The interest rate corresponds with the term and is fixed for the term. Interest accrues daily on principal only (it does not compound). Interest transfers monthly to an SECU deposit account selected by the account owner. For 6- and 12-month STCs, you may choose to have the interest earned paid to the STC or to another account at SECU. Interest earned for all other STCs must be paid to another account at SECU. An STC may be canceled without penalty during the grace period, which is the seven calendar days following an automatic renewal. If you choose to cancel the STC during the grace period, the STC will earn interest for the days from the renewal until the cancellation at the Share Account rate. You can make one partial deposit to or withdrawal from an STC during the seven-day grace period without penalty.
Build stable savings with Share Term Certificates
An STC is a fixed-rate term savings account. An STC typically earns more than other savings accounts because SECU agrees to pay a set interest rate on a specific sum for a designated period of time. Access to the funds in the account is generally restricted until the account reaches maturity.1
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Higher interest rates
You can earn a higher rate of interest on your savings if you deposit your funds for a fixed period of time in one or more STCs. Interest transfers monthly to an SECU transfer account selected by the owner.2
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Term variety
Members have the option to open regular STCs with 6- to 60-month terms or a series of laddered STCs with graduated maturity dates.
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Options for principal payment
The principal can transfer at maturity to the interest transfer account or renew with the same term at the then-offered rate.3
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Auto renewal
You can choose to have your STC auto renew3 at the end of the chosen term.
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Laddering STCs
Laddering your funds with a variety of term lengths protects against the risk of interest rate fluctuations and provides a reliable flow of interest income. See more on laddering STCs.
Compare rates for STCs
Choose a term length that matches your savings goals. The minimum deposit to open each STC Account for all terms is $250.
Term | Interest rate4 & APY5 |
|---|---|
6 months | 4.40% / 4.40% APY |
12 months | 4.65% / 4.65% APY |
18 months | 4.45% / 4.45% APY |
24 months | 4.30% / 4.30% APY |
30 months | 4.15% / 4.15% APY |
36 months | 4.00% / 4.00% APY |
48 months | 3.20% / 3.20% APY |
60 months | 3.50% / 3.50% APY |
Share Term Certificate vs Money Market Share
Compare the key differences between our higher-earning savings account options.
| Share Term Certificate | Money Market Share | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual percentage yield5 | Up to 4.65% (depending on term length)4 | 2.02%6 |
| Earning option | Simple interest | Dividends, compound daily7 |
| Minimum opening deposit | $250 (for all terms) | $250 |
| Monthly maintenance fee | No fee | No fee, unless balance falls below $2506 |
| Deposits allowed | No, except opening deposit8 | Yes, anytime |
| Withdrawals allowed | No, not without penalty or until maturity date8 | Yes, anytime |
| Early closing penalty | Yes1 | No |
Frequently asked questions about STCs
The minimum deposit required for any STC term is $250.
Renewing STCs have a seven-day grace period after the renewal date during which you can make one deposit to, or withdrawal from, or cancel the STC without penalty. You may also choose to take no action. During the grace period, the STC rate will display as the current regular Share Account rate. As long as the STC is not canceled, the interest is recalculated using the STC rate effective on the renewal date.
No.
Funds in an STC can be used as collateral on SECU loans only; funds cannot be used as collateral on loans at other financial institutions. Funds designated as collateral for a loan cannot be withdrawn until the loan is paid in full.
No, there is no monthly maintenance fee for STCs.
If the STC is canceled before the maturity or renewal date, we generally charge an early withdrawal penalty equal to 90 days interest on the principal, or all interest earned, whichever is less. There is no penalty if the STC is canceled during the grace period, which is the seven-day period beginning on the day after the STC renews. If a laddered STC is canceled, the laddering structure will be incomplete.
