Why Choose ACU for Your Savings Account?
The South Sound is a great place to start out and a great place to put down roots. At ACU, we strive to meet you where you are and get where you’re going with a range of savings accounts tailored to your changing financial needs. Get the generous rates, federally backed security, and personal service you’ll find only at a great local credit union!
ACU Savings Account Benefits
Ready for a better tomorrow? We offer some of the best savings account deals in the North West. Choose from our selection of smart, flexible savings tools designed to help you build financial stability and build for the future.
Competitive Rates
We’re not-for-profit so we can offer higher savings accounts interest rates and dividends.
OPEN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT NOW BECOME A MEMBER
Regular Share Savings
Become a member and part-owner of the credit union with this simple savings account designed to kickstart your financial future. Deposit $25 in your ACU Share Savings Account and gain access to all our products, services, and member benefits.
- Open multiple Regular Share Savings to achieve different goals.
- Online savings accounts offer easy transfers using Online Banking and our mobile app.
- Make unlimited deposits.
- Access your funds immediately.
Performance Saver (High-Yield Savings Account)
Are you working toward a specific savings goal such as a down payment, new car, or vacation? This high-yield savings account offers better rates in exchange for leaving your funds untouched for one year. After a year, you can withdraw the money or roll it over and keep saving.
- Open an account with a minimum of $10.
- Maintain a minimum daily balance of $10 to earn the current Annual Percentage Yield (APY).1
- Deposit at least $10 each month.
- Make a maximum of $5,000 in total deposits in any monthly period.
- You will likely need to pay an early withdrawal penalty if you withdraw funds before the year ends.
Money Market Account
A Money Market Account rewards higher balances with a tiered rate structure. These financial products offer higher returns2 than traditional savings accounts or short-term certificates of deposit. Plus, you can add money anytime and withdraw funds up to six times per month.
- Pay no monthly maintenance fee.
- Earn competitive, guaranteed rates.
- Tiered interest rates mean your rate goes up as your balance grows.
- Make up to six withdrawals per month by automatic transfer or telephone transfer.3
- You also have the option to access your funds with a debit card.
- Guaranteed Money Market Ultra – 1.76% APY4
Children’s Savings
ACU offers a Teen Savings account for kids between the ages of 13 and 17 and a Tree Fort Club for children 12 years or younger. These accounts help children learn valuable money management skills so they’re well-equipped later.
- The minimum initial deposit is just $1.
- A qualified adult ACU member is required to open an account and serve as the joint owner.
- Children can learn about deposits, withdrawals, and interest rates.
- They can save up for things they want to buy or start building a nest egg for the future.
ACU Share Certificates
Certificates typically offer 10 to 30 times the return of a regular savings account. In addition, your earnings aren’t affected by unpredictable market activity. All you need to do is agree to leave your funds untouched for your preferred term.
- Earn higher interest rates than other savings accounts, including Money Market investments.
- Open an account with a low minimum deposit of just $500.
- Choose a term of three months to five years.
- Select from our Flex, Standard, IRA, or Jumbo options.
Christmas Club
The holiday season is full of fun and joy, but we understand it can also bring financial stress. Our Christmas Club savings account lets you spread the costs throughout the year so you can truly celebrate the holidays.
- Set up a dedicated Christmas savings account anytime during the year.
- There’s no minimum balance requirement and no monthly service fee.
- Contribute funds each paycheck.
- Access your funds when your account matures in November.
- Pay for holiday expenses such as gifts, food, decor, travel, and more.
IRA Accounts
An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a simple way to start saving for your future. This savings account5 is a great option if you do not have a workplace-sponsored plan, or you may open an IRA in addition to your 401(k) or similar.
With ACU, you can choose between an IRA Savings or an IRA Share Certificate. You also have the choice of a Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, and Educational IRA.
- IRA Savings: Benefit from tax advantages and save for your retirement with contribution limits each year.
- IRA Certificate: A certificate account that lets you earn higher dividends on your IRA funds.
- Traditional IRA: Enjoy tax-deductible contributions and pay regular income tax on withdrawals.
- Roth IRA: Pay taxes on your contributions and then enjoy tax-free withdrawals.
- Educational IRA: Open an account before your child turns 18 and use the funds for qualified expenses.
Veterans Family Fund
Many of our men and women in uniform face overwhelming challenges here at home. ACU’s Veterans Family Fund makes it easy for you to support our veterans without any extra contribution from you.
- Open a dedicated six-month Share Certificate with a minimum deposit of $100.
- Half of the earned interest will go to benefit veterans and their families.
- You receive the other half of the interest plus a tax deduction for your contribution.
- You also earn competitive dividend rates on your funds.
