Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
The easiest way to feed your IRA is through automatic transfers or payroll deductions. Contribute up to $7,500—$8,600 annually if you're over age 50.
Individual Retirement Accounts turn your golden years into thousands of special moments
Just launching your career? That's a good time to open an IRA. You'll have decades to build a sizable retirement nest egg. Already well into life's journey? That's also a good time to start because tax benefits and steady dividends can lead to a comfortable lifestyle. It's never too soon—or too late—to get things started.
- Open with any amount, but keep at least $50 to earn dividends at our variable rate
- Make individual deposits or roll over other IRAs
- Keep the money for yourself—there's no monthly service fee
- Available as a regular savings account and a Certificate
- Potential income tax deduction for each year you contribute*
- All annual interest and dividend income is tax-exempt (consult a tax advisor)
- You can make penalty-free withdrawals at age 59 ½ (those withdrawals are taxed as income)
- You're required to make minimum annual withdrawals at age 73
- Available as a regular savings account and a Certificate
- Funded with post-tax income
- All annual interest and dividend income is tax-exempt
- All withdrawals are tax-free once you reach age 59 ½*
- No required withdrawals at any age (keep making deposits to your IRA as long as you have income)
- Start with as little as $100
- Keep your money deposited for 12 months to 5 years and earn a higher rate than other IRAs
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Account Description
|
Dividend Rate
|
Annual Percentage Yield (IRA)
|
|---|---|---|
| Individual Retirement Account (IRA) | 0.10% | 0.10% |
|
Term
|
Dividend Rate
(Minimum $100)
|
Annual Percentage Yield
(Minimum $100)
|
|---|---|---|
| 8-Month Special Certificate* Available thru 6/21/26 |
4.02% | 4.10% |
| 12 Months | 3.78% | 3.85% |
| 22-Month Special Certificate* Available thru 6/21/26 |
4.12% | 4.20% |
| 24 Months | 3.49% | 3.55% |
| 36 Months | 3.40% | 3.45% |
| 48 Months | 3.49% | 3.55% |
| 60 Months | 3.59% | 3.65% |
APY= Annual Percentage Yield. Rates are subject to change without notice. All dividends are compounded and paid monthly. Once a Certificate is opened, the rate remains fixed through maturity. A penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before the maturity of a certificate: Terms less than one year may have a penalty equal to 90 days of dividends on the amount withdrawn. The penalty for Certificates of one year or more will be equal to one hundred eighty (180) days of dividends.
*8-Month and 22-Month Certificates: To secure the promotional rate on the 8-Month and 22-Month Certificates, you must apply between 5/18/26 and 6/21/26. Minimum opening deposit is $100 of new money with no maximum. Additional rate bonuses are not available for this Certificate. A checking or savings account is required with Stanford FCU to open a Certificate. New money required. New money is money that is not currently in a checking account, savings account or Certificate with Stanford FCU. At maturity, the 8-Month Certificate automatically renews at a 12-month term and the 22-Month Certificate automatically renews at a 24-month term, at the rate in effect on the maturity date. At maturity and during the grace period, you may change the term or balance of your account or make withdrawals without a penalty. The grace period begins at maturity and ends seven calendar days later.
|
Term
|
Dividend Rate
(Minimum $100)
|
Annual Percentage Yield
(Minimum $100)
|
|---|---|---|
| 8-Month Special Certificate* Available thru 6/21/26 |
4.02% | 4.10% |
| 12 Months | 3.28% | 3.33% |
| 22-Month Special Certificate* Available thru 6/21/26 |
4.12% | 4.20% |
| 24 Months | 2.99% | 3.03% |
| 36 Months | 2.90% | 2.94% |
| 48 Months | 2.99% | 3.03% |
| 60 Months | 3.09% | 3.13% |
APY= Annual Percentage Yield. Rates are subject to change without notice. All dividends are compounded and paid monthly. Once a Certificate is opened, the rate remains fixed through maturity. A penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before the maturity of a certificate: Terms less than one year may have a penalty equal to 90 days of dividends on the amount withdrawn. The penalty for Certificates of one year or more will be equal to one hundred eighty (180) days of dividends.
