CD Rates Down But Still Competitive at Alaska USA FCU in AK, WA & CA

Alaska USA Credit Union held on to some very competitive rates for most of last year. Unfortunately, those rates didn't make it into 2012. However, the new CD and IRA CD rates are still fairly competitive. Below are some of the most competitive CD rates as listed in the credit union's rates page as of 1/5/2012:

• 2.35% APY 5-year CD $100K min (2.25% for $10K)
• 2.01% APY 4-year CD $100K min (1.91% for $10K)
• 1.65% APY 3-year CD $100K min (1.55% for $10K)
• 1.30% APY 2-year CD $100K min (1.20% for $10K)

According to the credit union's disclosure, the early withdrawal penalty is up to 180 days of interest on the amount withdrawn for terms over 1 year. The penalty won't eat into the principal. If you close the CD early before 180 days, you'll just lose all of the accrued interest on the amount withdrawn. The grace period at maturity is 10 calendar days.

Locations in Washington & California In Addition to Alaska

In addition to Alaska, the credit union has branches in several parts of Washington State and in the Victor Valley region of California. In 2009 they took over Members' Own Federal Credit Union of Victorville, California through a NCUA purchase agreement. Please refer to our branch locator for Alaska USA Federal Credit Union for more details.

Membership

Alaska USA doesn't provide many details on membership eligibility. The credit union's membership page recommends that you contact the credit union to find out if you are eligible. It appears there's a good chance you can be eligible if you live near one of their branches. If you learn any details about who is eligible, please leave a comment.

San Bernardino County, California

The reader cactus recently mentioned in the Alaska USA reviews that the credit union is open to residents of San Bernardino County. So that makes the credit union available to around 2 million California residents.

Alaska USA is a large credit union with $4.44 billion in assets. It has an overall health score at DepositAccounts.com of 3 stars (out of 5) with a Texas Ratio of 15.42% (average) based on September 2011 data. Please refer to our financial overview of Alaska USA Federal Credit Union for more details. It's federally insured by the NCUA (Charter # 5913).

How These CD Rates Compare

The bank's long-term CD rates are competitive compared to what banks and other credit unions offer in Washington and California. Higher rates are nationally available at two all-access credit unions. Melrose Credit Union offers a 2.68% APY 5-year CD, a 2.17% APY 4-year CD and a 1.91% APY 3-year CD. Alliant Credit Union offers a 1.50% APY 2-year CD (minimum $25K). These rates are accurate as of 1/5/2012.

Searching for the Best CD Rates

To search for the best nationwide CD rates and the best CD rates in your state, please refer to the CD rates section of DepositAccounts.com.