Regular savings account: credit union vs bank
$2,500 balance · Deposit · rates as of December 26, 2025
The national average regular savings account rate is 0.19% at federally insured credit unions versus 0.32% at banks (-0.13 pts). On this product the bank average is slightly higher, though both pay very little. On a plain $2,500 savings balance, the national average at banks is slightly higher than at credit unions. Both are far below online high-yield accounts; the rate you actually get depends on the individual institution. These are national averages, general information, not financial advice or an offer.
Source: NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates. Data as of December 26, 2025.
What is regular savings account?
A basic share/savings account at a credit union or a passbook/statement savings account at a bank, used to hold cash you can withdraw at any time. The quoted rate is the national average annual percentage yield on a $2,500 balance.
Credit union vs bank average
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Credit union average | 0.19% |
| Bank average | 0.32% |
| Spread (CU minus bank) | -0.13 pts |
| Better deal | Bank |
Source: NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates. Data as of December 26, 2025.
Worked example: On a $2,500 balance for one year
A $2,500 balance earns about $5 in a year at the credit-union average (0.19%) versus about $8 at the bank average (0.32%) - here the bank average is slightly higher (simple interest, before compounding or taxes).
Simple illustration on the opening balance, before compounding, fees and taxes. Use the calculator with your own numbers.
How this compares
| Where | Average rate | Better deal |
|---|---|---|
| Credit unions | 0.19% | No |
| Banks | 0.32% | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Are regular savings account rates better at a credit union or a bank?
On this product banks have the slightly better national average: 0.32% at banks vs 0.19% at credit unions. On a plain $2,500 savings balance, the national average at banks is slightly higher than at credit unions. Both are far below online high-yield accounts; the rate you actually get depends on the individual institution. Both pay very little, so where you keep this balance matters less than for CDs or loans.
What is regular savings account?
A basic share/savings account at a credit union or a passbook/statement savings account at a bank, used to hold cash you can withdraw at any time. The quoted rate is the national average annual percentage yield on a $2,500 balance.
When was this regular savings account rate measured?
These are national averages from the NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates, 2025 Q4, with rates as of December 26, 2025. The NCUA updates the report quarterly and the underlying survey is collected by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Confirm the live rate with the credit union or bank before deciding.
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Sources & accuracy
NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates, 2025 Q4 (rates as of December 26, 2025; underlying survey by S&P Global Market Intelligence). National average, general information, not financial advice. The rate you are offered depends on the institution, your credit and the balance. Verify the live rate before deciding. See methodology and disclaimer.
Last updated: 2026-06-22