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Best IRA CD Rates

An IRA CD can add stability to your retirement portfolio.

A certificate of deposit lets you earn interest on a sum of money with a fixed annual percentage yield, or APY, over a fixed period of time, or term. CDs are a good savings option to park money for a few months or years with minimal risk of losing your earnings.

If you need to access the money before it fully matures, you’ll often pay an early withdrawal penalty that can reduce your interest earnings. Most CD options require a single deposit and don’t allow additional deposits, so you’ll need to gather your funds before opening an account. When you’re ready to open a CD, compare the best terms and rates among local credit unions and banks to find the right fit for your savings.

Best IRA CD Rates
  • Synchrony Bank $0 Min. deposit to open
  • Discover $2,500 Min. deposit to open
  • Alliant Credit Union $1000 Min. deposit to open
  • Bethpage Federal Credit Union $50 Min. deposit to open
  • PenFed Credit Union $1,000 Min. deposit to open
  • Connexus Credit Union $5,000 Min. deposit to open
  • Ally Bank $0 Min. deposit to open
  • Citibank $250 Min. deposit to open
Helpful Definitions
Certificate of deposit (CD)

A type of savings account in which a lump-sum deposit accrues interest at a fixed rate for a fixed term, usually with an early withdrawal penalty.

Annual percentage yield (APY)

A CD’s interest rate that represents the return from the compounded interest you’ll earn in 12 months on your deposit. The higher the APY, the faster your money grows.

CD term

The fixed period in which your deposit earns interest. The maturity date is the end of the term, which can range from one month to 10 years or more.

Early withdrawal penalty

The fee for withdrawing your CD funds before maturity, often equalling a period's worth of interest, which varies by institution and length of CD term.

Share certificate

Similar to a CD, but issued by a credit union, in which a credit union member deposits a lump sum that accrues interest for a fixed term.

Liliana Hall is a writer for CNET Money covering banking, credit cards and mortgages. Previously, she wrote about personal credit for Bankrate and CreditCards.com. She is passionate about providing accessible content to enhance financial literacy. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor's degree in journalism, and has worked in the newsrooms of KUT and the Austin Chronicle. When not working, she is probably paddle boarding, hopping on a flight or reading for her book club.
Kelly is an editor for CNET Money focusing on banking. She has over 10 years of experience in personal finance and previously wrote for CBS MoneyWatch covering banking, investing, insurance and home equity products. She is passionate about arming consumers with the tools they need to take control of their financial lives. In her free time, she enjoys binging podcasts, scouring thrift stores for unique home décor and spoiling the heck out of her dogs.
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