GreenState Credit Union High Yield Certificate Account Review

Conor Keenan By: | Last updated: May 26, 2026
Conor Keenan, AWMA®, is the Co-Founder of CompareAccounts. An Accredited Wealth Management Advisor® professional with over a decade of experience covering consumer banking and investing trends, his work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Yahoo Finance, and more.

Editorial Independence: Our opinions, reviews, and recommendations are our own. Partner commissions keep our site free, but our content remains independent.

Read our review & open a new​ certificate account with confidence.  Green State Credit Union is NCUA insured up to $250,000 per depositor.

Historical Benefits of the GreenState High-Yield Certificate Account

For a significant period, GreenState Credit Union offered some of the most competitive savings vehicles in the nation through its partnership with the Raisin platform. Consequently, savers were able to access elite yields that were often substantially higher than those found at traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. Above all, these accounts provided a low-friction entry point for those looking to maximize their compound interest.

Competitive APY Performance:
In the past, GreenState offered a top-tier APY exclusively through the Raisin Platform. This rate was frequently cited as being several times higher than the national average, making it a preferred choice for high-yield seekers. Therefore, it served as an excellent benchmark for “best-in-class” certificate rates.

Low Minimum Balance Requirements:
Historically, GreenState allowed members to open accounts for as little as $1. This accessible threshold enabled savers to establish an account quickly and fund it fully when they were ready to commit larger sums. As a result, it removed the barriers often associated with high-yield certificates at larger national banks.

No Monthly Maintenance Fees:
One of the most attractive features of the GreenState/Raisin partnership was the elimination of monthly maintenance fees. Because modern savers are increasingly fee-averse, this transparent structure ensured that every dollar of interest earned remained in the depositor’s pocket. Furthermore, Raisin’s supportive customer service team provided a seamless bridge between the credit union’s local roots and a national audience.

Proven Track Record and NCUA Security

Despite changes in product availability, GreenState Credit Union remains a powerhouse in the financial industry. Established in 1938, it has grown to become the 18th largest credit union in the United States. With over $11 billion in assets and a membership base exceeding 400,000 individuals across all 50 states, the institution boasts a verified history of stability and member-focused service.

NCUA Insured:
It is important to note that GreenState Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration). This provides the same level of security as FDIC insurance for banks, covering up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution. Consequently, joint account holders enjoyed up to $500,000 in federal protection, ensuring their principal remained safe during the life of their certificate.

Compare Current Best CD Rates

While the specific GreenState high-yield offers via Raisin are no longer available, other institutions continue to offer market-leading incentives. If you are looking to lock in a top-tier rate today, we recommend visiting our main CD rates advisor. There, you can compare the latest offers from dozens of FDIC and NCUA-insured institutions to find a term and APY that fits your financial strategy.

Customers Also Viewed These High-Yield Certificate of Deposit Accounts

Cit Bank Logo

4.0

CompareAccounts™ Score

APY

3.75%

11 Month Term

  • High Yield No Penalty CD
  • Term: 11 Months
  • 3.75% APY1
  • Min. initial deposit: $1,000
  • No Maintenance Fees
  • No Penalty to Access Funds if Needed Before Maturity2
  • Daily Compounding Interest to Maximize Your Earning Potential
  • FDIC Insured up to $250,000
  • Sign up in under 5 Minutes
  • Terms Apply
  • See Site for Details
Q

11 Month No Penalty CD Disclosure

1 APY — Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of January 9, 2026. $1,000 minimum to open the account.

2 With a No-Penalty CD, you may withdraw the total balance and interest earned, without penalty, beginning 7 days after funds have been received for your CD. No withdrawals are permitted during the first 6 days following the receipt of funds.

On CIT Bank's Secure Site,
Member FDIC

Western Alliance Bank Powered by Raisin

4.0

CompareAccounts™ Score

APY

3.00%

3 Month Term

  • High-Yield CD
  • Min. initial deposit: $1
  • Term: 3 Months
  • 3.00% APY
  • FDIC Insured up to $250,000
  • No Monthly Fees
  • Interest Compounded Daily
  • Ranked #1 Top-Performing Large Bank with Assets $50 Billion and Above in 2021, 2022, 2023, & 2024 by American Banker
  • Exclusive Offer Powered by The Raisin Platform
  • $10K+Deposit? Get $70 - $1,500 Cash Bonus
  • Use code FRESHSTART
  • See Site for Details

On Western Alliance Bank's
Secure Site Powered by Raisin,
Member FDIC

To recap our recommendations.

