A certificate lets you earn a fixed, higher rate than a traditional savings account when you leave your money untouched for the full term of the certificate. The money is insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for up to $250,000.
Certificates are insured up to $250,000 by NCUA (or $500,000 in a joint account for two people)
Choose from 3 to 60 months
Access your certificates and accounts on the go
Receive alerts for certificate renewal
Limited time: We have 2 exciting Certificate offers that deliver savings and a guaranteed return!
3.50% APY 7-Month Certificate3
A perfect fit for those seeking a shorter investment horizon with a competitive return.
3.25% APY 11-Month Certificate3
Strike the balance between return and flexibility with this mid-range option.
Patelco is a member owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative. When you join Patelco, you become a member and a shareholder. That’s why we’ll deposit one share ($1) in your Share Savings account when you join.
Our mission is to help members achieve lifelong financial well-being so you can live happier, fuller lives.
Unlike the big banks or other for-profit financial institutions, we invest our profits back in our members with better rates and low- to no fees.
We also offer free financial advice to anyone who wants to improve their financial situation. Members have told us that they feel seen, heard, informed, and supported to make more confident financial choices.
Membership is free. You become a member when you open an account with us.
A certificate offers a higher fixed rate with a guaranteed return if you don’t need to keep your money liquid. It is a safe investment because it’s insured by NCUA for $250,000 (or $500,000 in a joint account for two people). There is no risk of losing money on a certificate, except if you withdraw early.
Certificate accounts give you a fixed dividend rate and APY over the specified term. On certificates with terms less than 12 months, dividends are compounded and credited at maturity. For certificates with terms longer than 12 months, dividends are compounded and credited monthly on the last of the month.
Unless otherwise specified, all certificate accounts are subject to early withdrawal penalties, if funds are withdrawn within six calendar days of account opening or renewal, the penalty will be seven days’ dividends on the entire account balance.4
Yes. All regular certificates can be opened as IRA certificates, unless otherwise noted. Minimum balance for all IRA certificates is $250.
A common strategy for savers using share certificates is to divide the sum of money saved into equal amounts and open certificates with different maturing dates. This way you can take advantage of the higher rates on the longer terms while keeping some funds accessible for the near future.
All regular certificates can be opened as IRA certificates, unless otherwise noted. Minimum balance for all IRA certificates is $250.
Share certificates are a type of savings account offered only by credit unions. This guide explains what share certificates are, how they work, and their benefits.
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1 APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Terms and conditions may vary by account.
2 All regular certificates can be opened as IRA certificates, unless otherwise noted. Minimum balance for all Certificates and IRA Certificates is $250.00.
3 APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Rates are effective as of 01/06/2026. Rates may vary at the time of maturity or renewal. Certificate promotion rates vary depending on qualifications. 7-Month Certificate Promotion has a premium rate of 3.50% APY and a standard rate of 3.00% APY (Dividends paid monthly); 11-Month Certificate promotion has a premium rate of 3.25% APY and standard rate of 2.75% APY (Dividends paid monthly). In order to obtain the high premium rate for either Certificate promotional term, you must meet at least one of the following criteria: Tenure of 10+ years as of 12/31/2026, OR a checking account (under the same membership) prior to Certificate opening with a total recurring monthly deposit of $500 or more. The $500 minimum monthly deposit requirement must be met by the end of the 2nd full calendar month after Certificate opening. If the checking account criteria is not met at any time, the rate will be reduced to the lower standard rate and will not be reinstated thereafter. Qualifying deposit transactions include: Payroll direct deposits, Social Security (or other government benefit) direct deposits, ACH transfers, Zelle®, Venmo, PayPal or other similar deposits, cash deposits, check deposits (except checks written from another Patelco account), wire transfers, multiple deposits (of the types listed here) that add up to at least $500 in a calendar month. Qualifying deposit transactions do not include Patelco account-to-Patelco account transfers, chargebacks or promotional incentive payments from Patelco. All certificates are subject to an early withdrawal penalty. For IRA Certificates, the early withdrawal penalty is waived if the IRA owner is age 59½ years or older. Fees could reduce earnings. Please see the Certificate Accounts section in the Patelco Member Handbook.
4 There is a penalty for early withdrawal for all Certificates. Please see the Certificate Accounts section in the Patelco Member Handbook.
