Keesler Federal Credit Union Adds 7-Month CD
I have to admit when I saw Keesler Federal Credit Union’s (KFCU) new 7-month Share Certificate Special listed at 5.00% APY, I thought it was probably a mistake. When CSR confirmed the 5.00% APY was correct, I expected to be told there was a low balance cap. Again, I was wrong. The 7-month Share Certificate Special (5.00% APY) can be opened with a $1k minimum deposit, with no stated balance cap.
This very competitive Share Certificate Special is also offered as an IRA (Traditional and Roth), earning the same APY with the same funding requirements.
As stated in the Truth-in-Savings Disclosure, the Early Withdrawal Penalty reads as follows:
If the withdrawal does not reduce the certificate funds below the required minimum balance for this type of certificate, the member shall forfeit at the certificate rate an amount equal to the lesser of:
1. All dividends for 90 days from the amount withdrawn for certificates with a term of 1 year or less; or all dividends for 180 days on the amount withdrawn for certificates greater than 1 year; or
2. All dividends on the amount withdrawn since date of issuance or renewal.
Availability
Headquartered in Biloxi, Mississippi, Keesler Federal Credit Union’s field of membership (FOM) is quite varied, including residency, employment, and association membership as determinants.
Residency – Individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in the Mississippi counties of Forrest, Hancock, Harrison, or Pearl River, or select census tracts in Hinds or Jackson Counties are eligible to join. Also qualifying for membership are those who live, work, worship, or attend school in select census tracts in St. Tammany or Orleans Parish, Louisiana.
Military Relationship – Active or retired military who can use the services at Keesler Air Force Base or at Royal Air Force Bases in the UK qualify for membership.
Personal Relationship – Immediate family members (spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, child, grandchild, significant other) of a current KFCU member are welcome to apply.
SEGs – Employee and/or members of more than 300 SEGs are eligible for membership.
The fourth option on the first page of KFCU’s online membership application is “I am a member of the following association.” The first association listed is the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), a “nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society” that anyone can join. Hoping this could possibly be an easy membership backdoor, I called KFCU, only to be disappointed. At first, CSR said any ACS CAN member is qualified to join KFCU, but after checking with a supervisor, she stated that only residents of Mississippi or Louisiana can qualify through ACS CAN. I wasn’t able to find this residency requirement anywhere on KFCU’s website, so I’m not 100% convinced of this limitation.
UPDATE 8/17/2018: After contacting KFCU this morning, I was told that following so much “out-of-area interest” in the 7-month Share Certificate Special, the FOM has recently been expanded to allow any U.S. citizen or resident alien to join through an ACS CAN membership, no matter their residency status.
Joining Keesler Federal Credit Union and/or opening a Share Certificate Special can be done online, or at any of 21 full-service Mississippi branches, located in Biloxi (2), Diamondhead, D’Iberville, Gautier, Gulfport (3), Hattiesburg (2), Jackson (2) Long Beach, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, Petal, Picayune, Stennis Space Center, Vancleave, Waveland, and Wiggins. KCFU also has four Louisiana branches, located in Covington, Mandeville, and Slidell (2).
Credit Union Overview
Keesler Federal Credit Union has an overall health grade of "A" at DepositAccounts.com, with a Texas Ratio of 2.16% (excellent) based on March 31, 2018 data. In the past year, KFCU has increased its total non-brokered deposits by $61.9 million, an above average annual growth rate of 2.87%. Please refer to our financial overview of Keesler Federal Credit Union (NCUA Charter # 5561) for more details.
Chartered in 1947, Keesler Federal Credit Union was established by ten civil services employees at Keesler Field, the predecessor of Keesler AFB. At the end of the first year of operations, KFCU had approximately 270 members and $7k in assets. KFCU will be celebrating its 71st anniversary next month as the largest credit union in Mississippi, with more than 214,400 members and assets in excess of $2.6 billion.
How the Share Certificate Special Compares
Let me state the obvious – when compared to the similar length-of-term CDs tracked by DepositAccounts.com that are available within the FOM, Keesler Federal Credit Union’s 7-Month Share Certificate Special APY currently ranks first.
The above rates are accurate as of 8/15/2018.
To look for the best CD rates, both nationwide and state specific, please refer to our CD Rates Table page.
I thought if you are a resident of Mississippi or Louisiana, you're automatically qualify to join.
Here is a simple guide to membership at this CU. Hope this helps:
1. Do you reside in LA or MS?
if yes, you qualify.
if no, go to question number 2.
2. Are you a member of one of the listed associations?
if yes, go to question number 1.
if no, why are you wasting your time?
I don't understand the logic behind it.
Id jump on this deal if I lived in MS.
Also, do you know who they did the credit check with? Equifax? Transunion? Experian?
What information were you required to provide to validate that you are Retired Military ?
According to CSR over phone:
1. 7-month Special CD is limited to ONE per household. (This is not stated anywhere in their website. It is in their special promotion per CSR.)
