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Navy Federal vs PenFed CD Rates (November 2026)
On a 1-year CD, $10,000 earns $45.00 more at Navy Federal than at PenFed. The full term-by-term breakdown is below.
Updated Nov 7, 2026
The verdict: Navy Federal vs PenFed
Navy Federal pays the higher APY on 5 of the 6 terms both banks offer for a $10,000 deposit. PenFed leads on 1.
At the headline 1 year term, Navy Federal pays 4.05% APY against 3.60% at PenFed, a $45.00 difference on $10,000. Each bank's best offer right now: Navy Federal pays up to 4.10% (18 months) and PenFed up to 3.80% (5 years).
The rate is only half the decision. Navy Federal and PenFed charge different penalties if you break the CD early — compared below — and Navy Federal is a credit union, so you must be eligible to join (see its page for who qualifies). PenFed is a credit union, so you must be eligible to join (see its page for who qualifies). Both are federally insured up to $250,000 per depositor, so safety is equal under the limit.
Navy Federal vs PenFed CD rates by term
Best APY a $10,000 deposit can open at each bank, for every term either bank lists. A dash means the bank has no fundable offer at that term and deposit; we leave it blank rather than guess. "Rel." marks a relationship rate that needs a linked account.
| Term | Navy Federal | PenFed | Better pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 1.50% | – | – |
| 6 months | – | 2.70% | – |
| 1 year | 4.05% | 3.60% | Navy Federal |
| 15 months | – | 3.60% | – |
| 18 months | 4.10% | 3.60% | Navy Federal |
| 2 years | 3.66% | 3.70% | PenFed |
| 3 years | 4.10% | 3.70% | Navy Federal |
| 4 years | – | 3.70% | – |
| 5 years | 3.85% | 3.80% | Navy Federal |
| 7 years | 3.85% | 3.80% | Navy Federal |
Sources: Navy Federal certificate rates (checked Nov 7, 2026) and PenFed certificate rates (checked Nov 7, 2026).
What $10,000 earns at each bank
Interest over the full term at the rates above, on the 6 terms both banks offer.
| Term | Navy Federal earns | PenFed earns | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $405.00 at 4.05% | $360.00 at 3.60% | Navy Federal +$45.00 |
| 18 months | $621.26 at 4.10% | $544.83 at 3.60% | Navy Federal +$76.43 |
| 2 years | $745.40 at 3.66% | $753.69 at 3.70% | PenFed +$8.29 |
| 3 years | $1,281.12 at 4.10% | $1,151.58 at 3.70% | Navy Federal +$129.54 |
| 5 years | $2,079.04 at 3.85% | $2,049.99 at 3.80% | Navy Federal +$29.05 |
| 7 years | $3,027.03 at 3.85% | $2,983.19 at 3.80% | Navy Federal +$43.84 |
a 1-year CD earnings by deposit size
Balance tiers mean the APY can change with the deposit. This is what 1 year CDs pay at four deposit sizes.
| Deposit | Navy Federal earns | PenFed earns |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $40.50 at 4.05% | $36.00 at 3.60% |
| $10,000 | $405.00 at 4.05% | $360.00 at 3.60% |
| $25,000 | $1,012.50 at 4.05% | $900.00 at 3.60% |
| $100,000 | $4,100.00 at 4.10% | $3,600.00 at 3.60% |
A dash means that deposit does not qualify for the bank's 1 year offer (minimum opening deposit or a product cap).
Early withdrawal penalties compared
| Term | Navy Federal | PenFed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year or less | 90 days of interest | – |
| More than 1 year and less than 5 years | 180 days of interest | – |
| 5 years or more | 365 days of interest | – |
| 6-month certificates | – | 90 days of interest |
| 12 to 84-month certificates | – | 365 days of interest (first 365 days); then 30% of the interest the CD would earn to maturity |
Example: break a 1-year $10,000 CD after 6 months and Navy Federal charges $97.90 (you keep $10,102.59) while PenFed charges $178.41 (you keep $10,000.00). Navy Federal caps the penalty at the interest earned. PenFed caps the penalty at the interest earned.
Rules verified against each bank's disclosure (Navy Federal: checked 2026-11-05; PenFed: checked 2026-11-04). Model your own deposit and withdrawal date on the CD early withdrawal penalty calculator.
Navy Federal vs PenFed CD FAQs
Quick answers comparing Navy Federal and PenFed CDs.
Which pays more, Navy Federal or PenFed?
How much more does $10,000 earn at Navy Federal over 1 year?
Navy Federal or PenFed: which is better for a 7-year CD?
Which has the lower early withdrawal penalty, Navy Federal or PenFed?
Are Navy Federal and PenFed CDs insured?
Are these the best CD rates available?
Sources and how we calculate
Rates come from each bank's own rate page (Navy Federal checked Nov 7, 2026, PenFed checked Nov 7, 2026); penalty rules are verified against the banks' disclosures. Earnings grow the deposit at the APY, the same math the bank pages and calculators on this site use. Results are estimates, not an offer from either bank.
- Navy Federal — certificate rates
- PenFed — certificate rates
- Navy Federal — early withdrawal disclosure
- FDIC: National Rates and Rate Caps
Figures last checked on Nov 7, 2026. Read our calculation methodology for data sources and update schedule.