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Save smarter. Earn more. Higher returns with rates up to 4.90% APY*.
Much like a bank CD, certificates let you store your money for a fixed amount of time, earning you higher returns than a typical checking or savings account.
18 Month Platinum
Not Too Long, Not Too Short – Just Right.
Hurry! This industry leading rate is only available for a limited time!1
A lot can happen in a year and a half. A new family member, a new home or planning for your dream vacation. Our 18-month certificate offers short-term flexibility and long-term stability to help you save for these important milestones. With rates up to 4.80% APY*, you’ll be prepared for every new step of life’s journey.
- Minimum $500 to open
- Automatic renewal options available
- Fixed rate of return
Rates Effective: March 29, 2024| Term | Annual Percentage Yield | Platinum APY* | Minimum to Earn Dividends | Minimum Opening Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 18 Month | Annual Percentage Yield 4.70% | Platinum APY* 4.80% | Minimum to Earn Dividends $500.00 | Minimum Opening Balance $500.00 |
Why save with a certificate?
What makes one of ACFCU’s certificate accounts a great choice for smart savers? While each is designed for specific needs, they all offer great benefits.
Great Rates
You’ll earn more on your money than in a typical savings account
Safety & Security
Your money is insured by NCUA
Easy to Manage
With automatic renewal options at maturity, your savings continue working for you
Which certificate is right for you?
6 to 60 Month Term Options
$500 Minimum to Open
Save for a down payment on a home, your upcoming retirement, or that next vacation. Share Certificates (and IRA Certificates for members with retirement accounts) are low-risk, high-yield, and term-friendly.
- Minimum $500 to open
- Six-, 12-, 15-, 18-, 24-, 36-, 48-, and 60-month terms
- Automatic renewal options available
- Fixed rate of return
Rates Effective: March 29, 2024| Term | Annual Percentage Yield | Platinum APY* | Minimum to Earn Dividends | Minimum Opening Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 6 Month | Annual Percentage Yield 4.80% | Platinum APY* 4.90% | Minimum to Earn Dividends $500.00 | Minimum Opening Balance $500.00 |
| Term 12 Month | Annual Percentage Yield 4.80% | Platinum APY* 4.90% | Minimum to Earn Dividends $500.00 | Minimum Opening Balance $500.00 |
| Term 15 Month | Annual Percentage Yield 4.65% | Platinum APY* 4.75% | Minimum to Earn Dividends $500.00 | Minimum Opening Balance $500.00 |
| Term 15 Month (No Penalty!)2 | Annual Percentage Yield 4.55% | Platinum APY* 4.65% | Minimum to Earn Dividends $500.00 | Minimum Opening Balance $500.00 |
| Term 18 Month | Annual Percentage Yield 4.70% | Platinum APY* 4.80% | Minimum to Earn Dividends $500.00 | Minimum Opening Balance $500.00 |
| Term 24 Month | Annual Percentage Yield 4.40% | Platinum APY* 4.50% | Minimum to Earn Dividends $500.00 | Minimum Opening Balance $500.00 |
| Term 36 Month | Annual Percentage Yield 3.65% | Platinum APY* 3.75% | Minimum to Earn Dividends $500.00 | Minimum Opening Balance $500.00 |
| Term 48 Month | Annual Percentage Yield 3.90% | Platinum APY* 4.00% | Minimum to Earn Dividends $500.00 | Minimum Opening Balance $500.00 |
| Term 60 Month | Annual Percentage Yield 3.90% | Platinum APY* 4.00% | Minimum to Earn Dividends $500.00 | Minimum Opening Balance $500.00 |
12 Month Fixed Term Share Builder Certificate
$25 Minimum to Open
Kick-start your nest egg with a low-minimum Share Builder Certificate—and add to it. Early withdrawal fees help hold you accountable for your future and avoid life’s little temptations.
- Minimum $25 to open
- Fixed 12-month term
- Add money anytime during the term
- Easily set up recurring transfers from your checking account
- Earn more with Relationship Rewards at the Platinum level
Rates Effective: March 29, 2024| Term | Annual Percentage Yield | Minimum to Earn Dividends | Minimum Opening Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 12 Month | Annual Percentage Yield 4.80% | Minimum to Earn Dividends $25.00 | Minimum Opening Balance $25.00 |
6 to 24 Month Term Jumbo Share Certificate
$100,000 Minimum to Open
A bigger deposit means bigger dividends—it’s that simple. Our Jumbo Share Certificates offer a boosted yield that can help pad everything you’ve already saved up.
