Lafayette Federal Credit Union Certificates (CDs)
APY Range
Minimum Deposit
Our Rating
Terms
Lafayette Certificates (CDs) Rates
Lafayette Federal Credit Union (LFCU) offers a variety of CD terms, with APYs ranging from 4.02% for a 1-year term to 3.25% – 4.02% for a 5-year term. The minimum deposit to open a CD at LFCU is $500.
Lafayette Federal Credit Union are very competitive compared to other credit unions and banks. The rates for 1-year CD is one of the highest 1-year CD rates in the market as of December 2025, but also the rest of the terms are competitive.
Ultimately, your best CD will depend on your needs and circumstances. If you are looking for a safe and secure place to grow your savings, a CD with a longer term may be a good option for you.
However, it is important to remember that you will not be able to access your money until the term ends. If you need to access your money early, you may have to pay an early withdrawal penalty.
Term | APY |
|---|---|
7 Months | 4.02%
|
12 Months | 4.02%
|
24 Months | 4.02%
|
36 Months | 3.56% – 4.02%
|
48 Months | 3.97% – 4.02%
|
60 Months | 3.25% – 4.02%
|
Overall, these CD rates are among the highest CD rates among credit unions.
Is Lafayette's Certificate Rates Competitive Compared to Other Credit Unions?
Yes, Lafayette's Certificate Rates are competitive compared to other credit unions. In fact, they are often among the highest in the nation.
As you can see in the table below, other credit unions offer lower rates compared to Lafayette'. Also, the minimum deposit of Lafayette' is reasonable compared to other credit unions CD minimum deposit requirements.
Credit Union | CD Range | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|
2.00% – 4.35% | $1,000 | |
3.1% – 4.1%
| $1,000 | |
3.51% – 4.85% | $5,000 | |
0.50% – 4.10%
| $250 | |
3.40% – 4.35%
| $1,000 | |
1.00% – 3.50%
| $50 | |
3.70% – 3.95%
| $10,000 | |
3.00% – 4.00%
| $500 | |
3.26% – 4.00%
| $1,000 | |
1.50% – 4.15%
| $1,000 |
Is Lafayette Competitive Compared to Other Banks?
Lafayette's Certificate Rates are competitive compared to traditional banks such as Chase, PNC, or Bank Of America in almost every CD term.
While you can find higher rates on online banks, Lafayette is also competitive in this area, making it one of the best CD accounts to keep your money when it comes to rates as of December 2025.
CD APY Range | Minimum Deposit | |
|---|---|---|
Marcus | 3.85% – 4.25%
| $500 |
First Internet Bank | 3.40% – 4.02%
| $1,000 |
Barclays Bank | 3.00% – 4.00% | $0 |
PNC Bank | 0.01% – 3.90%
| $1 |
Quontic Bank | 3.00% – 3.75% | $500 |
PenFed Credit Union | 2.00% – 4.35% | $1,000 |
Alliant Credit Union | 3.1% – 4.1%
| $1,000 |
Sallie Mae | 3.70% – 4.10%
| $2,500 |
Bread Financial | 4.25% – 4.75% | $1,500 |
Capital One | 3.50% – 4.00%
| $0 |
Chase Bank | 0.02% – 3.80%
| $1,000 |
Discover Bank | 2.00% – 4.00%
| $0 |
CIT Bank | 0.30% – 3.35%
| $1,000 |
Ally Bank | 2.90% – 3.90% | $0 |
Citi Bank | 0.05% – 4.00%
| $500 |
Connexus Credit Union | 3.51% – 4.85% | $5,000 |
Merrick Bank | 3.60% – 4.05%
| $25,000 |
Fidelity | 3.60% – 4.05%
| $1,000 |
Charles Schwab | 3.75% – 4.06%
| $1,000 |
Vanguard | 3.75% – 4.25%
| $1,000 |
BMO Harris | 0.05% – 4.50% | $1,000 |
Wells Fargo | 1.50% – 3.65%
| $2,500 |
Synchrony Bank | Up to 4.15% | $0 |
Citizen Bank | 3.50% – 4.15%
| $1,000 |
TD Bank | 1.00% – 4.00% | $250 |
Navy Federal | 1.50% – 4.15%
| $1,000 |
LendingClub | 3.40% – 4.45%
| $2,500 |
Can You Join Lafayette Federal Credit Union?
