High-Yield Checking

High-Yield Checking

HIGH-YIELD CHECKING

Up to $1,300 a year* in checking income.

Put your hard-earned money to work for you. Our Income Checking account gives you better interest rates for faster growth.

HIGH-YIELD CHECKING

Up to $1,300 a year* in checking income.

Put your hard-earned money to work for you. Our Income Checking account gives you better interest rates for faster growth.

Checking

INCOME CHECKING

Earn more on your account than the competition.

Each month, earn 5.50% APY1 on balances up to $25,000 and receive up to $25 in nationwide ATM fee rebates when 3 easy steps are completed during that month’s Requirements Period (26th of the prior month – 25th of the current month):

  1. Enroll in e-statements
  2. Have a direct deposit of at least $500
  3. Make at least 15 purchases between your Income Checking debit card and Columbia CU credit card

INCOME CHECKING

Earn more on your account than the competition.

Each month, earn 5.50% APY1 on balances up to $25,000 and receive up to $25 in nationwide ATM fee rebates when 3 easy steps are completed during that month’s Requirements Period (26th of the prior month – 25th of the current month):

  1. Enroll in e-statements
  2. Have a direct deposit of at least $500
  3. Make at least 15 purchases between your Income Checking debit card and Columbia CU credit card

Three great reasons to open an account

Higher Returns

Enjoy greater interest rates than traditional checking accounts. The more you save, the more you earn!

No Fees

Retain more of your wealth with no monthly or transaction fees, allowing your funds to grow without unnecessary costs.

Full-Service Solutions

Consider us your local partner for high-powered checking options, high-yield savings, cash back credit cards, and tailored mortgage plans.

Additional Details​

Other high-yield checking account benefits include:

  • Early direct deposit
  • If you don’t meet the qualification requirements, you will earn 0.05% on your balance. Your ATM fees will not get reimbursed.
  • No monthly fee or minimum balance requirements
  • No Columbia CU ATM fee
  • Free Online and Mobile Banking, debit rewards, budgeting tool, and e-statements
  • $1 minimum to open
  • Available with Stash Your Cash
  • Federally insured up to $250,000

Additional Details​

Other high-yield checking account benefits include:

  • Early direct deposit
  • If you don’t meet the qualification requirements, you will earn 0.05% on your balance. Your ATM fees will not get reimbursed.
  • No monthly fee or minimum balance requirements
  • No Columbia CU ATM fee
  • Free Online and Mobile Banking, debit rewards, budgeting tool, and e-statements
  • $1 minimum to open
  • Available with Stash Your Cash
  • Federally insured up to $250,000

EARLY DIRECT DEPOSIT

Get paid up to 3 days early.

Open an account and enjoy our early direct deposit to get your money up to three days early.²

EARLY DIRECT DEPOSIT

Get paid up to 3 days early.

Open an account and enjoy our early direct deposit to get your money up to three days early.²

★★★★★

"Awesome people who work here. Never had a better experience. So glad I switched to a credit union. The tellers actually get to know you and who you are, unlike big banks that just see you as a number and not a human being. Thank you Columbia CU."

- Kenny B.

HIGH-YIELD CHECKING

How to open a high-yield checking account.

  • Apply Online: Click the link below or stop by a branch to start your application.
  • Add Funds: Make a $1 minimum opening deposit.
  • Start Earning: Earn 5.50% APY every month you qualify.

HIGH-YIELD CHECKING

How to open a high-yield checking account.

  • Apply Online: Click the link below or stop by a branch to start your application.
  • Add Funds: Make a $1 minimum opening deposit.
  • Start Earning: Earn 5.50% APY every month you qualify.

Debit Card Features

Withdraw money directly using your debit card at network ATMs or banks.

EMV chip technology provides an encrypted safeguard against fraud or theft.

Upload and add any photo you want to your debit card at no extra charge.

Our Card Manager feature in Online & Mobile Banking helps secure your cards while you’re away from home.

THE CREDIT UNION DIFFERENCE

Join the credit union movement.

Watch Lindsey Salvestrin, our President and CEO, be joined by our Chief Experience Officer Colleen Boccia for a chat with Fox 12’s Stephanie Kralevich about the credit union movement and all the benefits of being a member at a place that puts people first:

  • How money stays in the community
  • Why credit unions can offer better rates
  • What local service brings to members

THE CREDIT UNION DIFFERENCE

Join the credit union movement.

Watch Lindsey Salvestrin, our President and CEO, be joined by our Chief Experience Officer Colleen Boccia for a chat with Fox 12’s Stephanie Kralevich about the credit union movement and all the benefits of being a member at a place that puts people first:

  • How money stays in the community
  • Why credit unions can offer better rates
  • What local service brings to members

Frequently Asked Questions

Your debit card purchases are deducted from your account balance like any regular checking account. Additionally, 15 Income Checking debit card and Columbia CU credit card purchases each month help you qualify for the high interest.

This high interest checking account stands out because of its higher interest rate. It’s typically greater than rates on standard interest-earning checking accounts. This means you can grow your finances faster while enjoying the benefits of a regular checking account.
A high-interest checking account offers a higher interest rate than traditional checking accounts. This type of account allows for both deposits and withdrawals. A savings account is designed primarily for saving money and typically offers a higher interest rate than standard checking accounts. However, it usually has limits on the number of withdrawals you can make each month.

