Certificate of deposit (CD) rates have risen over the past few years, making them an attractive option for people looking to grow their money. But figuring out how much to put into a CD and when it's the right time can be challenging. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you jump in.
RELATED: Best CD Rates
How much should you put into a CD?
The specific amount you put into a CD depends on your personal finances. The best way to decide how much money to put into a CD is to figure out how much cash you can afford to part with for an extended amount of time.
While that amount will be different for everyone, you should keep a few things in mind. First, a minimum amount is usually required. Most CDs have a minimum deposit between $500 and $2,500, though some can be lower or higher than this range.
Once you have enough money saved for a minimum amount, the next step is to look at the current amount of cash in your bank account and your total investments to determine how much should go into a CD. For example, U.S. Bank says a general rule of thumb is for cash and cash equivalents (including CDs) to make up 2% to 10% of your portfolio.
Let's assume you have a total of $50,000 of investments and cash. In this scenario, you may want to put $2,500 -- 5% of your $50,000 -- into a CD. Keep in mind that you don't want to put all your cash into a CD.
What money should go into a CD?
A CD is a safe place to store some of your money so it can earn you more money. But it works differently than a high-yield savings account.
With a savings account, you can generally take out the money when you want to, without a penalty. Savings accounts give you more flexibility but typically earn a lower rate of return. But when you put your money in a CD, you're agreeing not to touch the cash for a set amount of time -- sometimes for up to 5 years -- while you earn a predetermined rate on the money you put into it.
In exchange for handing your money over for that time, you receive a higher interest rate.
What money shouldn't go into a CD?
A CD isn't the place to build an emergency fund, and it's not for retirement investing. Most financial experts recommend having at least $1,000 in an easily accessible emergency savings account. Ideally, you want to eventually build that amount up to three to six months' worth of your living expenses.
A CD isn't the place to keep this money because you won't be able to easily access it during an emergency. CDs often charge fees for withdrawing money, while savings accounts generally do not. If you need cash to fix your car or replace a broken appliance, you want easy access to your money and no penalties for withdrawing it.
Plus, a CD isn't the place for you to put your retirement money. A CD generally won't earn enough to build a retirement nest egg, so it's best to put that money into a brokerage account where you can buy stocks and index funds.
Dip your toe in first
Like any major financial decision, it's best to move slowly. It may be a good idea to put a small amount of money into a six-month CD to learn how it works, how you earn interest, and how you feel about having your cash temporarily committed to a CD.
And if you don't like having some of your money in CDs by the end of six months, at least you'll have earned some interest and learned something new along the way.
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FAQs
Don't put cash into a CD that you'll need for emergencies. Many CDs have a minimum deposit amount, usually around $500. Don't put more in a CD than you feel comfortable parting with.
How much should you put down on a CD? ›
You must typically make a minimum opening deposit, usually between $500 and $2,500, although some accounts don't have this requirement. Your financial circ*mstances and a few other key considerations can help you determine how much to keep in CDs and take advantage of today's high interest rates.
Should I put $50,000 in a CD? ›
Investing $50,000 in a 5-year CD at today's best rates could yield more than $10,000 in overall interest. Shorter-term CDs have higher APYs and might be better for those who can't lock up $50,000 for five years. Building a CD ladder could increase your access to your savings, while also letting you capture high APYs.
Is it worth putting money in a CD? ›
Is it worth putting money into a CD? For some people, it can be worth putting money into a CD. If a person is seeking a riskless investment with a modest return, CDs are a good bet—you'll earn a higher rate than you would with a checking or savings account, but you'll have to commit your funds for a fixed period.
What is the biggest negative of putting your money in a CD? ›
Banks and credit unions often charge an early withdrawal penalty for taking funds from a CD ahead of its maturity date. This penalty can be a flat fee or a percentage of the interest earned. In some cases, it could even be all the interest earned, negating your efforts to use a CD for savings.
What is a good amount to put into a CD? ›
While that amount will be different for everyone, you should keep a few things in mind. First, a minimum amount is usually required. Most CDs have a minimum deposit between $500 and $2,500, though some can be lower or higher than this range.
