under age 18, you’ll need to open the account with them as a joint owner. You’ll also need to provide both of your Social Security numbers on the application.

You can earn higher interest rates on your savings at Lakeland Bank if you’re willing to stash them away in a CD for a longer period of time. The bank claims that it offers CDs from seven days all the way out to 48 months, however it doesn’t post the rate information for these CDs (or even what terms are offered) on its website. To find out what CDs are being offered and for how much, you’ll need to contact the bank directly.

If you’ve got really large deposit (over $250,000), Lakeland Bank also participates in a CDARS program that spreads your money out across several banks so that you can keep your deposit under the $250,000 FDIC insurance limit.

We do know what happens when these CDs mature, however. They come with pretty standard CD maturity policies. After the term ends, they will automatically roll over into another CD, with a 10-day grace period where you can withdraw your money or make any other changes to the CD.

How to get Lakeland Bank’s CDs

You’ll need to visit a Lakeland Bank location in person in order to open one of these CDs. Remember to bring a valid ID, and a way to fund your new account. If you’ll be funding the account with a bank transfer from your existing account, you’ll need to bring the routing information with you.

If you don’t want to lock your money away in a CD but still want to earn higher interest rates than on Lakeland Bank’s savings account, this might be a better account for you. To get it, we’d recommend waiting until you’ve got at least $2,500 stockpiled up because if you keep less than that in the account, you’ll have to pay a $10 monthly fee.

You can earn the highest interest rates on balances over $500,000, but that might be dangerous. FDIC insurance only covers you for $250,000, and in the event that Lakeland Bank goes under, you could lose your excess deposits.

Finally, as with all money market and savings accounts, you are allowed to make up to six certain withdrawals/transfers per month without penalty from the bank. This is due to federal Regulation D rules. Each withdrawal after that comes with a $10 excess transactions fee.

How to get Lakeland Bank’s Platinum Tiered Money Market account

Lakeland Bank offers the option of opening this account online. If you opt for online account opening, you’ll need to send in a signature card before your account can be officially opened. Regardless of whether you open the account online or in person, there are a few details you’ll need to provide on your application, including your name, contact information, Social Security number and a valid ID.

Lakeland Bank offers these IRA CDs within either traditional IRAs or Roth IRAs. It’s up to you to choose which one is best for your tax situation.

Lakeland Bank doesn’t offer a lot of information about its regular IRA CDs — namely, what exact terms it offers, and how much it pays out for interest. For that, you’ll need to contact the bank directly. It does post limited information about the special IRA CDs it offers, however, which we’ve posted above.

When these IRA CDs mature, they’ll automatically roll over into a new IRA CD for the same term length. After each maturity, you’ll get a 10-day grace period to withdraw the money, roll it over into a new IRA at a different institution or add more money. Once you reach age 59 1/2, you can withdraw money from the IRA CDs without having to pay any early withdrawal penalties.

How to get Lakeland Bank’s IRA CDs

Lakeland Bank requires everyone to open these accounts up at a local branch instead of online. Remember to bring a valid ID with you when you visit the branch.

Direct Federal Credit Union does not require an opening deposit for the Hub Checking account. You can set one up for any amount or for no deposit at all. However, to qualify for this account you need to sign up for e-statements and set up a direct deposit.

Direct Federal Credit Union waives these requirements, though, if you are 65 and older or under age 25. If you don’t meet these requirements, they downgrade you a non-Hub Checking account, covered below.

The Hub account does not charge a monthly maintenance fee; it also does not pay interest. However, it comes with several bank benefits. You receive free checks, official checks and traveler’s checks. You also receive a free credit report each year. And if you ever request a stop payment, there is also no fee.

With the debit card, you can make withdrawals from any ATM and Direct Federal Credit Union will not charge a fee, even for out-of-network transactions. In addition, they will refund up to $20 per month in fees from out-of-network ATM owners.

To open a Hub Checking account, you need to be a member of the Direct Federal Credit Union. If you haven’t joined yet, you can set up this account as part of your new membership application, using the same information.

