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First Tech CD Rates for 2024

Review Updated
David Chang, ChFC®, CLU®
Author: David Chang, ChFC®, CLU®
David Chang, ChFC®, CLU®
David Chang, ChFC®, CLU®
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David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® is an award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, and consultant. He has over two decades of experience in the wealth management space and has been featured in dozens of news, radio, and podcast programs nationwide. He currently works as Head of IoT for the West Region of a Fortune 200 company. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the California Army National Guard. He is an East-West Graduate Degree Fellow and has an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

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First Tech CDs, otherwise known as "share certificates," offer some of the highest rates out there. First Tech Federal Credit Union is a member-owned credit union with locations in eight states. Here's a close look at First Tech CD rates, including how they compare to other top online banks and how to decide if they are right for you.

First Tech CD rates

Rates as of Dec. 18, 2024

APY = Annual Percentage Yield

Offer image for First Tech CD
First Tech CD
MINIMUM DEPOSIT $500
6 Mo. APY 1 Yr. APY 2 Yr. APY 3 Yr. APY 5 Yr. APY
up to 4.91% up to 4.55% up to 2.25% up to 2.45% up to 3.55%

Is a high-yield savings account a better option for you?

A high-interest savings account offers rates competitive with the best CDs accounts, but without having to lock your money away for months or even years at a time. Here are some top-rated high-yield savings account options from our experts.

Account APY Promotion Next Steps
3.80%
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. 3.80% annual percentage yield as of December 27, 2024. Terms apply.
Min. to earn: $0
N/A
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings

On American Express's Secure Website.

up to 4.00%²
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. You can earn the maximum APY by having Direct Deposit (no minimum amount required) or by making $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits every 30 days. See SoFi Checking and Savings rate sheet at: https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Min. to earn: $0
New customers can earn up to a $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposits!¹
3.80%
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. See Capital One website for most up-to-date rates. Advertised Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is variable and accurate as of Dec. 6, 2024. Rates are subject to change at any time before or after account opening.
Min. to earn: $0
N/A

Compare First Tech CD rates

First Tech Federal Credit Union offers some of the highest APYs on the market. While banks offer certificates of deposits (CDs), credit unions offer their own equivalent -- they're called share certificates. See how First Tech Federal Credit Union's rates compare to some other banks below:

Rates as of Dec. 18, 2024
Bank & CD Offer APY Term Min. Deposit Next Steps
APY: 4.00% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
APY: 4.25% Term: 10 Months Min. Deposit:  $2,500
Open Account for

On Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
APY: 4.25% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
Open Account for

On Secure Website.

First Tech CD review

First Tech Federal Credit Union offers two primary types of share certificates: traditional certificates and bump-up certificates. Rates are extremely competitive, NCUA-insured, and some of the highest we've come across.

First Tech Traditional Share Certificates

PROS

  • High interest rates
  • Six to 60 month terms offered
  • No account set-up or maintenance fees

CONS

  • May need to pay to become a member
  • Limited number of physical branches

First Tech Bump-up Share Certificates

PROS

  • High interest rates
  • Flexibility to bump up rate or balance
  • No account set-up or maintenance fees

CONS

  • Only 13-month, 24-month, and 36-month terms offered
  • May need to pay to become a member
  • Limited number of physical branches

For both types of share certificates, the early withdrawal penalty is six months of interest for certificates of one to two years and for certificates longer than two years, the penalty is nine months of interest. The minimum opening deposit is $500.

First Tech Federal Credit Union only has 37 branches in eight states, so unless you live close to the Oregon-based credit union, you will need to be comfortable with online banking.

Who is a First Tech Federal Credit Union share certificate right for?

The First Tech Federal Credit Union traditional share certificates are right for those who want to earn a high interest rate and are comfortable with online banking. A bump-up certificate is right for those who want the flexibility to bump up their rate or account balance during the term.

Bottom line: First Tech Federal Credit Union CD rates

First Tech CD
  • 6 APY: up to 4.91%
  • 12 APY: up to 4.55%
  • 24 APY: up to 2.25%
  • 36 APY: up to 2.45%
  • 60 APY: up to 3.55%
Show All Rates [+] Hide All Rates [-]
Rates as of Dec. 18, 2024

APY = Annual Percentage Yield

Term
First Tech CD
6 Mo.
1 Yr.
2 Yr.
3 Yr.
5 Yr.
up to 4.91%
up to 4.55%
up to 2.25%
up to 2.45%
up to 3.55%

Our CDs methodology

At Motley Fool Money, certificates of deposit (CDs) are rated on a scale of one to five stars, primarily focusing on annual percentage yield (APY) and early withdrawal penalty fees. Our highest-rated CDs generally include competitive APYs without complex qualification tiers, low withdrawal fees, reliable brand trust and reputation, and ease of use.

Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates bank accounts.

FAQs

  • If you're looking for a high interest rate share certificate with a term of six to 60 months or less, or a bump-up certificate 13 to 36 months, First Tech Federal Credit Union might be a good fit for you.

  • First Tech Federal Credit Union CDs offer some of the highest rates in the market. CDs and share certificates are a safe way to grow your money if you don't need it for day-to-day expenses, prefer a hands-off approach to savings, and want a less-risky alternative to the stock market.