What Haven Savings Bank Offers
Haven Savings Bank is a federally chartered savings bank that offers deposit accounts, including savings accounts and money market accounts, to individuals and families. The bank operates both online and through physical branches, primarily in the Northeast. Like other savings institutions, Haven is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which means deposits up to $250,000 per account owner are protected if the bank fails.
Haven's savings products are straightforward: you deposit money, earn interest on your balance, and can withdraw funds when you need them. The specific terms—how much interest you earn, what the minimum deposit is, and what fees apply—change based on the account type and the current market environment. These details matter because they affect how much your money grows and how much it costs to maintain the account.
The bank also offers checking accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and individual retirement accounts (IRAs), but this guide focuses on the savings account options since that is what most people use to set money aside and earn a return.
Key Takeaways
- Haven Savings Bank is FDIC-insured, so your deposits up to $250,000 are protected by federal insurance.
- Interest rates on savings accounts vary by account type and change regularly, so you should check Haven's current rates before opening an account.
- Most Haven savings accounts have a minimum deposit requirement to open, typically ranging from $500 to $2,500 depending on the product.
- You can open an account online or at a branch, and you can manage your account through Haven's website or mobile app.
- Withdrawal limits and monthly fees depend on the specific account; reviewing the account disclosure before opening is important.
Types of Savings Accounts Haven Offers
Haven typically offers a regular savings account and a money market savings account. A regular savings account is the most basic option—you deposit money, earn interest, and can withdraw whenever you want. A money market account usually pays a higher interest rate but may require a larger minimum balance and limit the number of withdrawals you can make per month without a fee.
The interest rate on both accounts types is variable, meaning Haven can change it at any time. When the Federal Reserve raises or lowers its benchmark interest rate, banks typically adjust their savings rates within days or weeks. This means the rate you earn today may not be the same rate you earn three months from now.
Haven also offers certificates of deposit (CDs), which are different from savings accounts. With a CD, you agree to leave your money in the account for a set period—typically three months to five years—in exchange for a fixed interest rate that does not change. If you withdraw the money before the term ends, you pay a penalty. CDs are useful if you know you will not need the money for a specific amount of time and want to lock in a may provide rate.
Minimum Deposits and Account Opening
Haven requires a minimum deposit to open most savings accounts. The amount varies by account type but is typically between $500 and $2,500. Some promotional offers may have different minimums, so it is worth checking Haven's website or calling a branch for current requirements.
You can open an account online through Haven's website or in person at one of their branch locations. Online opening is faster and requires only basic information: your name, address, Social Security number, and initial deposit details. If you open in person, you will need to bring a government-issued ID and proof of address (such as a utility bill or bank statement).
Once your account is open, you can fund it by transferring money from another bank account, mailing a check, or depositing cash at a branch. If you set up a direct deposit from your employer or government payments (like a tax refund or Social Security), the money will go directly into your Haven account on the scheduled date.
Interest Rates and How They Change
Haven's savings account interest rates are published on their website and change based on market conditions and the bank's own decisions. The rate you see today is not locked in—the bank can lower it without notice, though federal regulations require them to notify you before making a change.
Interest is usually compounded daily and credited to your account monthly. This means the bank calculates interest on your balance every day, and at the end of each month, it adds the accumulated interest to your account. If you leave the interest in the account, it earns interest the following month—this is called compound interest, and it is how your money grows over time.
To understand what your savings will earn, use Haven's online calculator (if available) or do the math yourself: multiply your balance by the annual percentage yield (APY), then divide by 12 to see the monthly interest. For example, a $10,000 balance at 4.5% APY earns about $37.50 per month.
Fees and Monthly Maintenance Costs
Haven's savings accounts may have a monthly maintenance fee, though many accounts waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. The fee is typically $5 to $10 per month if it applies. Some accounts have no monthly fee at all, depending on the product and current promotions.
Other fees you might encounter include overdraft fees (if you have a linked checking account and overdraw it), wire transfer fees, and early withdrawal penalties on CDs. Haven's fee schedule is detailed in the account disclosure document, which you receive when you open the account. You can also request a copy from a branch or download it from their website.
To avoid unnecessary fees, review the account terms before opening and understand what actions trigger charges. If you maintain the required minimum balance or set up direct deposit, you can often avoid the monthly maintenance fee entirely.
How to Access Your Money
You can withdraw money from your Haven savings account in several ways: at a branch using a teller, at an ATM using your debit card, by phone, or online through your account portal. Haven operates its own ATM network, and you can also use ATMs in the Allpoint network, though using an out-of-network ATM may result in a fee charged by that ATM's operator.
Transfers between your Haven accounts (such as from savings to checking) are instant online or by phone. Transfers to accounts at other banks typically take one to three business days. If you need cash quickly, visiting a branch or using an ATM is the fastest option.
Federal law limits the number of withdrawals you can make from a savings account to six per month (though this rule is not always enforced). Money market accounts may have stricter limits. If you exceed the limit, Haven may charge a fee or convert your account to a checking account. For day-to-day spending, a checking account is more practical; use your savings account to set money aside and let it grow.
FDIC Insurance and Account Protection
Haven Savings Bank is a federally chartered savings bank, which means all deposits are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per account ownership category. This protection is automatic—you do not need to do anything to activate it. If Haven fails, the FDIC will return your deposits up to the limit.
The $250,000 limit applies to each account type separately. For example, if you have a $250,000 savings account and a $250,000 money market account at Haven, both are fully protected. If you have a joint account with another person, each owner's share is insured up to $250,000, so a joint account with $500,000 is fully covered if each owner contributed equally.
FDIC insurance does not cover investment products like stocks or mutual funds, and it does not protect against fraud or theft from your account. If someone gains unauthorized access to your account, contact Haven immediately. You are generally not liable for unauthorized transactions if you report them promptly, but the bank will investigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my Haven Savings Bank account balance?
Log into your account through Haven's website or mobile app, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, or visit a branch. Your balance updates in real time online, though some transactions (like checks or transfers to other banks) may take a day or two to fully process.
Can I have multiple savings accounts at Haven?
Yes, you can open more than one savings account at Haven. Each account is insured separately up to $250,000 by the FDIC, so having multiple accounts does not increase your total insurance coverage—it just divides it among the accounts. This strategy is useful if you are saving for different goals and want to track them separately.
What happens if my balance drops below the minimum?
If your balance falls below the required minimum, Haven may charge a monthly fee or close the account. The exact consequence depends on your account type and Haven's current policies. Contact Haven directly to ask what happens if your balance dips temporarily, as some accounts allow brief dips without penalty.
How long does it take to transfer money from Haven to another bank?
Transfers from Haven to another bank typically take one to three business days. Transfers between Haven accounts (checking to savings, for example) are usually instant if done online or by phone. Weekend and holiday transfers may take longer to process.
Can I earn interest on a checking account at Haven?
Haven may offer interest-bearing checking accounts, though the rate is typically lower than savings accounts. Ask a representative whether Haven currently offers a checking account with interest, as products and rates change regularly.