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USAA Federal Savings Bank CDs review: Standard, Jumbo and more

USAA offers CDs with decent rates and a variety of terms to choose from — if you’re a service member.

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USAA Federal Savings Bank offers multiple terms for its certificates of deposit (CD), ranging from 30 days to seven years. However, their products and services are only open to military members and their families. If you’re eligible, you can choose between a variety of CDs with APYs much higher than the national averages.

How to become a USAA member

You must meet one of these eligibility requirements to join USAA:

  • US military members and veterans
  • Pre-commissioned officers
  • Spouses of veteran, as well as former spouses and widows of veterans
  • Children of USAA members

Overview of USAA CD rates

Interest on USAA CDs accrues daily and is compounded monthly.

USAA CD rates

USAA standard CDs all require a minimum deposit of at least $1,000, with the highest APY offered being 5.00% on the 15-month term.

CD termAPYMinimum deposit
91 days0.05%$1,000
182 days0.05%$1,000
7 months0.05%$1,000
9 months4.5%$1,000
1 year4.5%$1,000
15 months5%$1,000
18 months4%$1,000
24 months4%$1,000
30 months4%$1,000
48 months4%$1,000
60 months4%$1,000
84 months2.02%$1,000

Other types of CDs

USAA also offers Jumbo and Super Jumbo CDs, with identical rates to the standard CDs — just significantly higher minimum deposits. You’ll also get to choose between three more terms than the standard CDs: one month, four months and five months.

CD termAPYJumbo minimum depositSuper Jumbo minimum deposit
1 month0.05%$95,000$175,000
91 days0.05%$95,000$175,000
4 months0.05%$95,000$175,000
5 months0.05%$95,000$175,000
182 days0.05%$95,000$175,000
7 months0.05%$95,000$175,000
9 months4.5%$95,000$175,000
1 year4.5%$95,000$175,000
15 months5%$95,000$175,000
18 months4%$95,000$175,000
24 months4%$95,000$175,000
30 months4%$95,000$175,000
48 months4%$95,000$175,000
60 months4%$95,000$175,000
84 months2.02%%$95,000$175,000

USAA also offers adjustable rate and variable rate CDs, but the rates are low — they’re all 0.01% for standard, jumbo and super jumbo.

  • Variable rate CDs require a low minimum deposit of $250 and rates start at 0.01% APY. There are two term options: one year or 182 days.
  • Adjustable rate CDs allow you to adjust the interest rate one time during the term of the CD to the then-current interest rate in effect for the same type and term.

More about USAA’s CDs: Deposits, fees and details

What it isDetailsHow it compares
Minimum deposit
  • Standard CDs: $1,000
  • Variable CDs: $250
  • Jumbo CDs: $95,000
  • Super Jumbo CDs: $175,000
Many CDs have opening deposits between $500 to $2,000.
Term range1 month to 7 yearsUSAA has longer terms than average. Most banks offer up to 5 years.
Early withdrawal penalties
  • 30 days or less: 30 days interest
  • 31 days to 1 year: 90 days interest
  • 1+ through 5 years: 180 days interest
  • 5+ years: 180 to 365 days interest
Penalties are in line with other competitors, which is typically months or years of earned interest, depending on the term.
Grace period10-day grace periodTypical, as grace periods are usually 7 to 10 days.

Cashout details

USAA notifies you 30 days before your CD’s maturity date. Once your CD matures, you can withdraw the funds within the 10-day grace period. During the grace period, you can change the term, add or reduce funds or withdraw and close your account.

Choose to transfer funds from your closed CD to another USAA deposit account or send it to another external account. If you allow the CD to renew, it will renew into the same term with the rate available on the date of maturity.

How much you can earn with a USAA CD

Use this calculator to determine how much you could earn with a USAA CD.

How USAA’s CDs and rates compare

Overall, the bank’s CD rates are pretty solid. Normally, we see higher rates offered for longer CD terms, and USAA CD rates are a little all over the place. For example, it offers 2.02% APY on its seven-year CD and a 4.5% APY for the one-year term. And if you choose a term between 18 and 60 months, you’ll get 4% APY. The highest CD rate USAA offers is 5% APY for its 15-month term.

The average rate for a 12-month CD is 1.76%, which USAA easily beats with its standard CD rates for terms over nine months.

However, USAA’s adjustable rate and variable rate CDs have the lowest rates — all sitting at 0.01% — regardless of term or deposit requirement. You’re likely better off going with one of USAA’s standard CDs, as they require a lower deposit and offer significantly higher rates.

Not sure if USAA CDs are the right choice?
See our list of the best CD rates on the market.

Compare USAA to competitor rates

Narrow down top CDs by APY and minimum deposits to find the best one for your financial goals. You can also tick the Compare box on up to four products to see their benefits side by side.

Name Product 6-month APY 1-year APY 5-year APY Minimum deposit to open
Pacific Western 7-Month High Yield CD through Raisin
Finder Rating: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★
Pacific Western 7-Month High Yield CD through Raisin
N/A
N/A
N/A
$1
Crescent Bank CDs
Finder Rating: 4.8 / 5: ★★★★★
Crescent Bank CDs
N/A
5.35%
4.40%
$1,000
Earn competitive rates up to 5.35% APY (annual percentage yield) on terms ranging from 1 to 5 years. Pay $0 maintenance fees. Member FDIC.
Western Alliance Bank 12 months CDs through Raisin
Finder Rating: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★
Western Alliance Bank 12 months CDs through Raisin
N/A
5.51%
N/A
$1
Get 5.51% APY on a 12 month CD, and earn an APY that’s higher than the national average. Pay no fees and just a $1 minimum deposit. FDIC insured.
Quontic Bank CD
Finder Rating: 5 / 5: ★★★★★
Quontic Bank CD
5.05%
5.30%
4.30%
$500
Lock in a high rate. Minimum of $500 required to open. Open your account in 3 minutes or less. Member FDIC.
Ponce Bank CD through Raisin
Finder Rating: 4.9 / 5: ★★★★★
Ponce Bank CD through Raisin
4.00%
N/A
N/A
$1
Snag the highest APYs on the market for the shortest CD terms via Raisin. FDIC insured.
Discover CDs
Finder Rating: 3.8 / 5: ★★★★★
Discover CDs
3.40%
5.00%
4.00%
$2,500
Start saving with $2,500 and enjoy flexible terms from 3 months to 10 years with no account fees. FDIC insured
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