Navy Federal CD Rates and Terms for 2026
Written by
Karen Doyle
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau, CFHC™
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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: February 2026
Here’s a breakdown of current Navy Federal CD rates.
Special Certificates
These promotional CDs offer higher rates with low minimum deposits.
| Term | Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| 13 months | $50 |
Special EasyStart
This starter certificate offers a low minimum deposit and a competitive promotional rate.
| Term | APY | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months | $50 |
EasyStart
These CDs let you start with a low minimum deposit and add funds anytime while earning a competitive rate.
| Term | APY | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months | $50 | |
| 18 months | $50 | |
| 24 months | $50 |
Short-Term Certificate Rates
Short-term CDs have flexible, shorter maturity options.
| Term | APY | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | $1,000 | |
| $20,000 | ||
| $100,000 | ||
| 12 months | $1,000 | |
| $20,000 | ||
| $100,000 | ||
| 18 months | $1,000 | |
| $20,000 | ||
| $100,000 | ||
| 24 months | $1,000 | |
| $20,000 | ||
| $100,000 |
Long-Term Certificate Rates
Long-term CDs offer stable, locked-in returns for savers who can commit funds for several years.
| Term | APY | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years | $1,000 | |
| $20,000 | ||
| $100,000 | ||
| 5 years | $1,000 | |
| $20,000 | ||
| $100,000 | ||
| 7 years | $1,000 | |
| $20,000 | ||
| $100,000 |
Navy Federal CD Features and Benefits
Navy Federal CDs have several benefits.
- Guaranteed interest: Navy Federal CDs offer competitive fixed rates, so you’ll know exactly how much interest you will earn.
- Variety of terms: Choose from terms as short as 3 months to as long as 7 years, with multiple options in between.
- Insurance: Funds are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), similar to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance, and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
- Automatic renewal: At maturity, your CD renews for the same term at the current rate unless you withdraw or move the funds within 21 days.
Pros and Cons of Navy Federal CDs
Here’s an overview of some of the pros and cons of Navy Federal CDs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High, fixed interest rate | Must qualify for membership |
| Choose the term you want | |
| Option to add funds for some accounts |
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:
| Term Length | Deposit Amount | APY | Estimated Interest Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months – Special EasyStart Certificate | $1,000 | $40 | |
| $5,000 | $200 | ||
| $25,000 | $1,000 | ||
| 10 months – Special Certificate | $1,000 | $33.22 | |
| $5,000 | $166.12 | ||
| $25,000 | $830.60 |
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 open a CD account, you must be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union. To join, you must be one of the following:
- An active-duty military member
- A veteran
- An immediate family member of someone who’s active duty
- A veteran or an employee of the Department of Defense
As a member, you can open a certificate online. Be ready to provide the following:
- A government-issued photo ID
- Your Social Security number
- Your birth date
- Current address
- Phone number
- 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.
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 FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding CD rates and Navy Federal Credit Union.- What is the minimum deposit for Navy Federal CDs?
- For standard certificates, the minimum deposit is $1,000. For EasyStart and Special EasyStart certificates, the minimum is just $50, which makes them more accessible if you’re starting with a smaller amount.
- Are Navy Federal CDs safe?
- Yes. Navy Federal certificates are insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, which is the credit union equivalent of FDIC insurance at banks.
- Who is eligible to open a Navy Federal CD?
- To open a Navy Federal certificate, you must be a member. Membership is open to servicemembers, veterans, Department of Defense employees and contractors, Coast Guard personnel and their families and household members.
- Are Navy Federal CD rates competitive for 2026?
- Navy Federal’s top promo rates are competitive and above national averages.
Cynthia Measom and Sarah Sharkey contributed to the reporting for this article.
*Capital One interest rates accurate as of Jan. 21, 2026. 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 Jan. 21, 2026.
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.