There are a few ways to join Lafayette Federal Credit Union (LFCU).
- Become a member of a participating organization. LFCU has partnerships with a number of organizations, including schools, businesses, and unions. If you are a member of one of these organizations, you can join LFCU at no cost.
- Live, work, or worship in the LFCU service area. LFCU's service area includes Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. If you live, work, or worship in this area, you can join LFCU for a one-time fee of $5.
- Become a family member of a current LFCU member. If you are the spouse, child, or parent of a current LFCU member, you can join LFCU for free.
Once you have met the membership requirements, you can apply for membership online or at any LFCU branch. You will need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number. You will also need to provide proof of your residency, employment, or membership in a participating organization.
Once your application is approved, you will be able to open a savings account, checking account, or loan with LFCU. You will also be able to take advantage of all of the other benefits that LFCU offers to its members, such as free ATM use, online banking, and mobile banking.
About Lafayette Federal Credit Union
Lafayette Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution that was founded in 1935 to serve the financial needs of federal employees and their families. Today, the credit union has expanded its membership eligibility to include individuals who live, work, worship, attend school or volunteer in Washington D.C. or certain parts of Maryland and Virginia, as well as employees of its Select Employee Groups (SEGs).
As a credit union, Lafayette Federal is owned and governed by its members, who elect a volunteer board of directors to oversee its operations. This structure allows the credit union to focus on providing high-quality products and services at competitive rates, rather than maximizing profits for shareholders.
Lafayette Federal Credit Union offers a wide range of financial products and services, including checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and investment and insurance services. The credit union also provides online and mobile banking services, as well as access to a nationwide network of ATMs.
FAQs
Are CDs a safe investment?
CDs are generally considered a safe investment because they are insured by the FDIC and offer a guaranteed rate of return.
What is the difference between a CD and a money market account?
A CD is a time deposit with a fixed term and a guaranteed interest rate, while a money market account interest is variable, and your money isn't locked, like CDs.
What happens if interest rates go up after I open a CD?
If interest rates go up after you open a CD, you will not be able to take advantage of the higher rates until your CD matures.
What happens when a CD matures?
When a CD matures, you have the option to withdraw the money, renew the CD for another term, or transfer the money to another account.
How We Rate Certificates of Deposits: Our Methodology
The Smart Investor team has thoroughly examined certificate of deposit (CD) offerings from various banks, considering multiple factors to provide a comprehensive evaluation. Here's how we rated them across four key categories:
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CD Rates (50%): We meticulously analyzed the interest rates offered by each bank on their certificate of deposit (CD) products. Higher ratings were awarded to banks offering competitive rates that provide maximum returns for customers' investments. Factors such as the yield curve, current market conditions, and consistency of rates were considered to assess the attractiveness of each bank's CD rates.
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CD Features (30%): This category evaluated the features associated with each bank's certificate of deposit offerings. Factors considered include the variety of terms available, early withdrawal penalties, minimum deposit requirements, and any additional features or benefits. Higher ratings were given to banks offering a diverse range of CD terms, reasonable early withdrawal fees, and flexible options to meet customers' investment needs.
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Customer Experience (10%): A positive customer experience is paramount, even when investing in CDs. We assessed each bank's performance in this area, considering factors such as the ease of opening a CD account, the responsiveness of customer service, and overall user satisfaction. Higher ratings were assigned to banks with efficient account opening processes, helpful customer support, and a track record of satisfying customers.
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Bank Reputation (10%): The reputation of a bank is a critical consideration when investing in CDs. We evaluated each bank's reputation based on factors such as financial stability, regulatory compliance, and public perception. Higher ratings were given to banks with a solid reputation for reliability and trustworthiness, ensuring customers' investments are safe and secure.
By considering these categories and assigning appropriate weights to each, our review aims to provide valuable insights to help individuals make informed decisions when investing in certificate of deposits.
