Certificate of Deposits (CDs): Open a CD Account Online (2024)

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Open an accountwith Merrill

Get steady, predictable income with brokered CDs

How do CDs work?

In exchange for depositing your money into a certificate of deposit (CD) for a fixed time period, the issuer agrees to pay you back at a predetermined interest rate. When the CD matures, you get back the principal amount plus any interest that has accrued.

What's the difference between brokered CDs and traditional CDs?

Brokered CDs are purchased through a brokerage firm instead of directly at a bank, and yields on brokered CDs may be higher than yields on similar bank CDs.

If you need to access your funds before the CD's term ends, you may attempt to sell your CD if a market exists. The price can fluctuate based on the current interest rate environment.

Benefits of Brokered CDs

  • Can provide steady, predictable income
  • May offer more competitive yields than bank CDs
  • Are federally insured up to $250,000 per issuer per depositor
  • Offer potential to mitigate risk and diversify your portfolio

Certificate of Deposits (CDs): Open a CD Account Online (1)Certificate of Deposits (CDs): Open a CD Account Online (2)

How to purchase CDs

Once you're logged into your account, you can use Merrill's fixed income Screener under the Research tab to search for CDs to purchase. Use pre‑defined search parameters or select your own criteria to find the CDs that align with your preferences.

If you already know the CUSIP number or issuer of the CD you want to purchase, you can go directly to the Trade tab and select Fixed Income to enter that information.

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or call us at 888.866.2190

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all

How do CDs work?

Purchasing a brokered CD is similar to depositing funds in a bank. In exchange for the money you pay for the CD, the issuer agrees to pay you a predetermined interest rate that's typically higher than the rates offered on savings accounts. When the term is up (when the CD matures), you get back the principal (or face amount) plus any interest that has accrued.

If you need to access your funds before the CD's term ends, you may attempt to sell your CD if a market exists. The price can fluctuate based on the current interest rate environment.

How do I choose a CD?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a CD. First, when do you need the money? If you need it soon, consider a CD with a shorter term. If you're saving for something five years down the line, a CD with a longer term and higher rate may be a more prudent choice.

IAlso, consider the economic environment. If it seems that interest rates may rise, or if you want to open multiple CDs, CD laddering can be a good option.

How do brokered CD terms, minimum balances and rates interact?

Brokered CDs come in varying terms and generally require minimum purchases of $1,000. The rate you earn typically varies by the term. Note that Brokered CDs also have maximum purchase limits.

What is a CD ladder and how do I build one?

Overall interest rates may change during your CD's term. If rates rise, you miss out on earning those higher rates, since your money is committed for the CD's term. However, if rates go down, you benefit: You still earn the higher rate that was offered when you opened the CD. CD laddering (buying multiple CDs of varying term lengths) can help address this concern. It can also be a way for you to take advantage of longer terms (and therefore typically higher interest rates) while still giving you access to some of your money each year.

With a CD ladder, you divide your initial investment into equal parts and invest each portion in a CD that matures every year. For example, say Leo has $10,000. To build a CD ladder, he invests $2,000 each in a 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year and 5-year CD. As each CD matures, he reinvests the money at the current interest rate or uses the cash for another purpose. If Leo reinvests his money, he might choose a new 5-year CD, which would ensure he has one CD maturing each year as long as he continues laddering.

What are callable CDs?

Callable CDs give, in its sole discretion, the issuer the right to terminate or "call back" your CD before it matures. This is more likely to happen if interest rates are lower than they were when you bought your brokered CD. You will still get back your principal and accrued interest up until that point, but you will miss out on any future interest that you could have earned if that brokered CD had not been called.

How are brokered CDs different from traditional bank CDs?

The market value of a brokered CD purchased through your brokerage account will fluctuate and, at times, may show a potential market value of more or less than the price you paid or face value of the CD. However, if you hold a brokered CD to maturity, you'll get back the principal amount plus interest; these price fluctuations only come into play if you sell your CD before maturity.

Note that brokered CDs held to maturity do not auto-renew. You'll need to purchase another CD if you desire.

Merrill may maintain a secondary market in brokered CDs, although it's not obligated to do so. You may be able to sell your brokered CD before it matures, but the price you receive could be less than your original investment.

Early withdrawals of brokered CDs are generally not permitted. In limited circ*mstances, such as the death of the owner of the CD, early withdrawal may be permitted.

Some brokered CDs, known as callable CDs, are subject to early redemption by the issuing bank at its sole discretion. They may offer higher yields than noncallable CDs, which return their principal at the stated maturity date. Callable CDs offer higher yields due to your risk of having your principal returned early and needing to purchase a new CD in a lower-interest-rate environment.

