Choose the right savings account for your goals
Saving regularly is one of the simplest ways to build financial confidence over time. Whether you’re setting money aside for short‑term goals, planning for bigger milestones, or building an emergency fund for unexpected expenses, savings accounts helps you stay organized and prepared while keeping your money easily accessible.
Meriwest savings accounts are designed to help your balance grow through dividends, expressed as an annual percentage yield (APY). As you maintain your account, your savings earn dividends that compound over time—allowing your money to work for you while still giving you the flexibility to add or withdraw funds as your needs change.
You Name It Savings
Make it yours and name your savings!
- Our most popular and basic savings option with a dividend rate.
- You can personalize this savings account by naming it whatever you like.
- Keep organized and start saving for life-changing decisions and goals.
- Current Savings Rates
- *Learn More
Additional Savings Options
Grow Your Savings. Grow Your Benefits.
Growing your savings at Meriwest can also help you unlock additional benefits through our Meriwest Merit Rewards program—designed to reward deeper, long‑term banking relationships.
Understanding Your Savings Account Options
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How to Choose the Right Savings Account
Choosing the right savings account depends on how you plan to use your money and what you’re saving for. Some savings accounts are designed to help you get started with everyday saving, while others may offer additional earning potential or flexibility for larger balances and longer‑term goals.
If you need easy access to your funds and a simple way to save regularly, a traditional savings account can be a great option. Money market savings accounts may be a good fit if you’re maintaining a higher balance and want the ability to add or withdraw funds as needed. For funds you don’t need immediate access to, certificate accounts offer a set term and predictable returns.
Before choosing an account, consider how often you’ll access your money, how much you plan to keep on deposit, and whether your goal is short‑term flexibility or long‑term growth. Meriwest offers multiple savings options so you can select the account that aligns with your financial priorities and adjust as your needs change.
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How Does APY Work?
APY, or Annual Percentage Yield, reflects how much your savings can earn over a year, including the effect of compounding. Compounding means that dividends you earn are added to your balance, and future dividends are calculated based on that new total.
Savings accounts at Meriwest earn dividends rather than interest. Dividends are typically calculated based on your account balance and expressed as an APY to help you compare earning potential across savings options. Because compounding occurs over time, keeping funds in your account can help your savings grow gradually—as long as account requirements are met.
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How Do Tiered Rates and “Blended APY” Work?
When an account has tiered dividend rates, different portions of your balance may earn different rates. For example, one rate may apply up to a certain balance level, a different rate may apply to the next tier, and so on. Your total APY reflects the combined result across tiers, based on your overall balance and the rates in effect. If you’re comparing accounts, look at the current rate schedule and the balance tiers to understand how earnings may apply at different deposit levels.
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Are My Deposits Insured?
Meriwest deposit accounts are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The NCUA insures member deposits up to $250,000. Some specialized products may offer additional coverage beyond standard NCUA insurance (for example, SecureEdge Money Market includes additional private insurance on qualifying deposits). Coverage details can vary by product, so review the account disclosures or ask a Meriwest representative if you have questions about how coverage applies to your situation.
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Why Choose Meriwest for Savings?
Meriwest Credit Union is a member‑owned financial institution focused on helping members build financial confidence at every stage of life. Because we serve members—not shareholders—our savings accounts are designed to balance earning potential, flexibility, and long‑term value.
Members benefit from federally insured deposits, a range of savings options to fit different goals, and access to digital banking tools and local financial centers. Whether you’re just starting to save or managing larger balances, Meriwest offers savings solutions backed by personalized service and a commitment to your financial well‑being.
Savings Calculators
From short‑term goals to long‑term dreams, see how your savings can grow.
What our Members are Saying
People Usually Ask:
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What is a savings account?
A savings account is a secure place to set money aside while earning dividends over time. Many people use savings accounts to build emergency funds, save for future expenses, or organize money for specific goals while keeping funds accessible.
- Do you offer Money Market accounts?
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What types of savings accounts does Meriwest offer?
Meriwest offers a variety of savings options, including traditional savings accounts, money market savings accounts, certificate accounts, and specialized savings options designed for different goals and balance levels. Each account type offers different features to help match how you save and access your money.