2. For those looking to open an IRA 7-month Special CD which involve direct transfers from your current trustee to Keesler, you run the risks of their 7-month Special CD withdrawn before your check is received by Keesler. (This is unlike Sharonview for those who took advantage.)
https://www.kfcu.org/contact-kfcu/shared-branching
SMH
They wanted me to wire the money but I insisted on shared branch.
However, we seem to have hit a snafu regarding being able to open the CD before the check clears. (At a shared branch)
She said others have been wiring the money in so I may have to do that. She is going to call me back having already checked with her supervisor and still not getting approval.
Lovely young lady helped me.
Regarding the online application, I HAD to choose I went to USM or William Carey University. There was no other option.
As for the Cancer society donation, they are taking the $10 from what I send in and donating it for me. So, I send an extra $15+ the CD amount which I am struggling with right now.
I want to pretty much use all my free funds...except what is in the brokerage account. And I promised them it would stay for 9 months as part of a free trades deal.
I still have 2 CDs at Ally that will be broken but not today. (2.25% 5 year)
Copy of drivers license is not required but the signature on the membership application must be notarized.
If I max this out and we have a market crash, I will be kicking myself. I have other CDs maturing around the end of the year first of next year.
I might have to chance it.
I have been on the call with them waiting for a customer rep and it looks like they are very small or swamped. Since I'm in Massachusetts getting the money out of Mississippi may be an interesting challenge?
I'm assuming these guys have a short term need for funds. They are still federally insured, right?
Getting the money out should be as simple as ACH. Their routing number is 265577585.
New and Used Auto Loan2 Up to 84 Months 2.99% – 16.25%
Older Used Vehicle Loan3 Up to 60 Months 6.49% – 17.00%
New and Used Camper Loan4 120 Months 6.24% – 12.25%
Signature Loan5 Up to 72 Months 9.45% – 18.00%
And their savings rates:
A paltry .10% on share a savings Acct
and a wopping 1.0% on a 4 year CD
They did not say I had to return the paper docs by fax or email and I did not ask. They said I could send my drivers license that way but its not mandatory.
The notary is huge overkill. They have my credit report and I passed the 4 questions.
I had hoped they would call back by now.
I hope I did not blow a hard pull for nothing.
And my rep said I could send them the $10 for the ACS. Her idea, not mine.
They use Experian for the Authentication Questions on Application
They use Equifax for the Credit Check
NOTE: For those with Credit Freeze, the CSR told me to 'unfreeze' at both places in order to get through the application process.
Since when can a credit union, unilaterally and upon short notice, expand its FOM? I concede the possibility a credit union can of its own volition narrow, or restrict, a special deal to only a portion of its pre-approved FOM. But I think for any credit union to expand its FOM it needs approval from a higher authority.
No harm no foul ?
Unless they don't answer the phone later that is.
I did not ask if it will be dated today or Monday. Hopefully today.
Called in and the new rep, of course, said it could not be done so i am on hold for the rep i spoke with previously.
Still on hold as the 2nd rep runs around like a chicken with his head cut off trying to figure out how to do it.
Cant be that difficult. Nasa & Andrews did it.
I did find out they are open until 7pm tonight and 9-1 sat. Of course, it says also available by chat but how?
Several years ago while on an extended vacation 1700 miles from home, a oil & gas lease deal came up back home that required notarized papers, we went to a shared branch with our CU. They couldn't be more accommodating. Even provided two witnesses which were also required along with the notary authentication. All free of charge. Thanks to Black Hills FCU in SD.
I'm not sure how they will collect the $10 but it does say "hold" on $10 of the $15 in my share account. The CD does not say on hold. Like it did at Andrews.
I thought Penfed limited you to $5000 via ach but I was informed incorrectly and ACHed my last CD proceeds out.
Compared to 5% though, it will almost certainly be less.
Andrews was a good deal at 2.75% but this blows that out of the water.
The rep that I got cut off with called back and its all set. He emailed me a temporary password and i was able to log in and see my account.
I guess I will go ahead & set up a link at AA although I doubt the proceeds will be going there.
Can't set up a link at my broker until I have a statement to show them, believe it or not. (Yes, I know, any john doe can open an account without a statement. But for 15 year customers, they need a statement. Unless you are using a big bank and none of mine are)
I guess that's a security thing. That way some scammer cant add a link and empty my account.
Instead, they are sending a blank from where I have to enter all the info again.
SMH.
And they DO need a copy of my drivers license. I was unclear with the prior rep. She said it did not have to be emailed and I took that to mean they did not need it.
So, a hard pull, 4 security questions, a copy of your drivers license and a notarized signature. Anything else? A vial of my blood maybe?
- hard pull
- not easy process to open account
- money must be wired (fee from your bank sending it)
- account app must be notarized (fee for notary)
- not sure how hard to close it after 7 months and get money
Don't think a local CU will charge to notarize if you are a member. But if you do have to pay, its what? $5? You are making an excess return on the CD. HELLO?
Hard pull is what? 10-15 points max? And how many people buying CDs need to worry about 10-15 points or less? I sure don't. My bigger concern was getting rejected for too many new bank accounts but I didn't. And I wont need another until Jan.
