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Navy Federal Credit Union CD rates are well above the national average, with its highest rates being 5.30%. And members can take advantage of several kinds of CDs, or share certificates, with terms ranging from three months to seven years, depending on their savings goals. Compare Navy Federal CDs to some of the best high-yield CDs on the market.

General Certificate Rates Overview
CD Term	$1K Minimum APY	$20K Minimum APY	$100K Minimum APY
3 months	2.15%	2.15%	2.20%
12 months	4.30%	4.30%	4.35%
18 months	4.10%	4.10%	4.15%
24 months	4.00%	4.00%	4.05%
3 years	4.00%	4.00%	4.05%
5 years	3.80%	3.80%	3.85%
7 years	3.80%	3.80%	3.85%

SaveFirst Certificate Account Rates Overview
Term	Minimum Deposit	Dividend Rate	APY
3–60 months	$5.00	0.40%	0.40%

EasyStart Certificate Rates Overview
CD Term	Minimum Deposit	Dividend Rates	APY
12 months	$50.00	5.16%	4.70%

In November 2024, Navy Federal was ordered by the CFPB to pay more than $95 million in redress and fines for charging illegal overdraft fees, the largest penalty ever charged to a credit union for illegal activity. Navy Federal charged surprise overdraft fees on certain ATM withdrawals and debit card purchases, even when customer accounts showed sufficient funds at the time of the transaction. It also showed that funds from peer-to-peer transfer services were available to spend when they were in fact still pending, and then charged overdraft fees when customers attempted to spend those funds.

Compare Navy Federal CD Rates

While Navy Federal does offer competitive rates on some of its CDs, some online banks may offer higher CD rates. But there are other benefits to banking with the not-for-profit credit union that are worth considering.

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Navy Federal CDs: Key Features

Navy Federal’s CD rates are above average. Yet the interest rate you could earn on your savings isn’t the only factor that matters when choosing a CD. It’s important to research other key features that Navy Federal’s share certificates offer.

All of Navy Federal’s share certificates have a minimum deposit requirement that ranges from $50 to $100,000, depending on the type of CD (and the annual percentage yield you hope to earn from the credit union in return for your deposit). With the credit union’s short-term and long-term certificates, making a deposit of $100,000 or more may help you earn a slightly higher APY on your savings (depending on current rates).

As with traditional CDs, when you deposit money into a share certificate with Navy Federal Credit Union you agree to leave your cash in the account for a fixed amount of time. If you decide to withdraw your cash before your share certificate matures, you’ll have to pay an early withdrawal penalty. However, Navy Federal’s early withdrawal penalties are not as steep as others.

Here are the early redemption penalties Navy Federal charges its members.

CD terms of 1 year or less: Lose all dividends on the amount you withdraw for 90 days or from the date of purchase or renewal—whichever is less.
CD terms over 1 year: Lose all dividends on the amount you withdraw for 180 days or from the date of purchase or renewal—whichever is less.
CD terms of 5 years or higher: Lose all dividends on the amount you withdraw for 365 days or from the date of purchase or renewal—whichever is less.

Pros and Cons of Navy Federal CDs

Pros

Competitive interest rates
Flexible terms
Lower early withdrawal fees

Cons

Must qualify for membership
May find higher rates elsewhere

Pros Explained

Competitive interest: Navy Federal CD rates reach 4.70%, which is higher than what many other CDs offer.
Flexible terms: You can find a variety of term lengths in Navy Federal CDs, from three months to seven years.
Lower early withdrawal fees: Like with most CDs, you will pay a penalty if you withdrawal your funds early, but Navy Federal's fees are lower than many.

Cons Explained

Must qualify for membership: You must be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union to invest in its CDs. Membership is open to military members, veterans, and their families.
May find higher rates elsewhere: While Navy Federal Credit union does offer relatively high rates on its CDs. If interest rates are your top priority, you can likely find even higher rates by shopping around.

About Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal Credit Union, established in 1933, is a full-service credit union that serves military members, veterans, and their families. Founded during the Great Depression, the not-for-profit federal credit union has grown from humble beginnings to become the largest credit union in the world with over 12 million members.

Because Navy Federal is a credit union and not a bank, you must become a member before you can open a share certificate or other financial accounts. Members of this federal credit union have access to many financial products and services, including share certificates similar to the certificates of deposit (CDs) available from traditional and online banks. Navy Federal has stricter membership requirements than some other credit unions.

To be eligible for membership, you must fit into one of the following categories:

Servicemember in any branch of the armed forces (active duty, retired, or veteran)
Department of Defense civilian employee
Related to a member of the credit union

It’s also worth noting that NFCU has a small branch network. Despite its large membership numbers, Navy Federal only has around 350 branches worldwide.

The federal credit union is known for offering competitive interest rates to its members. Not only can you get above-average APYs on CDs from Navy Federal Credit Union, qualified members can enjoy attractive interest rates on loans, credit cards, and other financing products.

Alternatives to Navy Federal CDs

High-yield savings accounts: If you’re willing to open an online savings account elsewhere, you may be able to earn higher rates than what Navy Federal offers. See the best high-yield savings account rates to compare how much you could earn.
High-yield checking accounts: You may find relatively high rates with some checking accounts. Be aware of their requirements and limits. The best high-interest checking accounts give you easy access to your money.
Certificates of deposit (CDs): Navy Federal offers fairly competitive rates on its CDs. You can also choose from a range of CDs from other financial institutions.
Money market account: Money market account can also provide a return on your savings. Check the best money market account rates to see how it compares.
Treasury securities: These government-backed bills, notes, and bonds sometimes offer even higher rates than CDs and may be more liquid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who Can Get a Navy Federal CD?

You must be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union to open a share certificate. Membership in the federal credit union is open to those who have ties to the armed forces, Department of Defense, or National Guard—either themselves or through a family or household member. See the best CD rates available today for a list of more accessible CDs.

Are Navy Federal CDs Worth It?

Navy Federal Credit Union CD rates don’t usually quite measure up to the top interest rates you can find at some online banks. Nonetheless, the rates are well above the national average (and the federal credit union offers numerous other perks to its members as well).

How Do You Get a Navy Federal CD?

Members of Navy Federal Credit Union can apply to establish a new share certificate in a few different ways. You can submit your certificate application online, via mail, e-message, or fax, or in person at a local branch.

In addition to your application, you will need to submit the deposit you wish to use to open your certificate. The Special EasyStart certificate from Navy Federal requires at least a $50 minimum deposit. All other share certificates require a minimum deposit of $1,000 or more.

Are Navy Federal CDs FDIC-Insured?

When you open a share certificate at Navy Federal Credit Union, it’s backed by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Like the FDIC, one of the NCUA’s primary jobs is to insure the deposits that credit union members make at participating federal credit unions. The NCUA insures the combined balances of any savings, checking, share certificate, and money market deposits of Navy Federal Credit Union members for up to $250,000.