If you don’t meet the Hub Checking account requirements (e-statements and a direct deposit), Direct Federal Credit Union will switch you to a Non-Hub Checking account. This account also does not earn interest and does not have a minimum opening deposit requirement — however, the fees are higher.

First, this account charges a $10 monthly maintenance fee. It’s waived for the first three months, but after that there’s no way to avoid it — unless you re-qualify for Hub Checking. The Non-Hub Checking account also charges a $2 fee when you use out-of-network ATMs. Finally, there is no refund for out-of-network ATM charges on this account.

The Non-Hub Checking account also does not include other bank benefits, like free checks.

You do not sign up for the Non-Hub Checking account directly; it’s not an option on their application form. Instead, Direct Federal Credit Union tracks whether you meet the requirements after signing up for Hub Checking and if you don’t, they’ll switch you to this account.

You need to deposit at least $5 to open a Savings account and keep at least this much in your account to earn interest. However, this account does not charge a monthly fee regardless of how low your balance gets.

Direct Federal Credit Union’s savings rate is above average; it’s the same for all balances, so you cannot earn more for depositing more.

With the account debit card, you can make free withdrawals from Direct Federal Credit Union, NYCE®, CIRRUS, SUM and certain ATMs in Publix supermarkets. If you use an out-of-network ATM, Direct Federal Credit Union will charge $1 and they will not refund any fees from the ATM owner.

Certain transactions, like transfers, checks and bill payments, are limited up to six per statement cycle due to Regulation D.

You can open this Savings account online or at their branch. If you aren’t a member yet, you can apply for this account while setting up your membership. You’ll use the same info, and will just need to make your deposit of $5.

Direct Federal Credit Union’s Certificate range from as short as 3 months all the way up to 60 months. They have six certificates with terms less than one year, so there’s lot of variety for short-term CDs.

You only need to deposit $250 to open a regular certificate and keep this much in the account to earn the APY. They also offer slightly higher jumbo rates for deposits of at least $100,000.

The majority of Direct Federal Credit Union’s Certificate rates are just average, but they do have some terrific offers. As of December 2018, their best rates were for their 7 month, 11 month, 18 month and 30 month Certificates.

If you take money out of your certificate before the maturity date, Direct Federal Credit Union will charge a penalty:

• For terms less than one year, the penalty is 30 days of dividends on the entire principal balance.
• For terms of one year and longer, the penalty is 90 days of dividends on the entire principal balance.

You can open any of these Certificates online or at their branch. If you aren’t a member yet, you can set these certificates up along with your membership. You’ll just need to make your deposit of at least $250 along with your application.

The Rate Riser Money Market account requires an opening deposit of at least $500. Deposits into this account have to be new money only, meaning funds that aren’t already at Direct Federal Credit Union.

However, this account doesn’t start paying interest unless you have a minimum daily balance of $25,000. If you ever fall below that limit, you won’t earn interest for the month.

In exchange for this tough requirement, the Rate Riser Money Market account pays a fantastic interest rate. Direct Federal Credit Union also guarantees that they will add another 0.25% to the interest rate on Jan. 1, 2019; that rate will then be guaranteed until the end of March. After that, they could change it at their discretion.

You are only allowed to make six transfers or withdrawals out of the Riser Money Market account per month. If you go over the monthly limits, Direct Federal Credit Union charges $10 per excess transaction.

Like all Direct Federal Credit Union’s products, you can only open a Rate Riser Money Market account when you’re a member. This special account is listed on their new membership application, so you’re able to take care of that as you join.

Direct Federal Credit Union also offers a regular Money Market account. This account does not have an opening deposit requirement, so you can launch for any amount. It also does not charge a monthly maintenance fee.

The Money Market account earns interest on all balances. However, the rates aren’t great: you’ll need a balance of at least $75,000 before you earn more than Direct Federal Credit Union’s savings account.

The Money Market account limits you to only six transfers or withdrawals per month, including checks. If you make more than six, Direct Federal Credit Union charges you $10 for each excess transaction.

You can open a Direct Federal Credit Union Money Market account online or at a branch. It’s on the new membership application, so you can set this up at the same time as joining the credit union.

Direct Federal Credit Union lets you open any of their regular certificates as part of an IRA, for your retirement plan. The rates and terms are identical, ranging from 3 months up to 60 months.