I plan to ACH the money out when it matures, easy peasy.
So yeah, if their rate was not so high, I probably would not have done it.
Anyone heard from deplorable? He is going to hate missing this.
THAT'S ? what relate to from that film?
wired money? - I was told to deposit it tomorrow or Monday by check using shared branch (once you have your share account number)
notarized? not sure?, I was not informed of that
you can fax the account agreement signature card which you download after app completion, is this what you were saying needs notary?
you can email ACS receipt (which is an email from ACS)
email copy of Drivers license
The disclosure states: automatically renews to 6 month CD unless you instruct them different
I think that was the whole process.
*Had to shell out $$ to join the Caner Assoc., but the rest of it was standard stuff for a CU, just rushed it all to meet a deadline.
**** GREAT RATE
With a check, you might gain a day or two or three given it's a weekend. My CD is earning 5% but that check won't likely clear until Monday. That's worth a 2 mile drive to me.
I did not even ask about ach when I found out they had shared branch.
My rep was really trying to push me to wire it in, she said most everyone is doing that because they know they will make the deadline. I insisted on the shared branch.
-------------------
Off topic:
I was able to link it to Mint and it updated.
Ugly, poorly-conceived online application AT BEST! Got through it late this afternoon. Immediately before that, did the VERY straightforward "American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network" application/donation (and seriously - are some posters on this website REALLY bitc*ing about spending the $10 default, vs. some lower figure, like $5? For 5%? Jeez!)
I called Keesler afterwards. I'm basically at about the same level in the queue as rzelman, I think. Got my account (member) number now. Emailed them copy of ACS email plus driver's license PDF. I'm deciding whether early Monday morning to do: 1) the Shared CU Co-Op thing, or 2) the wire transfer thing. Can't do much between now and then, because even though Keesler is open tomorrow (I may call them just to check on status of things), neither my local Shared CU Co-Op nor my bank (if I do wire) is open Saturdays.
I've been assured by 2 different Keesler CSR's now, that I can do it either way - 1) there will be no hold problems if I do check deposit via Shared (the obligatory hold will be transferred to the CD), or 2) either way (Shared vs. wire), any "Notary signature" issues do NOT need to be dealt with before COB next Tues.
Should I believe them?
The signature stuff is after the fact paperwork. Just like other places make you send in paperwork later.
At first I used my zip code, only 14 , then I used a nearby zip and found 13 more for 27 with 2 saturday ones.
I'm using two for linking to AA, one for the transfer to the CD and I guess one when they take the $10 donation. So Im glad I did not set up another trial deposit thing because it would cause me to go over.
Will wait until next month to link elsewhere.
at California Coast Credit Union . if you miss out on Keesler 5%
This is open to anyone living in San Diego/ Riverside counties, Calif. & also available nationwide
Its called "Take 5" cd
On the application, it asks if you live in those 2 counties or somewhere else. It states " that's ok" if you don't live in those 2 counties & then click on tab & asks what state you live in. all states come up to join. I read somewhere on the site membership is $5 & you need to open a saving account.
Application seems fairly easy to fill out.
I hope this info I found helps others , This website has helped me find so many good rates , I'm just returning the favor.
Steve
"Certificate opening deposit balance cannot exceed $5,000"
Or does that mean you can add more after opening with $5,000? (sorry new to CDs)
" TAKE 5 CERTIFICATE OFFER: Rates are accurate as of 01/17/2018. Early withdrawal penalty applies. Fees could reduce earnings. Offer excludes business and individual retirement accounts. New Money only. A primary member is allowed to open one Take 5 Certificate Account under the same member name and related tax identification number. The minimum deposit required to open the Take 5 Certificate is $500. Certificate opening deposit balance cannot exceed $5,000. In addition to the minimum balance requirements the following conditions also apply: A qualifying checking account with eStatements is required, and must remain active with at least 1 transaction per month, during the certificate term. Eligible transactions include, but are not limited to, Direct Deposit, Preauthorized Payments, Checks, ATM, POS, Debit Card, and Bill Pay. As an alternative, the following products opened within 30 days of the Take 5 Certificate Account date can be substituted for the checking account requirement: a new funded consumer loan (excluding share secured loans and Mastercard credit card account), a money market account, a regular certificate account, or an IRA certificate account. The stated alternative deposit accounts require new money and a minimum opening balance of $5,000. You will have a 30-day grace period to meet the requirements. If the conditions are not met, the 5.00% APY may be reduced to the APY in effect for a 3-Month Certificate Account for the remainder of the term. "
So to avoid having to keep an additional $5k in another low-rate account with them, the only option is to do the checking account. "we offer Free Checking with eStatements—an account that's truly free. Minimum opening deposit of $25 and no monthly maintenance fee", which is reasonable, especially if small automated transfers back and forth from another bank would count as 'direct deposit' activity.
But your total profit on this would only be $100 ($5000 * 0.05 / 12 * 5 = $104, -$5 membership fee), which probably isn't worth all the hassle of multiple accounts at this place ('base share' savings every credit union requires, checking, and the CD) for a one-time thing.
