Banking » Reviews » Lafayette Federal Credit Union CDs: All You Need To Know
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Lafayette Federal Credit Union CDs: All You Need To Know

Lafayette Federal Credit Union offers competitive CD rates and terms between 7 months to 5 years. Compare rates, terms and alternative CDs
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann’s areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Interest Rates Last Update: September 20, 2023
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann’s areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Interest Rates Last Update: November 1, 2023

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Lafayette Federal Credit Union Certificates (CDs)

APY Range

4.53% – 5.56%

Minimum Deposit

$500

Terms

7 months – 5 years

Our Rating

4.5
4.5/5

Lafayette Federal Credit Union Certificates (CDs)

APY Range

4.53% – 5.56%

Minimum Deposit

$500

Terms

7 months – 5 years

Our Rating

4.5
4.5/5

Lafayette Certificates (CDs) Rates

Lafayette Federal Credit Union (LFCU) offers a variety of CD terms, with APYs ranging from 5.56% for a 1-year term to 4.53% for a 5-year term. The minimum deposit to open a CD at LFCU is $500. 

Lafayette Federal Credit Union are very competitive compared to other credit unions and banks.  The rates for 1-year CD is one of the highest 1-year CD rates in the market as of December 2023, but also the rest of the terms are competitive. 

Ultimately, your best CD will depend on your needs and circumstances. If you are looking for a safe and secure place to grow your savings, a CD with a longer term may be a good option for you.

However, it is important to remember that you will not be able to access your money until the term ends. If you need to access your money early, you may have to pay an early withdrawal penalty.

Term
APY
7 Months
5.10%
12 Months
5.56%
24 Months
5.20%
36 Months
5.10%
48 Months
4.73%
60 Months
4.53%

Overall, these CD rates are among the highest CD rates among credit unions.

Is Lafayette's Certificate Rates Competitive Compared to Other Credit Unions?

Yes, Lafayette's Certificate Rates are competitive compared to other credit unions. In fact, they are often among the highest in the nation.

As you can see in the table below, other credit unions offer lower rates compared to Lafayette'. Also, the minimum deposit of Lafayette' is reasonable compared to other credit unions CD minimum deposit requirements.

Credit Union
CD Range
Minimum Deposit
2.00% – 4.35%
$1,000
4.27% – 5.30%
$1,000
3.51% – 4.85%
$5,000
0.50% – 5.37%
$250
4.00% – 5.60%
$1,000
2.25% – 4.00%
$50
4.65% – 5.67%
$10,000
0.30% – 5.25%
$500
3.30% – 5.05%
$1,000
0.40%
$1,000

Is Lafayette Competitive Compared to Other Banks?

Lafayette's Certificate Rates are competitive compared to traditional banks such as Chase, PNC, or Bank Of America in almost every CD term.

While you can find higher rates on online banks, Lafayette is also competitive in this area, making it one of the best CD accounts to keep your money when it comes to rates as of December 2023.

CD APY Range
Minimum Deposit
Marcus
4.00% – 5.20%
$500
First Internet Bank
4.18% – 5.35%
$1,000
Barclays Bank
4.45% – 5.50%
$0
PNC Bank
0.01% – 5.25%
$1
Quontic Bank
4.30% – 5.30%
$500
PenFed Credit Union
2.00% – 4.35%
$1,000
Alliant Credit Union
4.27% – 5.30%
$1,000
Sallie Mae
4.00% – 5.30%
$2,500
Bread Financial
4.25% – 4.75%
$1,500
Capital One
4.10% – 5.30%
$0
Chase Bank
3.00% – 5.00%
$1,000
Discover Bank
2.00% – 5.20%
$2,500
CIT Bank
0.30% – 5.00%
$1,000
Ally Bank
3.00% – 5.15%
$0
Citi Bank
0.05% – 5.65%
$500
Connexus Credit Union
3.51% – 4.85%
$5,000
Merrick Bank
4.70% – 5.67%
$25,000
Fidelity
5.05% – 5.50%
$1,000
Charles Schwab
5.52% – 5.65%
$1,000
Vanguard
4.50% – 5.75%
$1,000
BMO Harris
0.05% – 4.50%
$1,000
Wells Fargo
1.49% – 5.26%
$2,500
Synchrony Bank
2.25% – 5.50%
$0
Citizen Bank
2.75% – 5.50%
$1,000
TD Bank
1.00% – 5.50%
$250
Navy Federal
0.40%
$1,000
LendingClub
4.00% – 5.65%
$2,500

Can You Join Lafayette Federal Credit Union?

There are a few ways to join Lafayette Federal Credit Union (LFCU).

  • Become a member of a participating organization. LFCU has partnerships with a number of organizations, including schools, businesses, and unions. If you are a member of one of these organizations, you can join LFCU at no cost.
  • Live, work, or worship in the LFCU service area. LFCU's service area includes Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. If you live, work, or worship in this area, you can join LFCU for a one-time fee of $5.
  • Become a family member of a current LFCU member. If you are the spouse, child, or parent of a current LFCU member, you can join LFCU for free.

Once you have met the membership requirements, you can apply for membership online or at any LFCU branch. You will need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number. You will also need to provide proof of your residency, employment, or membership in a participating organization.

Once your application is approved, you will be able to open a savings account, checking account, or loan with LFCU. You will also be able to take advantage of all of the other benefits that LFCU offers to its members, such as free ATM use, online banking, and mobile banking.

About Lafayette Federal Credit Union

Lafayette Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution that was founded in 1935 to serve the financial needs of federal employees and their families. Today, the credit union has expanded its membership eligibility to include individuals who live, work, worship, attend school or volunteer in Washington D.C. or certain parts of Maryland and Virginia, as well as employees of its Select Employee Groups (SEGs).

As a credit union, Lafayette Federal is owned and governed by its members, who elect a volunteer board of directors to oversee its operations. This structure allows the credit union to focus on providing high-quality products and services at competitive rates, rather than maximizing profits for shareholders.

Lafayette Federal Credit Union offers a wide range of financial products and services, including checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and investment and insurance services. The credit union also provides online and mobile banking services, as well as access to a nationwide network of ATMs.

FAQs

CDs are generally considered a safe investment because they are insured by the FDIC and offer a guaranteed rate of return.

A CD is a time deposit with a fixed term and a guaranteed interest rate, while a money market account interest is variable, and your money isn't locked, like CDs.

If interest rates go up after you open a CD, you will not be able to take advantage of the higher rates until your CD matures.

When a CD matures, you have the option to withdraw the money, renew the CD for another term, or transfer the money to another account.

Compare CD Rates

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann's areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.