What are the current interest rates at Essential Credit Union?

Current rates for Essential Credit Union include: 12-Month CD: 3.50%, 18-Month CD: 3.50%, MMA: 3.60%

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Essential Credit Union

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Essential Credit Union Rates & Review October 2026

Q: How many branches does Essential Credit Union operate?

Essential Credit Union currently maintains approximately multiple branch location(s). Physical branches allow members to access in-person services such as notary consultations and safe deposit boxes.

Q: Is a member application needed to join Essential Credit Union?

Yes, to access services at Essential Credit Union, a member application is required. As a credit union, membership is based on specific eligibility criteria such as where you live, work, or your organizational affiliations.

Q: Is there a first-time homebuyer program?

Currently, Essential Credit Union does not list a specific first-time homebuyer program, but they provide a range of mortgage and home equity products to assist members with property financing.

Q: Are credit management and repair services offered?

While formal credit repair services are not currently listed, Essential Credit Union provides members with tools to manage their accounts and build a solid financial history.

Content reviewed by

Brian McKay

| Editorial Disclosure | ✓Fact Checked | Rates Last Updated and Verified: October 10, 2026

Essential Credit Union's top rates as of October 10, 2026 are 4.00% APY on its 9-Month CD Special, 3.60% APY on money market accounts, 4.75% APY on checking, and personal loans from 9.95% APR, according to rates verified by MonitorBankRates. Other Essential Credit Union CD rates include 12-month CDs at 3.50%, 18-month CDs at 3.50%, and 6-month CDs at 3.50%. MonitorBankRates evaluates the financial stability of Essential Credit Union with a 5.0 Star Rating, an A Overall Health Grade, and a Texas Ratio of 11.71%. Rates last updated and verified on 10/10/2026.

Essential Credit Union money market rates, and other rates, are continually updated to reflect market conditions. We recommend checking back frequently to get the best money market rates and other rates available. Have you opened an account or have any experiences at Essential Credit Union? Share your experience about Essential Credit Union by leaving a review below, or read customer reviews before you decide to use Essential Credit Union.

Verified Healthy Q2 2026 Use This Badge on Your Credit Union Website

Overall Health & Safety Grade

Excellent Health Score: 94/100

MonitorBankRates Rating

5.0

Exceptional Out of 5.0 Stars

Texas Ratio

11.71%

Excellent Higher than avg

Health Trend

Steady 12 quarters

Full history ›

Essential Credit Union
Towne Center-Operations Center

2370 Towne Center BLVD
Baton Rouge, LA 70806

https://www.essentialcu.org

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Financial health data as of Q2 2026 (NCUA 5300 call report for the quarter ended June 30, 2026). This is the most recent call report available. The NCUA publishes credit union call reports about ten weeks after each quarter ends.

Essential Credit Union CD Rates

Product	Rate	APY	Term
9-Month Certificate Special	-	4.00%	9 months
Min Deposit $500 Details Special rate available with funds new to Essential. Rates are fixed for the term of the certificate. Penalties may be imposed for early withdrawal and could reduce earnings. Rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Member eligibility required. Federally Insured by NCUA. Last Updated 10/10/2026 Rate History No change since Sep 14, 2026 · 4.00% APY · checked 6 times Institution Ratings 5.0 Star Rating A Health Grade ◈ Texas Ratio: 11.71%
12-month Certificates	-	3.50%	12 months
Details See all Certificate Rates Last Updated 10/10/2026 Rate History No change since Sep 14, 2026 · 3.50% APY · checked 6 times Institution Ratings 5.0 Star Rating A Health Grade ◈ Texas Ratio: 11.71%
18-month Certificates	-	3.50%	18 months
Details See all Certificate Rates Last Updated 10/10/2026 Rate History No change since Sep 14, 2026 · 3.50% APY · checked 6 times Institution Ratings 5.0 Star Rating A Health Grade ◈ Texas Ratio: 11.71%
6-month Certificates	-	3.50%	6 months
Details See all Certificate Rates Last Updated 10/10/2026 Rate History No change since Sep 14, 2026 · 3.50% APY · checked 6 times Institution Ratings 5.0 Star Rating A Health Grade ◈ Texas Ratio: 11.71%

