The Southeast Financial Federal Credit Union

continues to offer competitive interest rates for their certificate of deposit specials. Some good money in the bank deals are listed on their rate table. These includes a 2.60% APY for a 1-year certificate, 2.75% APY for their 18-month and 2-year term certificates of deposits.

The minimum deposit to enjoy these highest CD rates is just $500. They are also available as IRA certificates.

The rates being offered by Southeast Financial have really gone down the past few months but the current cd rates are still very competitive. You will notice that the rate table has a March 2009 date but these may still be in effect. It will be best to call their customer service line though to verify before signing up for anything.

The credit union imposes kinder penalties for early withdrawals. Withdrawals from certificates of deposit which has terms no longer than 6 months will not be more than 2 months of interest and that is from the amount taken out. Usually other institutions deduct about 180 days of earnings for long term CDs.

If you want to sign up for membership so you can enjoy these best cd rates, you can call the membership hotline of the union through 800-521-9653. You can make a $5 donation and make Autism Society of Middle Tennessee as the beneficiary to automatically be accepted as member of the Southeast Financial.

There are also select employer groups which can help you get in. Membership may also depend on your location of residence. You can check out their Who-Can-Join page to see the details for signing up.

According to their customer service representative, applicants can send in filled out forms together with their check for the $5 donation and another $5 for a savings account. They will also be asking for a copy of your valid ID’s like the driver’s license.

Rates will not be locked in until the union receives the complete application. The CSR gave a tip though that applicants can include a note stating the rate when they sent their application and they may just honor that figure.

They have branches in Chattanooga, Athens, Brentwood, and Nashville in Tennessee. They have another one in Bowling Green Kentucky. No need to worry about the ratings of this FCU since they got 4 stars from both bankrate.com and BauerFinancial. The union is also insured with the NCUA through charter # 24734.