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- Understanding why interest rates change
Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. Understanding why interest rates change Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. If you’re willing to follow along as we peel back the curtain, you can get a better understanding of what interest rates and how they are impacted by the world around us. What is an interest rate? Interest rates are the cost of doing business. If you want to borrow money from a lender, they’re taking a risk and expect a reward in return. You might be able to borrow money from a friend with nothing more than a promise to pay them back, but lenders don’t work on an honor system. The interest rate determines how much of a reward the lender gets. If you are approved for a loan with a 2 percent interest rate, in the end the lender will get back the total amount borrowed for the loan, plus an extra 2 percent. Think of that extra 2 percent as a tip for services rendered. One term you might see mentioned alongside the interest rate is Annual Percentage Rate (or APR). The APR is the total amount you pay each year to borrow money. Not only does that include the amount of interest paid, but it also considers any fees charged for the loan. Why do interest rates change? The answers you’ve been waiting five paragraphs for are here. Now that you know exactly what an interest rate is, you’re ready to see who is pulling the strings. Government. If the economy is a train, the U.S. Federal Reserve is the conductor. It wants to keep the train moving. If the economy is starting to slow down, the Federal Reserve can lower interest rates. When the interest rates are lower, people are more open to borrowing and spending money, which helps fuel the economy. Lower interest rates also make it cheaper for businesses to borrow money and use it to invest and create new jobs, reducing unemployment. The Federal Reserve is also known as the “central bank” of the U.S. It can create more money and deposit it with commercial bankers, increasing their supply of money. With more money in the bank, lenders can often lower interest rates to their borrowers. Supply and Demand. We all know the feeling of opening up the refrigerator, only to find it empty with nothing inside to satisfy our hunger. Well when you apply for a loan from a lender, they might not have money for you to borrow. They don’t have an infinite supply of cash. If the demand for money is greater than their supply, lenders will charge higher interest rates. Because they may have to borrow from another lender, they will be charged a fee, which the borrower ends up paying for. Inflation. Remember when a ticket to the movies was 25 cents? You probably don’t because that was the price of admission in 1920. Unless of course you’ve invented time travel, in which case we’d love to hear more about that. But back on topic, inflation has dramatically affected the value of our money over time, and that has consequences. Lenders will consider future inflation when figuring out interest rates to ensure that their return will still be profitable at the end of your loan. If you have any questions about interest rates or are in fact a time traveler willing to share your secrets, please get in touch with us . We’re here to help you! Previous Item Next Item
- The Best Place to Keep Your Emergency Fund (Without Losing Access)
Your emergency fund should be safe, accessible—and earning interest. Learn the best place to keep your emergency savings and how to make your money work harder. The Best Place to Keep Your Emergency Fund (Without Losing Access) Your emergency fund should be safe, accessible—and earning interest. Learn the best place to keep your emergency savings and how to make your money work harder. Where Should You Keep Your Emergency Fund in 2026? An emergency fund should give you peace of mind—not sit in an account earning next to nothing. But that’s exactly what’s happening for a lot of people right now. Even as interest rates have increased, many traditional savings accounts are still paying very little. Which means your emergency fund may not be working as hard as it could. So where should you keep it? Let’s break it down. What an Emergency Fund Needs to Do Before choosing where to keep it, it helps to define the job. Your emergency fund should be: Accessible — You can get to it quickly Safe — Your balance isn’t exposed to market risk Earning — It should grow, even while sitting idle If an account misses one of these, it’s not doing its job. Option 1: Traditional Savings Accounts Traditional savings accounts are familiar and easy to use. They offer: Security Simple access No surprises But many still come with very low interest rates, which can limit how much your money grows over time. For an emergency fund, that tradeoff matters more than most people realize. Option 2: High-Yield Savings Accounts This is where more people are starting to make a shift. A high-yield savings account is designed to do the same job as a traditional savings account—but with significantly better earning potential. You still get: Easy access to your money A safe place to store your funds But you also get: a more competitive rate that helps your balance grow over time For most people, this is the best balance of access and earnings for an emergency fund. Explore your options: High-yield savings accounts A Simple Way to Approach It For most people, the goal isn’t to find the most complex place to store an emergency fund—it’s to find the most efficient one. That usually means: Keeping your money fully accessible Earning a competitive rate Avoiding unnecessary restrictions A high-yield savings account checks all three boxes. Some people choose to keep a small amount of cash readily available for immediate needs, while storing the rest in a higher-earning account. This approach keeps your money both accessible and working for you. The Bottom Line Your emergency fund shouldn’t just sit still. It should: Be there when you need it Grow quietly in the background The good news is you don’t have to choose between access and earning potential anymore. See current savings options and rates: High-yield savings account Previous Item Next Item
- Wacker Neuson | Vibrant Credit Union
