Navy Federal CD Rates and Terms for 2026
Written by
Karen Doyle
Edited by
Joe Evans
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If you’re part of the military community and want safe, predictable growth on your savings, Navy Federal Credit Union’s certificates (their version of CDs) are hard to ignore.
Navy Federal is the largest credit union in the U.S., serving around 15 million members and holding more than $190 billion in assets. It offers a wide lineup of standard share certificates, EasyStart add-on certificates and special promotional terms that often pay well above average.
Current Navy Federal CD Rates: Early 2026 Snapshot
Navy Federal offers several certificate “families”:
- Standard Certificates – higher minimum, broader term range
- EasyStart Certificates – low $50 minimum, add-on option
- Special Certificates – limited-time promos with standout APYs
Navy Federal Standard Certificate Rates
These are Navy Federal’s core share certificates with a $1,000 minimum deposit and terms from 3 months to 7 years.
Short-Term Standard Certificates
| Term | Minimum Deposit | APY ($1k, $20k, $100k+) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | $1,000 | 1.35% |
| 12 months | $1,000 | 3.75% |
| 18 months | $1,000 | 3.66% |
| 24 months | $1,000 | 3.5% |
Long-Term Standard Certificates
| Term | Minimum Deposit | APY ($1k, $20k, $100k+) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years | $1,000 | 3.6% |
| 5 years | $1,000 | 3.5% |
| 7 years | $1,000 | 3.5% |
Rates above are accurate as of Dec. 15, 2025, and apply across all balance tiers listed.
Navy Federal EasyStart Certificate Rates
EasyStart Certificates are designed for smaller starting balances and add-on saving. They’re available as share, IRA and ESA certificates.
| Term | Minimum Deposit | APY |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months | $50 | 3.7% |
| 18 months | $50 | 3.6% |
| 24 months | $50 | 3.45% |
Rates are accurate as of Dec. 15, 2025. EasyStart lets you start with just $50 and add money over time, which is appealing if you’re still building your savings habit.
Navy Federal 10-Month Special Certificate
For members who want a short term and a standout rate, Navy Federal currently offers a 10-Month Special Certificate:
| Product | Term | Minimum Deposit | APY |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Month Special Certificate (Share/IRA/ESA) | 10 months | $50 | 4.35% |
This special certificate is accurate as of Dec. 15, 2025, and allows additional deposits up to a set maximum balance.
Special EasyStart Certificate (Promo)
Navy Federal has also been promoting a 12-month Special EasyStart Certificate that combines a low minimum with a higher yield:
| Product | Term | Minimum Deposit | APY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special EasyStart Certificate | 12 months | $50 | 4.15% |
Recent disclosures confirm 4.15% APY with a $50 minimum and a relatively low maximum balance, often tied to new-member or limited-time offers.
How Navy Federal CD Rates Compare to the Market
For context:
- National average 12-month CD rate: about 1.64% APY as of November 2025
- Top nationwide 1-year CDs: around 4.3% APY as of mid-December 2025
That means Navy Federal’s 10-month Special at 4.35% APY and Special EasyStart at 4.15% APY are right in line with some of the strongest credit union and bank CD offers available as you head into 2026.
Navy Federal CD Features and Terms
Navy Federal calls its CDs “certificates,” but they work the same way: you lock in a rate for a set term and earn a fixed APY as long as you leave the money in place.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Certificate types | Standard Certificates, EasyStart Certificates, Special Certificates, IRA and ESA versions |
| Term range | 3 months to 7 years for standard certificates |
| Minimum deposit – standard | Typically $1,000 for Standard Certificates |
| Minimum deposit – EasyStart | $50 for EasyStart and Special EasyStart Certificates |
| Add-on ability | EasyStart and certain specials allow additional deposits up to a maximum balance |
| Insurance | Deposits are NCUA insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category (equivalent to FDIC coverage at banks) |
| Compounding | Dividends compounded daily, credited monthly on most certificates |
| Early withdrawal penalty | Penalties apply if you cash out before maturity, which can reduce earnings |
| Renewal | Certificates typically auto-renew; you get a short grace period to change terms or move the funds |
Pros and Cons of Navy Federal CDs
Every savings product has trade-offs. Here’s how Navy Federal CDs stack up.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong promotional yields, including a 10-month Special Certificate at 4.35% APY and a 12-month Special EasyStart at 4.15% APY, which match or beat many national offers | Standard Certificates require $1,000 minimum, which is higher than some online banks that let you start with $500 or less |
| EasyStart and Special EasyStart Certificates start at just $50, making CDs accessible for newer savers | Promotional offers like the 10-month Special or Special EasyStart can change or expire, so timing matters |
| Wide range of terms from 3 months to 7 years, ideal for CD laddering | Some of the base Standard Certificate APYs, especially shorter terms, lag the very highest online CD rates |
| Certificates are NCUA insured up to $250,000 per depositor per ownership category, offering strong safety | Early withdrawal penalties apply and can significantly reduce your return if you need funds early |
| Navy Federal is the largest U.S. credit union, serving more than 14 million members worldwide, and focuses on the military community | Membership is limited to the armed forces, DoD personnel, veterans and their families, so not everyone can join |
How Much Can You Earn With a Navy Federal CD?
