Certificates of deposit (CDs) lock your money away for a set period—anywhere from a few months to several years—in exchange for a fixed interest rate. Banks and credit unions offer CDs as a way to earn more than a regular savings account, but the trade-off is that you cannot withdraw the money early without paying a penalty. Understanding how CD rates work, what affects them, and how they compare to other savings options helps you decide whether a CD fits your financial goals.

These articles explain how CD rates are set, why rates differ between institutions, and how to calculate what you'll actually earn. You'll learn about rate trends, how to compare offers across banks, and when a CD makes sense versus keeping money in a savings account or money market account. The guides also cover what happens when your CD matures and how to think about locking in a rate in different economic conditions.