When it comes to saving for retirement, there are a lot of options to choose from. Two popular choices are Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and Fixed Annuities. Both have their pros and cons, so how do you know which is the right choice for you? In this guide, we will compare CD rates with fixed annuity rates and help you decide which is the best option for your needs!
- What is a Certificate of Deposit (CD)?
- What is a Fixed Annuity?
- Similarities and Differences
- The Best CD Rates Today
- The Best Fixed Annuity Rates Today
- CD Rates Vs. Fixed Annuity Rates
- Do I have to pay taxes on my interest?
- How much liquidity do I have?
- How is my money protected?
- Can I create an income stream?
- Estate Planning
- Convenience
- What Do My Beneficiaries Receive When I Die?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Find CD Rates And Fixed Annuity Rates By State
Earn The Highest Interest Rates On Savings Today
Fixed annuities are almost identical to Certificates of Deposit (CDs) accounts and provide higher interest rates and penalty-free withdrawals for income. Why settle for less than 1% on your money when you can earn 3% and liquidity?
| Term | Insurance Company | Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Months | Oceanview | 3.50% |
| 36 Months | Canvas Annuity | 4.30% |
| 48 Months | Oceanview | 4.10% |
| 60 Months | Americo | 4.20% |
| 72 Months | Americo | 4.30% |
Disclaimer: This is a review. The Annuity Expert is not associated with a bank or credit union. However, fixed annuities are sold at most financial institutions. Our goal is to help you find the highest interest rates for your retirement savings.
What is a Certificate of Deposit (CD)?
A Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a type of savings account offered by banks and credit unions that gives a specified interest rate to customers who want to earn more than they would by keeping their money in a personal savings account. Each CD has a duration ranging from 6 months to 10 years.
What is a Fixed Annuity?
A fixed annuity is a retirement savings plan sold by a life insurance company that offers a predetermined interest rate to clients who want to earn more interest than they could with a Certificate of Deposit (CD). Each fixed annuity has a duration ranging from two years to twenty years.
Similarities and Differences
- Both are savings plans.
- Both earn a guaranteed fixed amount of interest.
- Both offer the safety of the principal.
- Both offer access to the principal, both with penalties and without penalties.
- Both can avoid probate if set up correctly.
- Fixed Annuities offer tax-deferred growth. CDs do not.
- Fixed Annuities can provide a guaranteed lifetime income.
Certificates of Deposit vs. Fixed Annuity
The Top Fixed Annuities
Fixed annuities offer a guaranteed return for a set amount of years, similar to a CD. Guaranteed crediting rates for the terms below:
- 2-YEAR TERM: 3.50%
- 3-YEAR TERM: 4.30%
- 4-YEAR TERM: 4.15%
- 5-YEAR TERM: 4.30%
- 6-YEAR TERM: 4.30%
- 7-YEAR TERM: 4.50%
- Grow your money as fast as possible
- Principal protection
- The interest rate is locked for the term you select
- Tax-deferred growth
- Withdraw annually without penalty
- Lump-sum death benefits
- Accepts cash, 401(k), and IRA Funds
What’s The Difference Between a Fixed Annuity and a CD?
| Feature | Fixed Annuity | CD |
|---|---|---|
| Who Offers | Insurance Company | Banks |
| Premium Amounts | $2,500 to $1 Million | $500 – No Maximum |
| Terms | 2 Years to 20 Years | 3 Months to 7 Years |
| Guaranteed Interest Rates | Up to 4.50% | Up to 2.50% |
| Triple Compounding | Yes | No |
| Principal Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Can Lose Money? | No | No |
| Liquid After Term | 100% | 100% |
| How Are Gains Taxed? | Tax-Deferred | Taxed Annually |
| Annual Liquidity | Up to 10% Annually | No Liquidity |
| Who Protects My Money? | Insurance Company/SGA | FDIC |
| Accepts IRA | Yes | No |
| Accepts 401(k) | Yes | No |
| Death Benefit | Lump-Sum | Lump-Sum |
Are Annuities FDIC Insured?
Fixed annuities are not FDIC insured but have similar protections for your money. An annuity is an insurance policy guaranteed by the insurance company’s claims-paying ability. The insurance companies are members of the state insurance guarantee associations in each state where they do business. Each state insurance guarantee association protects consumers in the unlikely event the insurance company fails and defaults on their obligations to their consumers (limits vary per state).
For example, Georgia insures up to $250,000 of the annuity’s cash value per insured life if the insurance company becomes insolvent and can not fulfill its obligations to the insured.
