AgFed Credit Union Ups 2-Year Add-On Certificate Rate
Since the beginning of the year, AgFed Credit Union (AgFed) has been slowly raising the rates of its Asset Builder Certificates (ABC), which are add-on CDs. An ABC can be opened with a minimum $25 deposit and unlimited additional deposits can be made throughout the term.
Once your certificate is open, deposits can be made at any time and in any amount by payroll deduction, mail or in person. Dividends are paid quarterly.
Following a series of seven increases adding 65 bps, the 24-month ABC currently earns 1.05% APY; while also experiencing seven rate increases, the 18-month ABC (0.75% APY) and the 12-month ABC (0.60% APY) rates aren’t as competitive.
As stated on the Certificate FAQs page, the Early Withdrawal Penalty reads as follows:
If the qualifying period is greater than 11 months but less than 60 months, the member shall forfeit an amount equal to the lesser of:
(A) All dividends for 180 days on the amount withdrawn, or
(B) All dividends on the amount withdrawn since the date of issuance or renewal.
There is a ten day grace period before an Asset Builder Certificate automatically renews.
Availability
Headquartered in Washington, DC, AgFed Credit Union’s field of membership (FOM) is wide and varied, allowing almost anyone in the U.S. with a valid Social Security number to join.
Easy Membership: Members of The Friends of the National Arboretum (one-time $20 donation) are eligible for membership. Joining the association and applying for AgFed membership can be done simultaneously, using the Credit Union’s online application.
Residency: Individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in the District of Columbia also qualify for membership.
Employment/Affiliation: Any current/retired employee or member of more than 60 Select Employee Groups and organizations are eligible to join.
Family Relationship: Any person related by blood, adoption, or marriage to a current member (except relatives of members who have been expelled from the Credit Union) are welcome to apply.
Joining AgFed and/or opening an Asset Builder Certificate can be done online, by phone (202.579.2270), by mail or fax, or at any of three full-service branches located in Washington, DC (2), and Riverdale (MD). Note: the following branches are temporarily closed – USDA Cafeteria (DC), George Washington Carver Center (DC), and BARC West (MD).
You will also be asked to make a $5 deposit into your savings account to establish your membership. That deposit is yours to withdraw should you decide to cancel your AgFed membership.
As a member of the CO-OP Share Branch and ATM Networks, AgFed provides its members with access to more than 5,000 shared branches and more than 30,000 ATMs throughout the country.
You need convenient access to your accounts – we have a network of branches
and surcharge-free ATMs to ensure you can always access your money.
Credit Union Overview
AgFed Credit Union has an overall health grade of "A" at DepositAccounts.com, with a Texas Ratio of 1.84% (excellent) based on December 31, 2021 data. AgFed has an excellent capitalization level (11.19%), the result of holding $356.08 in assets with $39.86 million in equity. Please refer to our financial overview of AgFed Credit Union (NCUA Charter # 16400) for more details.
Originally established in 1934 as the Agriculture Federal Credit Union by United States Department of Agriculture, the Credit Union had a membership of 20 people and assets of $59.75 within a month of opening its doors. Eighty-eight years later, AgFed Credit Union has more than 25,500 members and assets in excess of $356 million.
How the 24-Month Asset Builder Certificate Compares
When compared to the Add On CDs tracked by DepositAccounts.com, which require a similar minimum deposit ($5k or less) and are not limited by a low balance cap, AgFed Credit Union’s 24-month Asset Builder Certificate APY currently ranks second.
The above information and rates are accurate as of 4/18/2022.
To look for the best CD rates, either nationwide or state-specific, please refer to our CD Rates Table page.