Higher CD Rates at GE Capital Retail Bank

GE Capital Retail Bank (formerly MetLife Bank) did something that is rare these days. It increased the rates of some of its CDs. Its Jumbo 4-year and 5-year CD rates went up by 10 bps. The 5-year Jumbo CD rate is now 1.75% APY, and the 4-year Jumbo CD rate is now 1.50% APY. These require a minimum deposit of $100,000. The rate tiers of $50K, $25K, $15K and $2K have lower rates. As one example for a $25K minimum deposit, the 5-year CD rate is 1.65% APY. The bank also offers IRA CDs. These rates are listed at the bank’s CD page as of 5/14/2013.

Unfortunately, not all of GE Capital Retail Bank CD rates went up. The 18-month CD rate fell from 1.10% to 1.05% APY for a $100K deposit and from 1.10% to 1.00% APY for a $15K deposit. This is still competitive, but the 12-month CD is the best deal for those who prefer a short-term CD. The 12-month CD still has a 1.05% APY for a $25K minimum deposit. This is one of the top rates for internet banks.

The bank’s CD early withdrawal penalties are fair. According to the bank’s disclosure:

For a CD with a term of twelve months or less, the penalty will be an amount equal to 90 days simple interest on the amount withdrawn at the current rate. For a CD with a term of more than twelve months, the penalty will be an amount equal to 180 days simple interest on the amount withdrawn at the current rate.

In January MetLife officially became GE Capital Retail Bank. As I mentioned in January, the products remained the same including the CDs, IRAs and money market accounts. In addition, they are still offering a free identity theft resolution service for deposit customers.

GE Capital Retail Bank’s main office is located in Draper, Utah. The bank has been around for awhile. It was established with FDIC insurance in 1988. However, it has not been in the retail deposit-taking business before the MetLife Bank acquisition. Its business focus has been on providing customized credit programs to retailers and consumers.

The bank has an overall health score at DepositAccounts.com of 5 stars (out of 5) with a Texas ratio of 7.98% (excellent) based on December 2012 data. Please refer to our financial overview of GE Capital Retail Bank for more details.