You need to deposit at least $250 to open a regular Fixed Rate IRA Certificate. Direct Federal Credit Union also offers Jumbo IRA Certificates, with slightly higher rates, for a deposit of $100,000.

Most of the Fixed IRA CD rates are just average, but they do have a few extremely generous offers mixed in. As of December 2018, the best rates were for the 7 month, 11 month, 18 month and 30 month terms.

If you take money out of a Fixed Rate IRA CD before the maturity date, Direct Federal Credit Union charges an early withdrawal penalty. The penalty amount depends on your original maturity:

• For terms less than one year, the penalty is 30 days of dividends on the entire principal balance withdrawn.
• For terms of one year and longer, the penalty is 90 days of dividends on the entire principal balance withdrawn.

The IRA CDs are not presented as an option of Direct Federal Credit Union’s new membership application form. You’ll need to join as a member first and then you can set up these accounts, either at a branch or through your online banking portal.

Besides their Fixed IRA CDs, Direct Federal Credit Union has a 24 month Variable Rate IRA CD. You can open this account for a deposit of just $50. In addition, you can add more money after you open — it’s not a one-time deposit like for the IRA CDs.

Since this is a variable rate IRA CD, the amount you earn can go up and down each month, depending on market conditions. However, Direct Federal Credit Union did not publish this rate, so we could not compare it against the Fixed Rate IRA CDs.

After you open, you are supposed to keep your money in the Variable Rate IRA CD until the end of the 24 month term. If you take money out before then, Direct Federal Credit Union will charge a penalty worth 90 days of dividends on the amount you withdrew.

You can only open a Variable Rate IRA CD after you join the Direct Federal Credit Union as a member; and it does not feature on the new membership form. Once you’re signed up, though, you can apply for this account online or at their branch.

Direct Federal Credit Union also offers their money market account for IRAs. You need to deposit at least $500 to open this account. You can also add money whenever you want after opening, unlike a Fixed Rate IRA CD.

This account earns interest on all balances, though the rates are significantly lower than the Fixed Rate IRA CDs. In exchange, you can take money out whenever you want without owing a penalty to Direct Federal Credit Union. Finally, the IRA Money Market account does not charge a monthly fee.

Like the other retirement plans, you can only open an IRA Money Market account after you become a member of the Direct Federal Credit Union. They don’t include IRAs on their new membership application. Join first and then you can apply for this account.

The statement savings account is pretty bare-bones — just a place to park your money. If all you’re looking for is a place to stash short-term savings, it’s an option especially if you don’t want to be tempted to take your cash out immediately.

Right now, the only way to take out money is via check, wire transfer or electronic transfer. Beal Bank USA does not originate electronic transfers on its end; rather, you have to do it via an external account. Customer representatives told us that you’ll need to call Beal Bank USA at (877) 879-2325 so the bank can give you further instructions — essentially, you’ll need to go through an external bank so that you can request money from your Beal Bank USA account. However, Beal Bank USA can accept deposits via electronic transfers.

If you want to withdraw money using wire transfer, you’ll have to do so in writing by providing information such as your account number and how much you want to take out. Beal Bank USA does charge you for this service — $15 for domestic and $60 for international wires.

Regulation D allows you up to six certain withdrawals per month without penalty by the bank, but Beal Bank USA also limits you to nine per quarter. Once you exceed that limit, you’ll need to pay $1 for each withdrawal. As for the quarterly maintenance fee, Beal Bank USA won’t charge you if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $500.

How to get the Statement Savings account

If you’re at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a statement savings account by filling out an online application form. First, enter in personal details like your name and Social Security number, then agree to Beal Bank USA’s disclosures. After verifying your identity, you’ll need to make your initial opening deposit via check, electronic or wire transfer.

These fixed-rate CDs offer a guaranteed rate of return, assuming you keep all the money in the account until maturity. Any interest earned is compounded and deposited into your CD each quarter.

The early withdrawal penalty seems to be a bit confusing, so here’s a quick example:

Say you want to withdraw $10,000 on your 24 month CD one year in. The bank determines the replacement cost to be $200. One percent of $10,000 is $100, so your early withdrawal penalty would be $200, since that amount is greater.