I set up my login earlier this morning - pretty straightforward. Not too bad a hold time today. CSR confirmed the 1-per-household limit on CDs, and that there was no upper dollar limit.
CSR I spoke with was one I also spoke with yesterday, and she repeated the 2 promises that many of us are depending on here - 1) that getting the remaining paperwork back to them after next Tuesday will NOT be cause for denying a CD, and 2) for those going the Shared Co-Op pathway, a hold on funds in one's Primary Share Account will NOT prevent the CD from being created. (Instead of "transferring" the hold to the CD and still creating the CD by Tuesday, she said they will let the hold expire, and only then create the CD. If they do that, then a lot of CDs may have creation dates later than Tuesday.)
On those 2 promises, looking back through this thread it looks like only some early commenters had their CSR's saying something different. So maybe we can chalk that up to some initial confusion at Keesler, with the changes they made in the scope of the offer.
Other credit unions do not have such Draconian policies. (Nasa & Andrews to name 2)
I insisted that they not wait for the check to clear to open the CD and although it was a pain, they accommodated me. The other credit unions kept the hold on the funds but the hold was in the CD earning the higher rate.
This credit union did not put the hold on mine in the CD but that may have just been an oversight or maybe their system won't allow it?
When I opened the Andrews, the shared branch said the hold could be up to 10 days for a large check which is silly but because I knew Andrews would let me open the CD right away and not wait for the hold, I did not care.
I see a lot of posters belly aching about hard pulls. I can somehow manage the 3 point hit I took.
But I was not willing to earn .20% while waiting for the check to clear.
But, since I did all this Friday, I was not worried about them pulling the deal. Pulling the deal on members in transition would not make sense for a credit union that was nice enough to open the deal up to everyone via the Cancer donation thing.
I hope this deal causes other banks & credit unions to offer high rates even for short terms.
While I would prefer a longer term, I feel confident that in the current rising rate environment I will be able to get good deal in 7 months. Not compared to 5% but compared to the other rates that are available today.
As a general rule, prior to this deal, I had decided to avoid institutions that required BS like a copy of my license and I never would have considered a deal that required a notarized signature. But this rate was too good to resist. And, I have a feeling they probably would not enforce the notarized application thing anyway. But, since I am a member of a local CU and its not way out of my way, I will go ahead & get mine notarized even though its SO unnecessary. It might not be necessary if they were not going to do a hard pull and the 4 equifax security questions. But in addition to those, its extreme overkill.
Today is Sunday the first few things that need to be done are:
-Join ACS for nationwide access by donating at least $10 to receive a membership email? Correct?
-Fill online application noting I am an ACS member? Correct?
-Call on Monday? To get email where I can send documents (drivers license, ACS email, and Signature App?) faster to receive account#? Correct?
-Once Account number is received I can setup a wire transfer from my savings account near the end of day Monday to have the money wired before end of day Tuesday (8/21/18 when deadline expires)? Correct?
Am I missing something?
Thanks for the help. Regards,
I bet you'd love a nice 1% account to keep taxes down.
Excellent point and deals like this comes down to how much in funds are you moving. Leave $4400 laying on the table...probably not.
I opened the account on the phone with a rep because I found the website buggy.
She gave me my account # right away and I assumed,that everything would be sent via snail mail because Andrews and Northern insisted on that. (They can send it to you either way)
They key after you send the wire is calling and making sure the CD is opened and not just sitting in the share account. They are not going to automatically put the money in the cd unless you call. Write down who you talk to. And make sure you add your beneficiaries to the CD. Initially a rep said that needed to be signed also but then realized it did not. After that, I think I needed a temp password which a rep gave me? But then I was able to log in online and set up a security word and regular password.
Nobody has said what happens if its not. Nor did I ask.(I mean the after paperwork, not the account opening)
I provided nothing except the questions she asked and the 4 security questions. And the shared branch deposit with my new acct number.
They of course did the hard pull too.
faxed my signed copy of application
Keesler is going to require a signature card/form and 2 different reps told me they want that notarized and a copy of your drivers license. I did not ask what would happen for failure to comply. Maybe nothing? Maybe we could just ACH out in 7 months without that stuff? I'm probably not going to chance it because I don't want my money held for a week if they were to later demand that stuff be sent in. The rep said my share account is set to receive ACH deposits and withdrawals. And I have two test transactions & withdrawals pending.
I think early Monday morning I'll call Keesler and ask them about this. Looking back through your posts, it looks like it took you some extra effort to get this done. Do you recall which of their Customer Support reps. helped get this done, and possibly which of their supervisors finally approved it? (The CSR I talked with last was "Brandy" in the New Accounts Dept., extension 6545, but she was the one who outlined the "create the CD only after the hold expires" pathway. Aside from that she was very good.)
Also, when you were in the process of getting this done, did they happen to mention HOW LONG a hold they would put on your check if they were NOT able to get it done the way you wanted?