- Minimum $100,000 to open
- Six-, 12- and 24-month terms
Rates Effective: March 28, 2024| Term | Annual Percentage Yield | Platinum APY* | Minimum to Earn Dividends | Minimum Opening Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 6 Month | Annual Percentage Yield 4.80% | Platinum APY* 4.90% | Minimum to Earn Dividends $100,000.00 | Minimum Opening Balance $100,000.00 |
| Term 12 Month | Annual Percentage Yield 4.80% | Platinum APY* 4.90% | Minimum to Earn Dividends $100,000.00 | Minimum Opening Balance $100,000.00 |
| Term 24 Month | Annual Percentage Yield 4.40% | Platinum APY* 4.50% | Minimum to Earn Dividends $100,000.00 | Minimum Opening Balance $100,000.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a certificate?
A certificate account is similar to a certificate of deposit (CD). It’s a specialized savings option where you invest your money for a set period of time, earning higher dividends than a regular savings account during that time. It’s a fixed term, fixed rate, and fixed principal account.
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How is a share certificate different from a regular savings account?
Unlike a regular savings account, a share certificate has a fixed term and offers a higher interest rate. It requires a commitment to keep the funds deposited for the agreed-upon period.
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How do I open a certificate?
You can open a certificate by phone, computer, or by visiting one of our branch locations.
By Phone:
- Give us a call at 703.526.0200
- Log into the mobile app
By Computer:
- If you’re already a member, click “Log In” at the top of the page and complete the application
- If you’re not already a member, click “Open Account” and complete the application
By Branch:
- Columbia Pike Branch: 5666 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041
- Glebe Road Branch: 2130 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22207
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What is the minimum amount required to open a share certificate?
The minimum amount required to open a share certificate is different for each of our products. Some certificates, like the Share Builder Certificate, only require $25 to open. Our 6-to-60-month standard Share Certificates require $500 to open. Our Jumbo Loan Certificates require $100,000 to open.
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Are share certificates insured?
Yes, funds deposited in share certificates are typically insured up to at least $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), providing a level of security for your investment.
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How often are dividends paid on share certificates?
Dividends are accrued daily and applied monthly.
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Can I add more money to a share certificate during the term?
Arlington Community Federal Credit Union allows deposits or withdrawals only at the time of maturity.
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What's the advantage to longer-term share certificates?
Longer-term share certificates often offer higher interest rates, providing the potential for increased earnings over the investment period. Sometimes we offer higher rates on shorter-term certificates, so be sure to compare our rates!
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Can I have more than one share certificate?
Yes, you can have more than one share certificate at a time. A strategic approach involving multiple certificates with varying terms is known as laddering. Laddering is a financial strategy that involves spreading your funds across multiple certificates with staggered maturity dates. Instead of investing all your money in a single certificate with a fixed term, laddering allows you to have certificates with different maturity dates.
Why Choose Arlington
As a full-service credit union, we’re a cooperative of members like you who know that by coming together, we can all benefit in our financial journey.
Financial Empowerment
We’re here to help our members—and neighbors—meet their financial goals and live their best lives.
Rewarding Experience
We think there’s nothing more rewarding than serving our members—and believe one good turn deserves another.
Utmost Integrity
We not only meet your financial needs, we commit to being a good neighbor and serving with integrity.
The Fine Print
*APY = Annual Percentage Yield.
All Certificates: A penalty for early withdrawal may be imposed. Fees may reduce earnings. Rates effective as of March 29, 2024. Rates are subject to change without notice. Membership eligibility requirements apply. Federally Insured by NCUA.
Share & IRA Certificates: Minimum to earn dividends: $500.
Jumbo Certificates: Minimum to earn dividends: $100,000.
Platinum Certificates: APYs are .10% higher. Platinum rewards start for members maintaining total combined monthly household average balances of $50,000+.
Share Builder Certificate: Deposits can be added at any time during the certificate program.
1Based on Bankrate’s ‘Best CD Rates for March 2024’ 1.5 month term products [bankrate.com/banking/cds/cd-rates], accurate as of March 26, 2024.
2Not eligible for IRA certificates.