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Personal Savings

Save for what’s next

Save for what’s next


A rainy day. A new home. The holidays. Retirement. Whatever you’re working toward, Firelands Federal Credit Union has savings options for different goals, balances and timelines.

Not sure which one makes sense for you? We’ll help you understand the differences.

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Which savings option fits you?

Start with two questions: How soon might you need the money, and what do you want it to do while you save?


Share Savings

For everyday saving and easy access

Share Savings is your primary savings account at Firelands FCU and establishes your membership with the credit union.

  • $5 minimum deposit to open
  • Earn dividends on balances of $100 or more
  • Dividends compounded daily and paid quarterly
  • Maintain a $100 minimum daily average balance to avoid the $5 minimum balance fee
  • Free digital banking
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    Surcharge-free ATMs and Shared Branching available

Money Market Account

For larger balances you want to keep accessible

A Money Market Account lets you earn tiered rates on higher savings balances without committing your money to a fixed term.

  • Competitive, tiered rates on balances of $5,000 or more
  • Higher balances earn higher rates
  • Dividends compounded daily and paid monthly
  • No monthly service fees

Share Certificates

For money you can set aside for a specific term

If you can leave your savings untouched for a while, a Share Certificate lets you lock in a fixed rate for a set period.

  • Fixed rates higher than regular savings
  • Terms from 6 to 60 months
  • No setup or maintenance fees
  • $500 minimum deposit to open
  • Dividends compounded and paid quarterly
  • Early withdrawals are subject to penalty
  • Youth and limited-time certificates may also be available

Compare your savings options

What does “share” mean?

At a credit union, a “share” is another term for money held in certain savings accounts. Your Share Savings account also establishes your membership with Firelands FCU.

Share SavingsMoney Market AccountShare Certificates
Good for
Share Savings: Everyday savings and money you want to keep accessible
Money Market Account: Larger savings balances
Share Certificates: Money you can leave deposited for a set term
Access
Share Savings: Flexible
Money Market Account: Flexible
Share Certificates: Limited during the term
How earnings work
Share Savings: Dividends on qualifying balances
Money Market Account: Tiered rates based on balance
Share Certificates: Fixed rate for the term
Deposit and balance requirements
Share Savings: $5 to open
Money Market Account: Rates begin at $5,000+ balances
Share Certificates: Minimum varies by certificate

Estimate your savings earnings

Curious how much your savings could earn? Use our calculators to explore potential earnings based on your balance, term and APY.

More ways to save for specific goals

Sometimes saving is easier when the money has a purpose. Firelands FCU offers additional ways to set money aside for something specific — or make saving happen automatically.

Round Up Savings

Save a little every time you spend.

With Round Up & Save, eligible Visa® debit card purchases are rounded up to the next whole dollar, and the difference goes into your Round Up Savings Account.

Earn a higher dividend rate than regular Share Savings on balances of $25 or more. Deposits are limited to eligible round-up transactions.

Already a member? Log in to Digital Banking, select More Services, then Round Up.

Name Your (Share) Savings

Give your savings goal a name.

Saving for a vacation, new car or emergency fund? Create a separate share for each goal and easily track your progress.

Already a member? Log in to Digital Banking, select +, choose Create New Share, then Name Your Club.

Christmas Club Accounts

Set money aside now for the holidays later.

Make deposits throughout the year and have your holiday savings ready when October arrives.

  • No minimum deposit to open
  • Make deposits at any time and in any amount
  • No monthly service fees
  • Tiered rates
  • Dividends compounded daily and paid annually on September 30
  • Funds automatically transfer to your checking or savings account on October 1

Saving for your first home?

Ohio Homebuyer Plus

Planning to buy a home in Ohio? Ohio Homebuyer Plus is a savings account designed for eligible Ohio residents saving toward an Ohio home purchase.

Current Firelands FCU benefits include:

  • 7.25% APY*
  • Deposit match up to $250 for keeping the account open and active for 90 days**
  • $500 toward closing costs when you finance your mortgage with Firelands FCU***

Current requirements include being an Ohio resident age 18 or older, depositing between $500 and $100,000 and using the funds toward an eligible Ohio home purchase within program guidelines.

Saving for retirement?


Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

Firelands FCU offers Traditional and Roth IRAs to help you save for retirement, with different tax advantages depending on the account you choose.

Traditional IRA

A Traditional IRA may provide tax advantages when you contribute, with taxes generally deferred until eligible withdrawals are made.

Roth IRA

A Roth IRA uses after-tax contributions and may allow qualified withdrawals to be made tax-free.


Both IRA options include:

  • No setup fees
  • No monthly or annual maintenance fees
  • IRA Share Accounts with no minimum to open and a $100 balance required to earn dividends
  • IRA Certificates with a $500 minimum to open

Ready to start saving?

Know which option works for you? Open your account today. Still deciding? Our team can help you understand your choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Share Savings, a Money Market Account and Share Certificates?

The biggest differences are how much you plan to save, how easily you need to access the money and how your savings earn.

Share Savings is designed for flexible, everyday saving. A Money Market Account offers tiered rates for larger balances while keeping your money accessible. Share Certificates offer a fixed rate for a set term and are designed for money you don’t expect to need right away.

When do I earn dividends on my savings?

Dividends for all of our Savings Accounts are compounded daily and paid quarterly except for our Money Market Account, which pays dividends monthly.

Is there a minimum balance I need to keep to avoid fees?

A monthly fee is applied to share accounts with less than a $100 average monthly balance, no personal or mortgage loan and no credit card. This applies to members age 21 and older whose account has been open for at least 30 days.

Refer to our fee schedule for more information on fees.

Where can I find current Firelands FCU savings rates?

Current rates for Share Savings, Money Market Accounts, Share Certificates and other savings products are available on the Firelands FCU Rates page.

View Current Rates

Can I open a savings account online?

You can open an account online.

If you are not yet a Firelands member, apply for your first account(s) here. If you are already a member, you can add an account securely via online or mobile banking. Log in.

Become a member today!

Your Share Savings is your primary account and the first step to becoming a Firelands FCU member. All you need is a $5 minimum deposit to establish your membership. Once you join, you are a member for life as long as you keep your account open.

Become a Member

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