Savings vs. Checking Accounts: Which Should You Use?

Retirement. Rainy day fund. Endless possibilities. Build your savings and your future with a high-yield certificate.
A certificate allows you to build on your savings — similar to a traditional savings account and a money market account. The key difference is that you can’t withdraw money from a certificate before it matures without penalty, whereas with regular savings or money market savings account, you can withdraw money whenever you need.
Because you agree to keep your money in a certificate for a set amount of time, certificates can offer higher dividends on your deposit. The dividend depends on the certificate terms and current market.
Choose certificate terms and dividends that can help you achieve your financial goals.
Certificates are offered through NCUA-insured institutions like Peak.
Rates as of: 9/8/25
Rates as of: 7/1/25
*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change. Fees may reduce earnings. The terms applicable to your Share Accounts at Peak are provided in the Membership and Account Agreement. Prime/Regular Savings requires $100 minimum daily balance to earn dividends. Other savings may not require a minimum balance to earn dividends. Minimum balance to open a certificate is $500. A parent or guardian must accompany a minor as a joint account owner on any minor accounts. Dividends are calculated by the daily balance method which applies a daily periodic rate to the balance in the account each day. Dividends are compounded monthly and will be credited monthly. The Annual Percentage Yield on certificates assumes dividends will remain on deposit until maturity. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal and will impact earnings on the account. You must be a Peak member to qualify. Upon maturity, your certificate will automatically renew at the current rate if not closed. Save to win: 12-month term only, see Official Account and Prize Entry Rules for full details. Must be 18 or over. A grace period of 7 days after maturity applies. Business certificates are available for all terms. Youth certificates available for terms 3-60 months with a minimum deposit of $100. IRA Certificates cannot be withdrawn and moved into a non-IRA product without potential penalties from the Internal Revenue Service. Check with your tax advisor for specific IRS rules, advice, and tax deductibility on your IRA. For details, please contact Peak Credit Union at (800) 258-3115.
Promotional Certificates: The 7, 13, 19, and 25-month promotional rate terms will revert to the non-promotional 6, 12, 18, and 24-month terms, respectively, upon maturity. A grace period of 7 days applies.
Members may open a certificate with Peak by visiting your local branch or calling (800) 258-3115. You’ll need a minimum deposit of $500 to open a certificate, or $25 for a Save To Win certificate. There is no monthly maintenance fee for certificates opened through Peak.