CD Rates: How Certificates of Deposit Work and Pay
Competitive CD rates let you lock in a guaranteed return, no matter what happens next in the markets. Learn how a certificate of deposit works before you commit your money.
Master the Rules Before You Lock In
Our complete certificate of deposit guide explains how CDs work, from term lengths and fixed APYs to FDIC insurance. It also covers the CD early withdrawal penalty, what happens at maturity and how CD interest is taxed, so there are no surprises.
Compare the Best CD Rates Today
Looking for the best CD rates? Our current CD rate comparison shows terms, APYs, minimum deposits and penalties side by side, so you can match a CD to your timeline.
Real People, Real CD Strategies
Six readers used CDs to solve six different financial problems, from saving for a down payment to protecting retirement cash. Read their stories and see why each one chose their term.
Browse all CD articles below.
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CD Laddering in Retirement: Turn Savings Into Steady, Safe Income
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: September 15, 2026 CD laddering in retirement turns savings into steady, safe income: staggered maturities give you predictable access to cash, while FDIC insurance protects your principal. Carol is retired now, living off her savings, and every financial decision feels higher-stakes than it used to. Without a paycheck coming in,…
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CD Ladder Before Retirement: Shifting From Growth to Protection
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: September 15, 2026 A CD ladder before retirement lets you shift from growth to protection gradually, matching CD terms to your timeline instead of locking everything into a single day’s rate. Richard is five years out from retirement, and after decades of focusing on growth, he’s starting to shift some…
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How to Choose a CD: A Simple, Set-It-and-Forget-It Guide
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: September 15, 2026 How to choose a CD doesn’t have to be complicated: match the term to your timeline, compare a few online bank CD rates, and check the early withdrawal penalty before you open it. Diane doesn’t love dealing with finances, but she knows she should be saving more,…