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Certificates

The savings that boosts your return with a highly competitive rate.

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Certificate Dividend Rate  APY 
6 Month Term 0.197% 0.200%
1 Year Term 0.295% 0.300%
18 Month Term 0.393% 0.400%
2 Year Term 0.492% 0.500%
3 Year Term 0.590% 0.600%
4 Year Term 0.688% 0.700%
5 Year Term 0.786% 0.800%

Certificate Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective as of December 1, 2020, and may change without notice. Fees may reduce earnings. Penalty for early withdrawal.

Minimum certificate deposit of $1,000. Maximum is $250,000 deposit per certificate; $1 million per household. Minimum required to open a child’s certificate is $500; child must be under 18 years of age. Minimum of $500 balance required to earn dividends. We may impose a penalty if you withdraw any of the principal before maturity.

NOTE: Rate Climber Certificate is no longer offered as of August 1, 2018. View current Rate Climber Certificate rates on our full Rates page.

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Certificates

For funds you don’t need to access quickly.

KEY FEATURES

  • Similar to a CD at a bank
  • Higher rate than most regular savings accounts
  • Available in amounts of $1,000 or more (as little as $500 if under age 18)
  • Tiered interest rates that increase with the length of the Certificate term
  • Terms from 6 months to 5 years

Buy a Certificate

MIGHT BE A GOOD CHOICE IF

  • You want a more predictable savings balance
  • You want to diversify beyond traditional savings accounts and other investments
  • Trade-off: Must wait to access funds until the Certificate term is up

Compare to Other Savings Options

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

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

Certificates

  • Interest rate doesn't change during the term of the account
  • Accurately estimate your earnings over time with a fixed interest rate
  • Possibly get higher rates than savings accounts when you select longer terms
  • Choose a term from 6 months to 5 years
  • 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

  • Interest rate can adjust while you hold the account
  • Typically lower interest rates than Certificates, but your funds are liquid and easily accessible
  • The Elements Helium Savings Account has rates as high as 0.55% APY for balances greater than $2,500
  • Access to your deposits through ATMs and compatible with electronic transfers

Compare to Other Savings Options Buy a Certificate

How does a Certificate compare to other savings options?

Compare a Certificate to our other options below.

  Certificates Helium Savings Hideaway Savings Member Savings
  Buy a Certificate Open an Account Open an Account Open an Account
Key Benefits

Higher rate than most regular savings accounts

No fees

No monthly maintenance fee

No minimum balance

No monthly maintenance fee
A Good Option If You

Want a more predictable savings balance

Want to diversify your investments

Plan to maintain a $2,500 daily balance to earn dividends

Like the idea of out of sight, out of mind

Want to stash some cash away for a special goal

Want to establish your Elements membership

Plan to maintain less than $2,500 daily balance
APY 0.200% - Up to 0.55%1 0.10% - 0.20%2 0.10% - 0.20%3
Rate Structure Tiered interest rates that increase with the length of the Certificate term Simple, single-tiered rates Tiered interest rates that increase as your account balance grows Tiered interest rates that increase as your account balance grows
Minimum Balance to Earn Dividends — $2,500 $100 $100
No Monthly Maintenance Fee
Minimum Balance to Open — — — $5
Available Terms 6 months to 10 years — — —
Available Amounts $1,000 or more ($500 or more if under age 18) — — —
No Monthly Inactive Fee — — —
Unlimited Transactions Per Month Allowed — —
  Buy a Certificate Open an Account Open an Account Open an Account

How is the interest 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. The compounding and crediting frequency of dividends are stated in the Certificate Truth-in-Savings Disclosure. 

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. Get full details here. 

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 3% of credit unions nationally4. 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 Certificate?

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

  1. Buy a Certificate online - Open a Certificate 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 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 interest.

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  1. 1 Helium Savings Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective as of December 1, 2020, and may change after account opening without notice. Average daily balance of $2,500 required to earn dividends. Fees may reduce earnings.
  2. 2 Hideaway Savings Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective as of December 1, 2020, and may change after account opening without notice. Average daily balance of $100 required to earn dividends. Fees may reduce earnings. No monthly maintenance fee. No minimum balance requirements apply. 
  3. 3 Member Savings Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective as of December 1, 2020, and may change after account opening without notice. Average daily balance of $100 required to earn dividends. Fees may reduce earnings. No monthly maintenance fee. $5 required minimum balance to open the account.
  4. 4 Based on asset size as of 1/31/2020