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Checking & Savings
Certificates
All Sound Certificates have an Unlimited Add-On feature allowing additional deposits during the term. This means you can make deposits at any time, for any amount, during the term of your current or new certificate. Make one-time additional deposits or set up recurring transfers to your certificate within Online or Mobile Banking.
Excludes: IRA and ESA Certificates.
When your Certificate Account reaches its maturity date, you have several options. You can choose to renew it for another term, withdraw the funds, or transfer the funds to another account at Sound. Be sure to review the options available to you.
The minimum deposit requirement will vary depending on the certificate. View our Current Rates to learn more.
The key benefits of a Share Certificate Account include higher interest rates, security of your funds, and a guaranteed return on your investment. It’s an excellent option if you don’t need immediate access to your money and want to earn more on your savings.
Unlike a regular savings account, a share certificate typically offers a higher interest rate in exchange for locking in your money for a fixed term.
A Share Certificate Account is a type of savings account offered by Sound. It allows you to earn a higher interest rate by depositing a fixed amount of money for a specific period of time, typically ranging from 3 months to 5 years.
Checking Accounts
- Keep your account information (name, address, phone, email) up-to-date. This is important for Sound Credit Union and merchants in case either party needs to get in touch with you.
- Frequently review your statements and transaction history. Consider signing up for account alerts so you know when payments and deposits occur.
- As with any check you write or payment you make, always confirm you have sufficient funds in your account. Online banking and using account alerts make for easy monitoring.
When you authorize a merchant to debit your account with Sound, the merchant should include information, or a statement, about the timing of the payment.
If the merchant offers you the option to make a same-day payment, it might be referred to as a same-day payment, or noted that the merchant intends to collect the funds as quickly as possible.
Need your routing number and account number to set up your direct deposit or an electronic payment? Your ACH number can be found at the bottom of your checks (begins with 1, after the routing number 325183220, and continues up to the check number) or in Online or Mobile Banking. For details, visit Direct Deposit at Sound.
Our routing number is 325183220.
Note: For security reasons, we cannot send your account number via email. Thank you!
You can order checks by visiting a branch or by calling our Contact Center.
Once we’ve ordered your first box of checks for you, easily reorder checks from within Online Banking. From the “Additional Services” menu, choose “Reorder Checks”.
1099-INT forms are sent out only to those members whose total interest earned for the year was $10.00 or more. If the total interest you earned was less than $10.00, no interest form would have been sent to you. Your Year-to-Date (YTD) interest information is always available on your statement(s). A YTD summary for interest dividends earned will be listed for each open interest-earning deposit account. For closed accounts, the YTD summary will show on the statement for the month it was closed.
If you did earn over $10.00 in interest for the year and still have not received your 1099-INT, please contact us.
Sound savings, money market, checking, IRA and certificate accounts are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to $250,000. Additional coverage may be available based on account structure and number of owners on accounts. For more information, visit the NCUA website and this share insurance estimator tool.
If you already receive eStatements and we have asked you by email or in the branch to sign up for eStatements again, it is to protect your privacy by sharing our most recent digital services agreement with you.
It’s easy to do. Simply login to Online Banking on our website, select the eStatements tab and read and agree to the terms–that’s it!
Sound is part of the Shared Branching network, making it easy for you to conduct basic transactions at more than 5000+ shared branching locations across the U.S.
Read more about Shared Branching in our blog, or find a shared branch location near you.
Automated Clearing House (ACH) is an electronic network for financial transactions in the United States. ACH processes large volumes of credit and debit transactions in batches. ACH credit transfers include direct deposit, payroll and vendor payments. ACH direct debit transfers include consumer payments on insurance premiums, mortgage loans, and other kinds of bills.
Learn more about Direct Deposit at Sound Credit Union.
Learn more about Direct Deposit at Sound Credit Union.
Mobile Pay is available on all Sound cards, including debit cards attached to your checking account.
For more information on Mobile Pay, visit our Mobile Banking page.
To open a checking account you’ll want to complete a provided application, and make an opening deposit, if required. You’ll need your member number (if you’re already a member) and personal information, including a government-issued photo ID. Checking accounts can be opened online or at any branch location. If opening your account online, have your mobile device handy and be prepared to access your email account.
Sound Credit Union offers Checking Accounts. Learn More »
A checking account is a bank account that you can use for everyday transactions. This includes depositing checks, withdrawing cash using your debit card, and setting up direct deposits from your employer’s payroll, social security and more.
