
Federal credit unions are a great option for those looking for a low-cost and flexible savings account. They are member-owned and not-for-profit, which means they focus on serving their members rather than maximizing profits.
One of the key benefits of a federal credit union savings account is that it's insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). This provides a safety net for your deposits, giving you peace of mind.
With a federal credit union savings account, you can expect to earn a competitive interest rate. For example, some credit unions offer rates as high as 2.5% APY.
Account Features
With Navy Federal's savings accounts, you can earn more and save more with their terrific rates. Their digital banking system allows you to manage your money anytime, anywhere.
You'll also have 24/7 access to stateside member reps, so you can get help whenever you need it. Member shares are insured by the National Credit Union Administration, giving you peace of mind.
Here are some key features to consider:
- Higher savings rates for better returns
- Digital banking for on-the-go management
- 24/7 access to member reps
- Member shares insured by the National Credit Union Administration
Share Accounts
Share Accounts are designed to help you save and grow your money over time. With Navy Federal's Share Savings Accounts, you can earn a competitive dividend rate of 0.25% APY.
To open a Share Savings Account, you'll need to make a minimum deposit of $5.00. This is a relatively low barrier to entry, making it accessible to almost anyone.
Share Savings Accounts don't have a term, so you can access your money at any time. However, keep in mind that fees may reduce your earnings.
You can also open an IRA Share Account, which has the same dividend rate and APY as the Share Savings Account. These accounts are designed for retirement savings and don't require a minimum deposit.
Here's a comparison of the Share Savings Account and IRA Share Account:
The SaveFirst Account is another option for saving money, with a slightly higher dividend rate of 0.40% APY. This account has a minimum deposit requirement of $5.00 and offers terms ranging from 3 to 60 months.
Primary
The Primary Savings account is a great option for those looking to earn a decent interest rate on their savings. To earn the highest APY, you'll need to maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,000.00.
The account requires a $5.00 minimum balance to open and remain on deposit to maintain membership status. This is a relatively low barrier to entry, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals.
To give you a better idea of the interest rates, here's a breakdown of the rates and APYs:
One thing to keep in mind is that fees may reduce earnings on the account, so be sure to review the terms and conditions before opening the account.
Getting Started
To begin, open a federal credit union savings account to establish your membership. This is the first step towards securing your financial future.
Having a savings account provides a safe and stable place to store your money, making it easier to manage your finances.
You can use the funds in this account as security to get a loan, giving you access to the credit you need to achieve your goals.
Automating your savings can help you plan for future expenses, such as a down payment on a house or a big purchase.
Here are the steps to get started:
- Open a federal credit union savings account
- Use the funds in this account as security to get a loan
- Automate your savings to plan for future expenses
Account Options
With a federal credit union savings account, you'll have access to various account options that can help you meet your savings goals. You can choose from different types of accounts, such as certificate, money market, or standard savings accounts.
Some federal credit unions offer higher savings rates, which can mean better returns for you. For example, Navy Federal offers rates that are higher than the national average. You can also earn a higher APY (Annual Percentage Yield) with some accounts, such as the Share Savings Account, which offers a 0.25% APY.
To give you a better idea of the account options available, here are some details on the savings account options offered by Navy Federal and Affinity:
Keep in mind that rates and terms may change, and fees may reduce earnings.
Options

Navy Federal offers a variety of account options, including certificates, money market, and standard savings accounts, which can help you earn more and save more.
You can earn up to 3.50% APY on the first $10,000 with the SmartStart Savings Account at Affinity.
Digital banking is available at Navy Federal, allowing you to manage your money anytime, anywhere. This feature is also available at Affinity, where you can access your money conveniently.
Member shares at Navy Federal are insured by the National Credit Union Administration, providing an added layer of security.
With Affinity, you can earn up to 3.20% APY on balances of $100,000 or more, making it a great option for those with larger deposit balances.
Here are some key features of Affinity's savings account options:
$0 - $25,000
If you're looking for a free or low-cost account option, you're in luck - many platforms offer free or low-cost plans with limited features.
Some popular options include the free plan on Google Workspace, which includes 15 GB of storage and access to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