The Best CD Rates Today
3 Month CD Rates
The following banks and credit unions have the highest CD rates for 3 months.
| Best 3-Month CD Rates | Rate | Term | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Federal Credit Union | 0.75% APY | 3 Months | $500.00 |
| Navy Federal Credit Union | 0.40% APY | 3 Months | $1,000.00 |
| Chevron Federal Credit Union | 0.75% APY | 3 Months | $500.00 |
| Popular Direct | 0.50% APY | 3 Months | $10,000.00 |
| Bethpage Federal Credit Union | 0.40% APY | 3 Months | $50.00 |
| SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union | 0.40% APY | 3 Months | $20,000.00 |
| Consumers Credit Union | 0.35% APY | 3 Months | $250.00 |
| Synchrony Bank | 0.50% APY | 3 Months | $0 |
| Luana Savings Bank | 0.80% APY | 3 Months | |
| TotalDirect Bank | 0.65% APY | 3 Months | $25,000.00 |
| TIAA Bank | 0.35% APY | 3 Months | $1,000.00 |
6 Month CD Rates
| Best 6-Month CD Rates | Rate | Term | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| CommunityWide FCU | 1.00% APY | 6 Months | $1.000.00 |
| Limelight Bank | 1.25% APY | 6 Months | $1,000.00 |
| Live Oak Bank | 1.10% APY | 6 Months | $2,500.00 |
| BMO Harris | 1.10% APY | 6 Months | $1,000.00 |
| Quontic Bank | 1.26% APY | 6 Months | $500.00 |
| Merrick Bank | 1.35% APY | 6 Months | $25,000.00 |
| PenFed Credit Union | 0.75% APY | 6 Months | $1,000.00 |
| NASA Federal Credit Union | 1.60% APY | 6 Months | $10,000.00 |
| TAB Bank | 1.55% APY | 6 Months | $1,000.00 |
| Synchrony Bank | 0.75% APY | 6 Months | $0.01 |
| Consumers Credit Union | 0.50% APY | 6 Months | $250.00 |
1 Year CD Rates
The following banks and credit unions have the highest CD rates for 12 months.
| Best 12-Month CD Rates | Rate | Term | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| CommunityWide FCU | 1.25% APY | 12 Months | $1,000.00 |
| Limelight Bank | 1.80% APY | 12 Months | $1,000.00 |
| Bread Savings | 2.00% APY | 12 Months | $1,500.00 |
| Popular Direct | 1.85% APY | 12 Months | $10,000.00 |
| Connexus Credit Union | 2.26% APY | 12 Months | $5,000.00 |
| State Bank of Texas | 2.10% APY | 12 Months | $25,000.00 |
| Quontic Bank | 2.01% APY | 12 Months | $500.00 |
| First National Bank of America | 1.76% APY | 12 Months | $1,000.00 |
| PenFed Credit Union | 1.75% APY | 12 Months | $1,000.00 |
| Capital One | 1.50% APY | 12 Months | $0 |
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 1.40% APY | 12 Months | $500.00 |
| Discover | 1.50% APY | 12 Months | $2,500.00 |
| Sallie Mae Bank | 1.30% APY | 12 Months | $2,500.00 |
| Bethpage Federal Credit Union | 1.30% APY | 12 Months | $50.00 |
2 Year CD Rates
The following banks and credit unions have the highest CD rates for 24 months.
| Best 2-Year CD Rates | Rate | Term | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Popular Direct | 2.30% APY | 24 Months | $10,000.00 |
| Bread Savings | 2.50% APY | 24 Months | $1,500.00 |
| Pentagon Federal Credit Union | 2.30% APY | 24 Months | $1,000.00 |
| Connexus Credit Union | 2.86% APY | 24 Months | $5,000.00 |
| Merrick Bank | 2.65% APY | 24 Months | $25,000.00 |
| Quontic Bank | 2.51% APY | 24 Months | $500.00 |
| Synchrony Bank | 1.90% APY | 24 Months | $0.01.00 |
| First National Bank of America | 2.25% APY | 24 Months | $1,000.00 |
| CommunityWide FCU | 1.70% APY | 24 Months | $1,000.00 |
3 Year CD Rates
The following banks and credit unions have the highest CD rates for 3 years.
| Best 3-Year CD Rates | Rate | Term | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Popular Direct | 2.75% APY | 36 Months | $10,000.00 |
| Quontic Bank | 2.81% APY | 36 Months | $500.00 |
| Bread Savings | 2.75% APY | 36 Months | $1,500.00 |
| Pentagon Federal Credit Union | 2.60% APY | 36 Months | $1,000.00 |
| USAlliance Financial Credit Union | 3.25% APY | 36 Months | $500.00 |
| Connexus Credit Union | 3.01% APY | 36 Months | $5,000.00 |
| Merrick Bank | 2.85% APY | 36 Months | $25,000.00 |
| Synchrony Bank | 2.30% APY | 36 Months | $0.01% |
| First National Bank of America | 2.35% APY | 36 Months | $1,000.00 |
| Capital One | 2.30% APY | 36 Months | $0 |
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 2.30% APY | 36 Months | $500.00 |
| Discover | 2.20% APY | 36 Months | $2,500.00 |
| Bank5 Connect | 0.85% APY | 36 Months | $500.00 |
4 Year CD Rates
The following banks and credit unions have the highest CD rates for 4 years.
