Review: Chartway CUs High Yield Checking Account

Chartway Federal Credit Union’s High-Yield Checking account is a solid option for anyone looking to earn meaningful interest on their everyday money. As of April 2025, it offers up to 5% APY on balances up to $15,000, making it a competitive choice among credit unions.

Key Features

• Competitive APY: Earn up to 5.0% APY on balances up to $15,000—well above what traditional checking accounts offer.
• No Monthly Fees: As long as you meet basic activity requirements, you won’t pay monthly maintenance fees.
• Nationwide Access: With a robust mobile app and access to thousands of fee-free ATMs, you can bank from virtually anywhere.

Requirements

To earn the high APY, account holders must:

• Perform a minimum of 15 debit card purchases each month.
• Have $500 or more in direct deposits within a monthly cycle.
• Be enrolled in eStatements with a valid email address.​

Considerations

• Interest only applies to the first $15,000; amounts above this earn a lower rate.
• Membership is easy, but not automatic—you can qualify by making a $10 donation to the Chartway Promise Foundation if you’re not in one of their eligible regions (VA, UT, TX).

The Bottom Line

For everyday users who can meet the activity requirements, Chartway’s High-Yield Checking offers a strong APY and modern banking features. It's a great fit for those keeping moderate balances and looking for more return without tying up funds in savings or CDs.

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