Alliant Credit Union Review 2026: Checking, Savings and CDs

Competitive rates. Alliant's share certificates come with way above-average rates, and the minimum opening deposit of $1,000 is somewhat low compared to other institutions'.

» COMPARE: See our list of the best CD rates

• See the list of Alliant Credit Union certificate rates

  • 3-month: 3.10% APY.

  • 6-month: 4.10% APY.

  • 1-year: 4.00% APY.

  • 18-month: 3.60% APY.

  • 2-year: 3.60% APY.

  • 3-year: 3.60% APY.

  • 4-year: 3.65% APY.

  • 5-year: 3.65% APY.

Strong ATM access, interest-earning and no monthly fees. Alliant offers teen and high-rate checking accounts, neither of which charges a monthly fee. You can qualify for High-Rate Checking's APY by enrolling in free e-statements and receiving at least one electronic deposit per month. The account also offers access to a large nationwide fee-free ATM network and up to $20 per month in reimbursements for out-of-network ATM fees.

» Want to compare? Take a look at NerdWallet’s best checking accounts

Solid APY and no monthly fee. Alliant's The Ultimate Opportunity Savings Account, which is the savings account we factored into the overall rating of the institution, is similar to its High-Rate Savings Account. It pays a strong rate and has no monthly maintenance fees. Customers can make up to 19 supplemental accounts to save for specific goals. Maintaining at least $100 daily in the account is required to earn interest.

Sign-up bonus. The credit union currently offers a sign-up bonus for this account; see our bank bonuses roundup for more details.

Solid APY and no monthly fee. Alliant's High-Rate Savings account, which did not factor into our overall rating of the credit union, earns an above-average rate and doesn’t charge a monthly fee. Alliant also lets members open as many as 19 separate, supplemental accounts — each with its own nickname. There is a $5 opening minimum balance and $100 daily balance requirement to earn interest.

The credit union also offers a special savings account for kids to save and learn about money management.

» Want to see more options? Check out NerdWallet’s best savings accounts

Nationwide membership. Alliant's rates are commendable, but its inclusion is also impressive. Other credit unions restrict membership to people who work for certain companies or live in specific communities. With Alliant, you can apply for membership after agreeing to join the nonprofit Alliant Credit Union Foundation. Alliant will even pay the one-time $5 donation on your behalf.

Solid online experience but no branches. Alliant has some drawbacks for those looking to bank in person. Unlike hundreds of credit unions, it doesn't participate in shared branching, and is completely online. But it does offer a solid online banking platform and a highly rated mobile app, and customer support is available every day by phone. Members have access to online bill pay and can check their credit scores for free.

» Learn more: See how Alliant compares to the other best banks and credit unions for mobile banking

No overdraft fees. Alliant does not charge overdraft fees. Other banks and credit unions still charge overdraft fees of around $30-$35, up to several times per day.

Overdraft programs available. You can link a Alliant savings account for free overdraft protection. Or, if you have a personal line of credit with Alliant, you may be able to set it up to function as overdraft protection. In addition to the annual percentage rate that accompanies your line of credit, Alliant charges a $3 fee for line of credit overdraft protection.

The credit union also offers a free overdraft option called Courtesy Pay to cover some debit transactions that would otherwise get declined.