Essential Credit Union Money Market Rates

Product	Rate	APY
Money Market Accounts	-	3.60%
Min Balance $350,000 Details On balance above $350,000 Last Updated 10/10/2026 Rate History No change since Sep 14, 2026 · 3.60% APY · checked 4 times Institution Ratings 5.0 Star Rating A Health Grade ◈ Texas Ratio: 11.71%
Money Market Tiers	-	3.60%
Min Balance $350,000 Details Balance: $350,000 or more Last Updated 10/10/2026 Rate History No change since Sep 22, 2026 · 3.60% APY · checked 4 times Institution Ratings 5.0 Star Rating A Health Grade ◈ Texas Ratio: 11.71%
Money Market Tiers	-	1.10%
Min Balance $50,000 Details Balance: $50,000 - $349,999 Last Updated 10/10/2026 Rate History No change since Sep 27, 2026 · 1.10% APY · checked 3 times Institution Ratings 5.0 Star Rating A Health Grade ◈ Texas Ratio: 11.71%
Money Market	-	1.00%
Min Balance $25,000 Details On balance above $25,000 Last Updated 10/10/2026 Rate History No change since Sep 18, 2026 · 1.00% APY · checked 4 times Institution Ratings 5.0 Star Rating A Health Grade ◈ Texas Ratio: 11.71%
Money Market Tiers	-	0.60%
Min Balance $10,000 Details Balance: $10,000 - $24,999 Last Updated 10/10/2026 Rate History No change since Sep 27, 2026 · 0.60% APY · checked 3 times Institution Ratings 5.0 Star Rating A Health Grade ◈ Texas Ratio: 11.71%
Money Market Tiers	-	0.40%
Min Balance $1,000 Details Balance: $1,000 - $9,999 Last Updated 10/10/2026 Rate History No change since Sep 27, 2026 · 0.40% APY · checked 3 times Institution Ratings 5.0 Star Rating A Health Grade ◈ Texas Ratio: 11.71%

Essential Credit Union Checking Rates

Product	Rate	APY	View More
Rewards Checking	-	4.75%
Min Balance $10,000 Details On balance $10,000 or below Last Updated 10/10/2026 Rate History No change since Sep 14, 2026 · 4.75% APY · checked 6 times Institution Ratings 5.0 Star Rating A Health Grade ◈ Texas Ratio: 11.71%

Essential Credit Union Auto Loan Rates

Product	Rate	Points	APR	Term	View More
Auto Loans	-	-	5.74%	36 months
Details As Low As Last Updated 10/10/2026 Rate History 1 change since Sep 14, 2026 · 5.49% → 5.74% ▲ 0.25 pts · high 5.74% / low 5.49% Oct 10, 20265.74%▲ from 5.49% Sep 14, 20265.49%first recorded Institution Ratings 5.0 Star Rating A Health Grade ◈ Texas Ratio: 11.71%

Essential Credit Union RV, Boat and Powersport Loan Rates

Product	Rate	APR	Term	View More
Boat Loans	-	6.99%	36 months
Details As Low As Last Updated 10/10/2026 Rate History No change since Sep 14, 2026 · 6.99% APR · checked 6 times Institution Ratings 5.0 Star Rating A Health Grade ◈ Texas Ratio: 11.71%

Essential Credit Union Personal Loan Rates

Product	APR	Term	View More
Personal Loans	9.95%	12 months
Details As Low As Last Updated 10/10/2026 Rate History No change since Sep 14, 2026 · 9.95% APR · checked 6 times Institution Ratings 5.0 Star Rating A Health Grade ◈ Texas Ratio: 11.71%

Important: Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. The rates displayed are for information purposes only. Please confirm all rates and terms directly with the financial institution. We strive to keep this information accurate but cannot guarantee it.
Banks and Credit Unions: If you identify an incorrect rate or wish to request the removal of your institution's data from MonitorBankRates.com, please contact us here.

