WECU Savings Accounts

We will help you build your emergency savings, save for short and long-term goals, and offer great rates to grow your savings faster.
Open a Savings Account or Certificate

Compare WECU Savings Accounts - Open a Savings Account Online Today

Start saving smarter with us. Our savings account rates mean your money grows faster. It's easy to open a savings account online and get started. With WECU, opening savings accounts is straightforward and quick, helping you get ahead in no time. Join us today to make the most out of your savings.

Stash Savings

Experts say you should have $2,500 in an emergency savings account. Stash Savings helps you get there faster with 6.00% APY.**

Stash Certificate

Start with as low as $50 and a great rate, as you save for your next purchase or goal. A Stash Certificate allows you to save as you go.

High Yield Savings

Unlock the power of high interest rates and start earning more today with a High Yield Plus Savings.

First Step Savings

Get started with the credit union you trust. Open a First Step accounts for your child and they’ll earn 7.00% APY***

Savings Account Rates Up To 7.00% APY1

Account Type Standard APY¹ with Spend Plus Checking APY Minimum Opening Balance Dividends Compounded & Credited Dividend Period²
First Step (Youth) Savings³ 7.00% on first $500 n/a $1* Quarterly Quarterly
Stash (Emergency) Savings⁴ 6.00% on first $2500 n/a $1* Monthly Monthly
Regular Savings 0.10% n/a $1* Quarterly Quarterly
High Yield Plus Savings⁵
($500,000.01+)
2.75% 4.00% $1* Monthly Monthly
High Yield Plus Savings⁵
($100,000.01-$500,000.00)
2.50% 3.50% $1* Monthly Monthly
High Yield Plus Savings⁵
($50,000.01-$100,000.00)
2.25% 3.00% $1* Monthly Monthly
High Yield Plus Savings⁵
($0 - $50,000.00)
0.01% 0.50% $1* Monthly Monthly
Money Market
($100,000+)
2.50% n/a No Minimum Monthly Monthly
Money Market
($0-$99,999)
0.50% n/a No Minimum Monthly Monthly
Education Savings (ESA) 0.10% n/a No Minimum Quarterly Quarterly
Health Savings (HSA) 0.10% n/a No Minimum Quarterly Quarterly
Trust, Estate, IRA Savings 0.50% n/a No Minimum Quarterly Quarterly

1Annual Percentage Yield (APY). See Truth-In-Savings and our Rate and Fee Schedule. Fees may reduce earnings.
2Dividend Schedule. Length of term for dividend compounding, dividend crediting, and dividend period.
3First Step Savings is available for ages 0-19 years with a parent/guardian joint signer. It earns 7.00% APY on balances up to $500. Regular savings rate applies to balances above $500; dividend rate of 0.25%, APY of 0.25%. Dividend Period for balances above $500 is quarterly and dividends compound quarterly. No monthly fee or minimum balance. $1 to open.
4APY = Annual percentage yield. 6.00% APY on balances up to $2,500; balances over $2,500 will earn .01% APY on remaining balance. One Stash Savings account per member. Minimum opening deposit of $1 is required. Rates are subject to change. Fees could reduce earnings. APY is accurate as of October 18, 2023.
5See our Rate and Fee Schedule for more information on High Yield Plus Savings accounts and Spend Plus Checking account fees, terms, and conditions. A Spend Plus Checking account is required to receive the highest rate. Must be tax reporting owner on both accounts. Minimum opening deposit of $1 is required. Rates are subject to change. Fees could reduce earnings. APY is accurate as of October 18, 2023.

*Accounts opened in branches waive minimum opening amount requirements.

The current rate, account terms and conditions, and fees applicable to your Savings Accounts with Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU) are a part of your Membership and Account Agreement.

The rates appearing above are accurate and effective for Savings Accounts as of the effective date. Fees could reduce earnings. Rates may be subject to change. See our Truth-In-Savings and our Rate and Fee Schedule. If you have any questions on your accounts, please call WECU at 360-676-1168, toll-free 800-525-8703, or TTY 800-833-6388.