Sound Credit Union offers Checking Accounts. Learn More »
We recommend letting us know prior to traveling outside of Washington State. Visa’s fraud prevention systems may block debit and credit card transactions made in other states or outside of your routine purchasing area. To prevent this, use Travel Notes in Online or Mobile Banking to enter the dates and your destinations before you go.
Debit Card
All Sound debit and credit cards are eligible for Visa Purchase Alerts, a free service to help you monitor your accounts for fraudulent activity.
How to enroll:
- Enroll your card(s) at usa.visa.com. All Sound debit and credit cards are eligible.
- Select the delivery options that work best for you - texts, emails, or both.
- Choose your alert triggers - over a specific dollar amount, purchases made online, by phone, or even out of the country.
- Start receiving alerts.
If unauthorized, fraudulent charges have cleared your account, or you believe you are a victim of a scam, contact us immediately.
Card controls are available in Online Banking, as well as through the Mobile App. Manage your cards by accessing your account from a personal computer or different device.
Not at this time. This is a valuable service that will allow for uninterrupted service of recurring payments.
No. Not all merchants participate in the VAU service. Therefore, we recommend contacting all of the merchants that have your old card on file for recurring payments to confirm they have your new, updated card information. If a merchant is an Account Updater partner, they may already have your new card information.
Enrollment is automatic. All Sound cards are automatically enrolled.
No. VAU supports only card number and expiration date changes.
VAU enables the electronic exchange of updated card information (card number and expiration date changes) among participating financial institutions and merchants that process Visa transactions.
The updated card information will be sent to Visa when your card is re-issued. Visa will provide updated card information, once the new card has been activated, so that merchants can continue to provide you with uninterrupted service.
Once ordered, your debit card should arrive at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
There is no way to recover your PIN if it has been forgotten. We do not have access to debit and credit card PINs.
To protect members with lost or stolen cards, cardholders must know their current PIN in order to change that PIN. If you’ve forgotten your PIN, you will need to call us or visit a Sound branch to reset your PIN or have a new card ordered.
If you know the current PIN you may call 1.855.477.1141, to change the PIN. If you’ve forgotten your PIN you will need to call us or visit a Sound branch.
Early Pay
Early Pay typically allows you to receive your payroll up to two days before your official payday. However, the timing may vary depending on when your employer submits the payroll information and when the service processes the deposit.
No. Early Pay offered by Sound Credit Union is free and complimentary.
Its important to note that while if you have direct deposit at Sound you're automatically enrolled in Early Pay and the service is also dependent on your employer's payroll participating and when your payroll provider sends ACH files. This means Early Pay may vary each pay period and is not guaranteed.
If you have a direct deposit with Sound Credit Union, you’re automatically signed up for Early Pay.
However, eligibility for Early Pay depends on whether your employer or payroll provider participates by delivering your payroll via ACH (Automated Clearing House).
Early Pay works by providing you access to your paycheck before your official payday. The service credits your account with the expected amount of your direct deposit, typically up to two days in advance, depending on when the payroll information is received from your employer.
Many companies and government agencies send your payroll check electronically before your “official” payday. Early Pay offers a credit of your direct deposit to your Sound Credit Union account up to two days early based upon when we receive your payroll from your employer.
Health Savings Account
To be eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA), your health plan must qualify as a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). These requirements, listed below, are set annually by the IRS.
2018 HDHP Requirements
HDHP Minimum Deductible
- Individual: $1,350
- Family: $2,700
HDHP Out-of-Pocket Limit
- Individual: $6,650
- Family: $13,300
Mobile Pay is available on all Sound cards, including your HSA debit card.
High-deductible health plans are insurance policies that have a higher than average deductible (the amount paid for health expenses each year before an insurance plan covers costs). They also have annual limits on how much has to be paid out-of-pocket in the form of co-payments or co-insurance fees. For current annual limits and out-of-pocket expenses, see “How do I know if my health plan qualifies me for an HSA?” or visit the IRS website.
Members who meet the requirements below on the first day of a given month are eligible to open an HSA and may make and/or receive contributions to their account.
- Covered under a high-deductible health plan (HDHP)
- Not covered by any health plan that is not an HDHP
- Not enrolled in Medicare
- Not eligible to be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return
HSA funds can be used to pay for any qualified medial expenses. Qualified expenses include most medical care and services, including dental and vision.
A complete list of qualified medial expenses is available in IRS Publication 502.
For pre-tax contributions, you can work with your employer to have funds directed to your Sound HSA account. You may also make individual contributions by depositing funds directly to your account.
