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grow earnings
United share certificates can enjoy higher dividend rates compared to traditional savings accounts. It's a great choice for those seeking to grow their earnings steadily and securely.
share certificates
Pair a certificate special with an Ultra Checking account and earn up to 3.95% APY¹ for 8 months, or 3.70% APY¹ for 13 months. IRA eligible.
make your money work for U
with a United share certificate
Looking for more than just a typical savings account? Consider our Share Certificate options, providing a dependable choice with consistent returns over a set timeframe. At United, opening a certificate account starts with as little as a $500 deposit, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of any one of our Share Certificate offerings. Additionally, combining a Share Certificate with an Ultra Checking account unlocks a higher bonus rate, enhancing your earning potential.
Renew a Maturing Share Certificate
It’s easy to move your certificate into a new great rate. Whether you prefer visiting a local branch, calling (888) 982-1400, or chatting online, we’re here to assist you every step of the way.
Share and IRA Certificates |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Effective Date: August 01, 2026 | |||
| Type | Dividend Rate | APY1 | APY with Bonus Rate2 |
| 8 Month Special | 3.796% | 3.85% | 3.95% |
| 13 Month Special | 3.552% | 3.60% | 3.70% |
| 60 Months | 2.084% | 2.10% | 2.20% |
| 48 Months | 2.034% | 2.05% | 2.15% |
| 36 Months | 1.985% | 2.00% | 2.10% |
| 24 Months | 1.936% | 1.95% | 2.05% |
| 18 Months | 1.590% | 1.60% | 1.70% |
| 12 Months | 1.541% | 1.55% | 1.65% |
| 6 Months | 1.492% | 1.50% | 1.60% |
| 3 Months | 1.244% | 1.25% | 1.35% |
|
Highlighted rows are current specials. [1] Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of the effective date above. [2] Bonus rate of 0.10% APY when the owner of this account who will receive the tax statement (the “Tax Reported Owner”) is the Tax Reported Owner of an Ultra Checking account with an average monthly balance of at least $1.00. Minimum balance for consumer is $500. A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. |
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Schedule an Appointment Share Certificate Calculator
Open your certificate special on your terms—schedule a visit or call at your convenience, or stop by any branch .
flexible
At United, flexibility is key. Choose a special or term that suits you, ranging from 3 to 60 months. Rest assured, your rates remain locked in for the duration of your certificate, providing stability and predictability for your savings goals.
be confident
Your investments are federally insured through NCUA, providing protection for deposits up to $250,000.
Plus, rest assured that your investment won't lose value unless withdrawn before the end of the term.
unlock bonus rates
Enjoy even higher returns with our bonus rate.
When you pair a share certificate with our Ultra Checking account, you'll receive an additional 0.10% APY1 increase. It's our way of rewarding you and your commitment to United.
certificates built around U
additional options to help grow your savings
At United, we understand that each member’s financial journey is unique. That’s why we offer a diverse range of Share Certificates, each thoughtfully designed to align with your individual savings goals and lifestyle needs. Whether you’re aiming to capitalize on potential dividend rate increases, seeking a balance between higher returns and accessibility, or encouraging a young saver to build healthy financial habits, our specialized Share Certificates provide the flexibility and security to help you achieve your objectives with confidence.
Liquid Share Certificate
Earn competitive dividends with the flexibility to access your funds during the term.
- Term: 12 months
- Minimum Balance: $2,500
- Maximum Balance: $250,000
- Rate Adjustment: Two penalty-free withdrawals per month (minimum 7 days apart)
- Dividends: Calculated daily, paid quarterly
- Eligibility: Excludes Business Share Certificates
- Early Withdrawal Penalty: 180 days dividends on additional withdrawals
- Renewal: Automatic renewal with 30-day maturity notice
Bump-Up Certificate
Earn competitive dividends and boost your rate if rates rise during your certificate term.
