3months
3-Month CDs
Parking cash you expect to need soon, such as an upcoming tax bill or home project.
- Minimum deposit
- Varies by provider
- Rate
- Request current options
Certificate of deposit comparison
Your Savings Deserve a Smarter Rate
Explore certificate of deposit options across different terms and deposit amounts. Compare important features and find a CD that fits your financial goals.
- Explore Multiple CD Terms
- Compare Deposit Requirements
- Understand FDIC Coverage
- Request Information Without Obligation
CD Comparison
Example- Term
- 12 Months
- Rate Type
- Fixed
- Interest
- APY
- Minimum Deposit
- Varies
CD terms
Find a CD Term That Works for You
Choose a term to start a tailored enquiry. We don't display rates we can't verify — request current options and review the provider's disclosures.
6months
6-Month CDs
A short commitment for savers who want a fixed rate while keeping options open.
- Minimum deposit
- Varies by provider
- Rate
- Request current options
9months
9-Month CDs
Bridging the gap to a known date, like a tuition payment or planned purchase.
- Minimum deposit
- Varies by provider
- Rate
- Request current options
12months
12-Month CDs
A common one-year anchor for emergency reserves beyond everyday cash.
- Minimum deposit
- Varies by provider
- Rate
- Request current options
18months
18-Month CDs
Locking a rate a little longer while staying under two years.
- Minimum deposit
- Varies by provider
- Rate
- Request current options
24months
24-Month CDs
Medium-term goals and a building block for a CD ladder.
- Minimum deposit
- Varies by provider
- Rate
- Request current options
36months
36-Month CDs
Funds you are confident you won't need for several years.
- Minimum deposit
- Varies by provider
- Rate
- Request current options
60months
60-Month CDs
Long-horizon savings where rate predictability matters most.
- Minimum deposit
- Varies by provider
- Rate
- Request current options
Before you choose
Rate · Term · Penalty · Insurance
Why CDs
Put Your Savings to Work with More Confidence
Fixed Interest
Understand how CDs can provide predictable interest over a specified term.
Multiple Maturities
Explore short-term and longer-term certificates of deposit.
FDIC Insurance
Learn how eligible CDs at FDIC-insured banks may qualify for deposit insurance, subject to applicable ownership and coverage limits.
Simple Comparison
Review important CD features before deciding what works for you.
CD Matching Tool
Find CD Options That Match Your Preferences
Answer a few quick questions to explore certificate of deposit options.
- Takes about a minute
- No obligation to open an account
- Your details are not sold to unnamed third parties
Step 1 of 7 Secure & no obligation
How much are you considering depositing?
How it works
Three Simple Steps
01
Choose Your Preferences
Tell us your preferred deposit amount, term and account type.
02
Explore CD Options
Review product features and request relevant information.
03
Make an Informed Choice
Understand rates, maturity dates, penalties and deposit insurance before deciding.
Know the difference
Traditional CDs vs Brokered CDs
Both are certificates of deposit, but they're bought, held and sold differently. Neither is universally better.
| Feature | Traditional Bank CDs | Brokered CDs |
|---|---|---|
| Where you open it | Typically opened directly with the issuing bank | Purchased through brokerage intermediaries |
| Issuer | The bank you open the account with | Often issued by third-party banks |
| Access before maturity | Early withdrawal may be possible, subject to penalties and product terms | May be sold before maturity if a secondary market exists |
| Value before maturity | Principal is not affected by market prices; penalties may reduce earnings or principal | Secondary-market sale prices can be below the original principal |
| FDIC insurance | Eligible deposits at FDIC-insured banks may receive FDIC insurance | FDIC insurance may cover eligible deposits at the issuing bank, subject to applicable limits and requirements |
Deposit insurance
Understand How CD Deposit Insurance Works
The FDIC generally insures deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category. Coverage depends on the issuing institution, how the deposit is owned, and other eligibility criteria.
Ownership categories include single accounts, joint accounts, certain retirement accounts such as IRAs, trust accounts, and business accounts. Holding funds in different categories or at different insured banks can affect total coverage.
For brokered CDs, coverage generally applies at the issuing bank — not the brokerage — and depends on proper account titling and records.
CDRateWise is not an FDIC-insured bank and does not provide deposit insurance.
Plan ahead
Predictability for the Next Chapter
Many savers approaching or enjoying retirement use CDs alongside other savings to set aside money for known future needs. A CD ladder can help balance access to cash with the ability to lock in rates for longer.
CD essentials
Learn Before You Lock In
Plain-English explanations of the features that matter most.
What is a certificate of deposit?
A CD is a deposit account where you agree to leave money with a bank or credit union for a set period — the term — in exchange for an interest rate that is usually fixed for that period. At the end of the term, the CD matures and you can withdraw the principal plus interest.
How CD interest rates work
CD rates are set by each institution and can depend on the term, deposit size, and broader interest-rate conditions. Once you open a fixed-rate CD, its rate generally doesn't change during the term, even if market rates rise or fall.
APY explained
Annual Percentage Yield (APY) reflects the total interest you'd earn in one year, including the effect of compounding. Because it accounts for compounding frequency, APY is the most useful figure for comparing CDs side by side.
Fixed versus variable CD rates
Most CDs pay a fixed rate. Some products — such as bump-up, step-up, or variable-rate CDs — let the rate change under specific conditions. These features can come with trade-offs like a lower starting rate.
Brokered versus bank CDs
Bank CDs are opened directly with the issuing bank. Brokered CDs are bought through a brokerage account and may be sold before maturity on a secondary market, where prices can move above or below what you paid.
Understanding maturity dates
The maturity date is when your CD term ends. Many banks offer a short grace period to withdraw or change terms; if you do nothing, the CD may renew automatically at the then-current rate for a similar term.
CD early withdrawal penalties
Withdrawing from a bank CD before maturity typically triggers a penalty, often expressed as a number of days' or months' interest. In some cases a penalty can reduce your principal. Always review the penalty terms before opening.
How FDIC insurance works
The FDIC insures eligible deposits at member banks up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category. Credit union deposits are insured separately by the NCUA under similar limits.
CD laddering strategies
A CD ladder spreads savings across several CDs with staggered maturities — for example 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years. As each matures, you can use the funds or reinvest, balancing access to cash with the ability to lock rates for longer.
FAQs
Common CD Questions
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