For specific tax advice, consult your tax advisor.
Below are the 2024 HSA contribution limits. Any 2023 HSA contributions can be made as late as the 2023 tax deadline in 2024.
2024 HSA Guidelines
HSA Contribution Limits- Individual: $4,150
- Family: $8,300
- Individual: $1,000
- Family: $1,000
Note: Limits are adjusted annually for inflation.
As a Health Savings Account (HSA) holder, you must report all contributions and distributions on your income tax return. Non-qualified uses of HSA assets are subject to taxes and a 20% penalty, unless the beneficiary is age 65 or older, deceased, or disabled.
You can use your HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses, defined by the IRS, including medical care, vision and dental care expenses, prescription drugs, and payments for long-term care services and insurance.
Sound Credit Union offers Health Savings Accounts. Learn More »
To open an HSA, you need a high deductible health plan (HDHP) that you either purchase on your own or get through your employer’s health insurance plan.
Sound Credit Union offers Health Savings Accounts. Learn More »
High-Yield Savings
High-yield savings accounts are bank deposit accounts that typically pay a higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts with better returns than traditional savings and checking accounts.
Sound Credit Union offers High-Yield Savings Accounts. Learn More »
To open a high-yield savings account you’ll need your application materials, complete a provided application, and make an opening deposit, if required. High-Yield savings accounts can be opened online or at any branch location.
Sound Credit Union offers High-Yield Savings Accounts. Learn More »
Minor Accounts
To see your child’s account information in Online and Mobile Banking, ask to have Multiple Account View added to your account. This can be done both over the phone or at a branch.
For more information on Multiple Account View, see our Online Banking Support section.
Sound savings, money market, checking, IRA and certificate accounts are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to $250,000. Additional coverage may be available based on account structure and number of owners on accounts. For more information, visit the NCUA website and this share insurance estimator tool.
There is no minimum deposit requirement to open your child’s minor account or to earn dividends.
To open a kids savings account you’ll want to complete a provided application, and make an opening deposit, if required. You’ll need your child’s paperwork and personal information, including an approved photo ID. If your child is 18, they can apply without a parent or guardian, using a photo ID and proof of address. Kids accounts can be opened at any branch location.
Sound Credit Union offers Minor Savings Accounts. Learn More »
A kids’ savings account is a bank account for a child that helps them learn about managing money and saving for the future. It also allows a child to access their money without needing to carry cash around.
Sound Credit Union offers Minor Savings Accounts. Learn More »
Overdraft Solutions
If the account cannot be brought to a positive balance within the 30-day repayment period, the Courtesy Pay privilege will be suspended and/or removed and collection procedures will be initiated. Sound reserves the right to cancel or temporarily suspend Courtesy Pay at any time.
To help you save money with the Courtesy Pay program, Sound Credit Union does five very important things which other institutions may not.
- ACH deposits (payroll, Social Security, etc.) are posted before ACH withdrawals (automatic deductions, etc.).
- We clear checks and ACH withdrawals from “low to high” in each file we receive, which means we clear the small dollar amount transactions before the large ones. In general, this allows more items to clear your account before Courtesy Pay is accessed, and you may experience fewer Courtesy Pay or non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees. (See example below.) Keep in mind that once a debit card is used, the merchant may place a hold on the funds for 1-5 days. If additional transactions are made that exceed the available checking balance, Courtesy Pay fee(s) may be charged.
- We will not charge a Courtesy Pay fee if the transaction that brings your account negative is $5 or less. (See example below.)
- Funds are transferred first from your savings account (or another designated account and/or line of credit) before accessing Courtesy Pay. The charge for overdraft transfers is $5 per day, regardless of the number of transfers, instead of the normal Courtesy Pay fee.
- Upon request, we’re happy to refund one overdraft fee every calendar year. Just ask.
Sound Credit Union Clearing Items Low to High | Amount | Account Balance | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Beginning balance | 1,000 | |||
Lunch | 12 | 988 | ||
Gym Membership | 75 | 913 | ||
Utilities | 99 | 814 | ||
Rent | 1,100 | (286) | ||
Overdraft Fee | 29 | (315) | ||
Parking | 4 | (319) | ||
Total Overdraft Fees: $29 |
Other Financial Institutions Clearing Items in Order of Arrival | Amount | Account Balance | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Beginning Balance | 1,000 | |||
Rent | 1,100 | (100) | ||
Overdraft Fee | 29 | (129) | ||
Gym Membership | 75 | (204) | ||
Overdraft Fee | 29 | (233) | ||
Lunch | 12 | (245) | ||
Overdraft Fee | 29 | (274) | ||
Utilities | 99 | (373) | ||
Overdraft Fee | 29 | (402) | ||
Parking | 4 | (406) | ||
Total Overdraft Fees: $116 |
Please note: Debit transactions can clear at any time. Electronic Bill Pay withdrawals can happen at any time on the scheduled “Process Date.”
