Should you deposit $10000 into a CD?
A one-year CD with a $10,000 opening deposit that earns the
While that amount will be different for everyone, you should keep a few things in mind. First, a minimum amount is usually required. Most CDs have a minimum deposit between $500 and $2,500, though some can be lower or higher than this range.
If you don't need access to your money right away, a CD might be a good savings tool for you in 2024 while average interest rates remain high. CD interest rates are high in 2024 — higher nationally, on average, than they've been in more than a decade, according to Forbes Advisor.
The biggest risk to CD accounts is usually an interest-rate risk, as federal rate cuts could lead banks to pay out less to savers. 7 Bank failure is also a risk, though this is a rarity.
Waiting to open a CD could mean missing out on some stellar rates. Now, you can lock in high rates on both short-term and long-term CDs, and you can score some serious interest just by opting to deposit a larger lump sum into your CD.
| Term Length | Average APY | Interest earned on $10,000 at maturity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 1.81% | $181 |
| 2 years | 1.54% | $310.37 |
| 3 years | 1.41% | $428.99 |
| 4 years | 1.32% | $538.55 |
You can expect a minimum CD opening deposit of at least $500 at most banks, though that could rise to $2,500 or more for certain accounts. For example, CIT's Jumbo CDs require a minimum balance of $100,000. CDs with higher minimums often pay higher APYs.
CD rates tend to lag behind rising inflation and drop more quickly than inflation on the way down. Because of that likelihood, investing in CDs carries the danger that your money will lose its purchasing power over time as your interest gains are overtaken by inflation.
For context, in 2021, when rates were around their lowest, the national average 12-month CD had an APY of just 0.15%. For a $5,000 deposit, this is the difference between earning $250 in interest over a year versus earning only $7.50 over that same time frame.
If your goal is to lock in a high rate of interest on funds you don't need to access for a period of time, a CD might be your best option. However, a high-yield savings account may be the better choice if you want to earn solid interest on your savings while still keeping the money relatively accessible.
Can I lose my money in a CD account?
The risk of having a CD is very low. Unlike how the stock market or a Roth IRA can lose money, you typically cannot lose money in a CD. There is actually no risk the account owner incurs unless you withdraw money before the account reaches maturity.
Market Crashes and CDs
Even if the market crashes, your CD is still safe. Your interest rate won't change, and your money is still insured. But, keep an eye on interest rates. After your CD term ends, you might find that new CDs have lower rates if the economy is still struggling.
If interest rates fall before the CD expires, the bank is out of luck and must give you the rate it quoted. If rates climb, you're stuck with the lower rate you agreed to when you opened the account. And if you take your money out before a CD matures, you'll pay a penalty -- typically three months of interest.
Key takeaways. Interest earned on CDs is considered taxable income by the IRS, regardless of whether the money is received in cash or reinvested. Interest earned on CDs with terms longer than one year must be reported and taxed every year, even if the CD cannot be cashed in until maturity.
For some people, it can be worth putting money into a CD. If a person is seeking a riskless investment with a modest return, CDs are a good bet—you'll earn a higher rate than you would with a checking or savings account, but you'll have to commit your funds for a fixed period.
However, federally insured banks and credit unions only insure up to $250,000 per depositor per account ownership category. If you put more than this amount in a single CD, some of your money will be at risk. You can still safely invest more than $250,000 in CDs by opening accounts at multiple financial institutions.
A one-year CD with a $10,000 opening deposit that earns the Bankrate partner average yield of 4.94 percent would be worth around $10,494 when it matures in 12 months' time. This high-yielding one-year CD would earn you around $320 more in total interest than a CD earning the national average rate.
- Pay off high-interest debt.
- Build an emergency fund.
- Open a high-yield savings account.
- Build a CD ladder.
- Get your 401(k) match.
- Max out your IRA.
- Invest through a self-directed brokerage account.
- Invest in a REIT.
If you put $10,000 in a 5-year CD right now, you could be looking at earnings of more than $2,000 when the CD matures. Ultimately, CDs can be part of a successful financial strategy, as long as you make the right choices and shop for the best available rate.
CDs have a typical minimum balance or opening requirement that's often around $1,000, but it can range from $0 to $10,000. There are jumbo CDs with minimums traditionally around $100,000, though these CDs don't necessarily have the best rates in the industry.
Is it better to have one CD or multiple?
Having multiple CDs can be a great way to diversify your portfolio without sacrificing as much liquidity. Risk is low, and CDs provide steady returns. Just know that owning too many CDs could cut you off from other high-return investments. Investing is one part of the financial journey.
CDs are worth it in 2024 for the right investor. After rate hikes in the past year and a half, many of the best CDs yield well over 5% but these rates may not last for long. For some, it could be worth it to lock in high rates before the Fed starts cutting rates later in the year.
Standard CDs are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) for up to $250,000, so they cannot lose money. However, some CDs that are not FDIC-insured may carry greater risk, and there may be risks that come from rising inflation or interest rates.
Yes, CDs are generally still safe even if a stock market crash occurs. CDs are a type of bank account. Many accounts offer a set rate of return for a specific timeframe that won't fluctuate.
CDs offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, guaranteed returns and a safe place to keep your money. But it can be costly to withdraw funds early, and CDs have less long-term earning potential than certain other investments.
