Access Certificate
Like a change jar only better.
Our easiest to open, super flexible, and most-loved starter certificate. We recommend the Access Certificate to all those new to saving but ready to grow.
Access Certificate 101
A certificate is an earnings-driven savings account, similar to a CD, or Certificate of Deposit, in the traditional banking world. Thanks to a fixed rate, our Access Certificate can earn you a lot with just a little over a 12-month term. Drop in $25 to open and maintain, and up your savings game while keeping access to your money.
Toss in some money and watch it grow.
Put a little something aside — or a big something. That part’s up to you. Either way, you can earn competitive rates on the smallest of deposits. It only takes $25 to open and maintain your Access Certificate, plus you can make additional deposits any time you want. You’ll also get one penalty-free withdrawal, just in case something comes up, and any and all dividends can be withdrawn anytime and used as you please.
Access, Choice, and Smart Start Certificate Rates
| Type | Access Certificate | 12 Months |
| Dividend Rate | 3.989% |
| APY* | 4.05% |
| 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 | 3.503% |
| APY* | 3.55% |
| 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 | 3.162% |
| APY* | 3.20% |
| 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 | 3.114% |
| APY* | 3.15% |
| 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 November 8, 2024. 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 November 8, 2024.
Access Certificate Benefits
Helpful Resources
FAQs
What is an Access Certificate
A certificate is an earnings-driven savings account, similar to a CD in the traditional banking world. Each one comes with a variety of options in regards to term length, rate types, and flexibility.
Our Access Certificate has the lowest required opening deposit, allows additional deposits, and a penalty-free withdrawal. It's great for new savers, and kind of a hidden gem.
What documents do I need to open an Access Certificate account?
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.
Who is eligible to open an Access Certificate?
To be able to open an Access 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 add additional deposits to the Access Certificate?
Additional deposits are allowed in this account. Each deposit must be a minimum of $5.
What are dividends and how do they work for the Access Certificate?
Dividends are extra money that your account earns just by being open and meeting our minimum account dividend-earning value. The Access Certificate earns dividends quarterly as long as your account has at least $25 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 an Access Certificate account 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 is the minimum balance to open an Access Certificate?
$25 is the required account minimum balance for the Access Certificate.
How can I access my penalty-free withdrawal from my Access Certificate?
To access your penalty-free withdrawal from your Access Certificate, you just need to contact us and let us know. You can call or text us at 931.431.6800, chat with us at forteracu.com, or email us at info@forteracu.com.
