Certificate Accounts & Rates
Certificate Special Offer Rates
A standout rate. A small first step. See why our Special EasyStartSM Certificate is one of our most rewarding ways to start saving.
| Product | Minimum Deposit | Term | Dividend Rate | APY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special EasyStart CertificateFootnote [1] | $50 | 12 months | 3.92% | 4.00% |
Open a Special EasyStart Certificate Open now
Let’s look at your certificate options
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Standard Certificate
Have a lump sum you want to grow with a fixed rate and clear timeline? A Standard certificate offers 3-month to 7-year terms on a single deposit. Minimum deposit is $1,000—and there’s no maximum balance.
See our rates about Standard Certificate -
EasyStart Certificate
Want to start small and add to your savings over time? An EasyStart Certificate offers 12-, 18- and 24-month terms. You can add money any time until maturity. Open with as little as $50—there’s no maximum balance.See our rates about EasyStart Certificate -
Special EasyStart Certificate
Want to earn a higher rate in a shorter time frame? With a Navy Federal checking account and direct deposit, you can open a 12-month Special EasyStart Certificate with as little as $50. $3,000 maximum balance.
See our rates about Special EasyStart Certificate
Here's what you could be earning with a certificate
EasyStart Certificate Rates (Share, IRA, ESA)
| Term | Minimum Deposit | Dividend Rate | APY |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Months | $50.00 | 3.59% | 3.66% |
| 18 Months | $50.00 | 3.49% | 3.55% |
| 24 Months | $50.00 | 3.39% | 3.45% |
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Rates as of Jul 26, 2026 ET. |
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Subject to IRS annual contribution limits for IRA/ESA. The APY is an annualized rate that reflects estimated dividend earnings based on the dividend rate and frequency of compounding. Open an EasyStart Certificate Open nowEasyStart certificate |
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Short-Term Certificate Rates (Share, IRA, ESA)
| Term | $1K Minimum APY | $20K Minimum APY | $100K Minimum APY |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Months | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.30% |
| 12 Months | 3.70% | 3.70% | 3.75% |
| 18 Months | 3.60% | 3.60% | 3.66% |
| 24 Months | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.55% |
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Rates as of Jul 26, 2026 ET. |
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Subject to IRS annual contribution limits for IRA/ESA. The APY is an annualized rate that reflects estimated dividend earnings based on the dividend rate and frequency of compounding. Open a short-term certificate Open now Short-term certificate |
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Long-Term Certificate Rates (Share, IRA, ESA)Footnote [2]
| Term | $1K Minimum APY | $20K Minimum APY | $100K Minimum APY |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.55% |
| 5 Years | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.55% |
| 7 Years | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.55% |
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Rates as of Jul 26, 2026 ET. |
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Subject to IRS annual contribution limits for IRA/ESA. The APY is an annualized rate that reflects estimated dividend earnings based on the dividend rate and frequency of compounding. Open a long-term certificate Open now Long-term certificate |
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How to choose a certificate
- The first thing you’ll need to decide is how long you can leave your money untouched. In general, the longer your certificate’s term, the higher your rate will be.
- Next, see if the certificate requires a minimum deposit amount and, if so, whether it fits your budget. You’ll also need to know if there’s a maximum amount you can deposit.
- Then, you’ll determine if the certificate you’re choosing will allow you to make additional deposits after opening, or if you can only make a one-time deposit.
- Finally, find out what types of penalties are involved if you withdraw money early.
Curious how much you could earn?
Our certificate calculator can help you estimate your dividends and ending balance.
Certificate Resources
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What are your options when your certificate matures?
Now that your certificate’s term is nearly up, it’s time to decide whether to cash out or renew it. The decision may depend on why you opened it.
Learn more about What are your options when your certificate matures? -
Save for your next adventure with a certificate
No need to use a credit card or pick up a side hustle to pay for your next trip—a certificate can help you turn your plans into a fully funded getaway.
Learn more about Save for your next adventure with a certificate -
How does compounding interest work?
It’s easy to say you earn interest on your savings—and on that interest—but what does that really mean? See real‑world examples of how compound interest helps your money grow over time.
Learn more about How does compounding interest work? -
Maximize your earnings with certificate laddering
Want a simple strategy to make the most of your savings dollars? Consider staggering when each of your certificates matures.
Learn more about Maximize your earnings with certificate laddering
Savings and investing: how they can work together
Saving and investing are 2 powerful ways to build a stronger, more secure tomorrow. Explore key features and benefits to see what fits your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I open a certificate account?
They typically earn a higher savings rate than you'd get with a traditional savings account. Plus, they’re federally insured, which means they're a great, low-risk way to boost your savings. And, because you open them for a specific period of time, it's easier to make saving a habit.
What’s the difference between a share certificate and a CD?
They’re pretty similar. The difference is whether you open an account at a credit union or a bank. You can get share certificates at credit unions (not-for-profit) and CDs at banks (for profit).
Disclosures
Limit 1 Special EasyStart Certificate per product type per member. Product types include Share, IRA (either Traditional, Roth, or SEP), and ESA. The Special EasyStart Certificate has a $50 minimum balance and a $3,000 maximum contribution limit. Additional deposits are allowed at any time subject to the maximum contribution limit. Certificate owner(s) age 18 and older must have direct deposit and a Navy Federal checking account within 90 days of the certificate issue date. If these requirements have not been satisfied by the 90th day, your Special EasyStart Certificate dividend rate will be adjusted to the prevailing dividend rate of the 12-month EasyStart Certificate for the remainder of the certificate's term. At maturity, the Special EasyStart Certificate will automatically renew and any amount exceeding the $3,000 maximum contribution limit will be transferred to your Membership Savings Account unless instructed otherwise.
You may qualify for direct deposit if you have (1) a recurring ACH from employer, military pay, or certain government agency pay or benefits in your name that is deposited into a Navy Federal deposit account where you are Primary or Secondary Owner; OR (2) mobile deposits, ATM deposits, or branch deposits, payments from the FedNow® Payment network, the Real-Time Payment network, or third-party services that facilitate payments to your debit card using the Navy Federal Credit Union Debit Card, totaling at least $500 and recurring for at least 3 out of 4 consecutive months that are deposited into Navy Federal deposit accounts where you are Primary Owner; OR (3) monthly non-payroll ACH or payroll allotment totaling at least $500 and recurring for at least 3 out of 4 consecutive months that are deposited into Navy Federal deposit accounts where you are Primary Owner; OR (4) monthly non-payroll ACH or payroll allotment totaling at least $500 and recurring for at least 3 out of 4 consecutive months that are deposited into Navy Federal deposit accounts where you are Secondary Owner.
↵Rates as of 07/26/2026
↵Value claim refers exclusively to select Navy Federal certificate rates and terms in comparison to the same certificate rates and terms published by the FDIC Monthly National Rates and Rate Caps. Comparison includes 12-, 24-, 36-, and 60-month certificate products. Certificate comparisons accurate as of 05/18/2026.