So, you want to put your money to work but are not sure whether to go with a standard savings account or CD
(Certificates of Deposit)? You've come to the correct link! This blog post goes over the fundamental distinctions
between these two alternatives so you can make an informed decision about where to park your hard-earned money.
So, stay tuned to find out all you need to know about CD vs savings account. Let's get the money chat started!
What is a Savings Account?
A savings account is a
type of bank account
designed to store money you won't need right away. It's like a safe place to keep your cash that also earns you a
little bit of extra money over time. Here are some key features of savings accounts:
- Earn interest: Savings accounts typically offer a modest
interest rate on the money you deposit. This means your money grows a little bit just by sitting there.
- Safekeeping: Savings accounts are generally insured by the
government, up to a certain limit. This means your money is protected in case the bank fails.
- Accessibility: You can usually access your money in a savings
account easily, with transfers, withdrawals, or using a debit card (depending on the bank and account type).
However, there may be limits on how many withdrawals you can make each month.
Savings accounts are a great way to save for short-term goals, build an emergency fund, or earn a little bit of
extra interest on your money.
What is a Certificate of Deposit?
A Certificate of Deposit (CD) account offers a simple way to grow your savings differently from regular savings
methods. Unlike basic savings accounts, a CD needs a higher initial deposit and a set period, called a "term,"
during which your money stays put.
Interest starts building up after you deposit your money, and you can pick a term length that fits your financial
goals from the options given by your bank. CDs can be appealing because they might give you higher interest rates
than regular savings accounts, especially for longer terms.
Choosing a fixed CD rate means your interest rates stay the same for the whole term, which brings stability. When
you're planning your savings strategy, it's important to understand the differences between CD accounts and regular
savings accounts to make smart financial decisions.
Are There Any Parallels Between CDs and Savings Accounts?
There are some similarities between these two popular financial tools:
- For starters, most banks and credit unions that provide these accounts are FDIC or NCUA-insured. However, it is
always a good idea to double-check before putting your money.
- Another commonality is that they are both ideal for short-term savings. This means you may save money for things
like vacations or new cars.
- Savings accounts enable you to withdraw your funds at any time without penalty (though there may be
restrictions). CDs also allow you to remove funds before the agreed-upon period expires, usually while charging
early withdrawal penalties.
- They are ideal for storing an emergency fund or funds set aside for short-term aims but not so much for
long-term retirement investments.
- Both options are classified as low-risk, low-yield investments.
What's The Difference Between Savings Accounts and CDs?
The major difference between a Certificate of Deposit (CD) and a savings account is how easy it is to get your
money. With savings accounts, you can usually access your cash more easily, though some banks might charge you for
taking out too much.
On the other hand, if you take money out of a CD before it's supposed to be ready, you might have to pay a penalty.
It's important to know what your bank's rules are for these accounts. While savings accounts give you more
flexibility, CDs might give you more interest if you're patient.
It's a good idea to think about whether you want quick access to your money or if you're okay with waiting for a
bit more interest. This can help you decide which option fits your money goals better. And if you need more details,
there's a table below that compares CDs and savings accounts.
CD vs Savings Account
| Basis of Difference |
CD |
Regular Savings Account |
| Return on investment |
CDs have interest rates ranging from 3.5% to 8%.
Organisations generally provide better interest rates on CDs than commercial banks. |
The interest rates on these accounts typically range
from 2.60% to 7.50% per year, depending on the amount of savings you have. |
| Higher interest rates for senior citizens |
Interest rates on Certificate of Deposit (CD)
investments are typically the same for everyone, regardless of age or other considerations. This implies that
older persons do not enjoy any preferential treatment when it comes to CD interest rates. |
Senior folks might benefit from more excellent
interest rates on their savings accounts. Many banks and financial organisations provide seniors with
discounted rates to encourage them to save and invest their money. |
| Tenure |
CDs have a short maturity duration, often one to
three years when issued by financial institutions and up to one year when issued by banks. |
Savings accounts, on the other hand, do not have a
set tenure length. You can keep them open for as long as you wish. |
| Minimum investment |
You can begin with a minimum investment of ₹1,00,000
for a Certificate of investment. |
Both public and private sector banks provide a
variety of savings accounts customised to individual needs. Thus, minimum investment needs also vary across
financial institutions. |
Savings Account vs. CD: What are Their Pros & Cons?
