Navy Federal Credit Union vs. PenFed Credit Union CD Rates — October 2026
Navy Federal Credit Union pays more at 5 of the 5 standard terms both offer; PenFed Credit Union pays more at none. The highest rate in this comparison is 4.15% APY on Navy Federal Credit Union's 18-month certificate, verified October 26, 2026.
Navy Federal Credit Union vs. PenFed Credit Union: CD rates by term
Each cell is that institution's highest fresh quote for the exact term, across the locations we check. Relationship rates that need another account are left out. Bold marks the higher APY.
| Term | Navy Federal Credit Union | PenFed Credit Union | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-month | 1.55%$100,000 min · Standard | —Not offered or not tracked | — |
| 6-month | —Not offered or not tracked | 2.70%$1,000 min · Standard | — |
| 1-year | 4.10%$100,000 min · Standard | 3.20%$1,000 min · Standard | Navy FCU +0.90% |
| 18-month | 4.15%$100,000 min · Standard | 3.20%$1,000 min · Standard | Navy FCU +0.95% |
| 2-year | 3.70%$100,000 min · Standard | 3.40%$1,000 min · Standard | Navy FCU +0.30% |
| 3-year | 4.15%$100,000 min · Standard | 3.40%$1,000 min · Standard | Navy FCU +0.75% |
| 4-year | —Not offered or not tracked | 3.40%$1,000 min · Standard | — |
| 5-year | 3.90%$100,000 min · Standard | 3.50%$1,000 min · Standard | Navy FCU +0.40% |
Other differences
| Navy Federal Credit Union | PenFed Credit Union | |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance | NCUA-insured credit union (NCUA 5536) | NCUA-insured credit union (NCUA 227) |
| Lowest minimum (tracked) | $100,000 | $1,000 |
| Standard terms tracked | 6 | 7 |
| No-penalty CD | None tracked | None tracked |
| Prices vary by ZIP | No | No |
Membership, new-money and product conditions are not compared here. See each institution's page for opening requirements, early withdrawal penalties and rate history: Navy Federal Credit Union CD rates · PenFed Credit Union CD rates.
Common questions
Which has better CD rates, Navy Federal Credit Union or PenFed Credit Union?
Navy Federal Credit Union pays more at 5 of the 5 standard terms both offer; PenFed Credit Union pays more at none. The highest rate in this comparison is 4.15% APY on Navy Federal Credit Union's 18-month certificate, verified October 26, 2026.
Which has a lower CD minimum deposit, Navy Federal Credit Union or PenFed Credit Union?
PenFed Credit Union lists the lower minimum: $1,000, versus $100,000 at Navy Federal Credit Union, on the standard-term rates we track.
Are Navy Federal Credit Union and PenFed Credit Union CDs insured?
Navy Federal Credit Union is an NCUA-insured credit union (NCUA 5536) and PenFed Credit Union is an NCUA-insured credit union (NCUA 227). Deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category, so splitting a large deposit between the two can raise total coverage.
How current is this comparison?
Both institutions' rate pages are checked daily. Every quote here was verified within the last seven days; the latest on October 26, 2026.