Certificate Types
Certificate Account
A certificate account with Ascend guarantees that your money will earn a certain interest rate for the entire length of the certificate. We have a range of terms for both short-term and long-term savings goals. Certificate accounts have no fees, though there is a penalty for early withdrawal.
IRA Certificate Account
An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) certificate combines the guaranteed dividends of a certificate account with the tax advantages of an IRA.10 We have a range of terms for both short-term and long-term retirement savings goals.
IRA Accumulation Account
An IRA Accumulation Variable Rate certificate is a 12-month certificate that's different from most certificate accounts. Instead of locking in an interest rate, the rate varies with the market allowing you to take advantage of any increases in the interest rate. You can also make additional deposits at any time.
Home Purchase Share Certificate
An Ascend Home Purchase Share Certificate offers a smart and secure way to save for a home purchase. You can make deposits anytime, helping you build your funds faster, and withdrawals made for the purchase of a home are penalty-free.30 Even better, if you secure financing with Ascend, your mortgage processing fee will be waived. With this variable-rate certificate, you’ll not only save more efficiently but also earn a higher dividend compared to a regular savings account.
Member's Advantage
A Member’s Advantage certificate account is offered to Ascend members for two terms; 15 months and 54 months. These certificates are unlike other certificates in that during the term, you can make one additional deposit of at least $1,000. Additionally, if interest rates change during the term, you can choose a one-time rate increase. Visit below for minimum opening deposit and rate information.
- When will dividends post to certificates?
Dividends for certificates are credited monthly.6
- Can I withdraw from my certificate early without penalty?
For all Share Certificate and IRA Share Certificate accounts, we may impose a penalty if you withdraw any of the principal before the maturity date. However, you may withdraw from a Home Purchase Share Certificate before maturity without penalty if the withdrawal is being made in conjunction with the purchase of a home. Please see "Rate Schedule and Truth in Savings: Certificate Accounts" on our Disclosures and Notices page for more details.
- Can I change the type or term of my certificate after it has been opened?
For members under age 59 ½, the type and term of a certificate cannot be changed unless the certificate is at maturity or during the grace period. Ascend does offer to our IRA holders who are age 59 ½ or older or who are disabled the opportunity to perform a one-time per calendar year movement of an IRA certificate.
Don't see the question you're looking for?
There are two different ways to open an Ascend certificate.