Get the Flash Player to see this rotator.
Online Bank Reviews Best Banks 2011 Youtube icon RSS

Certificate of Deposit (CD) Account Reviews

Certificate of Deposits (CDs) are another great alternative when looking to save up funds or invest in retirement. A CD is basically a loan you make with a bank for certain amounts of time, when the bank gives you back your money with interest. A CD locks money in for a set period of time (generally between 30 days and 5 years) at a set interest rate, which is generally higher than a savings or money market account. At BankTruth.org we provide you with all of the up-to-date information you need when researching which CD is best able to suit your needs.

Why get a CD?

There are three great reasons why you should consider getting a CD at an online bank. First, the interest rate on a CD is much higher than on a savings or money market account, and thus you will make more money by getting a CD as opposed to the other two. Second, CDs offer flexible periods of time with which to invest money. It could be anywhere from 30 days to six months to five years and beyond. The interest rate on the CD will stay locked in, so if rates elsewhere start to fall you won't have to worry about it. This also leads into the third reason, in that it is a safe and conservative way to save money. As Ron Popeil famously states on his television infomercials, you can "set it and forget it!" You don't have to worry about whether interest rates may change or where the funds are going, because you will know exactly where they are and for how long.

CD vs MMA vs Savings

It is important not to mix up a CD from a savings account or money market account, so this section will describe their similarities and differences. As far as similarities, all offer a great alternative when it comes to saving money and investing for retirement. All of them are also FDIC insured, so you know that they are safe should anything happen to the online bank or what not. As far as differences, a CD has a locked in interest rate for a locked in amount of time. A money market and savings account do not have locked in rates or periods of time, and it is important to keep this into consideration. No withdraws are allowed early on CDs as well, as opposed to the other two accounts. If you do withdraw early expect to pay penalties regarding both interest and principal.

What to look for in a CD

There are four areas you should look for when it comes to researching CDs at BankTruth.org. First and most important is the interest rate offered. They can vary widely from bank to bank so make sure to review many banks before making a final decision. Second, look at the various time periods offer. Some may only offer shorter term CDs, while others may offer only longer term CDs. Know exactly what kind of time period is right for you before researching CDs at various online banks. Third, find out what the penalties are for early withdraw. Some online banks may be more severe than others, so it is important to find out in case an emergency were to come up and the funds were needed immediately. Lastly, check out other various features such as automatic roll-over and whether you can deposit the interest payments in another account.

  • How To Get More From Your CDs
    Written by No Comments Updated: February 2, 2012

    Using CDs can be an effective way to save your money for emergencies or it can be a simple way to continue earning interest money when you are retired. The downside right now is the low interest rates on CDs, money market accounts, and other savings accounts. Rates on these accounts have been significantly higher in the past but due to a weak economy, people hoping to cash in on high interest rates are out of luck. If you use CDs to stash cash for long periods of time, you need to consider using a CD laddering approach. How does a CD ladder work and how can it help you?

    CD Laddering – The Basics

    A… » Read more

  • Veridian Credit Union is Delivering the Best Rates for Certificates of Deposit
    Written by No Comments Updated: December 2, 2011

    Certificates of deposit or CDs are a terrific way to make a low risk investment opportunity work for you as an investor. Many low risk investors scour the financial news to find the best bank rates for certificates of deposit. However, credit unions have been extremely competitive with their CD or certificate of deposit rates of late and the state of Iowa has one credit union in particular that has been giving the big banks a run for their money.

    The Hawkeye state has a credit union, Veridian Credit Union, which has consistently shown up as one of the best rates for certificates of deposit time and time again. They have done it again with their great rates for certificates of deposit for CDs ranging from 7 months to 60 months… » Read more

  • Short Term CDs are Not a Great Investment at This Time
    Written by No Comments Updated: December 2, 2011

    Investors that have an interest in low risk investments will generally search for the best rates banks and other institutions provide for certificates of deposit or CDs. These are a low risk investment that will provide the highest interest rates for the monies. Certificates of deposit are a favorite for many of these types of depositors because they offer the best return for the invested monies. Things have certainly changed because investors can now see a better return for the same monies with savings accounts or a money market account.

