CD Calculator
Calculate how much your certificate of deposit will be worth at maturity.
📐 How We Calculate — Learn about our calculation methodology, data sources, and quality standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is APY vs APR for CDs?
APR is the stated rate. APY includes compounding. A 5% APR compounded monthly gives about 5.12% APY. Compare APY between CDs.
What happens if I withdraw a CD early?
Most banks charge a penalty of 3-12 months of interest depending on the term. Some offer no-penalty CDs with slightly lower rates.
Are CDs safe?
FDIC-insured CDs are guaranteed up to $250,000 per depositor per bank. Principal and interest are protected.
What is a CD ladder strategy?
A CD ladder splits savings across multiple CDs with staggered maturities — for example, 1, 2, 3, and 5-year CDs. When each matures, you reinvest at the longest term. This balances higher rates from longer-term CDs with the liquidity of regular maturities.
How does compounding frequency affect my earnings?
More frequent compounding produces slightly higher returns. A $10,000 CD at 4.5% APR: annual compounding = $450; monthly = $459; daily = ~$460. Most CDs quote APY, which already reflects compounding — compare APY directly when choosing.