We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. But we may receive compensation when you click links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners.
TIAA Bank Yield Pledge Checking review
High APYs at 1.21% for new customers — but you’ll need a hefty $5,000 to open an account.
TIAA Bank Yield Pledge Checking account doesn’t charge monthly fees and keeps its rates in the top 5% of its competitors. But if you like to do your banking in person you might need to look elsewhere — there are no locations outside of Jacksonville, Florida.
$0
Monthly fee
0.71%
APY
$5,000
Minimum deposit to open
Details
| APY | 0.71% on balances of $100,000 to $10,000,000 0.61% on balances of $25,000 to $99,999.99 0.46% on balances of $10,000 to $24,999.99 |
|---|---|
| Monthly fee | $0 |
| Minimum deposit to open | $5,000 |
| Intro or bonus offer | 1.21% APY for the first year |
| ATMs | Free at 80,000 AllPoint and MoneyPass ATMs nationwide |
| ATM transaction fee | $0 |
| Overdraft fee | $30 |
| Nonsufficient funds fee | $30 |
What are the benefits of a checking account with TIAA Bank?
This FDIC-insured account features a debit card with 20 free checks, purchasing benefits, 24/7 customer service and the following other benefits:
- Minimal fees. There are no monthly, maintenance, or overdraft transfer fees. In-network ATMs are free to use, and the bank will reimburse you for ATM fees other banks charge you.
- Nationwide ATM network. Withdraw cash and check your balance at 80,000 AllPoint and MoneyPass ATMs across the country.
- Generous introductory rate. TIAA offers a 1.21% APY for new customers. The promotional rate lasts for one year and applies to balances up to $250,000.
- Yield Pledge promise. This pledge guarantees that its yields are always in the top 5% of competitive accounts nationwide. TIAA Bank analyses BankRate’s National Average survey data each month, and adjusts its rates if needed.
- Price protection. If you purchase something on the High Yield debit card that goes down in price within 60 days, TIAA will pay the difference, up to $250.
- Return protection. TIAA will refund you up to $250 for a purchase made on its High Yield debit card when the merchant won’t accept the return, within 90 days of the original purchase date.
TIAA Bank’s ATM network and fees
Once you receive your Visa debit card, you can dip it into 80,000 AllPoint and MoneyPass ATMs nationwide. These ATMs are free, and you’ll find them at select Target, Walgreens, CVS and convenience stores across the country.
When you withdraw cash or check your balance at out-of-network ATMs, you may be charged a fee. If you have $5,000 in your account, TIAA Bank will reimburse you monthly for all ATM fees. If your balance is under $5,000, you’ll get up to $15 back each month.
What should I look out for?
The checking account is competitive in many ways, but it has its drawbacks, including:
- Top rates have an expiry date. If you’re a first-time account holder, you’ll score the introductory APY for 12 months. After the year’s up, you’ll earn interest based on your balance tier.
- High opening deposit. You’ll need $5,000 to open the account, which is unusual for a checking account.
- Expensive outbound wires. It’ll cost you $25 to send domestic wires, $35 to transfer US dollars to an international bank, and $30 to $65 to wire foreign currency.
- Miscellaneous fees. While there are no maintenance fees, you’ll pay $10 for excess transactions, $10 for cashier’s checks, $10 for returned deposit items, and between $4.95 and $14.95 to expedite BillPay payments.
- No live chat function. TIAA Bank doesn’t offer real-time help online.
- Limited branch access. As a predominantly online bank, TIAA Bank only has a handful of branches in Jacksonville, Florida. This makes cash deposits challenging for most customers.
Compare with other checking accounts
How much do I need to open an account?
The minimum opening deposit is $5,000.
How do I apply?
If you want to open an account the old-fashioned way, you can call 866-755-9143 from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET).
Otherwise, it takes 10 minutes to complete the online application. Follow these steps:
- Head to the TIAA Bank website.
- On the top right corner of the homepage, press Open an Account.
- Hover over Banking. Under High Yield Accounts, select Yield Pledge Checking. Click Continue.
- You’ll be asked if you have a bank account or home loan with TIAA. We’ll assume you don’t. Press No, then Continue.
- Enter your Opening Deposit Amount. Click Continue.
- Choose between a Joint or Individual account. Enter your Social Security number and personal, contact, citizenship and employment details.
- Create a Security Code. Click Continue.
- Fund the account via a mobile deposit or online transfer, or by mailing a check.
Eligibility
To qualify for a TIAA Bank Yield Pledge Checking account, you must:
- Be 18 or older
- Be a US Citizen or Resident Alien with a physical address, a Social Security number or Individual Tax ID number, and a driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Pay $5,000 to opening the account
Required information
To speed up the application, have this info handy:
- A valid driver’s license or state ID
- Your Social Security number or Individual Tax ID number
- The details for the bank account you’re using to fund your initial deposit.
- If you’re sending a check, mail it to:TIAA Bank
11 Oval Drive, Suite 107
Islandia, NY 11749
What other checking options does TIAA Bank offer?
The Yield Pledge Money Market account comes with the same guarantee: yields will be in the top 5% of competitive accounts. It costs $5,000 to open the account, and TIAA offers a one-year introductory APY of 2.15% on all balances.
After that, the ongoing APY drops according to your balance tier — much like its checking account. There are no monthly maintenance fees, and you can use the account for your IRA.
Does this bank offer business services?
Yes. TIAA Bank has three specific checking accounts for businesses:
- Small Business Checking. Designed for sole proprietors and single-owner LLCs, this checking account earns 0.20% on balances under $10,000, and up to 0.61% on balances of $100,000 or more. There’s a minimum opening deposit of $1,500, and the bank charges no monthly maintenance or ATM fees.
- Business Checking. With this account, the bank will process up to 200 transactions and 10 online bill payments for free each month. There’s a monthly maintenance fee, but can be waived if you have $5,000 or more sitting in the account. It costs $1,500 to open the account.
- Nonprofit Checking. This account helps NFPs and faith-based organizations to manage their money. Like the Small Business Checking, the interest rates start at 0.20% for balances under $10,000, and go up to 0.61% for balances of $100,000 or more. You’ll need $5,000 to open the account. Maintain that, and the bank will waive the monthly maintenance fee.
Bottom line
This checking account has two major selling points: its 1.21% APY for new customers, and its Yield Pledge promise, which guarantees the rates stay competitive. If you can cough up $5,000 for the minimum opening deposit, it might be worth stashing some cash in this account.
Compare it with our guide to checking accounts.