I'll call them before I visit my Shared Branching CU. I still have the option of wiring funds thus avoiding a hold, but then I either have to wire from 2 different banks or else I can't make the CD quite as large as I want.
Thanks much.
I feared an Andrews like experience where I could not get anyone to answer or return my call all day. But this credit union answers or calls back. The 2nd guy did not know who to go to or what to do, I told him Kayla got approval from someone and then put me on hold several times and then we got cut off. I immediately called back and got back in Queue but he called back in about 10 minutes and said he would do it the way I wanted. He did not say who authorized it but previously he asked who told me they could do it and luckily I wrote down her name & 6545 extension and gave it to him. I think I also mentioned JRose, comment #22 who got it that way. And I pointed out that the hold was not a problem, I just wanted the hold to be within the CD like both Nasa & Andrews had done. I did not ask nor did they say exactly how long the hold was.
But unlike most, Kayla said they would take the donation from my original deposit and that was not immediately done. After I got off the phone with the guy, I got a call back from another helpful lady from my prior getting in queue, Cheyenne, and I clarified the notarization & drivers license requirements and asked that the beneficiaries be added to the CD because I remembered Kayla saying that would be done later and not automatic. Initially, she said she was sending a blank form and I would have to reenter all the beneficiary info and I was a little perturbed about it but then she called back in a few minutes and said she was wrong and that it would be pre-filled out. She offered to send to my email but then said she could do it either way and I opted for snail mail. She sent an email and then a follow up email saying the first email was incorrect. And by then it was after 5 or 6 and I asked her by email about the # of allowed withdrawals per month, I assumed it was 6 because it usually is but I remembered one CU had a limit of 3. She responded Saturday morning that Keeslers limit is 4. (I wanted to set up a link now at another bank in case I later forgot)
I only see this when I click on "notes" 1 Pending and a popup comes up.
Transaction Date Expiration Date Type Description Deposit Withdrawal
8/17/2018 8/21/2018 Check Hold $10.00---------------------------
Also saw this .....
On August 22, Keesler Online will launch an updated look and feel designed to make your online banking experience even better. This change only affects the site’s appearance and usability - all functionality, features and services that Keesler Online is known for will remain the same.Here's What You Can ExpectKeesler Online will be unavailable much of the day, August 22. All scheduled transfers, ACH and bill payments set for that date will still process as usual. The mobile app will still work while Keesler Online is unavailable, and you can call the Member Contact Center for help, but be aware that wait times that day may be longer than usual.Once the upgrade is completed on August 22 and you log into your account from the Keesler Federal Home Page(opens in a new window) , you will notice:
- A more streamlined layout
- Consolidation of some menu options
- Quick widgets to conveniently access features you use most often
NOTE: Although the updated Keesler Online features a design that gives the site a consistent look whether it is accessed via computer, tablet or mobile phone, weHIGHLY RECOMMEND using the Keesler Mobile app for the best experience on your mobile devices. If you are not already using Keesler Mobile, free downloads are available below on the App Store or Google Play.Keep in mind that the transfer of funds from the savings to the CD is not automatic. You must call on Tuesday after the wire in received to instruct them to make the transfer. Don't assume that it will be done or honored otherwise!
I decided to transfer 1M from a Marcus acct which earns 1.85% to open 4 CDs x 250K each (structured beneficiaries for insurance protection). But the transfer from Marcus is 'in process' because it had to go through some approvals.
Long story short I'm not sure if I have anything to 'wire' tomorrow.
I could have my wife sign up as a member with our vacation home as a separate address but it's too much headache so I have to decide whether to do anything more than the 250K limit for insurance purposes.
A number of years ago I caught a PenFed promo for 3% 5-year CDs which mature in February 2019....I invested 1M and structured #1 - myself, #2 - myself + wife, #3 - myself + father, #4 - myself + mother...in theory any combination of individual + beneficiary gives another 250K protection.
In the case of Keesler I don't feel comfortable giving them more than 250K in one CD..."just in case" and they don't allow more than one CD per member with this rate.
This CU has 15% capital, truly astronomical
I'm not much of a stock market guy and I've lost money big and small every time I've invested so I'd rather have preservation of capital over everything else.
Open it on the phone and wire it in or drop it at a shared branch.
I opened 2 accounts at Northern but did not ask for them for the 2nd account.
That's a great rate to get but for higher amounts is a big problem to manage unless you set it and forget it?
http://www.forecast-chart.com/rate-cd-interest.html
Fed rate was about the same then
To expedite the process, when you have finished the online application, print and sign the documents. Donate $10 to ACS and print confirmation. Scan your drivers license along with the proof of ACS donation, and the Keesler documents.
Call the bank and you will hopefully can a rep as cheerful and helpful as I did. Email the docs while you are on the phone. The rep will call you back with your new account number and routing number. The only slowdown I had was that Keesler wanted me to go to any local credit union shared branch and deposit a token $5. This was all accomplished smoothly.
Lastly, contact the bank where you have your funds and wire the funds to Keesler. For me it was worth the $20 wire fee to get the 5% rate and not have to worry about whether I'd make the deadline waiting for an ACH.
