When to Invest in a Certificate of Deposit (CD)

Interest earned on savings can add up to extra money in your pocket over time, but a savings account typically pays the lowest interest rate when considering various savings options. So what other options are out there that have a higher interest rate? One option that can help you earn more on your savings is a product called a Certificate of Deposit, or CD for short. Not only do CDs usually pay a higher interest rate, but you know the interest up front and when you will earn a certain amount so you can plan accordingly for specific saving goals.

Many people may then ask, “How do I know when the right time is to invest in a CD?” To put it simply, when interest rates are high. This is when you will be getting the most “bang for your buck,” or return on investment. You should also consider what kind of CD you want to invest in and what the economy is looking like in the near future.

How interest rates determine the best time to invest in a CD

The higher interest rates are, the more you will earn on the money you have sitting in a CD. Therefore, CDs are generally more popular when interest rates are high. Additionally, having an idea of whether interest rates will increase again in the near future, stay steady for some time or even begin to decrease soon may influence your decision on how long of CD term you choose. When selecting a CD, you usually have two options – short-term and long-term:

• Short-term CD: Usually locks funds in for anything under 12 months. This is a popular choice among customers that believe interest rates will increase again within a year and don’t want to miss out on the additional rate bumps by having their money already locked in a lower-rate CD.
• Long-term CD: Usually locks funds in for 12 months or longer. This is a popular choice among customers who believe interest rates will remain steady for several months or simply don’t want to have to reinvest in a new CD after just a few months.

Keep in mind, financial institutions do not have a crystal ball to determine if and when interest rates will increase or decrease. Therefore, it’s important for the customer to do their own research to decide which option best fits their financial situation. It’s also important to note that the duration of “short” and “long” term CDs varies by institution, and these estimates are based on Bankers Trust’s product offerings.

How other economic factors determine the best time to invest in a CD

When the Federal Reserve (“the Fed”) raises interest rates, it’s usually because the economy is experiencing rising inflation. This means the price of goods and services are high, requiring consumers to have more cash on hand to afford their regular expenses. This is an important factor to consider before investing in a CD, as this investment option locks your money in for a period of time.

If interest rates are high and you have funds on hand that you do not anticipate needing in the near future, a CD can be a great choice to earn significantly more than if you were to leave it sitting in a savings account. Learn more about Bankers Trust’s CD products to get started, and check out Bankers Trust Benefits Banking, which earns you rate bumps just for having multiple products with us!