SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Share Certificate Rates: What You Need To Know
Written by
Sarah Sharkey
Edited by
Melanie Grafil
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SchoolsFirst is the largest credit union in California and one of the largest in the United States. It has over 1 million members and over $25 billion in assets. SchoolsFirst offers a wide range of share certificate term options. Find out if their share certificates are right for you.
Current SchoolsFirst Share Certificate Rates: August 2025
The table below highlights the rates of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union for share certificates.
| Term Length | $500 Minimum Balance APY | $20,000 Minimum Balance APY | $50,000 Minimum Balance APY |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days | |||
| 3 to 5 months | |||
| 6-month Add-On Promotional Term | |||
| 6 to 11 months | |||
| 12 to 17 months | |||
| 18 to 23 months | |||
| 24 to 35 months | |||
| 36 to 47 months | |||
| 37-month Promotional Term | |||
| 48 to 59 months | |||
| 60 months |
| Term Length | $100,000 Minimum Balance APY | $250,000 Minimum Balance APY |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | ||
| 3 to 5 months | ||
| 6-month Add-On Promotional Term | ||
| 6 to 11 months | ||
| 12 to 17 months | ||
| 18 to 23 months | ||
| 24 to 35 months | ||
| 36 to 47 months | ||
| 37-month Promotional Term | ||
| 48 to 59 months | ||
| 60 months |
Pros and Cons of SchoolsFirst Share Certificates
Pros:
- Low minimum deposit requirement: SchoolsFirst share certificates require a $500 minimum deposit.
- NCUA-insured: Deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution.
- Variety of rates and minimum deposits: SchoolsFirst offers a variety of terms and minimum deposit options.
Cons:
- Membership restrictions: Membership is limited to California school employees, their immediate family members or those affiliated with the educational community, which may exclude some potential investors.
- Early withdrawal penalties: If you decide to withdraw early from your share certificate, you incur a penalty.
- Geographical limitations: Physical locations are located in California.
How Much Can You Earn with a SchoolsFirst Share Certificate?
The amount you earn from a share certificate depends on:
- How much money you deposit
- The term length, i.e., how long your money stays in the share certificate
- The annual percentage yield on the share certificate
Here’s a simple example showing estimated earnings with a SchoolsFirst share certificate:
Estimated Earnings of a SchoolsFirst Share Certificate
| Term Length | APY | Estimated Interest Earned* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 | 12-month | $20.75 | |
| $20,000 | 18-month | $1,273.14 | |
| $50,000 | 2 years | $4,340.31 | |
| $100,000 | 5 years | $24,023.07 |
How To Open a Share Certificate with SchoolsFirst
If you want to open a share certificate with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the process starts by becoming a member. To submit a membership application, you’ll need to provide a government-issued ID, a recent pay stub or school transcript, and $5 to open your required Share Savings account.
After your membership is finalized, you can open a share certificate through the following steps:
- Choose the term: Find a term length that suits your needs.
- Open the share certificate: When logged into your account, select “open a certificate.”
- Fund the account: You must fund the certificate with at least $500. If the funds aren’t coming from another SchoolsFirst account you own, then you’ll need to provide funding account information.
SchoolsFirst Share Certificate Rates vs. Other Banks
How do SchoolsFirst rates stack up against other competitors?
| Bank or Credit Union | 1-Year CD Rate | 5-Year Rate | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SchoolsFirst | to * | to * | $500 and up |
| Capital One | $0 | ||
| Popular Direct | $10,000 | ||
| Ally Bank | $0 | ||
| Discover | $0 |
Is a SchoolsFirst Share Certificate Right for You?
Ideal for:
- Existing SchoolsFirst customers
- Conservative investors who want a fixed return.
- People who won’t need quick access to their money.
Not great for:
- Those who don’t qualify for a membership.
- People who may need to withdraw funds early.
- Investors looking for high-yield options.
Tips for Getting the Best Share Certificate Rate
Want the best rate on your share certificate? Here are some tips that may help:
- Consider relationship banking perks. Some credit unions will offer better rates on share certificates if you have multiple accounts or a longstanding history.
- Compare multiple terms. Do a deep dive on rates at multiple credit unions to find the best APY that works for you.
- Look for promotional or limited-time offers. Credit unions often offer promotional rates or special offers on their share certificates. Check online or if you have a local option, ask in person for those offers.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of July 11, 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.
