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Birthday & Graduation Certificates (Fixed Rate)

Perfect for special milestones

Buy a Birthday CertificateBuy a Graduation Certificate

Or call 1-800-621-2105

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Birthday & Graduation Share Certificate (Fixed Rate) Dividend Rate  APY 
Birthday - 1 Year Term 2.92% 3.00%
Graduation - 1 Year Term 2.92% 3.00%

Birthday & Graduation Certificate (Fixed Rate) Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective as of August 4, 2025, and may change without notice. Minimum deposit of $100.00 to open certificate. Maximum balance is limited to $20,000.00. At the time of account opening, the primary account owner must be the age of 24 or younger, and at least one account owner must be 18 years of age or older. Minimum of $100 balance required to earn dividends. Health Savings account and Individual Retirement account funds are not eligible. Penalty for early withdrawal. Elements reserves the right to amend or discontinue offers at any time and to limit the balance of a certificate at any time.

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Birthday & Graduation Certificates (Fixed Rate)

A gift that keeps paying dividends.

KEY FEATURES

  • Similar to a CD at a bank
  • Higher rate than most regular savings accounts
  • Available in amounts as little as $100.00 with a maximum of $20,000.00.
  • One-year term available

Buy a Birthday Certificate

MIGHT BE A GOOD CHOICE IF

  • Perfect for milestones: To be opened to celebrate a birthday or graduation. 
  • You want a more predictable savings balance
  • Trade-off: Must wait to access funds until the Certificate term is up

Buy a Graduation Certificate

What is the difference between a Share Certificate and a savings account?

There are two main differences: a Share Certificate can earn higher dividends, but you must wait a specified amount of time to get the money back out. See additional differences below:

Share Certificates (Fixed Rate)

  • Rate doesn't change during the term of the account
  • Accurately estimate your earnings over time with a fixed rate
  • Possibly get higher rates than savings accounts when you select longer terms
  • No fees when you hold your account to maturity, but there can be penalties for early withdrawal
  • No access to your deposit through checks, ATM transactions, or electronic transfers

Savings Accounts

  • Rate can adjust while you hold the account
  • Typically lower rates than Certificates, but your funds are liquid and easily accessible
  • The Elements High Yield Savings Account has rates as high as 1.25% APY for balances greater than $2,5001
  • Access to your deposits through ATMs and compatible with electronic transfers

Compare to Other Savings OptionsBuy a Certificate

How are dividends calculated on a Certificate?

For each account, the dividend period is the account’s term. The dividend period begins on the first day of the term and ends on the maturity date.

What is the penalty for early withdrawal on a Certificate?

The amount of the early withdrawal penalty is based on the term of your account. The penalty is calculated as a forfeiture of part of the dividends that have been or would be earned on the account.

Why should I choose Elements for a Certificate?

Like a Bank, Only Better!

Better Rates. Fewer Fees.

Because we’re a credit union, we return profits to members in the form of reduced fees, higher savings rates and lower loan rates.

Trusted Advice. Fresh Approach.

We pride ourselves in being a trusted source for financial education. Your financial wellness expert will come to your workplace to answer questions and provide you with one-on-one assistance as you navigate the changes that come with each of life's stages.

Respected Locally. Accessed Globally.

Headquartered in Indianapolis since 1930, we rank among the top 5% of credit unions nationally2. We serve members in all 50 states and 50+ countries. You’ll have access to 5,000+ shared branches nationwide and 78,000+ surcharge-free ATMs globally.

High Tech. Human Touch.

Our technology makes banking with Elements easy. From quick digital applications to online and mobile banking, we’ll be by your side wherever you go. We’re here for you with member service available 24/7 and live chat during the workday.

Get Started

How do I get my Birthday & Graduation Certificate?

Getting started is as easy as 1-2-3!

  1. Buy a Birthday & Graduation Certificate online - Open a Share Certificate (Fixed Rate) account online in as little as 10 minutes. Or call 1-800-621-2105 to get started. Have your government-issued ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport) and your Social Security number ready.
  2. Check your email - You will receive an email within one business day to notify you that your Certificate account is approved. That’s it! You now own an Elements Certificate.
  3. Enroll in Online Banking - Easily check your balances, make loan payments, pay bills and transfer money between accounts from your smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop. Learn more about Online Banking.

Buy a Birthday CertificateBuy a Graduation Certificate

I found the certificate rates at Elements and knew I needed to take advantage of them. Best in town!!

- Tanner E. | Member since 2015

How Much Will My Certificate Earn?

Certificate Calculator

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Results do not include potential taxes on dividends.

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  1. 1 High Yield Savings Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of August 1, 2025. High Yield Savings is a tiered savings account paying a variable dividend rate, that may change at any time, on the entire balance in your account based on the rate for the tier corresponding to each day’s daily balance. The account is available for new money only which are funds not on deposit at Elements for 90 days prior to opening the High Yield Savings account. Existing Elements members with savings accounts must deposit $25,000.00 or more of new money within 10 days of opening the High Yield Savings account. Existing Elements members with savings accounts with combined daily balances of $2,500.00 or less for the 90 days prior to account opening are excluded from the new money requirement. Additional information for each tier: An APY of 0.10% applies to accounts with balances from $0.01 to $99.99. An APY of 0.75% applies to accounts with balances from $100.00 to $2,499.99. An APY of 1.25% applies to accounts with balances from $2,500.00 to $9,999.99. An APY of 3.30% applies to accounts with balances from $10,000.00 to $24,999.99. An APY of 3.40% applies to accounts with balances from $25,000.00 to $49,999.99. An APY of 3.50% applies to accounts with balances from $50,000.00 to $99,999.99. An APY of 3.60% applies to accounts with balances from $100,000.00 to $249,999.99. An APY of 3.70% applies to accounts with balances of $250,000.00 and above. At least one account holder must be 18 years of age. Other qualifications may apply. Offer may be discontinued at any time. Fees may reduce earnings.
  2. 2 Based on asset size as of 9/3/2024.