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USAA CDs review
Service members can find terms from 30 days to seven years. But higher rates are reserved for longer terms and higher deposits.
USAA offers rates from 0.46% to 3.14% for fixed, adjustable and variable rate CDs. At the end of the term, your money is transferred to an investment account — and what comes next is up to you.
2.06%
1-year APY
2.54%
3-year APY
2.78%
5-year APY
Details
| Minimum deposit to open | $2,500 |
|---|---|
| Interest compounding | Daily |
| 3-month APY | 0.05% |
| 6-month APY | 0.35% |
| 1-year APY | 0.15% |
What types of CDs does USAA offer?
USAA has three types of CDs:
| Fixed rate CDs | These CDs have terms ranging from 30 days to seven years:
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|---|---|
| Variable rate CDs | A $250 minimum deposit is required for these CDs:
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| Adjustable rate CDs | All of these CDs are offered in 3-, 4-, 5- and 7-year terms. If interest rates go up during the term, you can request a one-time rate increase of up to 2%, and make a one-time additional deposit.
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Benefits of a USAA CD
Decent APYs and compound interest are a couple of benefits to USAA’s CD, as well as:
- Flexibility. USAA has a broad range of CDs, with fixed terms ranging from 30 days to seven years. Many banks offer terms up to only five years.
- Different types of CDs. Terms aside, USAA has three types of CDs to suit all types of savers: fixed, variable and adjustable rates.
- Additional deposits. You can add money to your CD in the 10 days after it matures. If you have a variable rate CD, you can top it up with a deposit of $25 or more any time.
- Adjustable rate CD available. If interest rates rise, you can request a one-time rate adjustment of up to 2% and make an additional deposit of $25 or more.
- Low initial deposit for variable rate CD. You only need $1,000 to open a variable rate CD.
What to watch out for
- USAA appeals to a military-minded audience in many ways, but it does have its limitations.
- Exclusive to USAA members. CDs and other banking products are only open to USAA members. To qualify, you need to be an active or former military member or an eligible family member.
- Lower interest rates. Unless you have a long-term CD with a high deposit, you can most likely find better rates elsewhere.
- Early withdrawal penalties. If you want to withdraw your money before the maturity date, you’ll be hit with a fee that’s equivalent to at least 30 days’ interest.
- Short customer support window. There’s no live chat feature and you’re limited to calling for support from Monday to Friday, 6.30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT. Outside of those hours, you’re limited to email or browsing the FAQs.
Compare with other CDs
How do I open a CD?
The quickest way to open a CD is online. These are the steps:
- Go to the USAA website.
- On the homepage, hover over Products.
- Under Banking, click CDs.
- You’ll be taken to the main CD page. Press Open a CD.
- If you’re a USAA member, Log In with your online ID and password. Otherwise, set up an account by clicking Join Online.
- Fill out your personal, employment and citizenship information.
- Continue following the prompts to fund your account.
Eligibility
CDs are open to USAA members. If you’re not a member yet, you must meet one of these eligibility requirements:
- An active, retired and honorably separated officer or enlisted personnel of the US military
- An officer candidate in a commissioning program: Academy, ROTC, OCS/OTS
- An individual with parents who are USAA members. This includes both biological and stepchildren
- A spouse, widow, widower or not remarried former spouse of a USAA member
To qualify for a CD, you’ll also need to be:
- At least 18 years old
- A US Citizen or Resident Alien with a Social Security number and a passport, permanent resident card or state-issued ID
- Pay the minimum deposit.
Required information
USAA will ask for the following info in the application:
- Date of birth and contact details
- Social Security number
- State-issued ID, passport or permanent resident card
- Banking details to fund your deposit
Funding options
You can fund your CD with a USAA bank account or a non-USAA account that’s set up for funds transfers. When you’re filling out the form, have your account number and routing number handy.
How do I cash in a CD?
When your CD matures, the cash will be paid into an investment account. Once that happens, you can withdraw it, invest in a new CD, or funnel the money towards other investments. USAA CDs don’t renew automatically.
How can I get in touch with customer service?
Questions? You can contact customer service by:
- Phone. Call 210-531-8722 or 800-531-8722 from Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.
- Fax. Dial 800-531-5717.
- Email. Log into your account to send a secure message.
- Social. Tweet your questions to @USAA_Help.
- Mail. Address snail mail to:
- USAA Federal Savings Bank
10750 McDermott Freeway
San Antonio, TX 78288
- USAA Federal Savings Bank
- In person. Pop into one of the Finance Centers to get first-hand advice.
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What other savings products does USAA offer?
The bank has two savings accounts that are FDIC-insured and have no monthly service fees:
- The USAA Savings Account is ideal for starter savers. You can open an account with $25, and earn interest on your growing balance. Interest starts at 0.09% for balances below $1,000, and maxes out at 0.15% on balances of $10,000 or more.
- The USAA Performance First Savings Account has higher interest rates, and the higher minimum deposit to match. You’ll need $10,000 or more to open an account. Then, you’ll earn 0.05% APY on balances under $10,000, and up to 1.42% on balances of $1 million or more.
Bottom line
USAA’s rates aren’t the best in the biz, but the bank makes up for that with flexibility. It caters to all savers, with three types of CDs to choose from and terms ranging from 30 days to seven years — longer than most banks.
If you’re a USAA member who wants to stash your cash in one bank, you can earn solid returns with a higher initial deposit. If not, you may find more competitive rates elsewhere.
Compare your options with our guide to CDs.