*8-Month and 22-Month Certificates: To secure the promotional rate on the 8-Month and 22-Month Certificates, you must apply between 5/18/26 and 6/21/26. Minimum opening deposit is $100 of new money with no maximum. Additional rate bonuses are not available for this Certificate. A checking or savings account is required with Stanford FCU to open a Certificate. New money required. New money is money that is not currently in a checking account, savings account or Certificate with Stanford FCU. At maturity, the 8-Month Certificate automatically renews at a 12-month term and the 22-Month Certificate automatically renews at a 24-month term, at the rate in effect on the maturity date. At maturity and during the grace period, you may change the term or balance of your account or make withdrawals without a penalty. The grace period begins at maturity and ends seven calendar days later.
Our Wealth Management team creates investment strategies, and Retirement Central has a lot of good resources, too.
Stanford Federal Credit Union offers a variety of savings accounts based on your needs. Contact us or visit a branch in Bay Area CA to open an account.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find a Stanford FCU ATM, and 30,000 more fee-free ATMs by visiting our ATM and Branch Locator.
If you have a debit card, you can also receive cash back at no charge when you make a purchase at a retail location.
For your convenience, we also participate in shared branching with Co-op, a cooperative effort between credit unions nationwide to assist each other’s members. As a result, you can conduct business on your Stanford FCU accounts at other credit unions throughout the country as though you were at your local branch.
For a list of shared branch locations, visit our ATM and Branch Locator.
In addition to STAR® and Plus, we also use Co-op, with over 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. You can get cash back when you make a purchase at many retailers like grocery stores.
We also participate in shared branching with Co-op, a cooperative effort between credit unions nationwide to assist each other’s members. As a result, you can conduct business on your Stanford FCU accounts at other credit unions throughout the country as though you were at your local branch (some service limitations may apply).
For a list of shared branch locations, visit our ATM and Branch Locator.
You can transfer funds between your Stanford FCU accounts, to another Stanford FCU member (if you know the account number), or to and from your accounts at another financial institution. If you want to send money to someone who is not a Stanford FCU member, you can use Zelle® or send a Wire Transfer.
- Click here to transfer funds between your Stanford FCU accounts
- Click here to transfer funds to another member
- Click here to transfer funds to and from your accounts at another financial institution
- From there you can connect your external account instantly through Plaid
- Once the external account is established, it will always appear under the normal Transfer Funds service as an option to transfer to or from
Rates may change frequently, but they are always updated on our website. View our current Savings, Money Market and Certificate rates online 24/7.
Find the deposit account that’s right for you
Stanford FCU offers a variety of convenient savings account options to suit the unique banking needs of each individual or family. Learn more about our savings accounts by selecting one of the links below!
- Share (Savings) Accounts
- Companion Account
- Money Market Account
- Share Certificates
- Individual Retirement Account
- Health Savings Account
- Youth Savings Account
Current members can open a savings account through Digital Banking. Non-members can open an account online.
Rates may change frequently, but they’re always updated on our website. View our current Certificate rates online 24/7.
You can learn more about our Certificates, Money Market, and other savings accounts online, too!
Current members can open new accounts through Digital Banking. Non-members must first apply for membership online in as little as 10 minutes.
Not a member yet? Joining is easy! You can open an account with Stanford FCU with as little as $5.00. Open your account online today!
To open a Certificate or CD, you must be a current member of Stanford Federal Credit Union. If you are a member, click here to open a new account.
If you are a current member and have not registered for Digital Banking, you can enroll here.
If you are not yet a member and would like to open a Certificate, please first open a checking (spending) or savings account to become a member.
Once your Certificate matures you have a seven (7) calendar day grace period following maturity to renew or make changes. Your Certificate will automatically renew for the same term, or you can choose a different term or close the Certificate directly in Digital Banking. You can close or renew a 7-Month No Penalty Certificate any time after the first 7 days from opening.
If you don’t make any changes through the portal or by contacting us, your Certificate will automatically renew for the same term on the last day of the maturity grace period with the rate that is in effect on that day. You can view current rates at sfcu.org/why-stanford-fcu/market-leading-rates/deposit-rates.
Deposits are federally insured to at least $250,000 (Individual Retirement Accounts up to an additional $250,000) through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a U.S. government agency similar to the FDIC.
The NCUA calculator can explain more and help to determine your coverage amount.
