No one wants to play around with their savings. You work hard for your money, and if you’ve built up a sizable nest egg, it’s important to protect and grow it wisely. Now, you’ll want to park it somewhere safe where it will have the best chance at growth.
If you’re looking for a place to keep your savings, a share certificate at Northern Credit Union can be a fantastic option. These accounts offer the best of both worlds when it comes to savings — blending the growth you’d expect from a stock with the security of a savings account.
Here’s why this savings product from Northern Credit Union might be the perfect choice for you:
A share certificate is an insured savings account with a fixed dividend rate with a set date of maturity. The dividend rates of these accounts can be competitive to savings accounts, but access to the funds in them is limited based on the certificate’s term.
You can’t add money to a share certificate after you’ve made your initial deposit, and you can’t withdraw your funds before the maturity date without paying a penalty. You can withdraw funds with proper notice at the share certificate’s renewal.
There are some basic requirements before you can open a certificate, including a minimum opening balance and a commitment to keep your money in the account for a set amount of time. The terms of each share certificate varies by financial institution. In general, the more money you invest in a share certificate and the longer its maturity term, the higher the dividend rate on the certificate.
Learn more about Northern Credit Union’s share certificates and specific terms below.
A credit union share certificate is best for individuals who already have a separate, established emergency fund to cover bills in the absence of a job or unexpected expenses. Before you open a certificate, make sure you won’t need to access the funds before the maturity date.
Share certificates are low risk. Northern Credit Union share certificates are federally insured by the NCUA (the National Credit Union Administration), which insures up to $250,000 per account. To learn more about how NCUA insurance works at credit unions, read this article.
Share certificates lock-in competitive rates. Credit Union share certificates offer the security of a savings account The APY on a share certificate is set when you open the account and is locked in until its maturity date.
What’s so great about a share certificate (also known as a CD at banks)? Share Certificates boost the amount you earn in interest income. When you reach the end of the term, the money is yours for whatever you need!
| Term | Balance | Basic* | Better** | Best*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Months**** | $10,000+ | 3.50% APY | 4.00% APY | 4.60% APY |
| 6 Months**** | $10,000+ | 3.50% APY | 4.00% APY | 4.60% APY |
| 12 Months | $500+ | 2.70% APY | 3.20% APY | 3.80% APY |
| 24 Months | $500+ | 1.18% APY | 1.68% APY | 2.28% APY |
| 30 Months | $500+ | 0.90% APY | 1.40% APY | 2.00% APY |
| 36 - 60 Months | $500+ | 0.03% APY | 0.03% APY | 0.03% APY |
$500 minimum balance required to open a certificate of deposit.
*To be eligible for Basic Rates, member must also have an active Checking and Direct Deposit. ** Better Rates require an active Choice Rewards or Premium or Next Checking and Savings with combined minimum of 10K, Direct Deposit. *** Best Rates require all of the requirements of better, but with combined balances >25K. ****3 & 6 Month CD have $10K Minimum requirement.
Penalty will be applied for early withdrawal. Fees incurred may reduce earnings on account. APY=Annual Percentage Yield. See Credit Union for account details. Rates accurate as of November 20, 2024.