What is a certificate of deposit (CD)?

A certificate of deposit (CD) is a type of savings account that pays a fixed interest rate on money held for an agreed-upon period of time. CD rates are usually higher than savings accounts, but you lose withdrawal flexibility. If you withdraw your CD funds early, you'll be charged a penalty.

What is a CD savings account?

A CD is a type of savings account with a fixed rate and fixed time period. CDs tend to have higher rates than regular savings accounts but don’t allow access to your money until a term ends. Consider a CD to have guaranteed returns without much risk and to have a safe place for savings earmarked for future use. CD definition: What is a CD?

What is a CD & how does it work?

A CD is a type of account offered by banks and credit unions that pays interest on your money for a set period of time. These accounts pay a guaranteed rate of return. CDs sometimes offer a better annual percentage yield (APY) than traditional savings accounts, although the gap isn’t as wide as it once was.