If you reach your Courtesy Pay privilege limit through transactions and fees, additional overdraft items will not be paid. Our standard non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee will be assessed and you may be subject to additional merchant fees.
Repayment of the overdraft is required within 30 days. If you have additional overdraft items during those 30 days, a Courtesy Pay fee will be assessed for each transaction. Your account must be brought positive on or before the 30th day from the date of the initial overdraft. Any deposits received during the 30 days will be applied first to the overdrawn account.
We will send a written notice by mail after 10 days advising you of any outstanding balance from items paid through Courtesy Pay.
To be notified sooner, text and email alerts are also available in Online Banking.
You or any joint owner may choose to remove the Courtesy Pay service at any time. Let us know in one of the following ways:
- Phone: Call our Contact Center
- Online: Log in to Online Banking. From the “Additional Services” menu, choose “Courtesy Pay Settings”
- In person: at any Sound branch location
- Mail: complete the Courtesy Pay Service Request Form and mail to Sound Credit Union, PO Box 1595, Tacoma, WA 98401
If you already have designated other overdraft protection sources (i.e. transfer from a savings, credit card, and/or a loan), they will be accessed first, and in the order you have designated. If there is no overdraft protection, or the other account types have been depleted, Courtesy Pay will then be accessed.
There are no set-up or maintenance fees to have Courtesy Pay on an account. You only pay for it if you use it. When Courtesy Pay is activated, there is a $29 fee for each transaction greater than $5 that brings the account negative. There is a maximum of 5 (five) Courtesy Pay fees that can be charged per day on an overdrawn account.
There are two levels of Courtesy Pay coverage available. The fee is the same for both levels. For both options, you only pay for the service if you use it.
Basic Courtesy Pay
Covers overdraft transactions using:
- Paper checks
- Automatic withdrawals (ACH)
- Paper checks
- Automatic withdrawals (ACH)
- ATM transactions
- Everyday debit card transactions
You have a privilege amount based on the deposits coming into your account. Courtesy Pay Program limits are determined by an account’s prior 90-day deposit activity and will be re-evaluated monthly.
With ACH Deposits – Accounts in good standing and receiving monthly ACH deposits will receive a $500 Courtesy Pay limit and may be eligible for a higher limit based on deposit activity.
Without ACH Deposits – Accounts in good standing and receiving a combined deposit total of $500 or more in the past 3 months, will receive a $500 Courtesy Pay limit. Accounts having less than $500 in deposits, will not qualify for Courtesy Pay privileges.
Courtesy Pay is an overdraft service that helps cover the cost of transactions on your account when your available balance cannot.
Instead of returning transactions to the merchant as non-sufficient funds (NSF), Sound will pay the balance and overdraw your account, saving you not only from the merchant’s NSF fee, but from service interruptions and the embarrassment and inconvenience associated with returned or declined items.
Available balance equals your account balance minus any holds and/or pending transactions.
Basic Courtesy Pay is automatically extended 60 days after account opening to all eligible checking accounts. To get the benefits of Complete Courtesy Pay coverage, you must opt-in.
Opting-in is easy, simply let us know! You can add Complete Courtesy Pay to your account one of four ways:
- Phone: Call our Contact Center
- Online: Log in to Online Banking. From the “Additional Services” menu choose “Courtesy Pay Settings”
- In person: at any Sound branch location
- Mail: complete the Courtesy Pay Service Request Form and mail to Sound Credit Union, PO Box 1595, Tacoma, WA 98401
Basic Courtesy Pay is automatically extended 60 days after account opening to all eligible checking accounts. To get the benefits of Complete Courtesy Pay coverage, you must opt-in. See “How do I add Courtesy Pay to my account?” for details.
Save to Win Savings
Winners that receive prizes totaling $600 or more each year are required to report earnings on their tax returns and may be required to pay applicable state and federal taxes. Credit unions will provide 1099 MISC forms to those winners in January for their previous year’s earnings.
The prizes will be deposited into the winners’ prime savings account.
