What Is A Fixed-Rate CD?

Shawn Plummer

CEO, The Annuity Expert

When it comes to saving money, there are many options available, and one of them is a fixed-rate CD. A fixed-rate CD is a savings account that can help you earn a higher interest rate than a regular savings account. This article will explore a fixed-rate CD, how it works, and what benefits it can offer.

What is a Fixed-Rate CD?

A fixed-rate CD, also known as a certificate of deposit, is a savings account that typically offers a higher interest rate than a regular one. With a fixed-rate CD, you agree to deposit a certain amount of money for a fixed period, ranging from a few months to several years. You cannot withdraw your funds during this time without paying a penalty fee. In addition, the interest rate you earn on your deposit is fixed, meaning it will not change for the duration of the CD term.

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.

TermInsurance CompanyAPY
N/ACloudBank Savings Account5.05%
N/APonce Bank5.05%
12 MonthsBread Savings CD5.20%
24 MonthsIdabel National Bank5.05%
48 MonthsAmerico Fixed Annuity5.05%
5 YearsAmerico Fixed Annuity5.25%
10 YearsAmerican National5.45%
*Fixed annuities are only for saving money to use in retirement.

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. We aim to help you find the highest interest rates for your retirement savings. We may receive a small referral fee if you purchase something using a link in this article.

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How Does a Fixed-Rate CD Work?

To open a fixed-rate CD, you must visit a bank or financial institution that offers this type of account. You will be asked to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and social security number. You must deposit a minimum amount of money to open the account. The minimum deposit amount can vary depending on the financial institution, but it is usually around $1,000.

Once you have opened a fixed-rate CD, you will be given a term length when you agree to keep your money in the account. The term length can range from a few months to several years, with longer terms generally offering higher interest rates. During the term, you cannot withdraw your funds without paying a penalty fee, a percentage of the amount you withdraw, or a set dollar amount.

What Is A Fixed-Rate Cd

What are the Benefits of a Fixed-Rate CD?

One of the primary benefits of a fixed-rate CD is its higher interest rate compared to a regular savings account. The interest rate is fixed, which means you will earn the same amount of interest regardless of changes in market conditions. This can provide a sense of stability and predictability in your savings plan.

Another benefit of a fixed-rate CD is that it can be a good option for short-term savings goals, such as saving for a down payment on a house or a new car. However, if you need the money in a few months or a year, a fixed-rate CD can provide a safe and secure way to save while earning a higher interest rate.

What are the Risks of a Fixed-Rate CD?

While a fixed-rate CD can be a great way to earn a higher interest rate on your savings, there are some risks to consider. One of the most significant risks is that you cannot withdraw your funds without paying a penalty fee. In addition, if you need access to your money before the term ends, you will lose some of the interest you have earned or even some of your principal deposit.

Another risk to consider is that the interest rate on a fixed-rate CD may not keep pace with inflation. If inflation rises faster than the interest rate on your CD, your savings may lose value in real terms.

Next Steps

A fixed-rate CD is a savings account offering a higher interest rate than a regular savings account. It requires you to deposit a certain amount of money for a fixed period and comes with penalties for early withdrawal. While a fixed-rate CD can be a good option for short-term savings goals and can provide stability and predictability, it is essential to understand the risks involved, such as penalties for early withdrawal and the possibility of inflation eroding the value of your savings. As with any financial decision, it is

What Is A Fixed-Rate Cd?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fixed-rate CD?

It is a savings account that offers a fixed interest rate throughout the account’s term.

What is a reasonable CD rate?

You may find higher CD rates from online banks and credit unions compared to the national averages of 1.54% for a one-year term and 1.37% for a five-year term.

Are CDs high-risk?

Investing in CDs is generally a lower-risk option than investing in stocks or other securities. This is because a bank holds your money. However, the bank holds your money rate changes, which ca bank holds your money could lead to lower earnings. In addition, while rare, there is also a risk of bank failure.

Are CD rates higher than savings?

Certificates of deposit (CDs) are a specific type of savings account that offers a fixed interest rate and term. As a result, they typically provide higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.

Are fixed-rate CDs a good investment?

Fixed-rate CDs can be beneficial since they offer higher interest rates than savings accounts. This can be advantageous if you have specific savings goals like buying a house or setting up a retirement fund. CDs are also low-risk investment options.

Shawn Plummer

CEO, The Annuity Expert

I’m a licensed financial professional focusing on annuities and insurance for more than a decade. My former role was training financial advisors, including for a Fortune Global 500 insurance company. I’ve been featured in Time Magazine, Yahoo! Finance, MSN, SmartAsset, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg, The Simple Dollar, U.S. News and World Report, and Women’s Health Magazine.

The Annuity Expert is an online insurance agency servicing consumers across the United States. My goal is to help you take the guesswork out of retirement planning or find the best insurance coverage at the cheapest rates for you. 

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