Vermont FCU Raises Rate On ReWARD Checking

Vermont Federal Credit Union (Vermont FCU) started the new month off by raising the rate on its ReWARD Checking account by 75 basis points. The ReWARD Checking earns 2.25% APY on qualifying balances up to $25k. Qualifying balances over $25k earn 0.55% APY, with non-qualifying balances earning 0.10% APY.

ReWARD Checking Qualifying Requirements

• At least 12 debit card purchases post and clear.
• At least one automatic payment or Direct Deposit post and clear.
• Receive monthly eStatements.
• Access Online Banking at least one during the qualification cycle.

The ReWARD Checking account has no minimum balance requirement, no minimum opening balance requirement, or monthly service fees. Nationwide ATM fees will be reimbursed up to $25 per monthly qualification cycle, with individual ATM fees greater than $5 requiring a receipt for reimbursement.

There is a fairly extensive ReWARD Checking FAQs page, and some of the more interesting facts are:

There is no limitation on the number of accounts opened for the same address.
In your first month as a holder of a ReWARD Checking Account:
1) You will receive the ReWARD Checking dividend rate(s) on your balance from the date of enrollment regardless of whether or not you met all of the qualifications.
2) You will receive ATM Fee Refunds up to $25 for ATM transactions that occurred on/after your enrollment date regardless of whether or not you met all of the qualifications.

Availability

Headquartered in Burlington, Vermont Federal Credit Union offers membership to individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in the Vermont counties of Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, or Washington.

According to Vermont FCU’s Join Us page, “If a relative of yours is already a member, you are also eligible to join.”

Joining Vermont FCU and/or opening a ReWARD Checking account can be done online, or at any of the seven Vermont branches located in Burlington, Middlebury, Milton, St. Albans (2), South Burlington, and Vergennes.

Existing Vermont FCU members can also open a ReWARD Checking account by phone.

Credit Union Overview

Vermont Federal Credit Union (NCUA Charter # 24405) has an overall health grade of "A" at DepositAccounts.com, with a Texas Ratio of 5.39% (excellent) based on March 31, 2016 data. In the past year, Vermont FCU has increased its total deposits by $36.4 million, an excellent annual growth rate of 9.562%. Please refer to our financial overview of Vermont Federal Credit Union for more details.

Vermont Federal Credit Union was founded in 1953 as the Burlington Postal Employees Credit Union. It was soon renamed the U.S. Government Employees Credit Union of Chittenden County, as the charter was expanded. In 1991, the charter was changed to a federal charter, resulting in the Vermont Federal Credit Union. Ten years later, a community charter was adopted, vastly expanding the field of membership. Currently, Vermont Federal Credit Union is Vermont’s 4th largest credit union, with more than 35,700 members and assets in excess of $472 million.

How the ReWARD Checking Compares

When compared to the 23 High Yield Reward Checking Accounts tracked by DepositAccounts.com, which are available to Vermont residents and have maximum qualifying balances of at least $25k, Vermont Federal Credit Union’s ReWARD Checking APY currently ranks second.

The above rates are accurate as of 8/3/2016.

To look for the best nationwide Reward Checking Account rates and the best Reward Checking Account rates in your state, please refer to our High Yield Reward Checking Account rates table or our Rates Map page.