| Best 4-Year CD Rates | Rate | Term | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connexus Credit Union | 3.11% APY | 48 Months | $5,000.00 |
| Merrick Bank | 2.90% APY | 48 Months | $25,000.00 |
| BMO Harris | 2.55% APY | 48 Months | $1,000.00 |
| MYSB Direct | 2.80% APY | 48 Months | $500,00 |
| Popular Direct | 2.80% APY | 48 Months | $10,000.00 |
| Bread Savings | 2.80% APY | 48 Months | $1,500.00 |
| PenFed Credit Union | 2.60% APY | 48 Months | $1,000.00 |
| Synchrony Bank | 2.30% APY | 48 Months | $0.01 |
| First National Bank of America | 2.55% APY | 48 Months | $1,000.00 |
| CommunityWide FCU | 1.90% APY | 48 Months | $1,000.00 |
5 Year CD Rates
The following banks and credit unions have the highest CD rates for 5 years.
| Best 5-Year CD Rates | Rate | Term | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bread Savings | 2.85% APY | 60 Months | $1,500.00 |
| Alliant Credit Union | 2.80% APY | 60 Months | $1,00.00 |
| Connexus Credit Union | 3.21% APY | 60 Months | $5,000.00 |
| Popular Direct | 2.85% APY | 60 Months | $10,000.00 |
| Merrick Bank | 3.00% APY | 60 Months | $25,000.00 |
| Quontic Bank | 2.85% APY | 60 Months | $500.00 |
| PenFed Credit Union | 2.85% APY | 60 Months | $1,000.00 |
| First National Bank of America | 2.80% APY | 60 Months | $1,000.00 |
| Capital One | 2.60% APY | 60 Months | $0 |
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 2.60% APY | 60 Months | $500.00 |
| Discover | 2.75% APY | 60 Months | 2.75% |
The Best Fixed Annuity Rates Today
| Company | Term | Rate | Withdrawals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oceanview | 2 Years | 2.85% | 10% Allowed Annually |
| Canvas | 3 Years | 4.30% | 10% Allowed Annually |
| Canvas | 5 Years | 4.30% | 10% Allowed Annually |
| Canvas | 7 Years | 4.30% | 10% Allowed Annually |
CD Rates Vs. Fixed Annuity Rates
$100,000 CD versus $100,000 Fixed Annuity
| Term | CD Rate | Earnings | Annuity Rate | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Year | 1.25% | $102,516 | 2.30% | $104,653 |
| 3-Year | 1.45% | $104,413 | 2.75% | $108,479 |
| 4-Year | 1.50% | $106,136 | 3.00% | $112,551 |
| 5-Year | 1.56% | $108,047 | 3.41% | $118,253 |
Do I have to pay taxes on my interest?
- CD: Interest earned from CD rates is taxed and paid annually as ordinary income unless the CD is set up like an IRA.
- Fixed Annuity: The money in deferred annuities grows tax-deferred which means taxes are not reported until the policy owner takes a withdrawal from the account.
Federal Taxes
Now that you understand how CDs and fixed annuities are taxed, take the interest earned from the CD above, and subtract your tax bracket percentage. Federal tax rates range from 10% to 37%, depending on your income and how you file taxes annually (Single or Joint).
In the end, you’ll earn less than 1% on your CD.
State Taxes
In addition to federal income tax, you may have to report earnings from your CD to the state as “interest income.” State taxes can range from 0% to 7.25%.
How much liquidity do I have?
- CD: Most CDs allow withdrawals, but with a penalty incurred.
- Fixed Annuity: Most annuity contracts offer a specific percentage of the contract’s value that can be withdrawn annually without a penalty. For example, a fixed annuity may allow up to 10% to be withdrawn each year without any penalties.
Best CDs and Fixed Annuities for Liquidity
| Company | Type |
|---|---|
| Canvas Flex Fund | Annuity |
| First Republic Liquid CD | CD |
| Guggenheim ProOption | Annuity |
| Citizens Access Liquid CD | CD |
How is my money protected?
- CD: Most CDs are insured for up to $250,000 per CD, per bank or credit union by the FDIC.
- Fixed Annuity: Annuities are insured by the issuing insurance company. The state insurance guaranty association protects the policyholders in case the insurance company closes permanently. Each state has a maximum dollar amount that will be insured.
Can I create an income stream?
- CD: CDs are typically paid out in a lump sum, sometimes monthly interest payments, but there’s no guaranteed lifetime income.
