Navy Federal CD Rates: What You Need To Know Before You Open One
Written by
Karen Doyle
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
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Navy Federal Credit Union offers a variety of certificates of deposit (CDs) for savers who want to earn a favorable interest rate with no risk. These certificates pay a fixed interest rate for a set term. When the term ends, you can withdraw your money, roll it over into a different type of account or renew it at the current rate.
Current Navy Federal CD Rates: September 2025
Navy Federal offers some special certificates with better rates, so check carefully to be sure you’re getting the best rate for the term you want.
Here are the current Navy Federal’s CD rates:
| Term | Minimum Deposit | Annual Percentage Yield (APY) |
|---|---|---|
| Special Certificates | Â | Â |
| 10 months | $50 | |
| Special Easy Start | Â | Â |
| 12 months | $50 | |
| Easy Start | Â | Â |
| 12 months | $50 | |
| 18 months | $50 | |
| 24 months | $50 | |
| Short-Term Certificate Rates | Â | Â |
| 3 months | $1,000 | |
| Â | $20,000 | |
| Â | $100,000 | |
| 12 months | $1,000 | |
| Â | $20,000 | |
| Â | $100,000 | |
| 18 months | $1,000 | |
| Â | $20,000 | |
| Â | $100,000 | |
| 24 months | $1,000 | |
| Â | $20,000 | |
| Â | $100,000 | |
| Long-Term Certificate Rates | ||
| 3 years | $1,000 | |
| Â | $20,000 | |
| Â | $100,000 | |
| 5 years | $1,000 | |
| Â | $20,000 | |
| Â | $100,000 | |
| 7 years | $1,000 | |
| Â | $20,000 | |
| Â | $100,000 |
Types of CDs Offered by Navy Federal
Navy Federal Credit Union offers regular certificates, special certificates and Easy Start certificates. Special and Easy Start certificates offer a lower minimum opening deposit, and Easy Start certificates let you add funds after the initial deposit. Â
You can choose several options, such as:
- A 12-month certificate with a $1,000 minimum opening deposit that pays APY.
- A 10-month Special Certificate that has a minimum opening deposit of just $50 with APY
- An Easy Start 12-month certificate that pays APY, with a minimum opening deposit of $50 and the ability to add funds during the term.
Navy Federal CD Features and Benefits
Navy Federal CDs have several benefits.
Guaranteed Interest
Navy Federal CDs offer competitive interest rates for a fixed period, so you know exactly the amount of interest you will earn.
Variety of Terms
You can choose the length of time you want to keep your money on deposit. You can buy a Navy Federal CD with a 3-month term, a 7-year term or various terms in between.
Insurance
Your funds on deposit in a Navy Federal CD are insured by the NCUA. Like the FDIC, which insures bank deposits, credit union deposits are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.
Automatic Renewal
When your term ends, Navy Federal will renew your certificate for the same term at the then-current interest rate. Or, if you prefer, you can withdraw the funds or roll them into a different type of account. You’ll have to notify Navy Federal before or within 21 days after the maturity date.
Pros and Cons of Navy Federal CDs
Here’s an overview of some of the pros and cons of Navy Federal CDs.
Pros:
- High, fixed interest rate
- Guaranteed
- Choose the term you want
- Option to add funds
Cons:
- Must qualify for membership
How Much Can You Earn With a Navy Federal CD?
Earning interest on a CD is based on a variety of factors, such as:
- The amount of your deposit
- The term length on the certificate
- The certificate’s APY
Here’s a look at the estimated earnings on some Navy Federal CDs:
| Deposit Amount | Term Length | APY | Estimated Interest Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | 12 months – Special EasyStart Certificate | $43 | |
| $5,000 | 12 months – Special EasyStart Certificate | $215 | |
| $10,000 | 12 months – Special EasyStart Certificate | $430 | |
| $25,000 | 12 months – Special EasyStart Certificate | $1,075 | |
| $1,000 | 10 months – Special Certificate | $32.40 | |
| $5,000 | 10 months – Special Certificate | $161.98 | |
| $10,000 | 10 months – Special Certificate | $323.96 | |
| $25,000 | 10 months – Special Certificate | $809.90 |
You can also use the GOBankingRates Savings Calculator to get an estimate of how much you could earn over time.
