A certificate of deposit (CD) is a savings account where you agree to leave your money untouched for a set period—anywhere from a few months to several years—in exchange for a higher interest rate than a regular savings account. Banks use your money during that time, so they reward you for the wait. Understanding how CDs work helps you decide whether locking away savings makes sense for your financial situation.
These articles explain what happens when you open a CD, how interest gets calculated and paid to you, what occurs if you need your money before the term ends, and how CD rates compare to other savings options. You'll learn the mechanics behind different CD types and what questions to ask before committing your money.