Pacific NW Federal Credit Union Has Competitive 12-Month CD Special
Oregon-based Pacific NW Federal Credit Union (PNWFCU) has been offering its 12-month CD Special (1.60% APY) since the beginning of the year. The minimum opening deposit is $1k and there is a maximum $100k deposit allowed per each member. New money is required and is defined as “not currently on deposit with PNWFCU.” The longevity of this supposed “limited-time” CD Special is a bit worrisome, but CSR stated there has been no indication that it would be ending anytime soon. Unfortunately, CSR’s statement doesn't guarantee availability; opening a CD Special sooner, rather than later, would probably be prudent.
The CD Special is also available as an IRA (Traditional, Roth, CESA), earning the same APY with the same minimum/maximum deposit requirements.
As stated in the Truth-in-Savings disclosure, the Early Withdrawal Penalty reads as follows:
Terms of 12 Months or Less – 90 days’ dividends
Availability
Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Pacific NW Federal Credit Union’s field of membership (FOM) is residency-based, with individuals who live, work, worship, attend school, or regularly conduct business in the Oregon counties of Columbia, Clackamas, Hood River, Multnomah, or Washington, or the Washington counties of Clark or Skamania eligible to join.
Joining PNWFCU and/or opening a CD Special can be done online. PNWFCU is in the beginning stage of re-opening the four Oregon branches, with each branch offering different access.
- Erin Way Branch (Portland) – Drive-up only
- BPA/ 911 NE 11th Ave Branch (Portland) – Temporarily closed
- Vancouver (WA) Branch – Lobby open
- Hood River (OR) – Lobby and Drive-up both open
PNWFCU’s COVID-19 Updates page lists the status of all branch locations and information regarding the pandemic.
It’s easy to establish your membership with PNWFCU. Just open and maintain a $5 balance in your savings account.
PNWFCU participates in both the CO-OP Shared Branch network and ATM networks.
Credit Union Overview
Pacific NW Federal Credit Union has an overall health grade of "B+" at DepositAccounts.com, with a Texas Ratio of 7.56% (excellent) based on December 31, 2019 data. PNWFCU has an above average capitalization level (9.91%), the result of holding $193.77 million in assets with $19.2 million in equity. Please refer to our financial overview of Pacific NW Federal Credit Union (NCUA Charter # 4878) for more details.
Established in 1942 as the BPA Federal Credit Union, the original FOM included the employees of the Bonneville Power Administration, a federal agency created by Congress in 1937 to market electric power from the Bonneville Dam located on the Columbia River. The years between 1999 and 2004 were busy for BPA FCU: mergers with three other Oregon credit unions, a limited FOM expansion, and the Pacific NW rebrand. In 2018, the FOM expanded to include the entire Portland Metro area. Currently the 21st largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, PNWFCU has more than 18,700 members and assets in excess of $193 million.
How the CD Special Compares
When compared to 245 similar length-of-term CDs tracked by DepositAccounts.com, that require a similar minimum deposit and are available within the FOM, Pacific NW Federal Credit Union's 12-month CD Special APY currently ranks second.
| Interest Rate | CD Length of Term | Credit Union/Bank |
|---|---|---|
| 1.61% APY | 1-Year Fixed CD (no max) | Lafayette Federal Credit Union |
| 1.60% APY | 12-Month CD Special ($100k max) | Pacific NW Federal Credit Union |
| 1.35% APY | 12-Month CD (no max) | Pen Air Federal Credit Union |
These rates are accurate as of 6/13/2020.
To look for the best CD rates, both nationwide and in your state, please refer to our CD Rates Table, page.