Best Certificate of Deposits According To CompareAccounts™

U.S. Bank® 5 Month CD Special: 3.50% APY - 5 Month Term

U.S. Bank® 5 Month CD Special: 3.50% APY - 5 Month Term

Western Alliance Bank® High-Yield CD: 3.00% APY - 3 Month Term

Customers Also Viewed These High-Yield Savings Accounts From Our Partners

Up to $400 Bonus

SoFi-Logo

Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

4.00%​ APY
with qualifying activities

5.0

CompareAccounts™ Score

On SoFi®'s Secure Site,
Member FDIC

Best For: Bonus Seekers + Large Deposits

SoFi redefines banking with a commitment to no fees—no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and no account minimums.

Bonus: up to $400 with direct deposit.

In addition to the bonus, you'll enjoy up to 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances with qualifying activities and 0.50% APY on checking balances, fee-free overdraft coverage up to $50 and access your direct deposit funds up to two days early, giving you greater financial flexibility. Terms apply.

The current savings APY without direct deposit or $5,000+ in qualifying deposits during the 31-day evaluation period is 1.00%. Although this is still higher than the national average, if you don't plan on setting up direct deposit or depositing $5,000+, you should look at the other offers on this list.

Your deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor and you can also access up to $3,000,000 of additional FDIC insurance through a network of participating banks. Ensuring your money stays safe and secure. Earn a $50 or $400 bonus with direct deposit, terms apply.

Limited Time Offer: New account holders earn +0.70% boost to 4.00% on their Savings APY for up to 6 months with eligible direct deposit. Terms apply.

See SoFi's Secure Site For More Details.

Q

1. Up to $400 Bonus Tiered Disclosure
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct
Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible
Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have
satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct
Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/

2. APY disclosures
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

3. Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.

4. Additional FDIC Insurance
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.


5. ATM Access
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees
may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.

6. Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.

7. Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.

8. 0.70% Savings APY Boost
Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 3/31/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings
account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member
FDIC.

Synchrony Bank Logo

3.40% APY

4.5

CompareAccounts™ Score

On Synchrony Bank's
Secure Site, Member FDIC

Best For: High APY From a Fortune 500 Bank

Synchrony Bank is offering a 3.40% APY (annual percentage yield) on its High Yield Savings Account, that’s many times the national average. With no minimum balance to open and no monthly service fees, you can start earning more on your savings today.

Interest compounds daily and posts monthly, so your money is always working harder for you. Unlike CDs, you’ll still have full access to your cash whenever you need it. Perfect for an emergency fund or short-term goals.

Synchrony also makes managing your account easy: their mobile app gives you 24/7 access to your balance and transactions. And with FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per depositor, you’ll have peace of mind while your savings grow.

Founded in 2003, Synchrony is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest consumer banks in the U.S., serving millions of customers nationwide. Terms Apply

See Synchrony Bank's Secure Site For More Details.

Q

Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is subject to change at any time without notice. Offer applies to personal accounts only. Fees may reduce earnings. For High Yield Savings accounts, the rate may change after the account is opened. Visit synchrony.com/banking for current rates, terms and account requirements. Member FDIC.

Q

Top choice for bonus + APY

5.0

CompareAccounts™ Score

Bonus: up to $400 with Direct Deposit
Limited Time Offer: +0.70% Boost to 4.00%​ APY for up to 6 Months on New Accounts with Eligible Direct Deposit.

On SoFi's Secure Site,
Member FDIC

To recap our recommendations.

Best Savings Accounts According To CompareAccounts™

SoFi® Checking and Savings: 4.00%​ APY & Earn up to $400 with qualifying activities

The GreenState & Raisin Partnership (Archived)

For several years, GreenState Credit Union utilized the secure Raisin platform to provide its high-yield savings and certificate products to a nationwide audience. Consequently, customers were able to open accounts at Raisin.com, allowing the platform to manage all aspects of the user experience—including deposits, withdrawals, and digital statements. Above all, this partnership provided exclusive access to a curated selection of GreenState’s most competitive rates with no platform fees.