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How does APY work on savings accounts?
APY, or Annual Percentage Yield, reflects how much your savings may earn over a year, including the effect of compounding. Compounding means dividends earned are added to your balance, and future dividends are calculated on that total. APY helps make it easier to compare earning potential across different savings accounts.
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What is the difference between savings accounts and money market accounts?
Both savings and money market accounts allow you to earn dividends while keeping funds available. Money market savings accounts may offer different features or earning structures and are often used by members maintaining higher balances who want flexibility to add or withdraw funds as needed.
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What are certificate accounts?
Certificate accounts allow you to deposit money for a set period of time in exchange for a stated dividend rate for that term. They are commonly used when funds are not needed immediately and can help provide more predictable earnings over time.
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What are the current certificate rates?
Visit our Rates page for the current certificate rate and term information.
Earn more for your money with a Certificate Account
If you're looking for an insured product with a guaranteed higher annual dividend rate and you can keep your funds in an account for a longer-term, certificate accounts at Meriwest are the right solutions for you.
Visit our Certificate Accounts page to learn more or apply today.
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What are the penalties for early Certificate (CD) withdrawals?
The penalty imposed on an early withdrawal from a certificate will be equal to a percentage of the amount of the principal balance that is withdrawn. The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of days remaining in the then-current term at the time of the withdrawal by 365.
Please note that early withdrawal penalties may exceed the amount of dividends earned and further reduce the principal balance. In regards to tax penalties, we ask that you please contact your tax advisor for assistance.
Penalties and fees may differ per product or promotion. Please Contact Meriwest for an exact amount.
Need access to funds? Consider a personal line of credit.
The ValueChoice Credit Line Option allows you to use the credit you need, pay it back in low monthly installments and use it again. Access to funds is easy - write a ValueChoice check, get cash from a Meriwest ATM, or take a cash advance with Meriwest Online or over the phone. -
Are Meriwest savings accounts insured?
Yes. Meriwest savings accounts are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to applicable limits. Some specialized accounts may offer additional coverage. Details vary by product, so it’s always a good idea to review account disclosures.
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How much money do I need to open a savings account?
Minimum opening balances vary based on the savings account type. You can review individual account details above to see opening requirements and ongoing balance information for each option. Membership requires a one-time non-refundable $5 fee.
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Can I access or withdraw money from my savings account?
Savings accounts are designed to keep your money accessible while helping it grow. Access methods and any transaction limitations vary by account type, so reviewing individual account features can help you choose the right option for your needs.
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How do dividends on savings accounts work?
Savings accounts at credit unions earn dividends rather than interest. Dividends are typically calculated based on your balance and expressed as an APY to help compare earning potential. Rates are variable and may change over time.
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How do I know which savings account is right for me?
Choosing the right savings account depends on your goals, how often you plan to access your money, and how much you expect to save. If flexibility is most important, a traditional savings account may be a good fit. For higher balances or longer‑term savings goals, other options may better align with your needs.
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Who can open a savings account at Meriwest?
Membership is required for Meriwest products and services. You are eligible to join Meriwest Credit Union if any of the following applies:
- You live, work, worship, or attend school in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties of Northern California, and Pima county of Arizona.
- You are an employee of a participating Meriwest Credit Union member company.
- You are a relative of or reside with a current member of Meriwest Credit Union.
If you don’t meet any of the requirements above but live in California or Arizona, you can still join Meriwest with a complimentary membership in the Financial Fitness Association. Call 1-877-637-4937 to learn more.
Join Our Family!
Membership is required for Meriwest products and services. You are eligible to join Meriwest Credit Union if any of the following applies:
- You live, work, worship, or attend school in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties of Northern California, and Pima county of Arizona.
- You are an employee of a participating Meriwest Credit Union member company.
- You are a relative of or reside with a current member of Meriwest Credit Union.
- If you don’t meet any of the requirements above but live in California or Arizona, you can still join Meriwest with a complimentary membership in the Financial Fitness Association. Call 1-877-637-4937 to learn more.
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