Are you looking to open a new certificate of deposit (CD) account? If this is your first rodeo, you may not be familiar with the specifics of these products, how to open them or what to expect during the CD’s term. This guide dives into how CDs work and provides detailed guidance on the actions you must take to open a new account and how to best manage it.
Understanding Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
How Does a CD Differ from a Savings Account?
While CDs and savings accounts are a safe way to save and grow your money, they share a few key differences.
Savings accounts offer flexibility, allowing you to deposit and withdraw funds anytime. That said, they usually come with subpar annual percentage yields (APYs) or interest earnings. However, CDs lock in your money for a specific term. This lack of liquidity is balanced because CDs typically offer higher interest rates.
Types of CDs
There are several types of CDs to cater to different financial goals, as described below:
- Traditional CDs: require you to deposit funds for a set term in exchange for a fixed APY
- Jumbo CDs: requires a larger opening deposit – often $100,000 or more – and usually comes with higher APYs
- Bump-up CDs: allow you to increase your rate once during the term
- No-penalty CDs: permit penalty-free withdrawals before the maturity date
Benefits of Opening a CD Account
There are several upsides to opening a new CD.
Higher Interest Rates
CD accounts usually offer higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts. This means your money grows faster over time. Banks and credit unions can offer these attractive rates because your funds are committed for a specific period. Rates vary by term, though, so it’s best to shop around to find the best deal.
Fixed Returns
Unlike traditional savings accounts and other types of investments, you’ll get a fixed APY when you open a CD. This means you’ll know exactly how much you’ll earn over the CD’s term. In times of economic uncertainty, fixed returns will give you peace of mind, knowing your money is safe from the potentially negative impacts that could come with market fluctuations.
Low Risk
To add to the prior point, CDs are considered low-risk investments. Beyond the fixed returns you’ll enjoy, funds are also federally insured by up to $250,000 through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More on this shortly.
Predictable Income
Since the APY is fixed, as previously stated, so are returns. Simply put, you get a predictable interest income when you open a new CD and let the funds sit until the maturity date.
Factors to Consider Before Opening a CD Account
Keep these factors in mind as you evaluate CD accounts to find the best fit for you.
Interest Rates and Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
Although it’s not the only factor to consider, the APY offered on a CD is significant, as it determines your earning potential. The rates on your top options should be comparable to or far greater than those of regular savings accounts.
Minimum Deposit Requirements
The minimum deposit requirement should also be considered before opening a new CD. Some banks and credit unions require a significant sum, while others offer CDs with far lower deposit requirements to make their products more accessible. Either way, confirm you can meet this requirement without wiping out your savings.
Early Withdrawal Penalties
You’ll incur a monetary penalty for early withdrawal on most CDS. This fee can significantly reduce your interest earnings and may even cut into the principal you deposited. Before opening a CD, familiarize yourself with the penalty amounts to avoid any surprises should you need to make a premature withdrawal.
Laddering Strategy
If you’re concerned about liquidity, CD laddering could be an effective strategy to grow your money and still have access to a portion of it. This is especially true when a bulk of the CDs you find feature high APYs but extended terms. You can start a ladder, which means opening three or more CDs with varying terms.
FDIC Insurance
The bank or credit union you decide to do business with should be backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), respectively. This coverage protects up to $250,000 of your money in case of a bank failure.
How to Open a CD Account
Are you ready to apply for a new CD? Here’s how to move forward to help make the opening process as seamless as possible.
Choosing the Right Financial Institution
Start by researching different banks and credit unions. Consider factors like reputation, customer service, and any additional fees or penalties associated with the CD. Credit unions might offer better terms for members, but online banks should also be considered, as they often feature higher APY due to lower overhead costs than traditional banks.
Selecting the Type of CD
Evaluate the types of CDs offered by the financial institutions you’re considering to decide which is best. Beyond traditional CDs, some offer jumbo, bump-up and no-penalty CDs to meet the unique needs of its customers. Refer to the list above if you need a refresher on potential options.
Determining the Deposit Amount
Again, the deposit amount for CDs can vary significantly between financial institutions. Many banks and credit unions require a minimum deposit, which might be higher than a typical savings account. Look at your finances to determine how much you can comfortably afford to invest.
Choosing the CD Term Length
CD terms can range from a few months to several years. Shorter terms are more flexible but often come with lower rates. Longer terms usually offer higher interest but lock your money in for extended periods. Consider your financial goals to determine which term length works best for your situation.
Initial Deposit Process
The final step is to apply for a CD, either online or at a branch location (if available). Be prepared to make the opening deposit to fund your new CD.
Steps to Manage Your CD Account
These tips can help you manage your new CD account more effectively once it is open.
Monitoring Interest Payments
Regularly checking how much interest your CD earns is important. Many banks and credit unions let you track interest payments online or through regular statements. You should make sure these payments match the agreed-upon rate when you open the CD.
If your CD compounds interest, note how often it compounds, as this affects your total return. Interest can compound monthly, quarterly or even yearly. The more frequently it compounds, the more interest you earn.
Understanding Maturity Dates and Grace Periods
The maturity date is when your CD reaches its full term, and you can access your money without penalties. You usually receive a notice before this date, allowing you time to decide on your next steps.
After maturity, there is typically a grace period. This is a short window of time, often around 7-10 days. During this time, you can decide to withdraw or reinvest the funds. But if you fail to take action, the bank or credit union typically rolls the funds into a new CD with the same term. The rate could differ, though, depending on what’s currently offered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Be sure to steer clear of these common errors when opening a new CD.
Ignoring Early Withdrawal Penalties
Many people overlook early withdrawal penalties when opening a CD account. These penalties can vary between banks and depend on the CD term length. Some institutions might charge several months’ worth of interest, or you could forfeit some of your principal.
Overlooking Small Print
There might be minimum deposit requirements or renewal policies that aren’t immediately obvious. Missing these details can lead to unpleasant financial surprises. So, you want to read the fine print to ensure you’re fully aware of any potential fees or conditions that could negatively affect your earning potential.
FAQs about CD Accounts
Generally, no, unless you choose to open an add-on CD. Keep in mind that you’ll likely get a lower yield than you would with a traditional CD.
You can roll the funds (including any interest earned) into a new CD or withdraw and use them however you see fit. It’s worth noting that failure to take action could result in an automatic rollover by your financial institution. The term will typically be the same, but the APY could be higher or lower.
The rate you get on a CD depends on the term and minimum deposit – the latter applies to banks and credit unions that adopt a tiered earning structure. Economic conditions and market competition also influence CD interest rates, along with the Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rate.