Should I put a million dollars in a CD? ›
However, federally insured banks and credit unions only insure up to $250,000 per depositor per account ownership category. If you put more than this amount in a single CD, some of your money will be at risk. You can still safely invest more than $250,000 in CDs by opening accounts at multiple financial institutions.
How much does a $10,000 CD make in a year? ›
Earnings on a $10,000 CD Over Different Terms
| Term Length | Average APY | Interest earned on $10,000 at maturity |
|---|
| 6 months | 2.49% | $125.15 |
| 1 year | 2.60% | $263.12 |
| 18 months | 2.22% | $338.29 |
| 2 years | 2.08% | $424.40 |
3 more rowsJun 4, 2024
Use Multiple CDs to Manage Interest Rates
Multiple CDs can help you capitalize on interest rate changes if you believe CD rates will change over time. You might put some cash into a higher-rate 6-month CD and the remainder into a 24-month bump-up CD that allows you to take advantage of CD rate increases over time.
Do you pay taxes on CDs? ›
Key takeaways. Interest earned on CDs is considered taxable income by the IRS, regardless of whether the money is received in cash or reinvested. Interest earned on CDs with terms longer than one year must be reported and taxed every year, even if the CD cannot be cashed in until maturity.
Absolutely! Although streaming and digital music are the most popular ways to listen these days, lots of people prefer the collectable nature and superior sound quality of CDs. This demand means that the vast majority of CDs are still worth something - and the amount you can make soon adds up!
Should I lock in a CD now or wait? ›
Unlike traditional or high-yield savings accounts, which have variable APYs, most CDs lock your money into a fixed interest rate the day you open the account. That's why if you suspect that interest rates will soon drop, it can be a good idea to put money in a CD to preserve the high APY you would earn.
Are CDs safe if the market crashes? ›
Are CDs safe if the market crashes? Putting your money in a CD doesn't involve putting your money in the stock market. Instead, it's in a financial institution, like a bank or credit union. So, in the event of a market crash, your CD account will not be impacted or lose value.
Can you ever lose money in a CD? ›
Bottom line. Losing money in a CD is highly unlikely. However, it's not impossible. If you're thinking about opening one, read the fine print about early withdrawal penalties, and be sure to compare more flexible options that don't have a maturity date.
Why are CDs a bad investment? ›
CD rates may not be high enough to keep pace with inflation when consumer prices rise. Investing money in the stock market could generate much higher returns than CDs. CDs offer less liquidity than savings accounts, money market accounts, or checking accounts.
Can CDs be inherited? ›
Some CD accounts allow the owner to name a payable-on-death (POD) beneficiary. If the account owner dies, this person will automatically inherit the funds in a CD. These banks may terminate a CD when the account owner dies and allow the POD beneficiary immediate access to these funds.
How much will a $25,000 CD make in a year? ›
That being said, here's what you can expect to earn with varying rates for a 1-year (short-term) CD: 7.00% APY: $1,750 for a total of $26,750 after 12 months. 6.50% APY: $1,625 for a total of $26,125 after 12 months. 5.75% APY: $1,437.50 for a total of $26,437.50 after 12 months.
What is a good CD rate to invest in? ›
Compare the Best CD Rates
| Institution | Rate (APY) | Early Withdrawal Penalty |
|---|
| DR Bank | 5.50% | 6 months of interest |
| Vibrant Credit Union | 5.50% | All earned interest |
| Merrick Bank | 5.40% | 3 months of interest |
| MutualOne Bank | 5.40% | 3 months of interest |
14 more rowsEarnings on a $10,000 CD Over Different Terms
| Term Length | Average APY | Interest earned on $10,000 at maturity |
|---|
| 6 months | 2.49% | $125.15 |
| 1 year | 2.60% | $263.12 |
| 18 months | 2.22% | $338.29 |
| 2 years | 2.08% | $424.40 |
3 more rowsJun 4, 2024
For example, if you deposit $500 in a five-year CD that earns a 5.15% APY, your balance by the end of five years will be $642.71, earning you $142.71 in interest. However, if the interest rate is 3.25%, your earnings will only be $586.71, a difference of $56 in interest earnings.