New to Wacker Neuson Finance with Vibrant? Send us an email to set up your account and gain access to the dealer portal. Email us to get started Go to portal Standard Financing for New Equipment No down payment required; eligible for additional cash rebates. Rates current as of March 16, 2026. For rates with a credit score below 660 or low-rate financing options with either a consumer down payment or dealer participation, talk with your relationship manager. Credit tier A+ (820+) A (780–819) B (740–779) C (700–739) D (660–699) 36 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 48 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 60 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 72 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 84 months 6.99% 6.99% 6.99% 8.99% 10.99% 96 months 6.99% 6.99% 6.99% 8.99% 10.99% 120 months* 6.99% 6.99% 6.99% 8.99% 10.99% *"APR" = "Annual Percentage Rate." The above rates assume a Loan-to-Value ratio of 80% or less (add 1.00% for LTV 80.01-110% or add 3.00% for LTV above 110%). Not all buyers will qualify. **Loan Term is determined based on the amount financed - $15,000 loan minimum/120 month. Standard Financing for Used Equipment We now offer financing for used equipment, too—annual percentage rates ("APR") are one (1) percentage higher than standard financing for new equipment. Loan terms and amounts are based in part on the age and/or total usage of the equipment being financed. Age/Hours Max Term <500 Hours 84 <5 Years 84 6–10 Years 72 501–1000 Hours 72 11+ Years 60 1001+ Hours 60 Loan Portal Create new applications, check on the status of applications in progress, and more. Open the Loan Portal Business Hours M-F 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. CT Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. CT Note, hours adjust seasonally. Questions? Reach out to your relationship manager. Or email us at loanprogram@vibrantcu.org . Quick Resources Loan Portal Finance Promos Standard Rates Insurance Information ACH User Guide Video Resources Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 800-479-6206 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 503-851-4895 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 309-269-1586 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-999-3717 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-514-4844 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 800-479-6206 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 503-851-4895 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 309-269-1586 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-999-3717 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-514-4844 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 800-479-6206 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 503-851-4895 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 309-269-1586 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-999-3717 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-514-4844 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 800-479-6206 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 503-851-4895 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 309-269-1586 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-999-3717 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-514-4844 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Frequently Asked Questions What’s the relationship with Vibrant Credit Union? Vibrant Credit Union is Wacker Neuson's exclusive loan processing and servicing partner for individual consumer and small business in the United States. We're here to make it faster and easier for your customers to get the financing they need to complete their purchases — and give you immediate access to funds. We worked closely with Wacker Neuson to build a secure lending platform that fits your needs, and we're continually refining that technology based on feedback from you. As a member-owned nonprofit, we're committed to offering affordable loans to our members based on a holistic appraisal of their financial situation, and we've created a portfolio of flexible financing products to fit practically any budget. What information will I need to provide to set up my dealership account? Get in touch with your Relationship Manager or email us here . How long does it take to receive a decision on a loan application? Over half of applications are auto-approved on the spot with our flexible, risk-based scoring model. On those occasions when an application is not automatically approved, our lending team individually reviews the customer's financial information before making our final decision. Most of the time, we find a way to say yes in 30 minutes or less! Do you finance purchases of used equipment? We do! Loan terms and amounts will be based on the applicant's creditworthiness as well as the age/usage of the equipment being financed. See the table above for details. Where should I direct customers to manage their loan account and make payments? Vibrant has created an online account portal for Wacker Neuson customers where they can manage their accounts. They have three options for paying their loan: Pay online with their debit card. They can pay online with an ACH transfer from another bank account. Or, they can just mail us a check! Remind them to include their account number on the memo line for faster processing. Vibrant ATTN: Payments PO Box 1550 Moline IL 61266 I need help with my account. When is your dealer services team available? We run on seasonal hours (see above). You can reach us at 1-800-479-6206 during office hours or email us any time at loanprogram@vibrantcu.org . What do I need from my customer to obtain financing? Your customer will need to provide their government-issued ID (driver's license or U.S. passport). You'll also need a sales order with the year, make, model, and SN/VIN for all equipment being financed. Complete an application in the dealer portal and get a decision within minutes. I have a question about the program, who do I contact? Vibrant has a dedicated relationship management team to assist dealers with any loan program or banking needs. Our relationship managers are ready to answer all your questions! See above to find your RM! Who are the Account Managers and what do they do? Our account management team is here to work every loan application from start to finish with you. After you submit an application, one of our account managers will email or call you within a couple of minutes to update you on the initial loan decision and requirements and confirm your sales order is complete (including year, make, model, and VIN/SN for all equipment). Once we have all that information, we can issue a final approval and send documentation to your and your customer to complete online via DocuSign.
