Certificates of Deposit

Whether you want to open your first CD, find the best rates, level up your CD strategy game or are curious about all the different kinds of CDs there are, we’re here to help.

Find the right CD for you

Best CD rates

Best 1-year CD rates

Best 3-year CD rates

Best 5-year CD rates

Best 6-month CD rates

Best no-penalty CDs

CD Strategies

What Is a CD Ladder?

by Spencer Tierney

How to Invest in CDs: 3 Strategies

by Spencer Tierney

CD ladders and CD barbells aim for higher rates over time; CD bullets focus on a future purchase.

Ask a Nerd: How Much Money Should I Put Into CDs?

by Spencer Tierney

Know a CD’s minimum and federally insured maximum, and how much savings you’d be willing to commit to a CD.

CD FAQ

How do CDs work?

CDs lock away your money for a fixed period of time in exchange for a generally higher rate of return than other bank accounts.

How do I open a CD?

Decide on your CD, apply, choose how you'll receive interest and then fund your account.

How much can two different CDs earn?

This will depend on how long the CD term is and the annual percentage yields. Use this calculator to compare what you'd get from two different CDs.

How do I know if I'm getting a historically high rate?

You're unlikely to time a CD rate perfectly but it helps to know where rates have been historically compared to where they are now.

All about CD withdrawals

CD Early Withdrawal Penalty: What to Know and How to Avoid It

by Tony Armstrong, Spencer Tierney

When Should I Break a CD Early for a Better Rate?

by Spencer Tierney

Consider an early withdrawal from a certificate of deposit if there’s a higher-yield CD that can earn you more money.

When Your CD Matures: What to Do

by Spencer Tierney

Once a certificate of deposit matures, you can withdraw funds to put in another account, withdraw and open a different CD, or let your CD renew.

Choosing a CD

How to decide the right CD for you

Now that we've talked about what a certificate of deposit (CD) is and how interest rates have made these a viable options to build wealth in our last video, let's talk about the different kinds of CDs there are. To help find the right CD for you, let's break down next steps from deciding where and how much to put as well as determining term length and strategies like CD ladder and CD barbell.