TUKWILA, Wash. — BECU has launched two accounts that provide unusually high incentives for members to begin and maintain their savings.

The $6.5 billion BECU has rolled out its Member Advantage and Early Saver accounts. Both Member Advantage checking and savings accounts pay an annual yield of 7.50% on the first $500 in. Early Saver accounts for young adults and children under the age of 18 also earn the 7.50% yield. That interest rate may vary with future changes in market conditions, but BECU intends to keep it consistently higher than competing rates. To enroll in the accounts, members must agree to receive e-statements and enroll and remain active in either free online bill payment or have recurring direct deposits into the Member Advantage checking account. Early Saver accounts do not have any requirements, however they are automatically converted to Member Advantage accounts at age 18. "BECU is committed to helping our members realize their savings goals regardless of their income level and ability to save large amounts of money," said Joe Brancucci, vice president, product and delivery channels and chief lending officer for BECU. "These programs are not 'one time' deals, rather, are permanent offerings that will continue to benefit all of our members." Thirty years ago, Americans saved an average of 10% of their income, BECU said. Today, those rates have fallen to negative 0.5% which means Americans are spending more than they are setting aside.