Why you should deposit $10,000 into a 5-year CD now (2024)

FAQs

Why you should deposit $10,000 into a 5-year CD now? ›

The interest is significant and predictable

It's safe and secure, plus the interest rates are generally higher than you'll get with other savings products. CDs can offer these higher rates because the saver agrees to keep the money in the bank for a predetermined period, generally between three months and five years.

A five-year CD allows you to grow your savings at a guaranteed rate, but potential for gains aren't as high as riskier investments. With interest rates at a relative high, now may be a good time to consider putting some of your cash into a five-year CD. Then again, a five-year CD might not be right for every investor.

Unlike traditional or high-yield savings accounts, which have variable APYs, most CDs lock your money into a fixed interest rate the day you open the account. That's why if you suspect that interest rates will soon drop, it can be a good idea to put money in a CD to preserve the high APY you would earn.

What is the future value of $10,000 on deposit for 5 years at 6% simple interest? Hence the required future value is $13,000.

Banks and credit unions often charge an early withdrawal penalty for taking funds from a CD ahead of its maturity date. This penalty can be a flat fee or a percentage of the interest earned. In some cases, it could even be all the interest earned, negating your efforts to use a CD for savings.

The national average APY for a one-year CD is 1.74 percent, based on Bankrate research, which shows this average has increased or remained the same since March 2022. If you deposited $10,000 into a one-year CD that pays this national average rate of 1.74 percent, in one year it would be worth a total of around $10,174.

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.

Should I lock in a 5 year CD? ›

Reasons To Avoid Locking Your Money Up

In that case, parking your money in a CD means you may wind up with a lower return than you would earn with a high-yield savings account. Jones points out that another downside to CDs is lack of liquidity, along with the potential for tax ramifications.

Key takeaways. The national average rate for one-year CD rates will be at 1.15 percent APY by the end of 2024, McBride forecasts, while predicting top-yielding one-year CDs to pay a significantly higher rate of 4.25 percent APY at that time.

The highest certificates of deposit (CDs) rates today are offered by Nano Bank (6.00%), Merchants Bank of Indiana (5.92%), Shoreham Bank (5.50%) and Vast Bank (5.50%). You can see the full list of the highest-paying CDs here.

The top nationwide rate in each CD term—from 6 months to 5 years—currently ranges from 5.20% to 6.18% APY. With a $10,000 investment in a top-paying CD, you can earn hundreds to thousands of dollars of interest on your money—and much more than if you keep it in a typical savings account.

Earnings are predictable

Here's an example of the interest you could earn for each CD term listed above with a $15,000 deposit: - 6-month CD at 5.55%: You'd earn $410.63 in interest, making the total value $15,410.63. - 1-year CD at 5.67%: You'd earn $850.50 in interest, making the total value $15,850.50.

Inflation is running higher than your CD's return.

Inflation plays an important role in understanding how much your money is actually worth. While you may not feel like you're losing money in a CD if you're following the rules and waiting to withdraw at maturity, you can be losing purchasing power.

If you have $10,000 to invest, here's what your earnings would be at different interest rates: After one year with a regular account at 0.42%: $10,042.00. After one year with a high-yield account at 4.50%: $10,450.00. After one year with a high-yield account at 5.00%: $10,500.00.

In summary, a certificate of deposit gives you steady and safe returns. Investing $15,000 in a CD could lead to substantial gains, regardless of the CD's length. However, make sure you won't need that money while the CD is active because withdrawing early usually incurs hefty penalties.

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.

Most CDs compound interest at a monthly or quarterly frequency, but some compound annually. The more frequently interest is compounded, the more you'll earn. Using the above example, say you invest $1,000 in a five-CD with a 5% annual interest rate, but this CD accrues compound interest.