What is a CD (Certificate of Deposit)?

A certificate of deposit or time deposit account is a type of savings tool available at banks (*see note below) that can offer a higher return on your money than most standard savings accounts. A financial institution agrees to pay interest at a certain rate if you deposit your cash for a set term (period of time).

Note: Both Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and share certificates are low-risk deposit accounts where your money can grow at a fixed rate. The main distinction between them is that CDs are products offered by for-profit banks, while share certificates are offered by member-owned, not-for-profit credit unions. Share certificates are federally insured by the NCUA while the FDIC insures CDs at banks. Acadia FCU offers share certificates as part of our savings options.