Best of luck and thanks to all here for the great comments that helped make this happen smoothly.
Bank wires are not instantaneous always. I was informed by my bank that my wire went out at 12 noon EST and it was not received by Kessler until about 3:30 EST.
I was told that this deal ends on Tuesday at 5pm CST and they sounded very firm about that.
Bank wires are not instantaneous always. I was informed by my bank that my wire went out at 12 noon EST and it was not received by Kessler until about 3:30 EST.
I was told that this deal ends on Tuesday at 5pm CST and they sounded very firm about that.....
Ken, thank you so much for posting this fantastic deal!!
Based on SYC's experience and mine, I wonder if, during this special at least, Keesler's system automatically notifies CSRs when a customer who's said they want to start a CD makes a large deposit to their liquid account? If so, it's a nice touch.
I expected to have to try to insist that any holds be put on the CD or transferred to the CD, so my funds would not sit in the liquid account for days earning basically nothing. (Much discussion about that earlier in thread.) But a pleasant surprise - no insistence was necessary. The CSR was already prepared to do that, and to create the CD right then. He did so (this took maybe 10-12 minutes hold while he contacted others), and now I see it online, showing opened today and earning 4.95%.
So overall, not a terrible process. I was frustrated earlier by a couple of things, and some of their CSRs were saying things a couple of days earlier that turned out to be different than what happened, but chalk that up to their changes in the scope of this, plus the CSRs are learning too. I get the idea that Keesler, like nearly all CUs, doesn't do this type of thing every day.
So, thanks to all the DA posters who provided help, and to Ken for providing DA.
My outside account is linked. My Money Market at AA did the 2 trial deposits & withdrawals.
As a reminder, their website is supposed to be down tomorrow for all you folks like me who don't access it via a phone.
Never heard of a $5k a day limit here. But they make mean pushing out from their end?
When it comes close to maturity, I will look into options for getting the money out. I assume transferring it to the share account and then ACHing it out via my broker will be the best way.
A rep at Penfed told me they had a $5k a day ACH limit on pushing or pulling. They were wrong. I was able to pull much more out via my broker when a CD matured.
So did Penfed specifically claim there was a $5K limit for Penfed pushing or another institution pulling (i.e., they were not talking about the limit for Penfed pushing or Penfed pulling)? I don't recall encountering any bank so far that has imposed limits on ACH pushes or pulls initiated by another bank (but every bank has imposed limits on ACH pushes and pulls they initiate). Have you ever encountered any institution that imposed the former kind of limits?
A penfed rep told me there was a 5k limit push or pull but they were wrong because I pulled more than that later.
Any bank can limit what they let you push. I think that might be penfeds daily push limit?
AA also has limits. You can go over with advance permission.
The whole process took a lot of due diligence and I don't recommend it for the faint of heart. This was a good deal if you had a large sum to invest.
Not everyone had a Million to invest.
What is the cu doing with the short term "loan" of funds to it?
And I still have "dry powder" (no-penalty CDs) earning 2.40, waiting for upcoming events, including equity downturns. If necessary.
Financials ? Its A rated with $2 billion in assets and federally insured.
Although I never would have guessed a 5% 7 month.
I was contemplating the 3.15% 18 month and the 3.43% 30 month but they both ended before I bought them and I am glad.
While I am glad to get this deal, I can't help but think it was poor planning on Keeslers part. I would think they could have planned better such that they would not need to pay 5%.
It will be interesting what they will make available in 7 months to all the money that flowed in for this deal. From what I can tell, other than this one, they do not have anything else that is competitive.
I got this finally set up and put in $250K just because I didn't want to risk any principal and getting more in would have been quite a headache.
They actually gave me a waiver because funds were not available in time from my side but at 4:50 PM EST yesterday I was on a call with Goldman and Keesler on the other line confirming a wire was being sent and a confirmation number that they could enter in their records.
Today I think Keesler is closed so hopefully somebody is not just cashing out all these new investments and running off ;-).
It was a little bit of a pain to open, including fraud verifications for a wire into a new account but it's a 2.92% return for the 7 months and ideally there would be good options to move that into next year.
It was meant to be a Great Deal for the average "little fish" depositors of the area.
I'm sure they weren't looking for "Whales" to suface.
They were probably looking to raise some funds and due to interest they probably realized that a much larger influx can come in that they can use for other purposes/loans/etc. Hopefully it doesn't backfire ;-)
Lets see, borrow at 5%, lend out at 3% and make it up on volume.
LOL
Seriously, whatever they are doing with it will last more than 7 months, wouldn't it?
I mean, what is gained by drawing in all these funds only to have everyone pull out 7 months later, - and what is Kessler likely doing with the money?
Anyone care to guess the amount raised by this (no max) offer?
One employee said they're doing something with the money in the Jackson, MS area, whatever that means. https://www.depositaccounts.com/banks/keesler-cu/offers/#254
They had to realize they could have raised a lot even with a 4% rate or 3.5%.
