Choice Certificate
Lock in the freedom to bump up your rate.
A great certificate for experienced savers interested in getting the best rates and more for their money.
Choice Certificate 101
A certificate is an earnings-driven savings account, similar to a CD in the traditional banking world. Our Choice Certificate offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to withdraw funds once, bump up your rates when the time is right, deposit additional funds, and save over either a 36-month or 60-month time frame.
The smart saver’s dream.
Once your everyday Share Savings account is established, tucking away extra funds to grow securely can send your goals next-level. Ready? Us too.
The Choice Certificate is all about you. First, you’ll need a minimum of $1,000 to fund your account, which you’ll set to grow for either a 36-month term or 60-month term, earning dividends all along the way. Here’s the best part: If rates go up, you can bump up your Choice Certificate rates right along with them. True story.
Choice Certificate Rates
| Type | Choice Certificate |
| Term | 36 Months |
| Dividend Rate | 3.162% |
| Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | 3.20% |
| Minimum Deposit to Earn Stated APY | $1,000 |
| Dividends Compounded | Quarterly |
| Type | Choice Certificate |
| Term | 60 Months |
| Dividend Rate | 3.114% |
| Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | 3.15% |
| Minimum Deposit to Earn Stated APY | $1,000 |
| Dividends Compounded | Quarterly |
New money only. 36 Month Certificate - One rate bump allowed after first 12 months, and an additional new money deposit allowed at the time of bump. 60 Month Certificate - Two rate bumps allowed after first 12 months, and an additional new money deposit allowed at the time of bump. Early Withdrawal Penalty Fees could reduce earnings. Penalties will/may be imposed for early withdrawal on time accounts. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. Rate may change after account opening. Click the button below to see our Rate and Fee Disclosure. Rate is accurate as of November 8, 2024.
Choice Certificate Benefits
Helpful Resources
FAQs
Can I add additional deposits to the Choice Certificate?
Members with the Choice Certificate may add one additional deposit with the 36-month term or two additional deposits with the 60-month term. These additional deposits may be added at the time of a rate bump.
Who is eligible to open a Choice Certificate?
To be able to open a Choice 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 open a Choice Certificate with money already invested in the Credit Union?
To open a Choice Certificate, members must deposit money that was not previously invested in the credit union.
What is the minimum balance to open a Choice Certificate?
$1,000 is the required account minimum balance for the Choice Certificate.
What are dividends and how do they work for the Choice Certificate?
Dividends are extra money that your account earns just by being open and meeting our minimum account dividend-earning value. The Choice Certificate earns dividends quarterly as long as your account has at least $1,000 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 a Choice Certificate 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 documents do I need to open a Choice Certificate?
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.