- Detect potential scams | Vibrant Credit Union
Detect potential scams Want to make sure your Vibrant accounts stay safe? We've put together some helpful tips for helping you recognize fraud attempts before it's too late. Unsolicited: If a person, business, or organization you don't have an existing relationship with asks you for money or personal information, be on guard. Make sure they are who they say they are. Unexpected: If you’re contacted out of the blue by an organization you DO have a relationship with, don’t respond directly. Instead, contact the organization via their publicly available phone number or email address so you can verify it's a legit request. Urgent: Scammers know the more time you have to think, the more questions you’ll ask. Even in a genuine emergency, no one will ask you to disclose personal or financial information before you do anything else. Watch out for spoof calls and text messages Your Caller ID may tell you Vibrant is calling, but it could be a scammer. If a caller asks you to provide any of the information below, this could be an attempt to access your personal account. Say nothing and hang up! Anything more than the last 4 digits of your debit or credit card Any security or verification code you receive via text or email Your account or routing number Your complete Social Security Number Your account password Your PIN Does Vibrant ever verify my identity by texting or emailing me a code? If you’ve set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account—and we highly recommend it—you will receive a code via text or email when you try to log in to verify it’s really you. While you'll need to enter that code on your browser or mobile app to complete your login, Vibrant will never ask you to tell us what the code is. Can a scammer access my account even I don't tell them my password? Unfortunately, yes. Scammers may find your login information through a data breach, on the dark web, or through other phishing tactics. Two-factor authentication (2FA) offers additional protection, but it's not foolproof. A common scam is to try bypass 2FA by pretending to be a legitimate caller who wants to verify your identity by sending you a security code, which they'll ask you to read back to them. If you tell them the code, unfortunately, they can use it to log in from their device How do I set up my two-factor authentication on my account? Log in to your account and go to Settings, then choose the Security tab. Toggle the on/off switch next to Two-Factor Authentication to ON to require a second security code via email, text, or voice call (you'll have the option to choose the method that works best for you any time you log in). What if a caller tells me I owe money and they need immediate payment? Legitimate organizations, including the IRS, your local tax assessor, or your financial institution, will never ask you to provide payment via a gift card, prepaid debit card, or wire transfer. If you get a a call demanding immediate payment and they want you to use one of these payment methods, it's a scam. In addition, a legitimate caller will never threaten to alert law enforcement, immigration officials, or other authorities to collect a debt. What should I do if I think I may have been scammed? Contact us immediately to report the incident. We’ll place a fraud alert on your account and help you reset your login information. (And no, we won't ask you to tell us your new password.) Previous Item Next Item
- Set up direct deposit | Vibrant Credit Union
Set up direct deposit You'll need to know your full checking account number and Vibrant's routing number (271183646) To find your account number, grab a check (your number is to the right of our routing number at the bottom) or your Member Service Agreement. To direct-deposit your paycheck: Contact your HR department or log in to your HR system to update your information. To direct-deposit other recurring payments, contact the brokerage or other entity that issues the payment for instructions. Confirm your changes and keep an eye out for your deposit. Previous Item Next Item
- Manufacturer Partnerships | Vibrant Credit Union