Learn More! View our deposit account options and rates.
Visit our Wealth Management website to learn more about investments and choose a Financial Advisor!
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are an important part of planning for your future financial well-being. These specialty savings accounts offer tax advantages, and there are two primary categories of IRAs: Traditional and Roth.
- Traditional IRAs allow tax-deductible contributions - taxes are not paid on your deposits until you begin making withdrawals, so the investments grow tax-deferred.
- Contributions to Roth IRAs are not tax-deductible, so they are tax-free when you start making withdrawals because you’ve already paid the taxes.
You should discuss your specific situation with a tax expert to ensure that you choose the right plan for your needs.
Choose an IRA that’s right for you!
Your retirement is secure with Stanford FCU! Choose a Traditional or Roth IRA as a savings account or a Certificate.
Our Member Advisors can help you choose the account that’s right for you. Schedule an appointment at a local branch to discuss your options and open your account, or call 888.723.7328 to speak with a Member Care Team Specialist.
Learn more or open an IRA at our Retirement Central resource center.
Looking for more options? Visit our Wealth Management website to learn more about retirement planning and schedule a free consultation with a Financial Advisor.
Yes, our Money Market Account (MMA) lets you enjoy the same high rate whether you’re a small saver or a big depositor. This is one of the many ways your credit union gives back to members. Other financial institutions pay higher dividends for higher balances, but we want every saver to earn more. Learn more.
We also have MMAs for businesses! Check out our business accounts here.
Your retirement is secure with Stanford FCU! You can choose a Traditional or Roth IRA as a savings account or a Certificate.
Deposits are federally insured to at least $250,000 (Individual Retirement Accounts up to an additional $250,000) through the National Credit Union Administration.
Our Member Advisors can help you choose the account that’s right for you. Schedule an appointment at a local branch to discuss your options and open your account, or call 888.723.7328 to speak with the Member Care Team.
Learn more or open an IRA at our Retirement Central resource center.
Looking for more options? Visit our Wealth Management section to learn more about retirement planning and schedule a free consultation with a Financial Advisor.
The penalty for Certificates with terms less than one year is equal to ninety (90) days of dividends on the amount withdrawn, whether earned or not.
The penalty for a Certificate with a term of one year or more is equal to one hundred eighty (180) days of dividends on the amount withdrawn, whether earned or not.
A 7-Month No Penalty Certificate may be closed after seven (7) calendar days from opening with no penalty.
The penalty may be deducted from either dividends or principal.
Certificates are non-negotiable and non-transferable. You’ll receive advance notice of the maturing Certificate 30 days before the maturity date. The Certificate will automatically renew on the maturity date for the same term unless you notify us that you wish to make a change or if your Certificate had a special promotional term. The Interest Rate and Annual Percentage Yield on the renewed Certificate will be the rate that is in effect for that term. A grace period for withdrawal or transfer is available for seven (7) days after the maturity date. Thereafter, withdrawals of the principal balance on the renewed Certificate will again be subject to an early withdrawal penalty until the new maturity date.
Deposits are federally insured to at least $250,000 (Individual Retirement Accounts up to an additional $250,000) through the National Credit Union Administration.
If you already have a beneficiary on file, you’ll see the beneficiary name appear under Add As Beneficiary on the Account when you open a new deposit account in Digital Banking. Simply check the box next to the beneficiary name you wish to add to the new account.
You can also add and delete new beneficiaries through the Manage Beneficiaries tool in Digital Banking, use authenticated Chat through Digital Banking, call us at 888.723.7328, or schedule an appointment at our Virtual Branch.
You can close a checking (spending), savings or money market account in Digital Banking and direct us on what to do with the remaining account balance: Either transfer the balance to another Stanford FCU account where you’re the primary or joint owner, or have a Cashier’s Check mailed to you. Click here to close an account in Digital Banking.
You may close a Certificate on the maturity date or during the 7-day grace period that follows it.
Alternatively, you may close your account by calling 888.723.7328, sending a secure Message in Digital Banking, or visiting a local Stanford FCU branch.
A trust is an estate-planning tool used primarily to avoid the delays and costs of the probate process, which is what happens when someone passes away with only a will or no will.
Choosing and creating a trust can be a complex process; the guidance of an attorney with estate planning expertise is highly recommended.
