6.75% APY Checking? Yes, Genisys Credit Union Makes It Happen

If you've been hunting for a checking account that actually pays you well, Genisys Credit Union's Genius High Yield Checking might be exactly what you need. We're talking a whopping 6.75% APY on balances up to $7,500. That's not a typo. And the best part? It's available to just about anyone in the country, not just folks in Michigan. Let's break down how this works, what you need to do to earn that rate, and a few things to keep in mind.

Who Can Join? It's Easier Than You Think

Genisys Credit Union was originally founded for people in Michigan, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. But they've opened the doors to everyone else through a simple workaround. If you don't live, work, worship, or go to school in those states, you can still become a member by joining either the Arthritis Foundation or the Paint Creek Center for the Arts. It's a common credit union trick that makes this juicy rate available nationwide.

Once you're a member, you can open the Genius High Yield Checking account online with zero minimum deposit. No monthly fees, no hidden charges—just that sweet APY waiting for you.

• Live, work, attend school, or worship in Michigan, select Minnesota counties, or Montgomery County, PA? You're eligible directly.
• Everyone else: join one of the partner organizations (Arthritis Foundation or Paint Creek Center for the Arts) to qualify.
• No minimum deposit required to open the account.

What You Need to Do to Earn 6.75% APY

Getting that headline rate isn't automatic—you have to jump through a couple of hoops. But they're pretty easy ones. First, you need to sign up for eStatements (paperless statements). That's a one-time thing. Second, you need to use your Genisys Debit Mastercard at least ten times each month for purchases of $5 or more. ATM withdrawals don't count, and only transactions that actually post to your account by the end of the month will qualify.

If you meet those requirements, your entire average daily balance up to $7,500 earns that 6.75% APY. Anything above $7,500 earns a measly 0.05% APY, so it's best to keep your balance at or under that cap to maximize your earnings.

Dividends are paid out at the end of each month based on your average daily balance. So if you keep $7,500 in there all month and hit your 10 swipes, you'll earn about $42 in interest for that month. Not bad for a checking account.

• Enroll in eStatements.
• Make at least 10 debit card purchases of $5 or more per month (excluding ATM transactions).
• Only posted transactions count—pending ones won't qualify.
• Balances over $7,500 earn only 0.05% APY.

Extra Perks That Make It Even Better

Beyond the stellar APY, this account comes with some nice extras. You get a free Genisys Rewards Debit Mastercard that earns 1 point for every $2 you spend when you sign for a purchase. Those points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more. It's like a mini cash-back program built right into your checking.

You also get free mobile and online banking, free bill pay (if you're enrolled in eStatements), and access to nearly 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide through the CO-OP Shared Branch network. Plus, there's overdraft protection available if you link it to a savings account or line of credit.

And of course, your money is NCUA insured up to $250,000, so it's as safe as any bank account.

• Free debit card rewards: 1 point per $2 spent on signature transactions.
• Free mobile banking app with 5-star rating.
• Free bill pay with eStatements.
• Over 5,600 shared branch locations and 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs.
• Overdraft protection options available.

Bottom Line

• 6.75% APY on up to $7,500 is one of the highest checking rates available nationwide.
• No monthly fees and no minimum balance—just 10 debit card swipes and eStatements required.
• Keep your balance at or below $7,500 to avoid the low 0.05% APY on excess funds.
• Nationwide eligibility via partner organization membership makes it accessible to almost anyone.

Common Questions