Choice Certificate
Lock in the freedom to bump up your rate.
A great certificate for experienced savers interested in getting the best rates and more for their money.
Choice Certificate 101
A certificate is an earnings-driven savings account, similar to a CD in the traditional banking world. Our Choice Certificate offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to withdraw funds once, bump up your rates when the time is right, deposit additional funds, and save over either a 36-month or 60-month time frame.
The smart saver’s dream.
Once your everyday Share Savings account is established, tucking away extra funds to grow securely can send your goals next-level. Ready? Us too.
The Choice Certificate is all about you. First, you’ll need a minimum of $1,000 to fund your account, which you’ll set to grow for either a 36-month term or 60-month term, earning dividends all along the way. Here’s the best part: If rates go up, you can bump up your Choice Certificate rates right along with them. True story.
What’s to Love
Get a hall pass
We understand that things don’t always go as planned. Enjoy one penalty-free withdrawal from your Choice Certificate, no questions asked.
Raise the Rate
Bump up your rates, chase down those savings goals. Once you’re 12 months into your term, bump once with the 36-month account or twice with the 60-month.
Double-up on deposits
If you choose to raise your rate, you can also boost your initial investment with an extra deposit, penalty-free. Most traditional certificates don’t allow more than one deposit, but what can we say? We’re not like the rest.
Access, Choice, and Smart Start Certificate Rates
| Type | Dividend Rate | APY* | Balances | Dividends Compounded | Dividends Credited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type:
Access Certificate | 12 Months
|
Dividend Rate:
4.571%
| APY*:
4.65%
| Balances:
$25.00 Minimum Balance to Earn Stated APY
|
Dividends Compounded:
Quarterly
|
Dividends Credited:
Quarterly
|
Type:
Smart Start Variable Rate Certificate | 24 Months
|
Dividend Rate:
3.989%
| APY*:
4.05%
| Balances:
$100.00 Minimum Balance to Earn Stated APY
|
Dividends Compounded:
Quarterly
|
Dividends Credited:
Quarterly
|
Type:
Choice Certificate | 36 Month | New Money Only
|
Dividend Rate:
3.989%
| APY*:
4.05%
| Balances:
$1,000.00 Minimum Balance to Earn Stated APY
|
Dividends Compounded:
Quarterly
|
Dividends Credited:
Quarterly
|
Type:
Choice Certificate | 60 Month | New Money Only
|
Dividend Rate:
3.989%
| APY*:
4.05%
| Balances:
$1,000.00 Minimum Balance to Earn Stated APY
|
Dividends Compounded:
Quarterly
|
Dividends Credited:
Quarterly
|
*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APY is accurate as of April 3, 2023.
Access Certificate - Additional deposits allowed during the term, $5 minimum. One penalty-free withdrawal is allowed during the term.
Smart Start Variable Certificate - Additional deposits allowed during the term, $5 minimum. The dividend rate & APY are subject to change during the term.
Choice Certificate 36 Month - One bump rate allowed after the first 12 months and additional new money deposit allowed at the time of bumping minimum deposit of $1000.00.
Choice Certificate 60 Month - Two bump rates allowed after the first 12 months and additional new money deposit allowed at the time of bumping minimum deposit of $1000.00.
Early Withdrawal Penalty Fees could reduce earnings. Penalties will/may be imposed for early withdrawal on time accounts. Rate is accurate as of April 3, 2023.
Choice Certificate Benefits
On the couch or on the go, keep your money close with our Mobile App and Online Banking.
Credit Unions around the world work together to make sure our members can use branches and ATMs everywhere — surcharge-free. Nice, right? Download our CO-OP app and plot your next getaway.
Money still doesn’t grow on trees, but Fortera savings accounts do collect dividends quarterly. (Dividends are extra earnings for all your hard-won savings.)
Our skilled experts are easy to reach and happy to help. For members and non-members alike, meetings and consultations are always free, so make the most of your money, on us.
With us, your money is always protected and insured by the National Credit Union Administration. You’re covered on all deposits up to $250,000, so save away.
....Trees, space, and worry. Always enjoy access to 18 months worth of e-statements. Keep more trees, toss your file cabinet, and know your info is always safe and sound.
Or even a lot. Either way, we’re here. Call, text, or chat with our experts anytime you need a friend who knows all things Fortera.
Start savin'!
Fund your own Choice Certificate and step a little closer to your savings goals every day.
Helpful Resources
Need a hand?
Can I add additional deposits to the Choice Certificate?
Members with the Choice Certificate may add one additional deposit with the 36-month term or two additional deposits with the 60-month term. These additional deposits may be added at the time of a rate bump.
Who is eligible to open a Choice Certificate?
To be able to open a Choice Certificate, you must meet the following eligibility requirements: (1) You must be 18 years of age or older (2) You must live, work, worship, or attend school in one of our service regions; join an affiliated partner, or have an immediate family member who is a Fortera member. Our service regions include Montgomery, Stewart, Chester, Decatur, Lewis, McNairy, and Perry counties in Tennessee or Christian, Trigg, Todd, McLean, and Webster counties in Kentucky. Residents of other counties in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Arkansas may also be eligible. (3) You must have a Share Savings Account to establish Fortera Credit Union Membership.
Can I open a Choice Certificate with money already invested in the Credit Union?
To open a Choice Certificate, members must deposit money that was not previously invested in the credit union.
How much does it cost to open a Choice Certificate?
It cost $1,000 to open a Choice Certificate. $1,000 is the required account minimum balance.
What are dividends and how do they work for the Choice Certificate?
Dividends are extra money that your account earns just by being open and meeting our minimum account dividend earning value. The Choice Certificate earns dividends quarterly as long as your account has at least $1,000 deposited in it. It is just another way we like to say thank you to our members for trusting us with your hard-earned "dough". To learn more about what the current dividend rate is and our other savings accounts that earn dividends, please see our Rate and Fee Disclosure.
Can I open a Choice Certificate online or do I need to open it at a branch location?
You can open this account online or in-person. The choice is yours.
What documents do I need to open a Choice Certificate?
To verify your identity, we always ask that you come prepared with a government issued ID. It is important that it is not expired. Examples of acceptable IDs include a State Driver's License or a U.S or Foreign Passport. If we have trouble validating your ID, we may ask for a secondary ID. For children, we have a variety of other documents we can use to verify identities. These include social security cards, birth certificates, medicaid cards, and insurance cards. If you have a question about whether or not an ID can be used, just text us at 931.431.6800.
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