5-year CD / share certificate: credit union vs bank
$10,000 deposit · Deposit · rates as of December 26, 2025
The national average 5-year cd / share certificate rate is 2.83% at federally insured credit unions versus 2.11% at banks (+0.72 pts). That makes the credit union the better deal on this product - a 0.72-point advantage for savers. Credit unions pay a higher average 5-year certificate rate. These are national averages, general information, not financial advice or an offer.
Source: NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates. Data as of December 26, 2025.
What is 5-year cd / share certificate?
A 5-year certificate of deposit / share certificate on a $10,000 deposit. Five years is the longest standard term in this report.
Credit union vs bank average
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Credit union average | 2.83% |
| Bank average | 2.11% |
| Spread (CU minus bank) | +0.72 pts |
| Better deal | Credit union |
Source: NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates. Data as of December 26, 2025.
Worked example: On a $10,000 balance for one year
A $10,000 balance earns about $283 in a year at the credit-union average (2.83%) versus about $211 at the bank average (2.11%) - roughly $72 more at the credit union (simple interest, before compounding or taxes).
Simple illustration on the opening balance, before compounding, fees and taxes. Use the calculator with your own numbers.
How this compares
| Where | Average rate | Better deal |
|---|---|---|
| Credit unions | 2.83% | Yes |
| Banks | 2.11% | No |
Frequently asked questions
Are 5-year cd / share certificate rates better at a credit union or a bank?
Credit unions pay a higher national average rate on this product: 2.83% at credit unions vs 2.11% at banks (a 0.72-point advantage for savers). Credit unions pay a higher average 5-year certificate rate. This is a national average, not the rate any single institution offers.
What is 5-year cd / share certificate?
A 5-year certificate of deposit / share certificate on a $10,000 deposit. Five years is the longest standard term in this report.
When was this 5-year cd / share certificate rate measured?
These are national averages from the NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates, 2025 Q4, with rates as of December 26, 2025. The NCUA updates the report quarterly and the underlying survey is collected by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Confirm the live rate with the credit union or bank before deciding.
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Sources & accuracy
NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates, 2025 Q4 (rates as of December 26, 2025; underlying survey by S&P Global Market Intelligence). National average, general information, not financial advice. The rate you are offered depends on the institution, your credit and the balance. Verify the live rate before deciding. See methodology and disclaimer.
Last updated: 2026-06-22