Smart Start Certificate
Serious savings 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.
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.
Smart Start Certificate Benefits
Helpful Resources
FAQs
What is a Smart Start 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 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.
Who is eligible to open a Smart Start Certificate?
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.
What is the minimum balance to open a Smart Start Certificate?
$100 is the required account minimum balance for the Smart Start Certificate.
Can I add additional deposits to the Smart Start Certificate?
Additional deposits are allowed in this account. Each deposit must be a minimum of $5.
What documents do I need to open a Smart Start 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.
Can I open a Smart Start 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.