Flexible financing solutions for manufacturers from Vibrant Credit Union. Improve cash flow, fund equipment, and support your business growth. Financing is a growth lever. Are you using it? Consumer equipment financing built for outdoor equipment dealers and manufacturers Let's Connect Make your brand the easiest line to sell. When a buyer walks onto a dealer lot and financing isn’t available — or it’s slow, complicated, or off-brand — deals stall. Inventory sits. Dealers get frustrated and start pushing lines that are easier to sell. A manufacturer-backed financing program changes that equation. We can help remove the friction between “I want it” and “I’ll take it.” 50%+ apps are auto-approved on the spot 30 minute minute turnaround on manual underwriting 50 states covered by dedicated relationship managers A financial partner with a different incentive structure. Vibrant is a federally insured, member-owned credit union — not a bank, not a captive finance arm of a larger conglomerate. That means we underwrite more flexibly, price more competitively, and invest in programs for the long term. For manufacturers, that difference shows up in approval rates, dealer satisfaction, and customer retention. More units moved Point-of-sale financing converts browsers into buyers. When your dealers can approve a customer in minutes, deals close the same day. Stronger dealer relationships Equip your dealers with a tool that makes their job easier and their customers happier. They’ll prioritize your line over competitors. Brand presence at every sale Your program, your name, your rates. Every financed transaction reinforces your brand — not a generic lender’s. Data and visibility Understand what’s selling, where, and at what terms. A dedicated program gives you intelligence your competitors don’t have. Trusted by manufacturers who demand more. We run exclusive financing programs for Yanmar, YCENA, McCormick, and Wacker Neuson — and we’re selective about who we build with next. Our best partnerships are built on shared commitment to dealer success and customer experience. Let's see if we're the right fit. Complete the form below, and our we will be in touch within one business day. Prefer to reach out directly? Contact Cale Van Genderen at 309-235-4349.
- How to Know When a Financial Tip Online Actually Applies to You
And how to know when you can keep scrolling How to Know When a Financial Tip Online Actually Applies to You And how to know when you can keep scrolling Scroll any social feed long enough and you’ll see it: “Everyone should be doing this with their savings.” “If you’re not using this account, you’re leaving money on the table.” “This one move changed my finances forever.” Some of it is solid advice. Some of it isn’t wrong, exactly. It’s just not right for you . And that’s the part that doesn’t get enough airtime. Because here’s the truth: good financial advice is rarely one ‑size ‑fits ‑all (even when it’s trending). If you’ve ever wondered whether a money tip you saw online actually applies to your life (or whether you can safely ignore it), you’re not behind. You’re paying attention . And that’s a good place to start. Why So Much Financial Advice Feels Urgent (and Generic) A lot of online financial content is designed to do one thing: catch attention fast. That leads to advice that’s extremely simplified, framed as universally applicable, and delivered with a sense of urgency (“Do this now!”). The problem? Personal finances are, well… personal. Your income, goals, risk tolerance, timeline, and comfort with technology all matter. Advice that works beautifully for someone in their 20s with flexible expenses may be totally unhelpful (or even stressful) for someone with a different setup. Urgency gets clicks. Context gets results. Unfortunately, context doesn’t always fit neatly into a reel. A Simple Rule of Thumb Before You Take Any Financial Advice Before acting on a tip, ask yourself this one question: “What assumptions is this advice making about my life?” You’d be surprised how quickly things become clear when you slow it down. A lot of financial advice quietly assumes things like: Your income looks the same month to month Moving money requires effort or delay You have to choose between access and growth Money should sit still to work effectively None of those assumptions are good or bad. They’re just assumptions. If advice only works when life is predictable, money is hard to move, or access comes at the expense of earning, it may need adjusting (or skipping altogether). The best guidance fits how you already live —not how someone else says you should. Signs a Financial Tip Might Actually Be Helpful Not all online advice is noise. Some of it is genuinely useful (especially when it checks these boxes): It explains why , not just what It allows for tradeoffs It gives options , not ultimatums Good advice respects context (and the fact that real lives are rarely perfectly optimized). Signs You Can Probably Scroll Past It’s okay to let go of advice that sounds like: “Everyone should be doing this” “If you don’t have this, you’re behind” “This works for anyone, no matter what” Financial confidence doesn’t come from copying someone else’s setup. It comes from understanding your own. How to Personalize General Advice (Without Overthinking It) If a tip seems interesting but not obviously relevant, you don’t have to accept or reject it outright. Try this instead: Match it to your goal (growth, stability, convenience, or security) Check the