How To Open a Navy Federal CD Account
Before you can open a Navy Federal CD account, you must be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union. To join, you must be active-duty military, a veteran, an immediate family member of someone who’s active duty or a veteran or an employee of the Department of Defense.
As a member, you can open a certificate account online with a government-issued photo ID such as a military ID, driver’s license, or passport, along with your Social Security number, birth date, address, phone number and opening deposit.
Navy Federal CD Rates Compare vs. Other Banks and Credit Unions
Before you purchase a CD or certificate, it makes sense to shop around for the best rate. Credit unions often have better rates than banks, since they are owned by their members and don’t have to answer to shareholders. But that’s not always the case, so be sure to shop for the best rate for the term you want.
Here’s a comparison of rates for a 12-month CD or certificate with a $5,000 deposit.
| Bank or Credit Union | APY |
|---|---|
| Navy Federal Credit Union | |
| Citi® | |
| Capital One | * |
Is a Navy Federal CD Right for You?
Ideal for:
- Savers looking for certificate accounts with several terms and options, like the ability to add funds.
- Those looking for high APY rates on certificate accounts.
- If you are or can become a member.
Not great for:
- Anyone who is seeking a short-term savings option.
- Those who are looking for larger returns and more growth on investments.
- Those who are ineligible for a membership.
Alternatives to Navy Federal CDs
Navy Federal CDs are a good choice for a solid interest rate for a fixed term, but they may not be the best option in every situation. Here are some other options.
A Navy Federal Money Market account pays APY if your balance is $2,500 to $9,999, or up to if your balance is $1,000,000 or more. You can move funds in and out of the account at any time.
CDs or certificates at other banks or credit unions may offer a higher interest rate or have a term that more closely matches your savings goals.
How To Choose the Right Navy Federal CD for You
Choosing the right Navy Federal CD for you is fairly easy. First, determine your goal.
- Saving for a specific purchase? If you know you’ll need the money in two years for something like a car, a 24-month CD could be a good fit.
- Looking for the highest return with no risk? You may want to compare terms to find the best rate for your comfort level.
Once you know your goal, choose a term that matches it. If you’re unsure when you’ll need the funds, go with the longest term you feel comfortable committing to — just keep in mind that withdrawing early often comes with a penalty.
Finally, compare interest rates. Longer terms don’t always guarantee higher rates, so reviewing your options can help you lock in the best yield for your timeline.
Navy Federal CD Rates FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding CD rates and Navy Federal Credit Union.- Can I access my funds before the CD matures?
- You can access your Navy Federal CD funds before it matures, but you'll pay a penalty to do so. The penalty will reduce or eliminate the earnings on the CD.
- Are there special promotions for new CD accounts?
- Navy Federal Credit Union doesn't offer promotional rates, but interest rates change frequently, so keep watch for the best rate.
- Are Navy Federal CDs available for non-members?
- No. You must be a member to open a Navy Federal Credit Union certificate.
- Can I convert my CD to a higher rate before maturity?
- No. You're locked into the rate when you open the account. If you withdraw your funds to open an account at a higher rate, you'll pay an early withdrawal penalty.
- What is the minimum deposit for a Navy Federal CD?
- The minimum deposit for a Navy Federal CD ranges, from as low as $50 for the EasyStart and Special Certificates and $1,000 for the Standard Certificates.
- Do I need a Navy Federal account to open a CD?
- You need to be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union and membership entails that you have at least a savings account as a member. Once you've established this, you can open a CD.
- Can I open a CD online?
- Yes, you can open a CD online once you're a member of Navy Federal.
- What happens if I withdraw before the term ends?
- You will need to pay an early withdrawal penalty if you withdraw from the account before your CD matures.
- Are Navy Federal CD rates competitive in 2025?
- Compared to traditional banks, Navy Federal CD rates offer much better APY rates, but can be higher than many comparable online bank and credit union options.
Cynthia Measom and Sarah Sharkey contributed to the reporting for this article.
*Capital One interest rates accurate as of Sept. 18, 2025. See website for all current rates.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Sept. 18, 2025.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