The Income Checking account offers a high-interest rate of 5.50% annual percentage yield APY on balances up to $25,000. There are specific requirements to earn this rate and up to $25 in ATM fee rebates. You must make at least 15 purchases with your debit and credit cards, have a direct deposit of at least $500, and enroll in e-statements. This account has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

The RewardsPlus Checking account provides different benefits. It includes perks like one free folio of checks per year, free unlimited money orders, and a discount on safe deposit box rental.

This rewards checking account does not have monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. It offers free online and mobile banking, a budgeting tool, and e-statements. The focus for the RewardsPlus account is on banking-related discounts and perks rather than a high-interest rate.

Yes, you can use your High-Yield Checking account for daily transactions. You have the ability to make purchases, pay bills, and withdraw cash. These accounts combine the flexibility of a checking account with the advantage of higher interest rates.

MOBILE WALLET

Pay without making contact.

Experience the convenience and security of our Mobile Wallet service. Simply add your Columbia Credit Union debit or credit card to your device’s Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay app.

Make purchases in stores and within apps without swiping your cards or entering payment and contact information. Rest assured that merchants will never see your personal details or contact info.

  • Secure transactions: Add your Columbia Credit Union card to your mobile wallet for secure payments.
  • Contact-free shopping: Make purchases in stores and within apps without swiping your card or entering payment information.
  • Protect your personal information: Merchants will never see your name, card numbers, or security codes.
  • Easy setup: To start using Mobile Wallet, just add your Columbia CU debit or credit card to the Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay app on your device.
  • Discover more digital services: Explore more ways Columbia Credit Union can simplify your life with our digital services.
Man's hand holding smartphone using Columbia Credit Union Rewards Credit Card in mobile wallet

MOBILE WALLET

Man's hand holding smartphone using Columbia Credit Union Rewards Credit Card in mobile wallet

Pay without making contact.

Experience the convenience and security of our Mobile Wallet service. Simply add your Columbia Credit Union debit or credit card to your device’s Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay app.

Make purchases in stores and within apps without swiping your cards or entering payment and contact information. Rest assured that merchants will never see your personal details or contact info.

  • Secure transactions: Add your Columbia Credit Union card to your mobile wallet for secure payments.
  • Contact-free shopping: Make purchases in stores and within apps without swiping your card or entering payment information.
  • Protect your personal information: Merchants will never see your name, card numbers, or security codes.
  • Easy setup: To start using Mobile Wallet, just add your Columbia CU debit or credit card to the Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay app on your device.
  • Discover more digital services: Explore more ways Columbia Credit Union can simplify your life with our digital services.

Don't just take it from us.

Best of Clark County Award
2008-2024

The Columbian

Corporate Philanthropy Award
2017-2024

Portland Business Journal

Best in Business Award
2013-2023

Vancouver Business Journal

$100 FOR YOU! $100 FOR THEM!

Refer a Friend for $100

Refer a friend to open their first checking account with Columbia CU and we’ll deposit $100 into BOTH of your accounts. Just our way of saying thanks—and welcome! And, a great way for you to share the value offered through Columbia Credit Union membership with your friends and family.

$100 FOR YOU! $100 FOR THEM!

Refer a Friend for $100

Refer a friend to open their first checking account with Columbia CU and we’ll deposit $100 into BOTH of your accounts. Just our way of saying thanks—and welcome! And, a great way for you to share the value offered through Columbia Credit Union membership with your friends and family.

Become a member.

Columbia Credit Union membership is open to individuals and businesses in Washington State and in the Oregon communities of Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, and Washington Counties (and to the families of eligible individuals).

*One year of earnings of up to $1,300 based on meeting requirements for qualifying transactions to earn 5.50% APY on account and carrying $25,000 daily balance for 12 months. Potential earnings with a Columbia Credit Union Income Checking account are estimates based on published rates current as of November 1, 2024 and subject to change without notice. 

¹APY=Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of October 1, 2024, and can change at any time without notice. When qualifications are met, the Rewards Dividend Rate is calculated and accrued daily on ending balances of $25,000 or less. Dividends are paid and compounded monthly. The advertised Rewards APY assumes your balance including the prior months’ dividends, is $25,000 or less every day of every month during the APY’s annual look-ahead timeframe. Minimum to open is $1. Requirements Period: (26th of the prior month – 25th of the current month). To earn Rewards APY and/or ATM fee rebates you must complete these three Requirements during the month’s Requirements Period: 1) Be enrolled in e-Statements; 2) Have a direct deposit of at least $500 into Income Checking; 3) Have 15 posted* Income Checking debit card or Columbia CU credit card purchases; pending transactions do not qualify. Please Note: Debit and credit card transactions may not post (or may show as pending, not posted) to your Income Checking or Credit Card Account the same day as the purchases. *Definition: posted transaction has fully processed and appears on your account statement or in online & mobile banking with a transaction date. Credit card purchases count toward Requirements when the same person is the Tax Reported Owner (member) on the Income Checking and the credit card account. ATM withdrawals don’t count toward Requirements. Limit one (1) Income Checking per Tax Reported Owner (Member).

2Early direct deposit is available for checking members that set up direct deposit with their employer or other payer to receive electronic deposits of regular periodic payments (such as salary, pension, or government benefits). Early direct deposits may be available to you up to 3 days earlier, however, we are dependent on the timing of your payer’s payment and therefore you may not always see your direct deposits arrive early.