Lock in your rate. Let it grow.
A CSCU certificate pays a fixed rate for the term you choose, from 6 to 60 months. Start with just $500.
Know exactly what you’ll earn.
Certificates are a secure way to grow your savings, with higher rates than a regular savings account.
Guaranteed returns
Lock in a fixed rate so your savings grow at a steady pace.
Flexible terms
Choose from terms of 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 or 60 months.
Safe and secure
Your deposits are insured up to $1,000,000: $250,000 by the NCUA and $750,000 by ESI.
Learn about insurance18 months. 3.95% APY.
Lock in a fixed rate for a year and a half. A strong middle ground between flexibility and a bigger return. Open with $500.
See what you could earn.
Pick a term and move the slider to your deposit.
Estimate only. Assumes the APY shown is earned for the full term, with no deposits or withdrawals, and that dividends compound monthly. Actual earnings may differ. The 24-month Step Rate is not included. A penalty for early withdrawal may reduce your earnings. Rates effective November 1, 2026 and subject to change before you open a certificate.
Rates and terms.
Longer terms carry a larger early withdrawal penalty, so choose a term you’re comfortable with.
| Term | APY | Minimum to open | Early withdrawal penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 2.75% | $500 | 90 days of interest |
| 12 months | 3.25% | $500 | 180 days of interest |
| 18 months ★ Featured | 3.95% | $500 | 180 days of interest |
| 24 months | 2.25% | $500 | 270 days of interest |
| 24 months (Step Rate) | 3.95% | $5,000 | 270 days of interest |
| Longer terms | |||
| 36 months | 2.00% | $500 | 365 days of interest |
| 48 months | 2.00% | $500 | 540 days of interest |
| 60 months | 2.00% | $500 | 720 days of interest |
| Larger deposits | |||
| 6 months, Mini Jumbo | 2.80% | $40,000 | 90 days of interest |
| 6 months, Jumbo | 2.85% | $75,000 | 90 days of interest |
| 12 months, Mini Jumbo | 3.35% | $40,000 | 180 days of interest |
| 12 months, Jumbo | 3.45% | $75,000 | 180 days of interest |
| 6 months, Super Jumbo | 2.95% | $100,000 | 90 days of interest |
| 12 months, Super Jumbo | 3.50% | $100,000 | 180 days of interest |
The penalty equals the stated days of interest on the amount withdrawn. It does not apply to payments to beneficiaries of deceased members. Rates effective November 1, 2026. APY = annual percentage yield. Dividends compound monthly and are credited monthly. The rate and APY are fixed for the term (Step Rate: if our Step Rate increases during your term, you may request the higher rate; it does not update automatically), and a minimum deposit is required to earn the stated APY. A penalty for early withdrawal may reduce your earnings. Rates are subject to change before you open a certificate. Membership required. Federally insured by NCUA.
Find your certificate.
Standard certificates
6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 60-month terms. Open with $500.
Step Rate
A 24-month term. Open with $5,000. If our Step Rate goes up, ask us to move you to it.
Mini Jumbo
6 or 12-month terms. Open with $40,000.
Jumbo
6 or 12-month terms. Open with $75,000.
Super Jumbo
6 or 12-month terms. Open with $100,000.
IRA certificates
Save for retirement with a certificate. The maximum IRA deposit each tax year depends on your age and current law.
Build a certificate ladder.
Not sure which term to pick? Split your money across several. Some of it matures every so often, so you get access to cash while the rest keeps earning. For example, you could split $9,000 three ways:
$3,000 for 6 months
Matures first. Use the money or renew it for a longer term.
$3,000 for 12 months
Matures next, while the rest keeps earning.
$3,000 for 18 months
Earns for the longest stretch.
When the first one matures, you can use the money or renew it for a longer term. The example is for illustration only, and early withdrawal penalties still apply.
Which term fits your plans?
A bill or purchase within a year
Shorter terms of 6 to 12 months keep your money available sooner.
A goal a year or two away
Terms of 12 to 24 months fit a down payment, a car or a big trip. Our 18-month term is a popular middle ground.
Long-range plans
Longer terms of 36 to 60 months, and IRA certificates, fit retirement and other far-off goals.
Open in three steps.
Talk to our team and we’ll set it up with you.
Be a CSCU member.
Not a member yet? A $5 savings account makes you one. Learn how to join.
Choose a term and fund it.
Pick from 6 to 60 months. Start with a $500 minimum on standard terms.
Earn a fixed rate.
Your rate stays the same for the whole term.
What happens at maturity.
Certificates renew automatically, and you have a 10-calendar-day grace period after maturity to withdraw without a penalty.
Renew
Auto-renew at the current rate for the same term and amount.
Upgrade
Move to a certificate special with a better rate or term.
Add funds
Add money to your existing certificate.
Withdraw
Move it to your High Yield Savings Account, or take a check, ACH transfer or transfer to another CSCU account.
Don’t want it to renew? Let us know in writing or by phone before maturity.
Frequently asked questions
What is a certificate of deposit?
A fixed-rate savings option for a set period of time. Withdrawing early incurs a penalty. Certificates are insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 and by ESI up to $750,000.
Do I need to be a member?
Yes. You need to be a CSCU member to open a certificate. A savings account with a $5 minimum deposit establishes your membership. See our savings account page.
What happens if rates go up on my Step Rate certificate?
You can ask us to move you to the higher rate. It does not update on its own, so contact us or stop by a branch if you see the Step Rate rise.
What is the minimum to open one?
$500 for the 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 60-month terms. The 24-month Step Rate needs $5,000. Mini Jumbo (6 or 12 months) needs $40,000, Jumbo (6 or 12 months) needs $75,000, and Super Jumbo (6 or 12 months) needs $100,000.
What terms are available?
6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months.
What if I need my money early?
You can withdraw before maturity, but an early withdrawal penalty applies. It equals a set number of days of interest on the amount withdrawn, from 90 days on a 6-month term to 720 days on a 60-month term. See the table above.
What happens when my certificate matures?
It renews automatically. Before maturity you can tell us in writing or by phone that you don’t want it to renew. You also have a 10-calendar-day grace period after maturity to withdraw without a penalty.
How do I open one?
Certificates can’t be opened online right now. Schedule a visit, or call or text us at (936) 295-3980, and our team will open it with you.
Rates and terms are subject to change. Early withdrawal penalties apply. Minimum deposit requirements apply. Links to third-party sites are provided as a convenience. CSCU does not manage their content, and their privacy and security policies differ from ours.
Federally insured by NCUA. Deposits are insured up to $1,000,000: up to $250,000 by the NCUA and up to $750,000 by Excess Share Insurance Corporation (ESI). Equal Housing Opportunity.