Financial Health History

Essential Credit Union’s Texas Ratio rose from 7.72% in Q3 2023 to 11.71% in Q2 2026, so its financial health has held steady at a healthy level over the past 12 quarters. Over the same period its Star Rating moved from 5.0 to 5.0. Lower Texas Ratios are healthier; the green zone below the amber 15% line is where a credit union must stay to qualify for the MBR Verified Healthy badge. Hover over or tap a point for that quarter’s figures.

Swipe the chart sideways to see every quarter.

Texas Ratio, left axis (lower is healthier)MBR Star Rating, right axis (1 to 5)Health Grade15% Verified Healthy limit (green zone below = healthy)

How to read this chart: the two lines move in opposite directions by design. The Texas Ratio (blue) measures trouble, so a rising blue line means more non-performing assets against capital. The Star Rating (green) and Health Grade chips measure strength, so they fall when the Texas Ratio climbs and recover when it drops.

Show the quarterly figures

Quarter	Total assets	Texas Ratio	Star Rating	Health Grade
June 30, 2026	$434M	11.71%	5.0	A
March 31, 2026	$430M	9.00%	5.0	A
December 31, 2025	$419M	13.26%	5.0	A
September 30, 2025	$414M	10.15%	5.0	A
June 30, 2025	$401M	12.89%	5.0	A
March 31, 2025	$398M	7.59%	5.0	A
December 31, 2024	$391M	9.29%	5.0	A
September 30, 2024	$388M	6.12%	5.0	A
June 30, 2024	$381M	6.82%	5.0	A
March 31, 2024	$402M	4.99%	5.0	A+
December 31, 2023	$386M	8.05%	5.0	A
September 30, 2023	$392M	7.72%	5.0	A

Source: NCUA 5300 call reports, MonitorBankRates analysis. Ratings shown are recomputed for each quarter with the current methodology and exclude member reviews.

Methodology & Data Sources

MonitorBankRates Star Rating

Our rating for Essential Credit Union is derived from comprehensive financial data published quarterly by the NCUA. Our proprietary rating system evaluates financial stability (including the Texas Ratio and capitalization) and combines it with member feedback (user reviews) to help you make informed banking decisions.

Texas Ratio

We calculate the Texas Ratio using standard industry methodology. This ratio compares the credit union's non-performing assets to its tangible common equity and loan loss reserves to assess financial health.

Rate Data Aggregation

We gather Essential Credit Union rates using proprietary online rate aggregation technology. Our systems scan constantly to provide the most recent rates available to our visitors.

Disclaimer: Interest rates are variable and subject to change without notice. While we strive for accuracy, rates can change rapidly based on market conditions. It is always advisable to check with Essential Credit Union's official website for the most current offers and terms.

Credit Union Profile & Overview

Credit Union Name Essential Credit Union

Website https://www.essentialcu.org

Address 2370 Towne Center BLVD, Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Phone 866-345-7135

Fax

President Stephan Pierre

CEO Richard Williams

Full-Time Employees 89

Part-Time Employees 3

Branch Locations 7

ATM Locations 7

NCUA Insured ✓ Yes, up to $250,000 per depositor

Financials

MonitorBankRates Star Rating

5.0 / 5.0 ★

Overall Health & Safety Grade

A (94/100)

Texas Ratio

11.71%

Return on Assets (ROA)

0.2304%

Return on Equity (ROE)

2.5426%

Non-Performing Loans Ratio (NPL)