- Term: 36 months
- Minimum Balance: $500
- Maximum Balance: $1,000,000
- Rate Adjustment: One-time rate increase allowed during term
- Dividends: Calculated daily, paid quarterly
- Eligibility: Excludes specials
- Early Withdrawal Penalty: 12-month dividends on withdrawn amount
- Renewal: Automatic renewal with 30-day maturity notice
Youth Investor Certificate
Ideal for youth Members looking to learn responsible saving habits at an early age:
- Eligibility: Members under age 21
- Minimum Deposit: $500
- Flexible Terms: Choose from terms ranging between 3 and 12 months
- Incremental Deposits: Add additional funds ($50 minimum increments)
Ladder Certificate
Combine long-term stability with periodic flexibility through a structured savings plan:
- Minimum Deposit: $500
- Dividends: Calculated daily, paid quarterly
- Strategy: Purchase multiple certificates with staggered maturity dates (1–5 years)
- Benefits: Roll matured certificates into new 5-year certificates, maximizing returns and liquidity
frequently asked questions
A savings account provides easy access to your money, while you earn interest. A money market account typically offers higher rates than a savings account, and it may provide limited transaction capabilities. A share certificate offers a fixed dividend rate for a specific term in exchange for keeping your funds on deposit until maturity and in many cases offers the highest dividend rates.
There’s no right or wrong answer here—a lot depends on your goals.
Share certificates often offer higher dividend rates than traditional savings or money market accounts because you agree to keep your funds on deposit for a fixed term. However, if you want the flexibility to make deposits and withdrawals as needed without penalty, a savings or money market account, such as our Elevate Money Market may be a better fit.
In short, share certificates are often better for long-term savings goals, while savings and money market accounts provide greater flexibility and access to your funds.
For all practical purposes, they're essentially the same thing. Share certificates are offered by credit unions, while Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are offered by banks.
In both cases, you deposit funds for a fixed term and earn a fixed rate of return. Share certificates typically offer higher dividend rates than traditional savings accounts while providing the security and predictability of a guaranteed rate for the term you choose.
A share certificate can be an excellent option for members who want a safe, predictable way to grow their savings. It may offer higher dividend rates than traditional savings accounts and protects your principal when held to maturity.
Your earnings depend on the certificate rate, term length, and deposit amount. The higher your balance and the longer the term, the more dividends you may earn. Check our current rates page for the latest dividend rates and APYs.
Yes. Share certificates earn a fixed dividend rate that remains the same for the entire term, helping protect you from rate fluctuations during the certificate period.
United Federal Credit Union share certificates require a minimum opening deposit of $500.
United Federal Credit Union offers share certificate terms ranging from 3 month to 60 months and virtually anywhere in between.
No. Once a share certificate is opened, additional deposits typically cannot be made during the certificate term.
The only exception is an add-on share certificate, which allows additional deposits during the certificate term. However, United Federal Credit Union does not currently offer add-on share certificates.
While dividends accrue and compound daily, they are credited and paid to your share certificate on a quarterly basis.
Yes, it's allowed, but generally not recommended. However, early withdrawals are typically subject to an early withdrawal penalty. The penalty amount varies based on the certificate term and is outlined in your share certificate agreement. Before making an early withdrawal, we encourage you to review your agreement or contact us for details specific to your certificate.
Absolutely! All share certificates, including our special promotional certificate offers, can be opened online anytime, day or night. If you're not already a United member, you'll simply open a Membership Savings Account as part of the application process. It's seamlessly integrated, making it easy to get started.
Ready to open a share certificate today? Let’s get started:
- I’m an existing United Member—open within Digital Banking (pre-loads your information)
- I’m not a United Member today—open with standard application
In most cases, yes. Share certificates typically renew automatically at maturity for the same or a similar term unless you provide other instructions.
At United, you'll have a 7-day grace period after your certificate matures to make changes without penalty. During this time, you can add or withdraw funds, select a different term, or transfer your money to another account instead of renewing.
At United, you'll have a 7-day grace period after your certificate matures to make changes without penalty. During this time, you can add or withdraw funds, select a different term, or transfer your money to another account instead of renewing.
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[1] APY=Annual Percentage Yield. APY accurate as of 8/1/2026. Subject to change without notice. Rates include a 0.10% APY increase when the owner of this account who will receive the tax statement (the “Tax Reported Owner”) is the Tax Reported Owner of an Ultra Checking account with an average monthly balance of at least $1.00. Rates may change after the account is opened. If requirements are not met, rates are 3.85% for 8 months, or 3.60% for 13 months. A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. Minimum balance required is $500. 8 month certificate renews to 6 month standard certificate at maturity, 13 month certificate renews to 12 month standard certificate at maturity. Rates are based on current rates at the time of renewal. Only personal share certificates are eligible for advertised rates; business share certificates also available although rates may differ.