Historical Platform Benefits:
Firstly, the partnership was built on a foundation of Security; funds were always held by NCUA-insured institutions. Secondly, it offered Choice, as users could manage multiple deposit products through one streamlined login. Finally, Service was a hallmark of the experience, supported by a responsive New York-based customer success team. While these specific offers have transitioned, this era marked GreenState’s significant expansion beyond its traditional borders.

A Legacy of Growth: Since 1938

GreenState Credit Union, formerly known as the University of Iowa Community Credit Union (UICCU), is a member-owned financial cooperative with a rich history dating back to 1938. Founded by University of Iowa faculty and staff, the institution has evolved from a local cooperative into the 18th largest credit union in the United States. Today, it manages over $11 billion in assets and serves more than 400,000 members across all 50 states.

Furthermore, GreenState’s mission remains rooted in returning profits to its members through better rates and lower fees. This member-centric model ensures that every financial product is engineered to promote long-term stability rather than short-term corporate profit. As a result, GreenState consistently ranks in the top 1% of all financial institutions nationwide for value returned to members.

Comprehensive Financial Solutions

For everyday banking, GreenState provides a diverse suite of accounts tailored to modern life. For instance, their Rainy-Day Savings account encourages consistent saving habits by automating small transfers that earn several times the national average rate. Similarly, their checking accounts feature advanced digital tools, including credit score monitoring and Zelle® integration for instant payments.

Moreover, the credit union is a leader in lending, particularly within the mortgage sector. They offer competitive rates on auto loans, student loans, and personal lines of credit. Because they are a cooperative, their loan approval process often considers a more holistic view of a member’s financial health compared to larger, automated national banks.

Community Impact & The H.O.M.E. Program

Community involvement is not just a slogan for GreenState; it is a core operational value. In 2025 alone, staff members volunteered over 8,500 hours to local charities and events. Most notably, their H.O.M.E. Program (Helping Originate Minority Equity) is an ambitious 10-year initiative designed to close the racial homeownership gap. Consequently, the program has already assisted thousands of families with over $530 million in mortgage funding and nearly $1 million in down payment assistance grants.

Industry Awards & Recent Recognition

GreenState’s commitment to excellence is frequently validated by third-party organizations. Above all, their consistent inclusion in Forbes’ America’s Best Credit Unions list highlights their financial strength and member satisfaction. Recent accolades include:

  • Des Moines Register Top Workplaces: Recognizing their commitment to a positive and engaging employee culture.
  • Best of the Corridor: Multiple honors from the Corridor Business Journal for outstanding regional service.
  • NCUA Excellence: Continued recognition for maintaining a high BauerFinancial rating and strong capital reserves.

Pros & Cons of GreenState Membership

The Advantages

  • Not-for-Profit Structure: Profits are returned to members via better rates.
  • Nationwide Reach: Membership is available to residents across all 50 states.
  • Socially Conscious: Industry leader in equity-focused lending programs.

The Challenges

  • Regional Branches: Physical locations are primarily concentrated in Iowa and Illinois.
  • Platform Transitions: Former Raisin-based offers are no longer active for new applicants.

Where to Find Current Best Rates

If you were specifically seeking the high-yield certificates once offered through the Raisin partnership, it is essential to compare today’s current market leaders. While GreenState remains a robust institution, other banks and credit unions may now hold the “top-tier” spot for APY. Therefore, we recommend exploring our high-yield savings advisor or our best CD rates guide to ensure you are maximizing your interest-earning potential in the current economic climate.

Contact & Support Information

For existing members who opened accounts via the Raisin platform, support remains available through Raisin’s dedicated channels:

  • Phone Support: 844-994-EARN (3276)
  • Email: support.us@raisin.com
  • Headquarters: 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004

Raisin Contact Information:

Phone Number: 844-994-EARN (3276)
(Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m)

Email Address: support.us@raisin.com

Address:
85 Broad Street
New York, NY 10004

 

*National Savings Rate Average as published by FDIC