When the CD matures, your account will automatically be renewed, unless you make changes in writing within the 10-day grace period. Changes you can make include making withdrawals, additional deposits and renewing for another term.

How to get Beal Bank USA’s CDs

You can apply for an account using Beal Bank USA’s online application form if you’re a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old. First, fill in your personal information such as your name and Social Security number. Select the term you want and agree to Beal Bank USA’s disclosures. Once you verify your identity, you can fund the account via check, electronic or wire transfer.

Just like the savings account, you can only access your money in Beal Bank USA’s money market account via check or through an electronic or wire transfer. If you want to make a transfer to an external account, you have to call customer service at (877) 879-2325 to receive instructions on how to do so. Customer representatives told us it’s pretty much the same as what you would do with the savings account — you’ll have to initiate a withdrawal from Beal Bank USA from your external bank account.

There is a $10 monthly maintenance fee, but Beal Bank USA won’t charge you if you maintain a $1,000 daily minimum balance. When making certain withdrawals, keep in mind that Federal Reserve Regulation D limits you up to six per month without penalty imposed by the bank. Beal Bank USA will charge you $10 per excessive withdrawal.

How to get Beal Bank USA’s money market account

Opening a money market account can be done online by filling out an application form through Beal Bank USA’s website. You’ll be asked to provide personal details such as your name and Social Security number, and then a way to fund the account.

The IRA CD offers pretty much the same terms as their regular CDs — although you’ll need to contact Beal Bank USA for a list of its current rates, since they’re not advertised on the website. What we do know is you’ll be offered a guaranteed rate of return if you keep everything in the account until it matures. Interest you earn is compounded and credited quarterly to the account.

Like the regular CDs, the early withdrawal penalty differs depending on how much you take out and how much time until the account matures. Let’s say you take out $1,000 and you still have 24 months until maturity. The bank determines the replacement cost to be $40 based on its calculations, and 1% of $1,000 is $10. Your early withdrawal penalty will be $40 because that amount is greater. There may also be IRS penalties on top of this amount.

Your IRA CD will automatically renew unless you make changes by writing to Beal Bank USA within its 10-day grace period. These changes include making additional deposits, withdrawals or renewing for a different term.

How to get Beal Bank USA’s IRA CDs

If you’re at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen, you can contact Beal Bank USA by calling customer service at (877) 879-2325 to open an account or email them through its secure contact form. If you email the bank, you’ll need to provide your contact information so a customer service representative can contact you. For either option, you’ll need to provide information such as your name and Social Security number.

TTCU Federal Credit Union’s most basic checking account, Free Checking, still provides a number of the same services that come with all of the credit union’s other checking accounts. The account is not entirely free of fees, but most customers should be able to avoid them. On top of having no monthly maintenance fee, this account doesn’t charge any ATM fees, even at non-network machines — though the ATM owner may still charge its own fee. After the initial opening deposit requirement is met, there is no ongoing minimum balance requirement.

Free Checking comes with the following additional free benefits:

• Online, telephone and mobile banking
• Bill pay
• A Visa check card
• e-statements
• Carbonless copies of checks
• Unlimited check writing

The account offers overdraft protection via the credit union’s Courtesy Pay program, but it does not reduce the overdraft fee.

For the most part, Classic Checking is simply an interest-bearing version of TTCU Federal Credit Union’s Free Checking account. Both accounts have the same minimum opening deposit and no monthly fee, along with no ATM charges. However, customers must maintain at least $250 in this account to avoid a per-check surcharge.

Beyond those small differences, Free Checking and Classic Checking are the same. Both offer free online, mobile and telephone account access, free bill pay, e-statements and check copies, and both come with a Visa check card and unlimited check writing.

Rewards Checking offers the highest level of features and benefits of any TTCU Federal Credit Union Checking account, but there is a modest monthly fee that cannot be avoided. Like the credit union’s other checking accounts, this account comes with a host of free features and benefits, ranging from online, telephone and mobile banking to e-statements, bill pay, copies of checks and unlimited check writing. The account also has the same ATM and overdraft fee structure, meaning there are no ATM fees charged by the credit union but that the overdraft fee cannot be avoided, even with overdraft protection services. As with the credit union’s Classic Checking account, Rewards Checking pays interest on all balances, although the non-tiered structure means all balances earn the same rate.

