Third Federal Savings & Loan is offering a special 4.00% APY 4-month CD. The minimum deposit is $500, and there is no maximum deposit limit. People from any state can apply by phone. They’ll mail you the signature card, and they’ll give you 15 days to mail it back with the check to lock in the rate. They also accept a wire transfer but there is a $10 incoming fee.

Third Federal is still offering a 5% APY on 48-month and longer terms.  For those who prefer opening CDs at a branch, Third Federal’s branches are located in Ohio and in South Florida.

Make sure not to confuse Third Federal with Fifth Third Bank. Unlike Fifth Third Bank, Third Federal has been able to avoid many of the financial problems of the mortgage mess (see news article). Third Federal also has the top star rating at BauerFinancial (5 stars) based on 3/31/08 data.