Effective 4/01/2024

Certificate Term Dividend Rate¹ APY² Minimum Opening Balance Early Withdrawal Penalty
6 months 4.18% 4.25% $500 90 days' dividends
6 months add-on³ 4.04% 4.10% $50 90 days' dividends
12 months 3.94% 4.00% $500 180 days' dividends
12 months add-on³ 3.80% 3.85% $50 180 days' dividends
18 months 3.94% 4.00% $500 180 days' dividends
24 months 3.94% 4.00% $500 180 days' dividends
30 months 3.70% 3.75% $500 180 days' dividends
36 months 3.70% 3.75% $500 180 days' dividends
48 months 3.45% 3.50% $500 360 days' dividends
60 months 3.45% 3.50% $500 360 days' dividends

1Dividend Rate. See Truth-In-Savings. Fees could reduce earnings.
2APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Certificate rates are effective September 25, 2024, and range from 3.50% to 4.25% APY, depending on the certificate term. Terms range from 6 to 60 months. $500 minimum balance required, $50 minimum balance required on Add-on Certificates only. Penalties may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees could reduce earnings.
3Add-On Savings Certificates are Stash Certificates. Add-On savings certificates allow more than one deposit to a savings certificate. There are no limits to the amount of deposits during the certificate term. Early withdrawal penalties will apply to any withdrawals.

The rates appearing in the Schedule above are accurate and effective for certificate accounts as of the Effective Date indicated. WECU may offer other rates on new certificates after the effective date, without notice. Penalties may be imposed for early withdrawals. If you have any questions or require current rate information on your accounts, please call WECU at 360-676-1168, toll-free 800-525-8703 or TTY 800-833-6388.

Effective 9/25/2024 | WECU

Account Type Dividend Rate¹ APY² Minimum Opening Balance Early Withdrawal Penalty
IRA Savings 0.50% 0.50% n/a n/a
6 month IRA Certificate 4.18% 4.25% $500 90 days' dividends
9 month IRA Certificate 3.94% 4.00% $500 90 days' dividends
12 month IRA Certificate 3.94% 4.00% $500 180 days' dividends
18 month IRA Certificate 3.94% 4.00% $500 180 days' dividends
24 month IRA Certificate 3.94% 4.00% $500 180 days' dividends
30 month IRA Certificate 3.70% 3.75% $500 180 days' dividends
36 month IRA Certificate 3.70% 3.75% $500 180 days' dividends
48 month IRA Certificate 3.45% 3.50% $500 360 days' dividends
60 month IRA Certificate 3.45% 3.50% $500 360 days' dividends

¹Dividend Rate. See Truth-In-Savings. Fees could reduce earnings.
²Annual Percentage Yield. See Truth-In-Savings. Fees could reduce earnings.

The rates appearing in the Schedule above are accurate and effective for certificate accounts as of the Effective Date indicated. WECU may offer other rates on new certificates after the effective date, without notice. Penalties may be imposed for early withdrawals. If you have any questions or require current rate information on your accounts, please call WECU at 360-676-1168, toll-free 800-525-8703 or TTY 800-833-6388.

Effective 9/25/2024 | WECU

Family putting money in a piggy bank

Reach Your Financial Dreams with Our Savings Goals Calculator

Learn more about how much your savings could grow over time with WECU’s Savings Goal Calculator.

Savings Account Features

Automatic Transfers

Set-up recurring transfers into your savings account.

Save the Difference

Round up your debit card purchases and save the difference.

Save When You Get Paid

Put part of your paycheck into savings, automatically.

Balance Alerts

Monitor your savings with balance alerts.

Account Nicknames

Open multiple account and name them to save for different goals.

4-Star Rated App

See how much you have saved in WECU's 4-Star Rated App.

**APY = Annual percentage yield. 6.00% APY on balances up to $2,500; balances over $2,500 will earn .01% APY on remaining balance. One Stash Savings account per member. Minimum opening deposit of $1 is required. Rates are subject to change. Fees could reduce earnings. APY is accurate as of October 18, 2023.

