The last time you thought about a certificate account might have been when you heard your grandmother talk about cashing hers in. But a certificate account has a lot of great advantages when it comes to saving your money, and could be the right fit just for you.

Did you know Ascend offers many different types of certificate accounts that come with great rates and start at just $500? We even have a calculator that will assist you in deciding which one is right for you to start saving.

What is a certificate account?

• A specialized savings account
• You set aside your money for a certain amount of time in exchange for a better rate
• Traditionally has a higher savings rate than that of a basic savings or checking account
• Can be opened with a deposit of $500
• Your money can be withdrawn early, but it may be subject to a penalty*
• Dividends compound monthly
• No setup or maintenance fees
• The longer the term, the higher the rate
• If you have $100,000 or more to invest, even better rates may be available to you.
  
  

What term options do I have with an Ascend certificate?

We offer terms as short as six months or as long as five years, so you can choose the certificate that best suits your plans.

Will my certificate account ever lose its value?
No. Ascend certificate accounts are insured by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) for up to $250,000.

Can I withdraw my deposit before the term is completed?

Yes, but you may be subject to a penalty. For more information view our disclosures.

What happens when the certificate account matures?

Certificates automatically roll over on the maturity date to a new certificate with the same prevailing rate unless the member chooses a different option. There is a grace period of seven days to allow you to withdraw, deposit or change the terms on the account.

Does Ascend offer IRA certificate accounts?

Yes. Ascend offers a traditional IRA certificate account and an IRA Accumulation certificate account that allows a member to make additional deposits and take advantage of any rate increases as the rate varies.

Does Ascend offer rate adjustments on a certificate account?

Ascend does offer special 15-month and a 54-month Member’s Advantage certificate accounts to members that feature the option of making one additional deposit of $1,000 or more. And if rates increase during the term, you can choose a one-time rate increase.

*Please see our Share Certificate Account Disclosure for more details.