A certificate of deposit (CD) is a time deposit similar to savings account. CDs are FDIC insured and thus virtually risk-free. CDs are different from savings accounts in that a CD has a specific, fixed term (e.g., 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, 5-year, etc.), and usually, a fixed interest rate. In exchange for keeping the money on deposit to maturity, you usually get higher interest rates. It is intended that the CD be held until maturity, at which time the money may be withdrawn along with the accrued interest.






