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10 Best Credit Union CD Rates 2023

Spencer Tierney
By Spencer Tierney 
Edited by Sara Clarke

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Credit unions tend to have higher savings rates than banks, and some even compete with online banks' rates. Share certificates — what many credit unions call their certificates of deposit — have terms that range from several months to years, with minimum deposits varying by institution.

Unlike banks, credit unions can restrict membership based on geography, employer and other criteria, so be sure to check eligibility requirements. Here's a look at some of the best credit union CD rates.

Summary of CD rates:

Best Credit Union CD rates for 1- to 5-year terms:

Easy to join:

  • Pentagon Federal Credit Union: 4.85%-4.00% APY, $1,000 minimum deposit.

  • Connexus Credit Union: 5.61%-3.91% APY, $5,000 minimum deposit.

  • Alliant Credit Union: 5.15%-4.35% APY, $1,000 minimum deposit.

  • Service Credit Union: 4.50%-3.50% APY, $500 minimum deposit.

  • Andrews Federal Credit Union: 5.00%-4.20% APY, $1,000 minimum deposit.

  • Self-Help Credit Union: 4.39%-4.65% APY, $500 minimum deposit.

Competitive rates but restrictive membership:

  • Navy Federal Credit Union: 4.40%-4.20% APY, $1,000 minimum deposit.

  • SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union: 3.45%-4.20% APY, $500 minimum deposit.

  • America First Credit Union: 4.50%-4.25% APY, $500 minimum deposit.

  • State Employees’ Credit Union: 4.10%-3.50% APY, $250 minimum deposit.

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Best Credit Union CD Rates 2023

NerdWallet rating 

4.0

/5
Connexus Credit Union CD
Minimum deposit
$5,000
Federally insured by NCUA
APY
1-year APY: 5.61%

3-year APY: 4.51%

5-year APY: 3.91%
NerdWallet rating 

4.5

/5
PenFed Credit Union Money Market Certificate
Minimum deposit
$1,000
Federally insured by NCUA
APY
1-year APY: 4.85%

3-year APY: 4.30%

5-year APY: 4.00%
NerdWallet rating 

4.0

/5
Service Credit Union Share Certificate
Minimum deposit
$500
Federally insured by NCUA
APY
1-year APY: 4.50%

3-year APY: 3.35%

5-year APY: 3.50%
NerdWallet rating 

5.0

/5
Navy Federal Credit Union Standard Certificate
Minimum deposit
$1,000
Federally insured by NCUA
APY
1-year APY: 4.40%

3-year APY: 4.20%

5-year APY: 4.20%
NerdWallet rating 

4.0

/5
SchoolsFirst FCU CD
Minimum deposit
$500
Federally insured by NCUA
APY
1-year APY: 3.45%

3-year APY: 3.95%

5-year APY: 4.20%
NerdWallet rating 

5.0

/5
Alliant Credit Union Certificate
Learn more

at Alliant Credit Union, Federally insured by NCUA

Minimum deposit
$1,000
Federally insured by NCUA
APY
1-year APY: 5.15%

3-year APY: 4.45%

5-year APY: 4.35%
NerdWallet rating 

4.0

/5
Self-Help Credit Union Term Certificate
Minimum deposit
$500
Federally insured by NCUA
APY
1-year APY: 4.39%

3-year APY: 4.55%

5-year APY: 4.65%
NerdWallet rating 

4.5

/5
Andrews Federal Credit Union Fixed Rate Share Certificates
Minimum deposit
$1,000
Federally insured by NCUA
APY
1-year APY: 5.00%

3-year APY: 4.20%

5-year APY: 4.20%
NerdWallet rating 

5.0

/5
America First Credit Union Certificate
Minimum deposit
$500
Federally insured by NCUA
APY
1-year APY: 4.50%

3-year APY: 4.00%

5-year APY: 4.25%
NerdWallet rating 

3.5

/5
State Employees' Credit Union CD
Minimum deposit
$250
Member FDIC
APY
1-year APY: 4.10%

3-year APY: 3.10%

5-year APY: 3.50%

» Want to see more CD options? Check out our list of the best CD rates overall

How do CDs at banks and credit unions differ?

Banks are for-profit institutions while credit unions are not-for-profits. Your banking needs for CDs can generally be met at either, but if you prefer a banking institution known for being part of the community it resides in, credit unions tend to fill those shoes better.

Do banks or credit unions offer better rates?

On average, you can find credit unions with higher rates than traditional banks. However, online banks tend to be better than both, offering some of the best rates available.

» Curious about other savings options? Check out NerdWallet’s best high-yield online savings accounts

Best 1-year credit union CD rates 2023

Easy to join:

  • Pentagon Federal Credit Union: 4.85% APY, $1,000 minimum deposit.

  • Connexus Credit Union: 5.61% APY, $5,000 minimum deposit.

  • Alliant Credit Union: 5.15% APY, $1,000 minimum deposit.

  • Service Credit Union: 4.50% APY, $500 minimum deposit.

  • Andrews Federal Credit Union: 5.00% APY, $1,000 minimum deposit.

  • Self-Help Credit Union: 4.39% APY, $500 minimum deposit.

Competitive rates but restrictive membership:

  • Navy Federal Credit Union: 4.40% APY, $1,000 minimum deposit.

  • SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union: 3.45% APY, $500 minimum deposit.

  • America First Credit Union: 4.50% APY, $500 minimum deposit.

  • State Employees’ Credit Union: 4.10% APY, $250 minimum deposit.

Last updated on February 14, 2023

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