Affinity Federal Credit Union Boosts SmartStart Savings Rates to Support Member Financial Wellbeing

SmartStart savings rates will increase to 4% for the first $10,000 in savings, providing a direct impact on Affinity members amid ongoing economic uncertainty

BASKING RIDGE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Affinity Federal Credit Union (“Affinity”) is marking a new stride in its ongoing commitment to improving its members’ financial wellbeing, announcing an increase of its SmartStart savings rates from 3.5% to 4% annual percentage yield (“APY”) on the first $10,000 in savings. Previously, the 3.5% APY applied to the first $5,000 in savings, extending the impact of the higher savings rate and better positioning Affinity SmartStart Savings account holders to increase savings and available cash more quickly. With 48,000 active SmartStart Savings accounts, this change will positively impact nearly a quarter of all Affinity members.

“Our members increasingly look to us for support and solutions during uncertain times,” said Jacqui Kearns, Chief Brand Officer of Affinity Federal Credit Union. “Shoring up their savings is one of the many ways we can make a tangible impact and support our members’ overall financial wellbeing.”

Recently named “Best for High-Yield Savings” by Wall Street Journal BuySide, Affinity launched its SmartStart Savings program in 2020 with an initial rate of 2.00%, and most recently increased the savings rate to 3.5% in Aug. 2022. The program is unique for its inverted interest structure that encourages its members to get started on their savings journey with no minimum balance and no monthly maintenance fees. The structure allows for easy access to funds when needed, with no limitations on transfers and withdrawals. The new competitive rate structure is well above the national average interest rate¹.

Kearns added: “We moved to increase rates last summer as inflation was causing a real impact in our members' lives. That stress hasn’t eased, and for many, has worsened. We understand how vital it is for our members to feel secure in their finances, and we are proud to provide our members with another solution that will help them achieve that peace of mind.”

These changes are both effective Feb. 23, 2023. To learn more, visit www.affinityfcu.com.

About Affinity Federal Credit Union

Affinity Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution, member-owned and community-focused, with a mission to nurture your financial wellbeing. With more than 20 branches across the tri-state area, Affinity is the largest credit union headquartered in the state of New Jersey, proudly ranking in the top 2% of all credit unions in terms of asset size. The Affinity difference is about people helping people on a deeper level and understanding what YOU need to make your unique dreams a reality. For more information, please visit www.affinityfcu.com.

¹ Retrieved from: https://www.fdic.gov/resources/bankers/national-rates/index.html