3.00% 14-Month CD at Charter Bank - Nationally Available

Update 4/13/09: The 3% 7-month CD has ended, and the 14-month CD rate has fallen to 2.75% APY.

Charter Bank is offering a special CD with a 3.00% APY for terms of 7 and 14 months. Minimum deposit is $5,000. This rate is listed at the bank's rate table as of 3/16/09.

On the left side of the rate table, you can launch the online application. I just called, and I was told that people in any state can apply. The CSR did not know how much longer this rate would last (it started on February 2nd). However, she said that the rate will lock when the application is submitted. They'll mail you the signature card and other documentation. Account funding can be done by check or wire transfer.

This is the same bank that offers the nationwide Turbo Checking Account that pays 5.01% APY on balances up to $25K (as of 3/16/09). The account had been paying 6.01% APY for all of last year (see post).

Charter Bank is headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In addition to Santa Fe, it has branches in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.

Charter Bank's ratings for safety and soundness are a little weak: 2 stars (problematic) at BauerFinancial (based on 12/31/08 data) and 2 stars (below peer group) at Bankrate.com (based on 9/30/08 data). The bank has been FDIC insured since 1986 (FDIC Certificate # 32498).

Tags: New Mexico Bank & Trust, CD rates