Use this chart to find the best high yield CD rates. Certificates of Deposit, also known as CDs, can be a good way to invest your money at higher rates than you can find in most online savings accounts. However, the reason you can find higher interest rates through CDs compared to savings accounts is because you are depositing your money for a fixed period of time. This gives banks the assurance they can lend your money out at higher interest rates, ensuring everyone makes money on the transaction.
One way to effectively use Certificates of Deposit is to build a CD ladder in which you open a series of CDs with various maturity dates, giving you higher interest rates than a savings account, and still maintaining access to some of your money at any given time.
Find the Best Online CD Rates
Use this interactive table to find the best CD Rates in your area:
How to open a new Certificate of Deposit. Opening one of these accounts is free and easy. Simply visit one of the banks above, and being the application process. You will need to provide your name, address, and additional information, then initiate a funds transfer. The account opening process should take approximately 15 minutes, and it may take 2-3 business days to transfer your funds, depending on the financial institution.
Consider opening more than one CD if you have a large amount of savings. The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insures your savings against bank failure, up to $250,000 per account. You may wish to consider opening more than one account if you have more than this in savings or more per CD.
Find online savings account interest rates. Use this link to find the best interest rates for online savings accounts in the US.