They are loaning on GOLF CARTS at 2.99%. You tell me how it makes sense to pay 5%.
https://www.kfcu.org/online-services/keesler-online
clicking into "Enroll into Keesler online" goes to a Not Found page...
https://online.kfcu.org/HBNet/App/Signon/IssueTemporaryPassword
Do you have any other link to log in?
I went to my saved link (just their homepage) and the sign on in the upper right hand corner where your username & password goes is not there now.
Not Found
HTTP Error 404. The requested resource is not found.
This was never there before so I'm guessing they messed it up with whatever update of a day or two ago.
Id say wait a day and try again or call. I'm not in a huge hurry to sign in right now because I know whats there. If I had to guess, it will be back up tomorrow or Monday.
I have not logged in since Monday.
If I wanted to call, I would not have left a message. Duh.
Reminds me of these Caribbean banks that used to offer a 7% return when the market was at the 3-4% mark. You want to offer high enough that people are drawn to you but not that high that it sounds like a scam. In the end it was a scam.
Oh and just tried again and the website is back up for me.
Except for the stupid, every time I log in additional security crap. Comes up every time and should not I don't think.
With the CSR notations they actually just transfered the money for me (250K) today and honored the terms from Tuesday PM.
I don't view buying CDs as "investing". I have been investing for a long time and investing implies risk of loss. Buying CDs do not. And its a really, really long stretch to think anyone loses money on this deal.
As far as suing DA over it, that's silly troll talk.
It takes just a minute to confirm whether an account is covered by NCUA.
If you personally have the aptitude to spot financial fraud, your talents are wasted weeding out CDs from legitimate credit unions. Much more profitable opportunities await your expertise.
why would anyone do a financial analysis before buying a CD from an insured credit union?
Here's a hint. These CDs are for seven months. There are billions of dollars in longer term debt. These CDs will be repaid before all those billions in other liabilities. That is why the other liabilities matter.
userjohn, to answer your odd question, don't expect any help from the NCUA if a credit union is in good shape, why would there be?
userjohn, vague anonymous comments are a waste of time. which small credit union refused to close someone's CDs? How is that relevant here, Keesler is not a small credit union. NCUA does not "help out" it provides insurance in case of credit union complete failure.
You responded to an incoherent comment about the size of a credit union, which, of course, is not relevant. I surely never said size matters, I have simply asked why you think it matters. Glad you understand it does not.
Yes, 10% would be just fine with me, would not hesitate, as long as NCUA confirms the credit union is insured.
Any other questions?
So you would have absolutely no additional questions and not even "hesitate" no matter what the rate (e.g., 20%, 100%, or more)? It seems like common sense that additional questions are appropriate depending on how inexplicably high the rate is (even if there may be room for reasonable disagreement about whether this particular 5% rate is high enough to require much questioning).
If the CU failed, you'd want to owe them more than they owed you because you have a right of offset. So, if you got the 5% CD, go borrow on a couple new Bentleys at 2.24
Are you getting it double counted today?
I set mine up as soon as I opened the account and have not had a problem until this morning. Today, it shows two CDs for the same amount which overstates my total.
I used the opportunity to ask again about the notarization and pointed out that I thought it was overkill given the credit report and 4 identity questions. At first she said they needed it but then got a 2nd opinion and said it was not needed. Did not ask about the drivers license but I am not going to send that either and see what happens.
It's like a reality show.
Secondly, I have to smile just a bit at your "reality show" comment. If RJM is doing a reality show, you seem to be among its biggest fans - noting every post, offering critiques, etc. Or perhaps, as another poster said above, just "rationalizing regret".
SMH
If you can read financial statements and understand them, there was no reason to avoid these.
With a CU, you jump first and ask questions later. I had a number of banks and CU's that were seized during 2009 and 2010 and I received a check for my money within a few days.
We're not in an environment where banks and CU's are struggling.
There is also a search tool listed:
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search
Here is how it works:
https://www.depositaccounts.com/blog/2011/05/maximizing-your-FDIC-coverage-with-beneficiaries.html
i.e. A joint account with 5 beneficiaries can be covered up to $2,500,000.
https://www.fdic.gov/deposit/seminar/master-print-version-banker-seminar.pdf
so credit unions are free to not pay CDs at maturity!! this is big news!!!
sounds like calling mom is more effective than calling ncua!!
A somewhat similar situation is with POD beneficiary Social Security numbers. Some customers object to a CU requiring SS numbers for POD beneficiaries, but that doesn't stop some (but not all) CU's from doing it. That tells me that the NCUA has neither a rule that SS numbers MUST be required, nor one that they must NOT be (because in this case the CU would assumably be prevented from asking). Also, a CU cannot change the NCUA rule that says each additional joint owner gets (basically) another $250K in insurance, but a CU CAN definitely limit the number of joint owners allowed on an account, and possibly may be able to restrict the account to just a single (primary) owner.
It makes me wonder, regarding the example mentioned above - would a CU be able to have a restriction that POD beneficiaries be members of that CU, or even relatives of the customer?
