Best Certificate of Deposit Options
Articles - Savings
Consider your investment needs when looking for the best certificate of deposit. Your options include a low yield for a longer period of time or a higher-yield for a short term, but either represent an easy and safe way to grow. CD offers are available from your local bank or credit union, but great deals are available through online institutions as well.
by DerekPowell


Consider your investment needs when looking for the best certificate of deposit. Your options include a low yield for a longer period of time or a higher-yield for a short term, but either represent an easy and safe way to grow. CD offers are available from your local bank or credit union, but great deals are available through online institutions as well.

Research the variety of options before deciding which is the best certificate of deposit for your needs. There are a variety of maturity terms, ranging from six months to up to 20 years, hence you should check the terms according to your particular investment strategy. Of course the interest rates are a deciding factor, be they fixed or variable

The best certificate of deposit is one that can be laddered with others in your portfolio to obtain the best rate of return over the long term. With laddering, rather than invest the entire amount in one CD, you invest in several with various maturity terms. As each one matures, you roll it over into another one. This method provides a stable form of investing over the years and gives you liquidity if you need it.

Callable CDs are the best certificate of deposits for those who don't mind taking a risk. This type of CD carries a higher interest rate, but the issuing bank can call them in, especially likely if interest rates drop and stay there. As there is this chance of termination, this type of CD represents a risk, as you would have to reinvest your money at a lower prevailing rate.

The Bump-up CD is the best certificate of deposit for future planning. You can invest at a certain rate but can bump up when interest rates rise. Check how many bump ups are allowed within the term of your agreement.

If you have a large amount of money to invest, the Jumbo CD is the best certificate of deposit for you. This type of CD is usually reserved for amounts over $100,000 and represents a safe vehicle during a volatile market. Rates are very attractive due to the size of the financial investment. Many people are concerned these days about exceeding the $250,000 FDIC limit, so there are also mini jumbo CDs for under 100 K.

The high yield CD is your best certificate of deposit option if you are viewing a shorter period of time. You can get very high rates for six months or one year, but a heavy penalty applies should you withdraw the money before maturity.

No penalty CDs are some of the most popular and should be considered when you are looking for your best certificate of deposit. These CDs give you a guaranteed rate and allow you to withdraw money without penalty. Rates may not be high, but these certificates are certainly flexible and liquid.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.