timeline (short‑term flexibility or long‑term payoff) Consider how hands ‑on it requires you to be If it doesn’t fit your life right now, that’s useful information, too. Why It’s Okay to Ignore “Popular” Financial Advice There’s a lot of pressure online to optimize every dollar, every account, every decision. The implication is that standing still is falling behind. But here’s something worth saying out loud: The best financial setup is the one you can actually live with. It’s okay if: You prefer simplicity over constant optimization You value access as much as growth You choose fewer tools instead of more Confidence grows when your system works for you (not when it looks impressive on the internet). One Last Thought Financial advice is a tool, not a test. You don’t earn points for following it perfectly, and you don’t fall behind by choosing differently. The goal isn’t to do what everyone else is doing. It’s to make decisions that support your life, your priorities, and your peace of mind. If a tip helps with that? Great. If not? Keep scrolling. That’s not apathy, it’s judgment. Previous Item Next Item
- Manage your QuickBooks or Quicken software | Vibrant Credit Union
Manage your QuickBooks or Quicken software Vibrant will undergo scheduled maintenance to our online and mobile banking system on February 4, 2025. This will require you to make changes to your QuickBooks or Quicken software. Please follow the instructions below to ensure a smooth transition. First action date: February 3, 2025 A data file backup and a final transaction download should be completed by this date. Transaction history may not be available after February 3, 2025. Second action date: February 5, 2025 You will need to deactivate and reactivate your online banking connection to ensure that you get your current Quicken or QuickBooks accounts set up with the new connection. Conversion Instructions Choose the software you are using for step-by-step instructions on connecting your Vibrant accounts. Quicken QuickBooks Desktop QuickBooks Online Please carefully review your downloaded transactions after completing the instructions to ensure no transactions were duplicated or missed on the register. Previous Item Next Item
- Elite | Vibrant Credit Union
Earn up to 4.25% APY* with Vibrant Elite Savings Open an account Award-winning rates Say goodbye to that 0.01% APY* you're getting at your current bank. And hello to Vibrant. Join from anywhere Deposit checks, pay bills, and review your balances any time—all from your own device. No monthly fees With Vibrant, you'll never be surprised by hidden fees or transaction and withdrawal limitations. Open an account in minutes Savings Checking * For illustrative purposes only. "APY" = "Annual Percentage Yield." Vibrant APYs accurate as of March 19, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. As of December 26, 2025, NCUA reports the national average rate for interest checking accounts offered by banks is 0.20% APY, based on a $2,500 balance, and the national average rate for interest checking accounts offered by credit unions is 0.15% APY, based on a $2,500 balance. Premier Checking is a tiered account. For this account the specified Dividend Rate for a tier will apply only to the portion of the account balance that is within that tier. Limit of one Premier Checking account per member. * For illustrative purposes only. "APY" = "Annual Percentage Yield." Vibrant APYs accurate as of March 19, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. As of December 26, 2025, NCUA reports the national average interest rate for savings accounts offered by banks is 0.32% APY, based on a $2,500 balance, and the national average interest rate for savings accounts offered by credit unions is 0.19% APY, based on a $2,500 balance. Preferred Savings is a tiered account; for this account, the specified Dividend Rate for a tier will apply only to the portion of the account balance that is within that tier. Limit of one Preferred Savings account per member. See which rate your balance will get you Elite Savings Tier 1 Build your savings fast by opening a high-yield interest account without all the restrictions or fees. 3.50% APY* on balances $100,000 - $249,999 No monthly fees No minimum balance requirements Unlimited transfers and withdrawals Dividends paid monthly Federally insured by NCUA See more savings account rates > Elite Savings Tier 2 Build your savings fast by opening a high-yield interest account without all the restrictions or fees. 3.75% APY* on balances $250,000 - $999,999 No monthly fees No minimum balance requirements Unlimited transfers and withdrawals Dividends paid monthly Federally insured by NCUA up to $250,000 per account holder—talk to us about strategies to maximize your deposit insurance See more savings account rates > Elite Savings Tier 3 Earn interest at rates comparable to a high-yield CD—without penalties when you want to make a withdrawal. 