Credit Union CD Rates
The best interest rates for CDs are usually available at credit unions, because they are not-for-profit entities that return profits back to their members. They also tend to have better rates, more helpful employees and a strong commitment to the community.
Compared with banks, credit unions Credit Union CD Rates tend to have lower minimum deposit requirements and offer more forgiving early withdrawal policies. Their savings rates are usually higher, too.
Credit Union CDs are federally insured to at least $250,000. They’re also considered safe and secure, so they are usually a good choice for saving money you don’t want to easily touch.
They’re not as liquid as some other types of bank or credit union savings accounts, such as online banking and money market accounts, but they typically pay a higher interest rate than those options.
When selecting the best CD, consider your savings goals and financial priorities. You can use CDs for long-term savings or as a short-term investment, allowing you to earn the highest possible rate for a certain period of time.
Some credit unions will allow you to upgrade a low-rate CD to a high-rate one without an early withdrawal penalty, which is a great way to take advantage of a rising rate. You should check with your bank or credit union before doing so to see if it offers a program like this and how easy it is to do.
You can find a list of current CD rates at most credit unions on their websites or by asking for a quote from them. You’ll be able to see which ones have the lowest minimum deposit requirement, which is an important factor when choosing where to open a CD.
CDs are a safe and predictable place to save your money, with a guaranteed interest rate that is guaranteed for the entire duration of your account. They are federally insured to at least $250,000.
Unlike other financial products, such as bonds or IRAs, CDs generally offer no early withdrawal penalties. Some CDs even allow you to add money to them, so they can increase your balance if you need to, as long as you don’t make any premature withdrawals.
They also tend to be more accessible than other financial products, with the ability to make direct deposits into your CD from a bank account. This can be a helpful way to get your money into the system when you’re moving or planning a large purchase.
Some CDs can be opened for less than $500, although most require $1,000 or more. You should be sure to verify the minimum deposit requirement before committing to any financial institution.
The highest CD rates today are at Fidelity and Vanguard, down 15 to 30 bps from two weeks ago. They’re still some of the best 4- and 5-year CD rates nationally available.
While a CD is a safe and predictable way to save, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. The rate of return on a CD depends on several factors, including the term length, the amount of money you have in it and the institution offering it.