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At Navy Federal Credit Union, we’re committed to providing our members with the best possible service and most competitive rates—especially our certificate rates.

What's the Difference Between a Share Certificate and a CD?

A share certificate is similar to a certificate of deposit (CD) but is issued by a credit union rather than a bank. Like a CD, they’re issued for a fixed period of time—generally between 3 months and 7 years. They also earn slightly higher dividends than other savings options. Another advantage of certificates is they provide a safe and secure way to grow your money, regardless of market fluctuations. 

Explore our certificate rates below and enjoy one of the safest paths to financial security.

Certificate Special Offers1

Our current Certificate Special Offer is best for:

  • Getting a quick and easy introduction to certificates
  • Individuals who want to start saving quickly
Certificate special offers
Product Minimum Deposit Term Dividend Rate APY
Special EasyStartSM Certificate $50 12 months 2.96% 3.00%

Short-Term Certificate Rates (Share, IRA, ESA) 2

Short-term certificates are best for:

  • Enjoying increased dividend rates coupled with shorter term lengths
  • Individuals who are interested in making a single deposit
  • Having the freedom to renew the certificate after the maturation date
Short Term Certificates Rate Table
Term $1K Minimum APY $20K Minimum APY $100K Minimum APY
3 Months 0.40% 0.40% 0.45%
6 Months 0.45% 0.45% 0.50%
12 Months 0.55% 0.55% 0.60%
18 Months 0.55% 0.55% 0.60%
24 Months 0.55% 0.55% 0.60%

Rates as of Oct 26, 2021 ET.

The APY is an annualized rate that reflects estimated dividend earnings based on the dividend rate and frequency of compounding. 
Penalties apply for early withdrawals from certificate accounts. Offering rates may change. Dividends compounded daily, credited monthly. 

Long-Term Certificate Rates (Share, IRA, ESA)2

Long-term Certificates are best for:

  • Individuals who don't need flexible access to savings 
  • Setting aside funds for several years at a time
  • Safely ensuring money growth despite possible market fluctuations
Long Term Certificates Rate Table
Term $1K Minimum APY $20K Minimum APY $100K Minimum APY
3 Years 0.70% 0.70% 0.75%
5 Years 0.90% 0.90% 0.95%
7 Years 0.90% 0.90% 0.95%

Rates as of Oct 26, 2021 ET.

The APY is an annualized rate that reflects estimated dividend earnings based on the dividend rate and frequency of compounding. 
Penalties apply for early withdrawals from certificate accounts. Offering rates may change. Dividends compounded daily, credited monthly. 

SaveFirst Account Rates2

SaveFirst Accounts are best for:

  • Saving money for a special occasion without being tempted to spend it
  • Making additional deposits to the account to reach your goal more quickly
  • Setting your own terms to match your goal date


SaveFirst Account
Product Minimum Deposit Term Dividend Rate APY
SaveFirst Account $5.00 3–60 Months 0.40% 0.40%

The APY is an annualized rate that reflects estimated dividend earnings based on the dividend rate and frequency of compounding. Penalties apply for early withdrawals from certificate accounts. Offering rates may change. Dividends compounded daily, credited monthly.

EasyStart Certificate Rates (Share, IRA, ESA)2

EasyStart Certificates are best for:

  • Saving at a higher rate of return with a low minimum purchase
  • Making additional deposits at any time
  • Enjoying flexible term lengths
EasyStart Certificates Rate Table
Term Minimum Deposit Dividend Rate APY
6 Months $50.00 0.40% 0.40%
12 Months $50.00 0.50% 0.50%
18 Months $50.00 0.50% 0.50%
24 Months $50.00 0.50% 0.50%

Rates as of Oct 26, 2021 ET.

The APY is an annualized rate that reflects estimated dividend earnings based on the dividend rate and frequency of compounding.
Penalties apply for early withdrawals from certificate accounts. Offering rates may change. Dividends compounded daily, credited monthly.

Disclosures

1

Limit one Special EasyStart Certificate per member. APY accurate as of 10/26/2021. Navy Federal reserves the right to end or modify this offer at any time. Penalty for early withdrawal. The Special EasyStart Certificate has a $50 minimum balance and a $3,000 maximum balance. Additional deposits are allowed at any time, subject to the maximum balance. Certificate owner(s) age 18 and older must have Direct Deposit of Net Pay or payroll allotment 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 reduced to the prevailing dividend rate of the 12-month EasyStart Certificate for the remainder of the certificate’s term. 

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2

Rates as of 10/26/2021.

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