4.25% APY* On balances over $1,000,000 No monthly fees No minimum balance requirements Unlimited transfers and withdrawals Dividends paid monthly Federally insured by NCUA up to $250,000 per account holder—talk to us about strategies to maximize your deposit insurance See more savings account rates > Open an account in minutes It's not a claim, it's a receipt. The Wall Street Journal's Buy Side named Vibrant "Best for Deposit Rates" in 2025. In 2026, they came back and added "Best Credit Union" to the list. Turns out, consistently great rates, no hoops, and nationwide, digital access tends to get noticed. Checking account rates Account Average Daily Balance APY* Premier Checking $0 - $24,999 3.75% Premier Checking $25,000+ 1.25% – 3.75% Everyday Checking Any 0.00% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of April 16, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. Premier Checking is a tiered account. For this account the specified Dividend Rate for a tier will apply only to the portion of the account balance that is within that tier. Limit of one Premier Checking account per member. Ready to make your money work harder? Open a checking account. Savings account rates Average Daily Balance Membership Savings Everyday Savings Preferred Savings Premier Savings Elite Savings APY* APY* APY* APY* APY* $1,000,000+ 0.05% 1.00% 0.75% – 4.00% 3.00% 4.25% $250,000 - $999,999 0.05% 1.00% 0.75% – 4.00% 3.00% 3.75% $100,000 - $249,999 0.05% 1.00% 0.75% – 4.00% 3.00% 3.50% $25,000 - $99,999 0.05% 1.00% 0.75% – 4.00% 3.00% 0.50% $15,000 - $24,999 0.05% 1.00% 0.75% – 4.00% 0.10% 0.50% $10,000 - $14,999 0.05% 1.00% 4.00% 0.10% 0.50% $100 - $9,999 0.05% 0.10% 4.00% 0.10% 0.50% $0 - $99 0.00% 0.10% 4.00% 0.10% 0.50% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of April 16, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. Everyday Savings , Premier Savings , and Elite Savings accounts are tiered accounts; if the account balance falls within the range for a particular tier, the dividend rate and APY for that tier will apply to the entire balance in the account. Preferred Savings is a tiered account; for this account, the specified Dividend Rate for a tier will apply only to the portion of the account balance that is within that tier. Limit of one Preferred Savings account per member. Ready to earn more on your money? Open a savings account. Frequently asked questions How old do I have to be to open an account? You'll need to be at least 18 years old to open an account online. If you're younger than 18, you can open an account as long as at least one of your parents or legal guardians opens the account with you. Schedule an appointment to talk with a banker or call 1-800-323-5109 for more information. Do you offer overdraft protection? All Vibrant checking accounts include Overdraft Privilege. Vibrant will automatically pay overdrafts for checks and automatic bill payments at our discretion. You can also choose Overdraft Protection and authorize Vibrant to pay overdrafts for debit card and ATM transactions when you open your account. If you'd like to add Overdraft Protection, contact us during regular business hours or send us a secure message through your online banking account. How long does it take for a mobile deposit to appear in my account? You’ll receive an email confirmation immediately after your deposit is accepted, but your funds will not appear until they’ve been processed. On business days, we post deposits at noon, 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. CT. If you make a deposit after 4 p.m. or on a holiday or weekend, your deposit will appear at noon on the next business day. How do I get a replacement debit card? Visit a branch to order a new debit card or send us a secure message through your online bank account to request a new one. You can also call our member services team at 800-323-5109 during regular business hours. How is interest calculated and how often is it paid? Interest dividends are paid monthly on your average daily balance for the month. So if you have an average daily balance of $100, you'll earn the interest listed for that product tier on that amount at the end of the month. What if I have more than $15,000 in my Preferred Savings account? Do I still earn interest? Yes! The portion of your balance under $15,000 will earn interest at the highest rate listed for Preferred Savings. The portion of your balance above $15,000 will earn interest at the lowest rate listed. Can I open more than one Preferred Savings account? Sorry, one account per member! You can open a second savings account of a different type or a Premier Checking account if you’re looking for ways to maximize your interest earnings above $15,000.