    Certificates of deposits are characteristically offered for a variety of denominations and terms. Short term CDs are viewed by many because they provide an opportunity for a certificate of

  • Certificates of Deposit for an Investment Option
    Written by No Comments Updated: November 6, 2011

    Are you using a certificate of deposit as an investment option? Many people are unaware of the wide range of investments available between the stock market and a savings account. Savings accounts are important and useful when beginning savings choices. However, certificates of deposit are one of those investment options that come to mind when considering low risk and competitive rates of return that can get you ahead of the curve in America’s current financial climate. CDs or certificates of deposit can provide you with a much higher rate of return for your savings than a typical savings account.

    Certificates of deposit are a wonderful investment for those that have a… » Read more

  • An Overall Lower Interest Rate Cause Many Investors to Shy Away from CDs in Months to Come
    Written by No Comments Updated: November 6, 2011

    Certificates of deposit or CDs are wonderful for the investor searching for a low risk investment with a competitive interest rate that is higher than the average savings account. Recent moves by the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates overall have made finance specialist speculate that interest rates for certificates of deposit and similar investments will also be lowered. With this in mind, many investors are searching for more competitive interest rates for certificates of deposit.

    October is being seen as a month where many longer termed low risk investments will probably see a decrease in their interest rates based on the Fed… » Read more

  • Finding the Best Bank or Credit Union Certificate of Deposit
    Written by No Comments Updated: November 6, 2011

    A bank CD or certificate of deposit is very similar to a savings account with a few minor differences. They are covered by the FDIC for up to $250,000 per depositor. The FDIC or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is federal insurance coverage against bank failure.

    CDs is an easy and secure way of growing your money: Upon the maturity of your CD, the bank will pay you back the principal plus the amount of interest earned.

    CDs differ from savings accounts because a CD is issued to the investor for a specific term, generally 3 months, 6 months, one year of five years), and provide a fixed rate

  • Getting More Liquidity From Your CDs With A Ladder Approach
    Written by No Comments Updated: November 2, 2011

    Building a CD ladder is something that many investors are considering with interest rates dropping and having to move their nest eggs from savings accounts to other forms of investing that protects interest rates, such as certificates of deposit or CDs. Investors are finding more liquidity for their CDs with a ladder approach to investing.

    Purchasing a CD involves loaning your money to a bank or institution for a specified amount of time in return for a fixed rate of return. You invest your money for a specific amount of time (term) and the bank will pay you money for your investment (interest). The longer you invest your money the more… » Read more

  • CD Rates That May Surprise You
    Written by No Comments Updated: November 2, 2011

    Many investors expect that a longer term CD (certificate of deposit) interest rate should be better than a short term CD interest rate. In many cases this is correct. However, there are exceptions to this rule. You may find that a short term CD interest rate is the same or even better than a longer termed CD. When you find this scenario, take a good look at the industry as a whole. It could be telling you something.

    A long term CD is a better commitment from an investor for banks than short term CDs because they permit a bank to have more variety with the investments they make with CD funds. The best banks

  • Can Anyone Buy High-Yield CD’s?
    Written by No Comments Updated: November 2, 2011

    Who is eligible to buy high-yield CD’s? These CD accounts provide you with great rates but there are some limitations with the account. Most individuals can purchase high-yield CD’s, you just need to watch the rates and compare banks in order to find the best bank for your investment.

    Watch For Offers

    As you are comparing banks you need to look online and within your state. Some of the local banks can offer high rates. Most of the best rates are going to be found with the online banks as they do not have branch locations that can increase their costs, making it harder for them to provide you with higher returns. One bank to consider… » Read more

  • Calculating How a CD Works
    Written by No Comments Updated: October 27, 2011

    Numerous people around the country today are investing their monies in certificates of deposit or CDs. CDs are low risk investment vehicles that can help investors make money from their various investments. Certificates of deposit will pay a high interest rate than nearly any savings account as well as being insured by the FDIC or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Calculating how a CD works is not that difficult.

    Buying a CD

    Buying a CD is means several choices need to be made by an investor. An investor will need to decide how long they would like to invest their monies and how much money to invest. CDs can be purchased from a variety of banking institutions which include banks in addition to credit unions.

    Compounding interest