Winners will be notified by their Sound via telephone, email, or standard mail. Prizes are non-transferable. Winners are not required to be present at the drawing to win.
State-wide drawings are held around the 14th of each month and quarterly drawings in January, April, July, and October. Sound Credit Union members are eligible for the Washington State drawings listed above.
Save to Win entries are calculated based on month-over-month balance increases. A withdrawal from your account could affect whether you had a balance increase for a particular month. If due to your withdrawal you do not have an balance increase compared to the prior month, you will not get entries for that particular drawing period.
Members are limited to winning one prize per drawing period. Please refer to the official rules and account disclosures for details.
The primary Save To Win accountholder earns one entry into the monthly, quarterly, and/or annual prize drawings, for every $25 increase in the monthly balance at month’s end (month-over-month balance increase). This means there must be an increase in balance from the previous month by at least $25 to earn an entry. The more you save, the more chances you receive to win! Max 100 entries per month, 300 per quarter, 1,200 per year (where applicable).
Example of how entries are calculated:
An account holder earns One (1) entry for every $25 increase in the monthly balance of the Qualifying Save To Win account at month’s end (month over month balance increase). Max of 100 entries per month. Max 300 per quarter. Max 1200 per year (where applicable).
Starting Balance | Month 1 Ending Balance | Month 2 Ending Balance | Month 3 Ending Balance | Quarterly Drawing |
$0 | $200 ($200 increase from previous month) | $1700 ($1500 increase from previous month) | $4700 ($3000 increase from previous month) | |
= 8 Entries | = 60 Entries | = 100 Entries (Max) | = 168 Entries |
Sound members, 18 and older and living in Washington State, may open a Save to Win Savings. Only one Save to Win Savings account per member.
The goal of the Save to Win account is to encourage saving. The more you save; the more opportunity there is to win. For every $25 you save, you earn one entry into the monthly and quarterly prize drawings. While there isn’t a maximum you can deposit into the Save to Win Savings, there is a maximum number of entries of 100 entries per member (up to 100 entries per month/300 entries per quarter/1,200 entries per year).
Save to Win is a special savings product that offers the participating credit union members an opportunity to win cash prizes — just for saving! The program offers a fun, innovative and exciting way to save, which empowers members to achieve financial success. Each $25 you save into a Save To Win account, earns you an entry into the monthly, quarterly and/or annual drawings (where applicable). Not only will you build your savings and earn interest/dividends, but you can also win multiple prizes throughout the year. Eligibility requirements and Official Rules apply.
Savings Accounts
1099-INT forms are sent out only to those members whose total interest earned for the year was $10.00 or more. If the total interest you earned was less than $10.00, no interest form would have been sent to you. Your Year-to-Date (YTD) interest information is always available on your statement(s). A YTD summary for interest dividends earned will be listed for each open interest-earning deposit account. For closed accounts, the YTD summary will show on the statement for the month it was closed.
If you did earn over $10.00 in interest for the year and still have not received your 1099-INT, please contact us.
Sound savings, money market, checking, IRA and certificate accounts are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to $250,000. Additional coverage may be available based on account structure and number of owners on accounts. For more information, visit the NCUA website and this share insurance estimator tool.
Once they turn 18 years old, their minor account will be automatically converted to a Savings account. Before this happens, we’ll send a reminder letter so they can make any needed adjustments to their account.
To open a high-interest savings account you’ll need your application materials, complete a provided application, and make an opening deposit, if required. High-interest savings accounts can be opened online or at any branch location.
Sound Credit Union offers High-Interest Savings Accounts. Learn More »
A health savings account (HSA) is a bank account that can be used to pay medical expenses, tax-free, if you have a health plan with high out-of-pocket costs.
Sound Credit Union offers Health Savings Accounts. Learn More »
High-interest savings accounts are bank deposit accounts that typically pay a higher interest rate that traditional savings accounts with better returns than traditional savings and checking accounts.
Sound Credit Union offers High-Interest Savings Accounts. Learn More »
Federal law limits the number of withdrawals and transfers from your savings account to six (6) each month.
To open a savings account you’ll want to complete a provided application and make an opening deposit, if required. You’ll also need your member number (if you’re already a member) and personal information, including a government-issued photo ID. Savings accounts can be opened online or at any branch location. If opening your account online, have your mobile device handy and be prepared to access your email account.
Sound Credit Union offers Savings Accounts. Learn More »
A savings account is a bank account that lets you deposit money and withdraw funds in a safe place, all while earning interest.
Sound Credit Union offers Savings Accounts. Learn More »