Smart Start Certificate
A serious savings account made super easy.
Smart Start Certificate 101
A certificate is an earnings-driven savings account, similar to a CD, or Certificate of Deposit, in the traditional banking world. Our Smart Start Certificate pays quarterly dividends, only requires $100 to open, and allows you to make additional deposits of $5 or more anytime over the 24-month term.
Smarter savings, plain and simple.
Patience pays off in more ways than one. If you’ve got $100 to put away for a few years, this certificate will make the wait worthwhile. The dividends you earn will vary and change over the life of the certificate, but you can withdraw your dividends, fee-free, anytime. No matter what you’re saving for, putting away some cash to earn even more money isn’t just smart, it’s a no brainer.
What’s to Love
Boost your initial investment with an extra deposit of $5 or more, penalty-free, any time. Most traditional certificates don’t allow more than one deposit, but what can we say? We’re not like the rest.
Access, Choice, and Smart Start Certificate Rates
| Type | Dividend Rate | APY* | Balances | Dividends Compounded | Dividends Credited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type:
Access Certificate | 12 Months
|
Dividend Rate:
4.329%
| APY*:
4.40%
| 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:
3.989%
| APY*:
4.05%
| 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:
3.989%
| APY*:
4.05%
| 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:
3.989%
| APY*:
4.05%
| 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 April 3, 2023.
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 April 3, 2023.
Smart Start Certificate Benefits
On the couch or on the go, keep your money close with our Mobile App and Online Banking.
Credit Unions around the world work together to make sure our members can use branches and ATMs everywhere — surcharge-free. Nice, right? Download our CO-OP app and plot your next getaway.
Money still doesn’t grow on trees, but Fortera savings accounts do collect dividends quarterly. (Dividends are extra earnings for all your hard-won savings.)
Our skilled experts are easy to reach and happy to help. For members and non-members alike, meetings and consultations are always free, so make the most of your money, on us.
With us, your money is always protected and insured by the National Credit Union Administration. You’re covered on all deposits up to $250,000, so save away.
....Trees, space, and worry. Always enjoy access to 18 months worth of e-statements. Keep more trees, toss your file cabinet, and know your info is always safe and sound.
Or even a lot. Either way, we’re here. Call, text, or chat with our experts anytime you need a friend who knows all things Fortera.
It’s always a good day for a strong start. Open your Smart Start Certificate today and get to saving.
Helpful Resources
Need a hand?
It cost $100 to open a Smart Start Certificate. $100 is the required account minimum balance.
Additional deposits are allowed in this account. Each deposit must be a minimum of $5.
Dividends are extra money that your account earns just by being open and meeting our minimum account dividend earning value. The Smart Start Certificate earns dividends quarterly as long as your account has at least $100 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.
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.
You can open this account online or in-person. The choice is yours.
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 Smart Start Certificate is a longer-term certificate with a minimum balance of $100. It also allows additional deposits. It's because of these features that we recommend this account for those who are new savers looking for an easy way to practice more long-term saving. Definitely one of our favorite accounts.
To be able to open a Smart Start 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.
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