SmartStart
Savings
Earn
On the
first $5,000
On the first $5,000
Start Saving
High-yield savings to grow your money faster
See how much you can Earn!
Zero
Fees
$0 minimum balance
$0
monthly maintenance
fees
Top Rates
Earn 3.50% APY* on the first $5,000. That’s $175 in dividends per year
Zero Fees
No minimum balance requirements or monthly maintenance fees1
Digital Tools
View your balance, deposit checks, make transfers and more with our top-rated app
Automated Savings
Grow your savings faster with recurring transfers from another U.S. bank account or payroll deposits
Compare
See how much more you can earn with
SmartStart
Savings
Affinity
SmartStart
Savings
$175 in dividends per year
National
Average
$16.50 in dividends per year
Chase Premier SavingsSM
$0.50 in interest per year
Bank Of America
Advantage Savings
$0.50 in interest per year
Rates were obtained on 1/17/2023 from the respective financial institution’s website. National Average is based on weekly National Rates and Rate Caps published by the FDIC on 1/17/2023 at fdic.gov. APYs in this table are for the state of New Jersey and are based on a balance of $5,000. Rates are subject to change without notice and Affinity makes no guarantee of their accuracy.
FAQs
Here’s what you need to know about your SmartStart Savings account.
What is SmartStart Savings?
SmartStart Savings is a high-yield savings account with no minimum balance requirement, zero fees with eStatements and a competitive rate that is significantly higher than the national average.
Is SmartStart Savings an online savings account?
With SmartStart Savings, you have access to all the digital tools you would expect from an online savings account, but unlike traditional online savings accounts, you can visit your local branch to make deposits and speak to a real person about your account.
What is the best way to use a high-yield savings
account like SmartStart Savings?
A high-yield savings account like SmartStart Savings is great for building an emergency fund, saving for a large purchase, or growing your savings without worrying about the volatility of the stock market.
Are my funds federally insured?
Yes, your funds are federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a U.S. government agency.
How can I make deposits?
Using Online Banking or the Mobile Banking App, you can transfer funds from an external account, deposit checks or set up recurring transfers. Additionally, you can visit a local branch to make a deposit or use one of our fee-free ATMs.
Pro tip: Allocate a certain dollar amount or percentage of your paycheck to automatically go into your SmartStart Savings. Simply provide your SmartStart Savings Account number and the Affinity routing number (221283512) to your Payroll Department and watch your savings grow.