I don't recall getting a truth in savings document. But I might not have paid much attention because I can see when I log in that I am getting the 4.95%
I got a beneficiary document that I signed and I guess the account opening document that I also signed. I got them in different envelopes but returned them in the same.
I think the cover letter asks for a copy of your drivers license and wants your signature notarized but on my last call, I pressed the rep on if those were "REALLY" needed because they already did a credit check and the 4 security questions. I said it seemed like overkill. At first she said they were required but then got a 2nd opinion and said just sign & return it and I would be fine. So that is what I did. Went out in today's mail. What I did not do is write down the reps name so they may end up sending it back. I hope not.
My guess is the drivers license and notarized signature were required from BEFORE they started doing the hard pull and the security questions but most of the reps don't know any better because they were taught that way and not retaught with the new data.
I also got a "free gift" in a different welcome envelope. Its a Keesler refrigerator magnet.
"Important to YOU. Important to US" is their motto on the magnet.
I received three documents, - the Share Certificate Agreement (with all the pertinent information about me and the Certificate terms), a Designation of Beneficiary form, and a Signature Card to certify the Agreement.
So, I'm not too concerned that this is an invalid or fraudulent offer - I'm just wondering where my Share Certificate Agreement form is.
Yes, the "Share Certificate Agreement" I received is titled as such at the top of the form. To be more precise, at the very top of the form is listed "ACCOUNT STATUS CHANGE", and then just below that is "Change Request: Share/IRA Certificate Agreement" followed by all the terms of the CD (i.e. account#, date issued, term, dividend rate, APY, maturity date, etc) and my own personal info.
One curious thing, however, is that the space for "Amount" is left empty (in my case) which is a bit unnerving (do others who have received this form see the amount of their deposit there?). Unlike the "Designation of Beneficiary" form you received, my copy shows only my personal info and the Account#, without all the CD terms you see. The balance in my account I see online is accurate, but it's weird that nowhere in the documents I received is that indicated.
In any case, my "Share/IRA Certificate Agreement" form indeed DOES list the amount of my CD, in that first box, and it does match the amount I see online.
If I were you, I'd probably give them a call or chat next week about that blank field. One assumes they would be able to send you a corrected form. But based on my experience and what I read earlier in this thread, I still think that due to being swamped, Keesler has made a few fairly small errors that will turn out to be non-critical.
I am getting worried, and wished I had asked some of the questions being asked now!!!
What are the worries about this being a fraudulent offer? I think it's doubtful?
Terms of less than 1 year: dividends are paid at maturity.
Terms of 1 year or more: dividends are paid quarterly.
So seems appropriate 7 mo. promo interest won't show up until maturity.
Also, this likely means 1099-INT interest reporting deferral until 2019 tax year.
Of course, this couldn't be correct if you'd requested distribution of monthly interest check
payments, instead of compounding, for example. However, I'm not sure that payment option was
available for this deal. If you're still concerned, I'd give them a call, as reader QED suggests!
"Certificates with a term of less than one year do not offer compounding
since dividends are paid at the end of the dividend period, which is the
stated maturity."
This seems consistent with observations of no posted interest
on the monthly statement, which others have recently noted.
So all of the information jason777 obtained from KFCU appears to be correct!
Thanks, no thanks will have to pass red flags!
SMH
Don't worry, it was dead a long time ago
Turned out to be kind of icing on the cake for me, since I'm looking to push income into next year (and pull deductions into this year), wherever possible.
And of course, I did not write down the name of the rep who told me I did not need to send that stuff in. Or maybe I misunderstood ? But I don't think so.
Note, I already did the trial deposits thing last week without issue.
Not real sure what to do with the transfer limit they are asking for. Do I put unlimited or what? And writing the password on paper makes me uneasy too.
Is that needed to ACH out when it matures from an outside bank or broker?
When I sent them back several forms a few days ago, this was one that I chose to have notarized (not sure if it was necessary for this one or not). Since my data was already pre-populated on the original form they mailed, I chose to just cross out the $50K and write in a much higher number which more than covered my CD, then signed and dated it. I'll probably wait a few more days then call and confirm with them the higher limit, ask them about ACH transfers, etc.. (Hold times are back to normal now.)
When this CD ends, I definitely want to have at least 2 "exit strategies" available, including wiring funds out (in one shot), and ACHing funds out, in as few shots as possible.
I got a dedicated notary form which was unlike one I had ever seen before. It did not have a place for me to sign just the notary. As for the password, I just used my security question answer.
My local CU took care of it and a copy of my license too Today. Still wonder what might have happened if I just failed to return any of that stuff. My guess is nothing and I could ACH out when the CD matures.
Welcome to Elite Prime Membership. (For those 50+ with at least $50 on deposit)
No huge benefits except maybe the free bank wire transfers.
This could be helpful when our CD matures unless Keesler has another CD special at that time.
The letter also pushes their ultimate checking which is free to Elite Prime members. (But as far as I can tell, no huge deal, a handful of benefits of little real value)
onee more RED FLAG!
https://www.kfcu.org/assets/files/n9z96SJE
We have all been duped.
SMH