- Fixed Annuity: There are several ways to generate an income stream from a fixed annuity. Policyholders can “sweep the interest” which means withdrawing only the interest for income while preserving the original principal. Another method is annuitizing the policy which can provide the annuity owner guaranteed payments for a fixed period of time or for life.
Estate Planning
- CD: Typically, if a designated beneficiary is assigned when purchasing a CD, that beneficiary can inherit the CD in a lump sum and avoid probate at the time of death.
- Fixed Annuity: The same goes for a fixed annuity. If a designated beneficiary (other than the estate) is assigned ahead of time, that beneficiary can avoid probate at the time of death. Depending on the annuity contract, the death benefit can be distributed as a lump sum or a series of payments.
Convenience
CD: A CD can be purchased in a matter of minutes at a local bank or credit union, which makes the process extremely easy and convenient.
Annuity: Typically, purchasing an annuity is not convenient because you have to purchase a contract from a licensed professional such as a financial advisor or an insurance agent. Some banks provide a financial professional that can sell you a fixed annuity as well.
The total annuity application process can take up to a few weeks to process, depending on where the funds are coming from.
However, as time progresses, the convenience level of purchasing an annuity is improving.
For example, Canvas Annuity from Puritan Life Insurance Company of America allows customers to purchase fixed annuities without a financial professional. Instead, the customer simply selects their annuity, fills out an application (which takes less than 10 minutes), and waits for the application to be approved. The total process time is under 48 hours.
What Do My Beneficiaries Receive When I Die?
Like CDS, fixed annuities offer a simple standard death benefit that is the annuity’s accumulation value or the minimum guaranteed surrender value, whichever is greater.
Helpful tip: If you want to leave money to your beneficiaries, life insurance might be a better option for you. In some cases, you don’t need to take a medical exam. Our free tool is the best place to get life insurance quotes. Coverage starts at $9.37 per month.
Conclusion
In the end, both CDs and annuities have their pros and cons, but for those looking for a higher yield than what is available with a bank savings or checking account, fixed annuities are worth considering. Requesting a quote is easy – just fill out the form on this page and we’ll be in touch to help you find the best rate for your needs. Thanks for reading!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is an annuity better than a CD?
This is a difficult question to answer, depending on your specific financial goals and situation. However, annuities can generally provide greater potential returns than CDs, but they also come with more risk. If you are looking for a safe investment with guaranteed returns, a CD or a fixed annuity will be good.
Why are annuities better than CDs?
When it comes to saving for retirement, there are various options to choose from. Two of the most popular choices are annuities and CDs. So, which is the better option? Annuities have a few advantages that make them more attractive than CDs. First, annuities offer tax-deferred growth. This means that you can grow your money without paying taxes on the gains until you withdraw the money at retirement.
On the other hand, CD rates are subject to taxation every year. In addition, annuities provide guaranteed income for life. This can be a valuable benefit for retirees looking for a way to insure against the risk of outliving their savings. On the other hand, CDs do not offer this type of guarantee. So, when it comes to choosing between annuities and CDs, annuities come out ahead regarding both potential return and security.
What annuity is like a CD?
A fixed annuity or multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA) is similar to a CD in that it offers a fixed rate of return and provides tax-deferred growth. However, unlike a CD, an MYGA does not have a set maturity date. This means that you can hold the annuity for as long as you want and continue to receive the guaranteed income payments for life. As a result, MYGAs can be a good option for retirees looking for a guaranteed income stream that they can’t outlive.
Can I lose money in a fixed annuity?
Fixed annuities are among the safest types of investments, but they are not without risk. The most common types of risk associated with fixed annuities are interest rate and credit risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that the interest rate on the annuity will decline after the guaranteed term, which would reduce the value of your investment. Credit risk is the risk that the insurance company will not be able to make the guaranteed payments. While both of these risks are real, they are relatively small compared to the risks associated with other types of investments, such as stocks.
Are there 5-year annuities?
Yes, there are 5-year annuities. A 5-year annuity is a fixed annuity that offers a guaranteed rate of return for five years. After the five-year term, the interest rate will reset based on current market conditions.
Do banks offer annuities?
Yes, some banks offer annuities. However, not all banks are licensed to sell annuities, so it’s essential to check with your bank to see if they offer this type of investment.
Can an annuity be rolled into a CD?
No, an annuity cannot be rolled into a CD. Annuities and CDs are two different types of investments, and they each have their unique features. For example, fixed annuities are tax-deferred retirement savings plans, while Certificates of Deposit are taxable savings plans. Therefore, rolling a fixed annuity into a traditional CD will cause a taxable event. However, a fixed annuity can be rolled into an IRA CD if the annuity is a qualified retirement plan.
Is there a limit on an annuity?
There is no limit on how much you can contribute to a non-qualified annuity; however, qualified annuities, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, have contribution limits set by the IRS.
Find CD Rates And Fixed Annuity Rates By State
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