Rewards Checking offers numerous additional benefits, including travel savings, an interactive benefits feature, and a subscription to Sojourns Magazine. Rewards Checking customers also enjoy enrollment in the following programs (terms may apply):

• Everyday Rebate Rewards, offering 10% cash back (up to $40) per year on everyday purchases
• Savers Club, which provides discounts of up to 50% on lodging, car rentals, and theme parks with participating vendors.
• Bonus Travel, which provides members-only savings when using a Vacation Savings Hotline.
• ID Network Safety Service, which provides your child with a registered ID.
• Local Connections, providing discounts and coupons for local merchants.

Rewards Checking customers also receive a free, $10,000 24-hour accidental death insurance policy.

TTCU Federal Credit Union makes it easy for anyone with prior financial missteps to open a basic checking account. Although this account does charge a steep and unavoidable monthly fee, in most other aspects it’s similar to the credit union’s Free Checking account. With both accounts, customers have fee-free access to online, mobile and telephone banking, e-statements, bill pay, check copies, a Visa Check Card and unlimited check writing. This account also allows for overdrafts, although the overdraft protection service only covers overdrafts up to $200 with this account instead of $500.

Although there is no ongoing minimum balance requirement, this account also does not pay any interest. If you maintain this account in good standing for at least one year, you can request to convert it to one of the credit union’s other checking accounts.

How to get TTCU Federal Credit Union’s checking accounts

You can open all TTCU Federal Credit Union checking accounts online. The process requires various personal and financial information, including your Social Security number, citizenship or residency status, valid ID and funding source. If you’re not a member, you’ll have to open join the credit union first by opening a Savings account. The credit union will also run a credit check.

This Savings account is required for membership at TTFCU Federal Credit Union and represents your ownership share. Although there is no ongoing minimum balance requirement, customers must either have additional credit union accounts open or a balance of at least $100 to avoid a modest monthly fee. This account pays interest on all balances across four different tiers, with deposits of more than $40,000 earning the highest interest.

Savings can be accessed via online banking, phone, mail or through electronic withdrawals. Deposits can be made via payroll deduction, electronic deposit or branch night depositories. ATM access is not allowed, however, unless the account is tied to a checking account or an ATM Access account, as outlined below.

Certain withdrawals, including those via pre-authorized or automatic transfer, bill pay, online banking or telephonic means are limited to six per month. Excess transactions may be charged a fee or may cause the closure of the account.

The ATM Access account is a special account that can be added to other credit union accounts to provide ATM access. For example, while the traditional Savings account at TTCU Federal Credit Union does not have ATM access, adding a complementary ATM Access account grants that access. Similarly, the Money Market account doesn’t have ATM access, but you can open this account and transfer money market funds to it free of charge to then access the money via an ATM.

This service costs $10 per month, and the account cannot be opened online.

The Youth Savings account is similar to a standard savings account at TTCU Federal Credit Union but with a few twists designed for its younger clientele. Once the opening deposit requirement is met, account holders receive the following free benefits:

• A Kids’ Savings Club t-shirt
• A Kids’ Savings book
• A $10 Incredible Pizza game card

After the initial deposit, subsequent deposits are rewarded with Kids’ Bucks in lieu of cash dividends. Additional deposits between $1 and $10 earn $1 in Kids’ Bucks, deposits between $11 and $20 earn $2 in Kids’ Bucks and deposits over $20 earn $5 in Kids’ Bucks. Kids’ Bucks can be redeemed for prizes from the safe at a TTCU Federal Credit Union branch.

This account has no ATM access and doesn’t allow overdrafts. However, like other TTCU Federal Credit Union accounts, it can be linked to an ATM Access account to allow machine-based access to your money. You must visit a branch to open this account.