Types of Stanford FCU Trusts
- Revocable - at least one Trustor of the Trust must be a member of Stanford FCU
- Irrevocable - either all of the Trustors or all of the Beneficiaries of the Trust must be members of Stanford FCU
Upon creating the agreement, the member transfers title to their Stanford FCU assets to be held in trust.
If you’ve created a trust agreement and would like to transfer title of your credit union assets to be held in trust, you will need to complete a Trust Agreement.
If you’re not yet a member and need to establish an account that you would like held in trust, you will need to become a member and complete a Trust Agreement.
Questions? Contact our Member Care Team at 888.723.7328 or schedule an appointment at a local branch.
Please click here for our fillable Trustee’s Account Agreement form, or Trust Agreement form.
A trust is an estate-planning tool used primarily to avoid the delays and costs of the probate process, which is what happens when someone passes away with only a will or no will.
Choosing and creating a trust can be a complex process; the guidance of an attorney with estate planning expertise is highly recommended.
Types of Stanford FCU Trusts
- Revocable - at least one Trustor of the Trust must be a member of Stanford FCU
- Irrevocable - either all of the Trustors or all of the Beneficiaries of the Trust must be members of Stanford FCU
Upon creating the agreement, the member transfers title to his Stanford FCU assets to be held in trust.
You can open a savings or checking account at the same time you become a member. Once you become a member, you can open additional accounts and apply for loans through Digital Banking. You can also open accounts at any Stanford FCU branch.
You can get a free Cashier’s Check from a local Stanford FCU branch, any shared branch in the U.S., or request one through Digital Banking (if the check will be payable to you). You’ll receive an email confirmation after your request is received, and you should receive your check within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need a Cashier’s Check made payable to another person, you can use Chat or send a secure Message through Digital Banking.
If you are a member of Stanford FCU, then all Stanford FCU ATMs are free! If you are a member of the Co-op Shared Branch Network, then our ATMs are free for you as well.
Stanford FCU members with Student Spending accounts and members with an Ambassador relationship get free unlimited worldwide ATMs, with all ATM fees reversed.
All Stanford FCU members have access to 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. Use our ATM Locator to find one near you.
If you use your debit card, you can also receive cash back at no charge when you make a purchase at a retail location.
If you are a non-member you will be charged $3.00 per transaction (unless you are a member through Co-op). The only time our members will be assessed an ATM fee is when you withdraw cash from an ATM that is not in our network (the fee will be charged by the other bank, not Stanford FCU).
Please refer to our Schedule of Fees for a complete list of fees.
Stanford FCU does not charge our members to use non-Stanford FCU ATMs, however the owner of the other ATM may charge a fee. We waive those bank fees for members with Student Spending Accounts, and those with an Ambassador or Partner Loyalty+ relationship (and provide other benefits!). All members can find over 30,000 fee-free ATMs by using our ATM and Branch Locator.
There are no fees for replacing a lost or stolen card.
You can view our current ATM and Debit Card fee(s) on our Schedule of Fees. All fees are subject to change without notice.
Stanford FCU charges a monthly $5.00 inactivity fee for an account with less than $2,500 and no activity for the past 12 months. For current information about our fees, please see our Schedule of Fees.
The inactivity fee was disclosed in the Member Agreement you received at the time you opened your account. If you have other active accounts or loans, you will not be charged this fee.
Avoid Inactivity Fees
You can avoid the fee by making at least one transaction every six months, or opening other active accounts such as:
- New and used auto loans – consider refinancing an existing loan to lower your monthly payment
- Rewards Credit Cards with no foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees, or annual fee (and you’ll earn rewards on every purchase)
- Home loans you can trust, with great rates and personal service
- High-rate Money Market and Certificates help you earn more
- Investment products to help your savings grow
You can automatically generate a verification of deposit letter in Digital Banking! Click here.
Get smart about managing your money.
Make educated financial decisions, protect your personal information, and more with help from these handy resources.
Flexible term options and fixed rates give you guaranteed growth.
Dividends are compounded and paid monthly. Once a Certificate is opened, the rate remains fixed through maturity, and early withdrawal penalties apply and may reduce earnings. Membership eligibility is required.
*Consult a tax advisor.