What is a Certificate of Deposit (CD)?

A certificate of deposit is a type of savings account that holds a fixed amount of money for a fixed period of time, such as 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years, and in exchange, the issuing bank pays interest.

How does a CD calculator work?

A CD calculator helps determine how much interest you'll earn on your certificate of deposit. Enter your initial deposit, interest rate, term length, and compounding frequency to calculate your returns.

Are CDs safe investments?

Yes, CDs are considered very safe because they are typically insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank.

What happens if I withdraw my money early from a CD?

Withdrawing money before the CD matures usually results in an early withdrawal penalty, which can reduce your earned interest or even your principal.

Can I add more money to my CD after opening it?

Most CDs do not allow additional deposits after the initial opening. You would need to open a new CD for additional funds.

CD Interest Calculator

Calculate your potential earnings from Certificate of Deposit investments. See how different interest rates, terms, and compounding frequencies affect your returns.

Certificate of Deposit Calculator

Enter your CD details below to calculate your potential earnings

Initial Deposit

Interest Rate (APY)

Term Length

Years

Months

Marginal Tax Rate

Compound Frequency

Understanding CDs

A Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a time deposit that offers a guaranteed return. Key features include:

Fixed Terms: Typically ranging from 3 months to 5 years
Guaranteed Returns: Fixed interest rate for the entire term
FDIC Insurance: Up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank
Early Withdrawal Penalties: Fees apply if you withdraw before maturity

Compound Interest

Your earnings grow faster with more frequent compounding:

Daily compounding yields slightly higher returns than monthly
The effect is more pronounced with longer terms and higher rates
Most banks offer daily or monthly compounding

Choosing the Right Term

Consider these factors when selecting a CD term:

Current interest rate environment
Your financial goals and timeline
Need for liquidity
Interest rate predictions

FAQ

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