How to get TTCU Federal Credit Union’s savings accounts

You can open TTCU Federal Credit Union’s basic Savings account online. However, for the ATM Access and the Youth Savings accounts, you’ll need to visit a branch. Opening a Savings account online takes about 10 minutes and requires a Social Security number, citizenship or residency status, a funding source and a valid ID. You should also expect the credit union to run a credit check.

CDs at TTCU Federal Credit Union, also known as Share Certificates, cover a standard range of maturities, from 3 months to 48 months. Terms are a bit short, as many banks and credit unions offer 5 year maturities. Beyond that, TTCU Federal Credit Union’s CDs are fairly standard, with a $1,000 minimum and a 10-day grace period after maturity before auto-renewal. Rates are tiered and generally rise with longer maturities, but the progression is not linear. Currently, two maturities, the 9 month and the 19 month CD, are listed as promotional, meaning they could change or disappear at any time. Early withdrawal penalties apply.

Jumbo CDs at TTCU Federal Credit Union, also known as Share Certificates, cover the same standard range of maturities as the credit unions regular CDs, from 3 months to 48 months. The only difference between the two is that higher yields can be earned on the jumbo CDs, which require a $50,000 minimum.

Rates jump by about 10 basis points per maturity at the moment, although that is always subject to change. As with the credit union’s regular Share Certificates, there are currently two promotional jumbo maturities, the 9 and 19 month maturities. The standard 10-day grace period after maturity before auto-renewal applies, as do the early withdrawal penalties.

How to get TTCU Federal Credit Union’s CD accounts

You can open both types of TTCU Federal Credit Union CDs online. If you’re not a member, you’ll have to open a membership Savings account first. You’ll have to provide your Social Security number, a valid ID and a funding source, in addition to demonstrating citizenship or residency. A credit check is performed at the time you open an account.

This traditional money market account offers check-writing capabilities but no ATM access. Customers looking to access their money market funds via an ATM can sign up for the ATM Access account, which charges a fee.

The minimum deposit for the Money Market account is $2,500, and subsequent deposits must be at least $100. Similarly, the minimum withdrawal size is also $100. Dividends are paid monthly, using a five-tier APY system. Although even the smallest balances earn interest, the best rates are paid on deposits of over $50,000.

The Money Market account charges a $12 per transaction fee after three withdrawals per month. Certain withdrawals and transfers are limited up to 6 per month, following Regulation D. TTCU Federal Credit Union prohibits additional monthly withdrawals.

How to get TTCU Federal Credit Union’s money market account

You can get a TTCU Federal Credit Union Money Market account online. Opening an account at the credit union requires certain financial and personal information. To proceed, you’ll need your Social Security number, U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, a valid ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, and a funding source. When you apply, the credit union will run a credit check.

The IRA Savings account at TTCU Federal Credit Union is a place customers can keep their cash if they don’t want to commit to other investments, such as a CD. Unlike with many institutions, however, this IRA Savings account isn’t simply a parking place for cash. With no monthly fees and high yields, this account is a viable alternative for conservative investors. Interest is paid in three tiers. Although deposits of more than $40,000 earn the highest APY, even the smallest balance earns a respectable rate of interest. As the account is in an IRA, there is no ATM access and no provision for overdrafts. You must visit a branch to open this account.

IRA CDs at TTCU Federal Credit Union are slightly different from the credit union’s regular CDs, also known as Share Certificates. IRA CD maturities range from 9 months to 60 months, and the rates paid are a bit higher.

Otherwise, the two types of CDs share the same $1,000 minimum and 10-day grace period following maturity before auto-renewal. The same early withdrawal penalties apply to both types of CDs as well. TTCU Federal Credit Union also currently offers promo rates on its 9 month and 19 month IRA CDs. The same rates apply to both traditional and Roth IRAs. You’ll need to visit a branch to open this account.

How to get TTCU Federal Credit Union’s IRA products

As mentioned above, you’ll have to visit a branch to open a TTCU Federal Credit Union IRA, as IRAs cannot be opened online. You’ll need to bring certain information and documentation to open an IRA account, including your Social Security number and a valid ID, like a passport, military ID, state ID or driver’s license. You’ll also need to prove U.S. citizenship or resident alien status. If you wish to make a deposit, you’ll need to provide information about your funding source, such as a checking account routing number.