What is a Share Certificate?
Learn about share certificates and how opening one can benefit you.
Read MoreCertificates
of Deposit
Market uncertainty? Certificates offer guaranteed growth.
3.85
%
APY
for 6 months
APY is the Annual Percentage Yield and assumes the dividends remain on deposit until maturity. A $1,000.00 minimum deposit is required to open a share certificate account. Certificate rates are effective as of 12/15/2025 and include: 3.85% APY for 6 months; 3.64% APY for 12 months; 3.57% APY for 24 months; 3.60% for 36 months; 3.63% for 48 months; and 3.65% for 60 months. Offer and rate are subject to change. The rate is based on the dividend rate in effect on the date of deposit. The dividend rate is fixed unless otherwise stated. Penalties may apply to withdrawals made prior to maturity and/or IRA age requirements. Fees may reduce earnings. IRA transactions are subject to IRS rules and regulations. Membership with Arkansas Federal Credit Union is required. Federally insured by NCUA.
Market uncertainty? Certificates offer guaranteed growth.
Guaranteed Rates
Dependable returns—no market risk.
Term Options
From 6 to 60 months—all at great rates.
Regular Access
Access funds as certificates mature.
Peace of Mind
Federally insured by NCUA.
No matter your savings strategy, Arkansas Federal delivers on guaranteed returns for the short term and long term. And everything in between. Enjoy unbeatable stability and some of the best rates on the market. Plus, your money is federally insured by NCUA, giving you complete peace of mind.
Current Rates
Consider Certificate Laddering
Looking for a smarter way to grow your savings? With a certificate ladder, you don’t have to lock in one rate and hope for the best. Instead, you’ll get steady returns, built-in flexibility, and protection against rate swings. If rates rise, maturing certificates let you reinvest at higher rates. If they fall, your longer-term certificates keep earning more. It’s a simple, strategic way to keep your savings working, without tying it all up at once.
Why Ladder Your Certificates?
Steady Earnings
Lock in competitive rates across multiple terms for reliable returns.
Built-In Access
A portion of your savings becomes available at regular intervals.
Less Risk
Protect your savings from rate drops and market swings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a certificate of deposit?
A certificate of deposit, also known as a CD, is a type of savings account that holds a specific amount of money for a fixed amount of time. In return, we pay you dividends.
Is there a minimum to open a certificate?
Yes, at Arkansas Federal, the minimum deposit to open a certificate is $1,000.
When it comes to certificate laddering, why not just choose one long-term certificate?
With laddering, you don’t have to lock up all your savings at once. You can still earn competitive rates, but you’ll also have money become available more often. It’s a great balance between earning and access.
When it comes to certificate laddering, do I have to divide my money evenly?
Nope! You can split your savings however works best for you. Some people like to keep it even, while others prefer to put more into longer terms to earn more. It’s totally up to you.
What happens when a certificate matures?
You’ve got options. You can renew it into a new certificate to keep your savings going, or you can cash it out if you need the funds. Easy either way.
Will I still earn good rates?
Yes! Each certificate earns the advertised rate for its term. As you renew, you can take advantage of current rates and keep your savings growing.
Is my money safe?
Absolutely. Your savings are federally insured by the NCUA up to $250,000, so you can relax knowing your money is protected.
What happens if I need access to my cash in an emergency?
Life happens, and that’s where certificate laddering can help. With certificates maturing at regular intervals, some of your money becomes available more often. If you need your funds sooner, though, you can withdraw early—just know that there may be a penalty. To keep that penalty as low as possible, it’s best to pull from the certificate with the shortest term.