For $0, you can also get started with a basic account on Trello, which allows you to create boards, lists, and cards to manage your tasks and projects.
Microsoft 365 offers a personal plan for $6.99/month, which includes access to Microsoft Office Online and 1 TB of cloud storage.
The free plan on Notion also includes unlimited pages, blocks, and collaboration features, making it a great option for individuals and small teams.
For $15/month, you can upgrade to the standard plan on Asana, which includes features like task assignments and due dates.
Airtable's free plan includes unlimited bases, records, and collaboration features, making it a great option for small teams and projects.
The free plan on Slack includes features like messaging, video calls, and file sharing, making it a great option for teams and communities.
For $20/month, you can upgrade to the standard plan on Google Workspace, which includes 30 GB of storage and access to advanced features like Google Calendar and Google Drive.
Basecamp's Personal plan costs $25/month and includes features like message boards, file sharing, and schedule sharing.
Calculator
At a federal credit union, you can use a calculator to determine the minimum balance required to avoid monthly maintenance fees. This can help you plan and manage your finances more effectively.
A calculator can also help you calculate the interest you'll earn on your savings account, which can be a significant factor in your overall savings growth. For example, if you deposit $1,000 into a savings account with a 2% annual interest rate, you can use a calculator to determine that you'll earn $20 in interest over the course of a year.
To get the most out of your calculator, make sure to keep track of your account balance and update it regularly to reflect any changes. This will ensure that your calculations are accurate and up-to-date.
Using a calculator can also help you explore different savings scenarios and make informed decisions about your savings goals. For instance, if you want to save for a down payment on a house, you can use a calculator to determine how much you need to save each month to reach your goal within a certain timeframe.
SmartStart and Rates
You can start saving with a smart approach through SmartStart Savings, which warns you about scams impersonating Affinity, reminding you to never share login credentials or one-time passcodes.
Investing with Navy Federal offers higher returns over time compared to other options, and you can choose between do-it-yourself, automated investing, or get guidance from an advisor to reach your savings goals.
Business Savings Accounts are also available, and you can learn more about them if you're interested in a specific type of savings account.
Competitive Dividend Rates
If you're looking to earn competitive dividend rates, you're in luck. Funds are insured up to NCUA maximums, giving you peace of mind.
To get started, you'll need to make a minimum opening deposit of $25. Be aware that if your balance falls below $25, you'll incur a $1 fee each month.
Fortunately, all dividends are compounded daily and paid monthly, so you'll earn interest on your interest. And the best part? You can earn deposit dividends of 0.90% - a great rate for those who can keep their balance above $25.
Here's a breakdown of the rates you can expect:
To earn these rates, you'll need to maintain a minimum daily balance of $2,500. And remember, rates on variable-rate accounts can change after account opening, so be sure to keep an eye on your account.
What's Your Goal?

With SmartStart, you can choose to invest in a way that suits your goals. Investing offers the potential of higher returns over time than other options.
You can choose between do-it-yourself or automated investing with Navy Federal. This gives you the flexibility to manage your finances according to your preferences.
To reach your goals, you can also get guidance from an advisor. They can help you make informed decisions about your investments.
Return
At Navy Federal, you can earn a higher return on your savings with their competitive rates on all savings products. You can check out their rates and learn more about how to maximize your savings.
Their certificate rates are particularly attractive, offering a high dividend rate that can help your savings grow. With a Navy Federal certificate, you can earn a significant return on your investment.
To get a better sense of how different rates can impact your savings strategy, use their savings rate comparison calculator. This tool will help you see how different rates can add up over time.
By choosing Navy Federal for your savings account, you can take advantage of their competitive rates and earn a higher return on your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get 5% interest on my savings account?
You can earn 5% interest on your savings account with banks like Poppy Bank, Ivy Bank, LendingClub, Varo Bank, or Digital Federal Credit Union. Consider exploring these options to find the best fit for your financial needs.
Sources
- https://civicfcu.org/select-savings-account
- https://www.navyfederal.org/checking-savings/savings.html
- https://www.navyfederal.org/checking-savings/savings/savings-resources/savings-rates.html
- https://www.dcu.org/bank/savings/primary-savings.html
- https://www.affinityfcu.com/personal-banking/banking/savings/savings-overview
Featured Images: pexels.com