- Protect yourself from smishing
“Smishing” sounds cute, right? Like what you do when someone lets you hold their new baby or when your grandma envelops you in a big hug. But it's actually the name cybersecurity experts have given text-based frauds. (“SMS” and “phishing” equals “smishing.” Get it?) Protect yourself from smishing “Smishing” sounds cute, right? Like what you do when someone lets you hold their new baby or when your grandma envelops you in a big hug. But it's actually the name cybersecurity experts have given text-based frauds. (“SMS” and “phishing” equals “smishing.” Get it?) “Smishing” sounds cute, right? Like what you do when someone lets you hold their new baby or when your grandma envelops you in a big hug. But it's actually the name cybersecurity experts have given text-based frauds . (“SMS” and “phishing” equals “smishing.” Get it?) There are all kinds of text scams going around—free vacations, text “XXXXX” to donate to disaster relief—but the most common are focused on stealing your personally identifiable information, including account logins and passwords, Social Security numbers, security codes, birthdates, and more. Often, the senders impersonate reputable brands, like Microsoft, Amazon, or the financial institution where you bank, to gain your trust. Smishing is effective because the messages are short (so there’s less opportunity to say something that sounds fake) and because it’s hard to preview a link without clicking on it. Further, many mobile numbers are available in public databases, making it easy for scammers to hit up a bunch of potential victims without a lot of effort. 3 smishing warning signs Pay extra attention to texts that include: Links to websites. While there are times when legitimate senders will include a link in their message (for instance, Hy-Vee wants give you access to the receipt for your online order), most senders will tell you to call (and you should verify that number belongs to the sender before you do!) or ask you to reply to the message. Blocked, unknown, or incorrect Caller IDs. If you can’t see who’s sending the message, there’s a good chance it’s an attempted smishing attack. Appeals to respond quickly. Scammers don’t want you to think before you act. So they rely on messages designed to make you feel as though you’re at risk. How to respond if you're being smished Don’t reply “STOP” if it’s offered as an option. When you do, you confirm to the scammer that they’ve reached a valid number with an attentive person on the other end. This particular conversation may stop, but you’ll likely be hearing from them again. Don’t give out any personal information. No reputable organization will request your date of birth, Social Security Number, address, or payment information via text. Report scam texts to your mobile phone company and the FTC. You can forward scam texts to your mobile provider by forwarding the text message to 7726 (that’s SPAM). And you can share your scams with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357. How to minimize your risk of being smished Actively block or filter spam messages from your phone. On Android’s Messages app , click the menu in the upper right corner and choose DETAILS, then choose the BLOCK & REPORT SPAM option. On iPhone's Messages app , if you’ve opened the message, scroll to the bottom, select REPORT JUNK, then click DELETE AND REPORT JUNK. Make sure your phone software is up-to-date. Don’t put off those software updates! Back up your phone data. If you have an Android phone, it’s easy to move your photos and data to Google Drive. Apple iPhone users can use iCloud or back up to your PC or Mac via iTunes. Previous Item Next Item
- Download our app | Vibrant Credit Union
Download our app For Apple Users On your iPhone or iPad, open the App Store app. In the bottom search bar, type Vibrant Credit Union. Tap the "Get" button Confirm the installation with your side button and double tap to install. Use your online banking credentials to sign in. Not signed up yet? Get started here . From Google Play Open Google Play.On your device, use the Play Store app On your computer, go to play.google.com . Search for "Vibrant Credit Union" Tap Install Previous Item Next Item
- Learn how my interest is calculated | Vibrant Credit Union
Learn how my interest is calculated Premier Checking: Interest dividends are paid monthly on your average daily balance for the month. So if you have an average daily balance of $100, you'll earn approximately 31 cents in interest at the end of the month. Interest dividends are paid to your account at the end of every month. On our Savings Accounts , interest dividends are paid monthly on your average daily balance for the month. So if you have an average daily balance of, say, $104.35 in a Preferred Savings account, you'll earn 4.00% APY on that amount. Previous Item Next Item