Health Savings Account
You can use a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for or reimburse qualified medical expenses for you and your family members. The account offers peace of mind, especially if you have a healthcare plan with a high deductible.
Tax-free benefits:
- Your contributions are tax deductible and earnings accumulate tax free.
- Enjoy tax-free distributions for qualified medical expenses.
Flexible spending options:
- Use your HSA funds to pay for health insurance deductibles, co-payments, certain over-the-counter medications, and out-of-pocket expenses.
- You may also have the option of paying a qualified medical expense with a check or debit card – consult your tax advisor for details.
Year-to-year savings:
- HSA balances automatically roll over from year to year.
- Easily budget for health expenses and build up savings to cover qualified medical expenses when needed.
Flexible contribution options:
- HSAs are individual accounts that you own, so you can take them with you when you leave a company or change jobs.
- Your employer may choose to make contributions to an HSA as an added benefit to you.
- If so, you may take a once-in-a-lifetime tax-free distribution from an IRA to fund an HSA.
- You are also eligible for a catch-up contribution if you are age 55 or older by the end of your taxable year and have not enrolled in Medicare.
HSA contribution limits:
- 2024 Individual: $4,150
- 2024 Family: $8,300
- 2024 Catch-Up (55+): $1,000
Opening a Savings Account is Quick & Easy!
Step1 |
Gather InformationYou’ll need a government ID, proof of address, a social security number, and date of birth. |
Step2 |
Check EligibilityMembership is open to residents of the Pacific Northwest and active service members. |
Step3 |
Choose a Savings HomeOpen a regular savings account and select additional accounts to meet your savings needs. |
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★★★★★ “ACU is doing an outstanding job and everybody is so Stan S., Lacey, WA |
Common Questions About America’s Credit Union Savings Accounts
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How are my deposits insured at ACU?
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Your deposits at ACU are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to $250,000 per account, ensuring your savings are protected.
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Can I set up multiple Regular Share Savings accounts?
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Yes, you can open multiple Regular Share Savings accounts at ACU to achieve different savings goals. This provides flexibility in managing your financial objectives.
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What is the minimum deposit required to open a Share Certificate?
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You can open a Share Certificate at ACU with a deposit of as little as $500. Share Certificates typically offer higher returns than regular savings accounts.
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What is the minimum balance requirement for a Performance Saver Account?
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To earn the current Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on a Performance Saver Account, you must maintain a minimum daily balance of $10 and make at least $10 in monthly deposits.
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What are the advantages of opening a savings account at a credit union rather than a bank?
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A credit union like ACU offers the banking services you expect from a financial institution, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards and wire transfers. However, as not-for-profit organizations owned by members, credit unions are able to offer higher rates on deposits and lower compounding interest on loans. You’ll also find a more personal approach to financial services you won’t get at a bank.
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Where can I open an ACU savings account?
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If you’re looking to open a savings account in Thurston County, WA, we’ve got you covered. You can open your savings account in Olympia, WA, at our Lakewood branch. You can also open a savings account in Pierce County, WA, at our main office in Joint Base Lewis McChord, at locations in nearby communities, or online.
ACU Checking Accounts to Complement Our Savings Options
Whether you’re looking to earn interest on your deposits, open a free account, or get a second chance after a financial pitfall, we have the best checking account for you.
Affinity Plus Checking
Our popular cash back checking account offers a host of features to elevate your experience and protect you and your assets.
Affinity Premier Checking
A tiered-rate checking account with no monthly fees offering to help you save money while managing day-to-day spending.
Affinity Basic Checking
Earn 3.00% APY on account balances up to $1,000 while enjoying a wide range of FREE features and benefits!
Disclaimers
1APY = Annual Percentage Yield. If the account does not receive the minimum monthly deposit the dividend rate will default to the Regular Share rate. Penalties may reduce earnings.
2Rates may change after account opening.
3No more than six (6) pre-authorized, automatic, or telephone transfers may be made from your money market account to another account of yours or to a third party in any month.
4Minimum opening deposit and minimum balance of $2,500.00 required. Guaranteed for 6 months; you then have the option to re-guarantee at the then current rate, otherwise, as disclosed in the Membership and Account Agreement, standard rates apply. New money only. Limit one share per account. Fees may reduce earnings.
5Fees and penalties may be imposed for early withdrawal and may reduce earnings. Minimum opening and monthly balance of $1,000 required. All offers require membership and are subject to change. Consult your tax advisor for tax advice.
6Terms and conditions: The terms applicable to your Deposit Accounts at ACU are provided in a separate Truth–in–Savings Disclosure. A penalty of up to 90 days of dividends may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees and penalties may reduce earnings on the account. Rates are subject to change
America’s Credit Union NMLS 449181