***APY = Annual percentage yield. An opening deposit of $1 or more is required. First Step Savings is available for ages 0-19 years with a parent/guardian joint signer. It earns 7.00% APY on balances up to $500. Regular savings rate applies to balances above $500. Dividend Period for balances above $500 is quarterly and dividends compound quarterly. No monthly fee or minimum balance. $1 to open. First Step Checking is available for ages 6-19 years with a parent/guardian joint signer. It earns 7.00% APY on balances up to $250. Remaining balance is non-dividend-bearing. $1 to open. No overdraft fees. No check writing. First Step Savings and Checking APY is accurate as of June 22, 2023

Sabat, J., & Gallagher, E. (2019). Rules of thumb in household savings decisions: Estimation using threshold regression. Social Science Research Network

WECU Mobile is rated 4.8 in the Apple App Store and 4.6 in Google Play, as of April 2023.

Ready to Open a Savings Account?

Whether you are just beginning your savings journey or a seasoned saver, at WECU, we understand the importance of saving money and achieving your goals. That’s why we make it easy to open a savings account online in as few as 3 minutes.

Why WECU

Choosing a credit union for your savings account offers several advantages over traditional banks. Here are some key benefits of choosing WECU:

  • Competitive Rates: WECU offers competitive interest rates, so your high-interest savings account in Washington State and your emergency savings fund can earn more money.
  • Member-focused: Members like you own our credit union, which means you have a say in all the things we do, including giving us feedback on products and services and voting for who represents you on our volunteer Board of Directors.
  • Educational Resources: Members can attend financial webinars and seminars to improve their financial knowledge and make more informed decisions. WECU also offers online financial tools such as financial calculators (link to calculators page), educational podcasts (link to money flow page), and helpful blog posts (link to financial wellness).
  • Lower Fees: Unlike banks, which are profit-driven to provide large returns to their stockholders. Credit unions usually have lower fees than banks because they aim to benefit their members, not make a profit.
  • Online Opening: Choose which of WECU’s personal savings accounts suits you and open an online savings account in minutes.

We are a not-for-profit financial cooperative whose mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our members. Since 1936, we’ve always been about providing honest, genuine service, great rates and low fees, and being a committed friend to our local community.

You are eligible to join if you live, work, go to school, or worship in Washington State.

Savings Account FAQs

What is a savings account, and how does it work?

A savings account is a type of bank account where you can deposit money and earn dividends on that money. The dividend rate on savings accounts is typically lower than other types of accounts, but they are a great way to save money over time. The money in your savings account is easy to access and can be withdrawn at anytime. Learn more about the importance of a savings account.

How do I open a savings account?

To open a savings account, you will need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address, and social security number. You can start saving today by opening an account online in as few as 3 minutes or call our contact center to make an appointment to meet with a WECU team member at any of our Financial Centers.

What is the difference between a savings account and a checking account?

A savings account is primarily designed for you to set aside and grow your money over time, usually earning more dividends over time. A checking account is typically used for frequent transactions providing greater flexibility in deposits, payments, and debit card transactions.

What are the fees associated with a savings account?

There are no monthly maintenance fees associated with a savings account at WECU.

Can I have multiple savings accounts?

Yes, you can have multiple savings accounts. Having multiple savings accounts can help you organize your money and save for different goals, such as an emergency fund, down payment on a house or a vacation.

Can I withdraw money from my savings account at any time?

Yes, you can withdraw money from your savings account at any time. However, Savings Certificates do carry an early withdrawal penalty if withdrawn before the end of the term.

How do I set up automatic transfers to my savings account?

Set up automatic transfers to your savings account through online banking. Enroll in Save the Difference to make progress on your financial goals without any extra effort.

Are there any age restrictions for opening a savings account?

You must be 16 to open a savings account without a qualified joint signer. If you are considering an account for a minor, check out our First Step Account options.

Related Resources

For additional tips on building your savings, visit our related resources below.

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