United Educators Credit Union Has Competitive 36-Month FlexRate CD
All five CDs offered by Minnesota-based United Educators Credit Union (UECU) are FlexRate CDs. When I first read the term “FlexRate,” I thought it might refer to a variable rate CD. I was wrong: FlexRate actually denotes a bump-up option.
You may request a rate change one time during the life of the CD. Your rate will be changed to the current rate offering for an equivalent term, and earnings will be calculated at your new rate from the effective date through the end of your term. The request must be in writing acknowledged by a designated UECU staff member.
While the rate increase option may not be useful in the near future, we may see some decent rate increases in the next three years.
UECU recently raised the 36-month FlexRate CD’s rate to 1.76% APY, an increase of 50 bps. Of the five FlexRate CDs, the 36-month offers the highest and most competitive rate. The minimum opening deposit is $500, with no stated balance cap.
| APY | MIN | MAX | INSTITUTION | PRODUCT | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.03% | $500 | - | Expedition Credit Union | 36 Month FlexRate CD | |
| 3.03% | $500 | - | Expedition Credit Union | 36 Month FlexRate IRA (Traditional, Roth, CESA, SEP) |
The FlexRate CD is also offered as an IRA CD (Traditional, Roth, CESA, SEP), earning the same APY with the same deposit requirement and bump-up feature.
According to CSR, the Early Withdrawal Penalty is nine months of dividends, with partial withdrawals permitted. The APY in effect at the time of any withdrawal is the rate used to determine the amount of the penalty.
Funding a CD can be done by ACH or wire transfer. (UECU does not currently participate in the CO-OP Shared Branch network, but according to CSR, UECU is seriously considering joining the CO-OP Shared Branch and ATM networks.)
Maturing funds can be distributed by cashier’s check, wire transfer ($25 fee), transferred to an UECU checking or savings account. There is a seven-day grace period before the FlexRate CD automatically renews.
Availability
Headquartered in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, United Educator Credit Union offers a way for almost any U.S. citizen or resident alien to join.
Easy Membership Requirement: Making a one-time, tax-deductible $5 donation to the United Educators Foundation qualifies for membership. UECU’s online application allows you to join the Foundation and UECU simultaneously.
Residency: Individuals who live, work, worship, attend school, or do business in Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey or Washington Counties also qualify.
Employment: Employees of Educators Financial Services, Inc. and St. Louis Park City are eligible to join.
Affiliation: Members of several Minnesota educational associations and groups also qualify for membership.
Family: “Everyone related to a current member by blood, adoption or marriage is eligible to join United Educators Credit Union, regardless of where she/he lives.”
Complete membership details are available on the Become A Member page.
Joining UECU and/or opening a FlexRate CD can be done online. While the lobbies of both the Apple Valley and Coon Rapids branches are currently closed to walk-in traffic, appointments can be made. The Minnetonka branch locations is temporarily closed, but the Contact Center is open during regular business hours.
Opening a Membership Share with a minimum $5 deposit is required to establish a UECU membership.
Credit Union Overview
United Educators Credit Union has an overall health grade of "A" at DepositAccounts.com, with a Texas Ratio of 2.53% (excellent), based on December 31, 2019 data. In the past year, UECU has increased its total non-brokered deposits by $6.5 million, an excellent annual growth rate of 3.8%. Please refer to our financial overview of United Educators Credit Union (NCUA Charter # 62964) for more details.
Established in 1957 as the MEA (Minnesota Education Association) Credit Union, United Educators Credit Union is currently the 23rd largest credit union headquartered in Minnesota, with more than 16,300 members and assets in excess of $193 million. The 1998 merger of Minnesota’s two teachers unions (Minnesota Education Association and Minnesota Federation of Teachers) created Education Minnesota.
Taking their lead, we petitioned the State Banking Department for a new charter, whereupon our field of membership changed to include all staff and members of the new organization. Without an "MEA" to serve, the name MEA Credit Union became obsolete. On January 1, 1999, we changed our name to United Educators Credit Union. Endorsed by Education Minnesota, we gained the opportunity to serve educators and school personnel statewide.
How the FlexRate CD Compares
When compared to 194 similar length-of-term CDs tracked by DepositAccounts.com, that require a similar minimum deposit and are available nationwide, United Educators Credit Union's 36-month FlexRate CD APY currently ranks second.
The above rates are accurate as of 6/5/2020.
To look for the best CD rates, either nationwide or state-specific, please refer to our CD Rates Table page.
