First Choice Credit Union (FL) Has Rate-Leading 30- and 60-Month CDs
In early December, First Choice Credit Union (First Choice) added 21 bps to its 60-month Jumbo CD; another 25 bps were added this week, giving the 60-month Jumbo CD a very competitive 1.76% APY. The 60-month CD ($5k minimum deposit) added a modest 5 bps this week, resulting in a 1.31% APY.
The 60-month Jumbo CD and CD are also offered as IRA CDs (Traditional, Roth, and CESA), earning the same APYs with the same deposit requirements.
The 30-month Jumbo CD and CD had similar rate increases this week – 26 and 10 bps, respectively.
According to CSR, an additional 25 bps will be added if either a Premier Checking account or High Yield Checking account is “open and active” throughout the term of the CD. The Premier Checking account is non-interest bearing, with the High Yield Checking account earning very little interest.
As stated in the Schedule of Fees page, the Early Withdrawal Penalty reads as follows:
Over 6 month certificates – 180 days interest
CSR stated the easiest way to fund a CD is through an internal transfer from a First Choice savings or checking account. First Choice participates in the CO-OP Shared Branch network, facilitating the transfer of funds.
Maturing funds will be distributed through a check to the address on file or deposited into a First Choice checking or savings account. There is ten calendar day grace period before a CD automatically renews.
Availability
Headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, First Choice Credit Union’s field of membership (FOM) is primarily community-based, with individuals who live or work in Palm Beach County eligible for membership.
Employees and retirees of the Federal Government and veterans of any branch of the Armed Services who live in Florida counties of Broward, Glades, Hendry, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, or St. Lucie are also eligible to join.
Individuals who hold a professional license from the State of Florida qualify for membership, regardless of where they live.
All family members of a current First Choice member are welcome to apply.
Joining First Choice can be done online or at either of two Florida branches, located in Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach.
The online application includes CDs, but according to CSR, an in-branch visit is required to “finalize everything” for new members. Existing members can open CDs online or over the phone.
A minimum $1 opening deposit in a Share account establishes a First Choice membership, but a $100 minimum balance is required to earn dividends. There is a $25 early closure fee if a Share account is closed within 90 days of opening .
First Choice participates in both the CO-OP Shared Branch and ATM networks.
This network is a cooperative service organization owned by member credit unions. While they are not branches of our credit union, they are branches owned by credit unions participating in the shared branching network and you can use these CO-OP Shared Branches to make deposits, withdraw funds as well as other routine transactions.
Credit Union Overview
First Choice Credit Union has an overall health grade of "A" at DepositAccounts.com, with a Texas Ratio of 0.64% (excellent) based on September 30, 2021 data. In the past year, First Choice has increased its total non-brokered deposits by $22.23 million, an excellent annual growth rate of 19.87%. Please refer to our financial overview of First Choice Credit Union (NCUA Charter # 67725) for more details.
Established in 1929, First Choice Credit Union is currently the 60th largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with nearly 10,000 members and assets in excess of $147 million.
How the 60-Month Jumbo CD Compares
When compared to similar length-of-term CDs tracked by DepositAccounts.com that are available within the FOM, no other credit union or bank has a higher rate, regardless of minimum deposit requirements. The following table compares the First Choice Credit Union 60-month Jumbo CD to the two highest-rate CDs from other credit unions and the two highest-rate CDs from banks.
How the 30-Month Jumbo CD Compares
When compared to similar length-of-term CDs tracked by DepositAccounts.com that are available within the FOM, no other credit union or bank has a higher rate, regardless of minimum deposit requirements. The following table compares the First Choice Credit Union 30-month Jumbo CD to the two highest-rate CDs from other credit unions and the two highest-rate CDs from banks.
The above information and rates are accurate as of 2/12/2022.
To look for the best CD rates, both nationwide and state specific, please refer to our CD Rates Table page.
