Is a savings account worth it?

Depending on your needs, yes – a high-yield savings account can be a worthwhile place to put at least some of your money. High-yield savings accounts are a good place to keep money – especially funds you may need to access on short notice – because they provide three key benefits:

• Your money is safe. Funds in a credit union high yield savings account are federally insured by the NCUA up to $250,000⁴.
• Your money has a guaranteed rate of return. Savings accounts promise a guaranteed rate of growth – in the form of dividends. While it may be more modest than the return you could receive elsewhere, there's low risk involved, and your savings are certain to grow over time.
• Your money is accessible. Funds in a high-yield savings account are liquid – you don't have to sell anything or make a complicated transaction to get to your money. And with Affinity, you can use your ATM card to get cash from your savings account at any ATM or transfer money any time using the Affinity Mobile Banking app.

Can you earn money with a high-yield savings account?

Yes, because you’re guaranteed a certain rate of return on your high-yield savings account.

What are dividends?

Credit unions are member-owned and not-for-profit, so any extra funds are returned to members in the form of dividends, reduced loan rates and products and services designed to enhance your financial wellbeing. At Affinity, certain accounts like SmartStart Savings earn dividends as a reward for keeping your money in the account.

Does Affinity charge a monthly maintenance fee for savings?

Our savings accounts have $0 monthly maintenance fees with eStatements³. Otherwise, there is a monthly fee of $2 for paper statements.

Are there minimum account requirements for savings?

Our SmartStart Savings account features no minimum opening deposit, no minimum balance requirements and no monthly service fee if eStatements³ are selected. Otherwise, there is a $2 per month paper statement fee. Our IRA, ESA, and HSA savings accounts work differently because they are subject to different regulatory requirements.

Do I have to maintain a minimum balance to earn dividends?

Yes. While there is no minimum balance to keep your account open, you must have at least some money in your account to earn dividends on it.

Can I open a joint savings account with my spouse or another family member?

Yes.

How do I open a SmartStart Savings account?

It's easy. You have to join Affinity as a member, then apply for a SmartStart Savings account. To apply online click here: Apply online

How do I join Affinity?

Almost anyone can be eligible for membership! We have relationships with over 2,000 businesses, associations and clubs, and you can join Affinity through your association with one of them.

If you are not eligible through one of these paths, you have the option to join by making a one-time $5 donation to the Affinity Foundation whose vision is to end the cycle of poverty for those we serve.

What is the fee to join?

With Affinity you are more than a member, you are part owner. Affinity is owned and controlled by members who use its services.

This ownership happens when you establish your $5 membership account, which gives you one par value share in Affinity. This is not a transactional account, and these funds will not earn dividends. The account must remain open and funded with the $5 during your membership with Affinity.

Where is the closest branch location?

Our digital tools, such as the Affinity Mobile Banking App and Online Banking, make it easy to manage your account and deposit checks right from your phone. You can also view our branches, shared branching locations and ATMs by visiting Affinity locations.

What is the difference between a credit union and a bank?

Credit unions, unlike banks, are based on a cooperative or "co-op" model in which the members are also the owners. This is the biggest difference between credit unions and banks. While a bank is a for-profit company that distributes profits among shareholders or individual owners, a credit union is a not-for-profit institution "owned" by its members. Therefore, you can think of credit union membership as buying a stake in an organization rather than paying somebody else in exchange for services. Learn more.