Here’s a simple example using a $10,000 deposit to show how Navy Federal’s top certificates compare with the national average.
Estimated Earnings on $10,000
| Certificate Type & APY | Term | Approx. Interest Earned* |
|---|---|---|
| 10-Month Special Certificate – 4.35% | 10 months | about $362 |
| 12-month Special EasyStart – 4.15% | 12 months | about $415 |
| 12-month Standard Certificate – 3.75% | 12 months | about $375 |
| Top nationwide 1-year CD – 4.3% | 12 months | about $430 |
| National average 12-month CD – 1.64% | 12 months | about $164 |
*Back-of-the-envelope estimates using simple interest on the APY. Actual returns will vary slightly based on compounding and exact timing.
This illustrates the gap: locking in a Navy Federal promo CD can earn more than double what an average 12-month CD pays at traditional banks today.
Who Can Open a Navy Federal CD?
Unlike many online banks, Navy Federal is membership-based. To open a certificate, you must first qualify for membership.
You’re generally eligible if you are:
- Active-duty, retired or veteran military
- A Department of Defense employee
- A member of the Coast Guard
- An immediate family or household member of someone who qualifies
Navy Federal confirms that its field of membership is open to the armed forces, the DoD, veterans and their families.
How To Open a Navy Federal CD
Once you’re a member, opening a certificate is straightforward:
- Confirm current rates
Visit Navy Federal’s certificate rate page and verify the latest APYs and terms, especially for the 10-month Special and Special EasyStart offers. - Choose your certificate type
- Want the highest yield with a small minimum? Look at the Special EasyStart or the 10-month Special Certificate
- Want a larger long-term stash? Compare 3-, 5- or 7-year Standard Certificates
- Select term and amount
Decide how much you can commit and for how long. Remember the minimums:- $1,000 for Standard Certificates
- $50 for EasyStart and Special EasyStart
- Apply online or through the app
Members can open certificates digitally by choosing the certificate type, term and funding account. - Fund your certificate
Transfer money from your Navy Federal savings/checking or from an external bank account. - Set a maturity reminder
Certificates auto-renew, so set alerts before maturity to decide whether to roll over, move the funds to another certificate or transfer them back to savings.
Is a Navy Federal CD Right for You?
A Navy Federal CD could be a good fit if you:
- Are eligible for membership through the military, DoD or family ties
- Want competitive short-term rates, especially with the 10-month Special and Special EasyStart certificates
- Prefer to save at a member-focused credit union instead of a traditional bank
- Like the idea of building a CD ladder using terms from 3 months up to 7 years
You may want to look at other options if you:
- Don’t qualify for membership
- Need the absolute top rate in the country on every term and are willing to chase short-term promos at multiple institutions
- Prefer keeping your money fully liquid in a high-yield savings or money market account
Final Take to GO: How To Use Navy Federal CDs in 2026
Going into 2026, Navy Federal’s certificates give eligible members a solid mix of strong promo rates, flexible add-on options and long-term stability.
To make the most of them:
- Target the standouts – The 10-month Special Certificate at 4.35% APY and 12-month Special EasyStart at 4.15% APY are likely to be your best short-term bets if you qualify.
- Build a ladder – Combine 6-, 12-, 24- and 36-month terms so part of your money matures every year, letting you adjust as rates move.
- Match terms to your goals – Use shorter terms for near-term cash needs and longer Standard Certificates for money you truly won’t touch for several years.
If you’re part of the Navy Federal field of membership and comfortable locking in funds for a set period, these CDs and share certificates can be a reliable foundation for your 2026 savings plan.
FAQs: Navy Federal CD Rates and Terms for 2026
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding CD rates and Navy Federal Credit Union.- What are Navy Federal’s best CD rates going into 2026?
- As of mid-December 2025, Navy Federal’s headline offers include a 10-month Special Certificate at 4.35% APY, a 12-month Special EasyStart Certificate at 4.15% APY and a 12-month Standard Certificate at 3.75% APY for deposits of $1,000 or more.
- What is the minimum deposit for Navy Federal CDs?
- For Standard Certificates, the typical 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 National Credit Union Administration (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.
- How do Navy Federal CD rates compare with other top CDs?
- Navy Federal’s top promo rates -- 4.35% APY on the 10-month Special and 4.15% APY on Special EasyStart -- are competitive with the best 1-year CDs nationally, which hover around 4.3% APY. While some online banks may edge out Navy Federal on specific terms, its rates are well above the roughly 1.64% national average for 12-month CDs.
Cynthia Measom and Sarah Sharkey contributed to the reporting for this article.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Jan. 1, 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.