High-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) are two popular choices, each with its own set of
advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of both these alternatives to help you
make an informed decision about where to park your hard-earned cash.
Savings Accounts
| Pros |
Cons |
| The main advantage of these accounts is the
potential for income through the interest earned on them. This means that your money can grow at a faster
pace, helping you reach your financial goals sooner. |
On the flip side, the interest rates are still lower
compared to CDs and various other financial instruments. |
| High-yield savings accounts are typically very
liquid. This means you can easily access your funds when needed without facing penalties or fees. |
The interest earned on these accounts may be subject
to income tax, which can eat into your overall returns. |
| Most High-Yield savings accounts are FDIC- insured,
providing an extra layer of security for your funds. |
Some high-yield savings accounts have minimum
balance requirements. So, you need to maintain a certain amount of money in the account to avoid charges. |
| They are an ideal spot to store your emergency money
or other short-term resources. |
Savings accounts are often not an intelligent option
for long-term investing objectives. |
| There is no obligation—save for short-term goals or
utilise your funds for quick necessities. |
The cash put in savings accounts loses value due to
inflation. |
Certificate of Deposit (CD)
| Pros |
Cons |
| One of the primary benefits of CDs is the set
interest rate they provide. This implies that you can commit to a given rate for a specified length of time.
It gives you a predictable and guaranteed return on your investment. |
Your money is not as easily accessible as it is with
a high-yield savings account. When you invest in a CD, you are committing to leaving your money untouched for
a specific period, which can range from a few months to several years. Withdrawing your funds before the
maturity date can result in early withdrawal penalties, potentially eroding your returns. |
| CDs are generally considered to be very low-risk
investments, making them a popular choice for those looking for stability and security. |
CDs are not the best choice for emergency savings.
|
| Your returns are not affected by market
fluctuations, making CDs a relatively low- risk investment. |
If interest rates rise after you purchase a CD, you
may miss out on potential earnings from higher rates. |
| CDs, like savings accounts, are typically guaranteed
by the FDIC or the NCUA. |
Bonds and stocks can provide a more significant
return than CDs. |
| No-penalty CDs allow you to withdraw funds without
incurring early withdrawal fees. |
CDs may not be the greatest option for long-term
investing objectives. |
Which is Better - A CD or a Savings Account?
If you are a novice, a savings account can be an excellent financial investment. It's versatile and pretty much
necessary for everyone. On the other hand, a CD allows you to accumulate more wealth and plan better. By analysing
all the information provided in this blog article, you may choose which financial tool best fits your savings goals.
Asking yourself some vital questions may also help. For instance, what is your financial goal? If you are saving
for a specific purpose, such as purchasing a car, consider investing in a CD. However, suppose your goal is to
create an emergency fund with three to six month's worth of spending. In that case, a regular savings account may be
handy.
Also, how much can you deposit initially? Not all CDs allow you to add more money later. If you don't have much
saved up front, a savings account where you can keep adding money might work better.
Lastly, what about penalties? Withdrawing from a CD early could mean losing interest. There are limits on
withdrawals from savings accounts, too. Going over them may result in charges. Everything aside, if you are looking
to switch things up, a digital savings account could be just what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Which is a safer option between CDs and Savings Account?
Both CDs and savings accounts are very safe. They are usually insured by the government which means that even
if the bank fails, your money is protected. However, CDs may offer slightly better protection against fraud
since you can't easily withdraw money.
-
What are the minimum terms for CDs and savings accounts?
CDs typically have minimum terms ranging from 3 months to several years. You commit to leaving your money in
the account for that period to earn the interest rate. Savings accounts have no minimum term. You can add or
withdraw money at any time.
-
Which earns more interest, CDs or savings accounts?
CDs generally offer higher interest rates than savings accounts. The reason is that you agree to limit your
access to the money in a CD. Savings accounts, with their flexibility, typically have lower rates.
-
How are CDs and savings accounts similar?
Both CDs and savings accounts share similarities in terms of allowing convenient deposits and earning interest
on deposited funds. This common ground encourages individuals to develop a savings habit while potentially
generating additional income regularly.
