Make Saving Just as Easy as Spending
Sometimes it’s just too easy to spend our money. Companies are always inventing new ways to separate us from our hard-earned money. Listen to this Financial Minute!
Experts say you need $2,500 for an emergency.§
Stash Savings gets you there faster with an impressive 6.00% APY on your first $2,500.†
Open in as few as 3 minutes.
Build Your Emergency Savings
6.00% APY†
Earn 6.00% APY† on your first $2,500.
No Monthly Maintenance Fees
Never pay a monthly maintenance fee for your Stash Savings account.
Automatic Savings
Round up debit card purchases, set up monthly transfers, and deposit part of your paycheck.
Member Rewards††
Get points for making deposits to your account. Points can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, and more. Member Rewards
24/7 Access
Our 4.8 star-rated app‡ lets you move money and see your balance at any time.
Insured by NCUA
Your savings are protected. Financial security is our top priority.
Savings Rates
Emergency Savings Calculator
Life is full of surprises, and many of them come unannounced. Whether it’s a sudden medical expense, unexpected car repairs, or a job loss, having a financial safety net can make all the difference. Our Emergency Savings Calculator is here to help you determine how prepared you are for life’s unexpected twists and turns.
Common Questions
Why do I need emergency savings?
Research shows that unpredictable problems or less common expenses are most likely to ruin our finances, and the research also shows that we greatly underestimate how often this happens. Think car repairs, roof problems, medical bills, back-to-school supplies, rental deposits, self-employment taxes, car tabs, and loss of income...
Common Questions
How do savings accounts work?
A savings account is a place for you to put money you don’t want to spend right away. Typically, money is put into the savings account by electronic direct deposit from your job, bringing a check into a WECU branch, or using Mobile Deposit Capture to deposit using a picture of the check from your phone. In each of these, you can choose either to deposit all of it into a savings account (that is for saving money), a checking account (that is for spending money), or both...
Common Questions
How much money do I need?
You earn a market-leading rate on the first $2,500 to help you stay motivated. The $2,500 figure was chosen because experts found that this amount protects you from the worst effects of a “shock” to income or expenses (like losing your job or needing to move quickly). §
The $2,500 can keep you from getting evicted, losing your car, or having utilities turned off. It can also keep you from relying on high-interest expensive loans or overdrafts when things in life go a little sideways...
Next Step: Stash Certificates for Savings Goals
Build on your safety net! Sometimes, you score extra cash from a part-time gig or a generous relative. With the Stash Savings Certificate, you can add that extra money to your savings certificate whenever you want. It’s super flexible. With a $50 minimum to open, start stashing with the cash you have now.
Additional Resources
The journey to financial stability starts with education and smart choices. These resources are just the beginning of your money-saving adventure. Take the time to explore, learn, and implement the strategies that resonate with you, and watch your financial future unfold.
“Set It and Forget It” Savings
That feeling of disappointment, of missing out, makes saving really difficult. And it’s why the best way to save money is to do it before you even see it in your account!
7 Things to Start Saving for Now
How far do you plan? Are you a spur the moment person or have you already mapped out the next five years? Consider these tips to start saving for the long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Stash Savings different than Regular Savings?
Stash Savings is a specialized savings account designed to help you build your emergency fund. With a higher dividend rate on your initial $2,500, it’s an excellent starting point for those new to saving.
How are the dividend rates calculated on the Stash Savings account?
Stash Savings offers a higher dividend rate on the first $2,500 in your account. Any amount above that earns a lower, but still competitive rate. These rates are blended, allowing you to benefit from both rates simultaneously and encourage you to “stash” money away frequently.
What does “compounding monthly” mean?
“Compounding monthly” means that the dividends you earn are calculated each month and then added back into your balance. This enables you to earn dividends on your dividends, accelerating your savings growth.
What Member Rewards are related to Stash Savings?
You can earn 10 points for every $500 in your monthly average balance, up to a maximum of 50 points per month. However, you’ll need a Spend Plus Checking account to both earn and redeem these points. The points you earn then combine with points from other WECU accounts and activities like debit card transactions, credit card spending, and loans.
How do I earn extra points?
With our “Save the Difference” feature, each of your debit card transactions gets rounded up, and the extra change is deposited into a savings account of your choice. You earn 25 points per month if you’re enrolled in this service.
Consistent deposits matter! If you deposit $25 or more each month into your Stash Savings account, you earn an additional 25 points per month.
Can I have multiple Stash Savings accounts?
No, you are limited to one Stash Savings account per member.
What’s the significance of the $2,500 figure?
Research‡ indicates that having at least $2,500 in an emergency savings account can significantly lower the risk of facing financial hardship. That’s why we encourage you to aim for this amount, as it provides a realistic and attainable financial safety net.
Are there any monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements?
Absolutely not! There are no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. Just start saving and watch your dividends grow!
Why should I choose Stash Savings?
- It serves as a foundational step for building an emergency fund.
- You’ll earn Member Rewards points that you can redeem for valuable benefits.
- You enjoy a higher dividend rate on your first $2,500, which speeds up your journey toward your savings goals.
How do I open a Stash Savings account?
To open a savings account, you will need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address, and social security number, and proof of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. You can start saving today by opening an account online in less than 3 minutes, calling our contact center, or making an appointment to meet with a WECU team member at any of our Financial Centers.
Open a Stash Savings Account Today
Whether you are just beginning your savings 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.
Have questions? Our friendly customer service team is here to assist you every step of the way.
§Sabat, J., & Gallagher, E. (2019). Rules of thumb in household savings decisions: Estimation using threshold regression. Social Science Research Network.
†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.
‡WECU Mobile is rated 4.8 in the Apple App Store and 4.7 in Google Play, as of September 2023.