1.45%

Total Assets

434,236,435

Total Amount of Shares and Deposits

362,399,360

Total Shares and Deposits < 1 Year

297,422,673

Total Shares and Deposits 1 3 Years

51,634,505

Total Shares and Deposits > 3 Years

13,342,182

Total Uninsured Member Shares and Deposits > $250K (A+A1+B+C+D+E)

21,391,319

Total Uninsured Shares and Deposits > $250K (F+J)

21,391,319

Total Insured Shares and Deposits > $250K (item 17 less item K)

341,008,041

Total Interest Expense (Sum of items 6 8)

4,570,695

Share Certificates

1,343

Number of Accounts for Share Drafts

22,301

IRA KEOGH Accounts

383

Number of Accounts for Regular Shares

39,754

Non Member Deposits

Money Market Shares

307

Net Worth Classification if credit union is not new (Based upon Call Report data only See instructions)

Well Capitalized

Net Worth Classification if credit union is a new credit union

Well Capitalized

Total Cash on Deposit (Amounts Deposited in Financial Institutions)

26,690,273

Total Liabilities

405,074,514

Source: NCUA — Last Updated 06/30/2026

Q2 2026 MBR Health & Safety Badge

Essential Credit Union earned the Verified Healthy badge

Display this badge on your website to show visitors your Q2 2026 MonitorBankRates recognition. The badge links back to this profile page for independent verification.

Copy the HTML below and paste it into your website where you’d like the badge to appear. The badge image is hosted on MonitorBankRates, so there is no need to download or upload anything. Badges are re-tested every quarter; when a new quarter is published, come back to this page for the updated code.

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  <img src="https://www.monitorbankrates.com/wp-content/uploads/badges/mbr-badge-tier-c-2026-q2.svg"
       alt="MonitorBankRates Verified Healthy Badge Q2 2026"
       width="160" height="160">
</a>

Learn more about the MBR Health & Safety Badge program on our methodology page.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Essential Credit Union

How many branches does Essential Credit Union operate?

Essential Credit Union currently maintains approximately multiple branch location(s). Physical branches allow members to access in-person services such as notary consultations and safe deposit boxes.

Is a member application needed to join Essential Credit Union?

Yes, to access services at Essential Credit Union, a member application is required. As a credit union, membership is based on specific eligibility criteria such as where you live, work, or your organizational affiliations.

Is there a first-time homebuyer program?

Currently, Essential Credit Union does not list a specific first-time homebuyer program, but they provide a range of mortgage and home equity products to assist members with property financing.

Are credit management and repair services offered?

While formal credit repair services are not currently listed, Essential Credit Union provides members with tools to manage their accounts and build a solid financial history.

Does Essential Credit Union offer online and mobile banking?

Most modern institutions like Essential Credit Union provide digital access. This includes the ability to check balances, transfer funds, deposit checks via mobile app, and view statements online. You can usually find these services at their official website: https://www.essentialcu.org.

Current Essential Credit Union Rates

12-Month CD3.50%
18-Month CD3.50%
MMA3.60%

Retrieved from our database of financial products. Rates subject to change.

Compare to Other Credit Unions

Essential Credit Union Rates & Review October 2026

Brian McKay

Overall Health & Safety Grade

MonitorBankRates Star Rating

Essential Credit Union Texas Ratio

Essential Credit Union Health Trend

Essential Credit Union CD Rates

Essential Credit Union Money Market Rates

Essential Credit Union Checking Rates

Essential Credit Union Auto Loan Rates

Essential Credit Union RV, Boat and Powersport Loan Rates

Essential Credit Union Personal Loan Rates

Financial Health History

Methodology & Data Sources

Credit Union Profile & Overview

Financials

Essential Credit Union earned the Verified Healthy badge

Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Essential Credit Union

How many branches does Essential Credit Union operate?

Is a member application needed to join Essential Credit Union?

Is there a first-time homebuyer program?

Are credit management and repair services offered?

Does Essential Credit Union offer online and mobile banking?

Current Essential Credit Union Rates

Compare to Other Credit Unions