Brokered CDs purchased through your Merrill account pay simple interest; that is, interest is not compounded.

What does the FDIC insure?

FDIC insurance covers all types of deposits received at an insured bank per account ownership category. FDIC insurance does not cover investments, even if they were purchased at an insured bank under the FDIC's general deposits insurance rules.

You can calculate your insurance coverage using the FDIC's online Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator (EDIE) at www.fdic.gov/edie/

You are responsible for monitoring the total amount of deposits (including CDs, checking, savings and money market deposit accounts) that you hold with any one issuer, directly or through an intermediary, in order for you to determine the extent of FDIC insurance coverage available to you on your deposits.

Where can I get more information about FDIC insurance?

FDIC insurance covers all types of deposits received at an insured bank per account ownership category. FDIC insurance does not cover investments, even if they were purchased at an insured bank under the FDIC's general deposits insurance rules.

You can calculate your insurance coverage using the FDIC's online Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator (EDIE) at Go to third-party websitewww.fdic.gov/ediepopup

You can visit the FDIC website or call the FDIC directly at 877.ASK.FDIC (877.275.3342).

MAP5724131-06302024

Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities.

Asset allocation, diversification, and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

This material is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory (including financial planning) and other services. Additional information is available in our Client Relationship Summary (PDF).

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as "MLPF&S" or "Merrill") makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp."). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member Securities Investor Protection (SIPC) popup and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp").

Merrill Lynch Life Agency Inc. (MLLA) is a licensed insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Investment products offered through MLPF&S and insurance and annuity products offered through MLLA:

Are Not FDIC InsuredAre Not Bank GuaranteedMay Lose Value
Are Not DepositsAre Not Insured by Any Federal Government AgencyAre Not a Condition to Any Banking Service or Activity

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© 2024 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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Certificate of Deposits (CDs): Open a CD Account Online (2024)

FAQs

Can I open a CD account online? ›

Depending on the bank, you can open a CD online, over the phone or in person at a branch. Some banks encourage you to apply online, and others require that you visit a branch. If you're able to apply online, the application process can take five to 20 minutes, though this may vary.

How much does a $10,000 CD make in a year? ›

Earnings on a $10,000 CD Over Different Terms
Term LengthAverage APYInterest earned on $10,000 at maturity
6 months2.49%$125.15
1 year2.60%$263.12
18 months2.21%$336.74
2 years2.08%$424.40
3 more rows
7 days ago

How risky are certificate of deposits CDs? ›

Standard CDs are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) for up to $250,000, so they cannot lose money. However, some CDs that are not FDIC-insured may carry greater risk, and there may be risks that come from rising inflation or interest rates.

What is a certificate of deposit CD account? ›

What are certificates of deposit? A certificate of deposit (CD) is a savings account that holds a fixed amount of money for a fixed period of time, such as six months, one year, or five years, and in exchange, the issuing bank pays interest.

Is it safe to buy CDs online? ›

CDs from online-only banks can be just as safe as CDs from brick-and-mortar banks, as long as the online bank is federally insured and takes basic security measures.

What happens if you put $500 in a CD for 5 years? ›

For example, if you deposit $500 in a five-year CD that earns a 5.15% APY, your balance by the end of five years will be $642.71, earning you $142.71 in interest. However, if the interest rate is 3.25%, your earnings will only be $586.71, a difference of $56 in interest earnings.

Who has the highest paying CD right now? ›

Best 1-Year CD Rates
  • Abound Credit Union – 5.25% APY.
  • Mountain America Credit Union – 5.25% APY.
  • KS State Bank – 5.25% APY.
  • Forbright Bank – 5.25% APY.
  • Merchants Bank of Indiana – 5.25% APY.
  • Seattle Bank – 5.25% APY.
  • Bread Savings – 5.25% APY.
  • Utah First Credit Union – 5.25% APY.

What bank is paying 5% on CDs? ›

Highest current CD rates (overall)
Institution nameAPYTerm length
Morgan Stanley5.05%2 years
Bask Bank5.00%18 months
LendingClub Bank5.00%18 months
Newtek Bank5.00%18 months
31 more rows

Do you pay taxes on CDs? ›

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.

How much will a 500 CD earn in 5 years? ›

This CD will earn $120.39 on $500 over five years, which means your deposit will grow by 24.6%.

How much does a $50,000 CD make in a year? ›

A long-term CD could yield $2,375 per year (for a 3-year CD)
TermAPYYield on $50,000 (per year)
2 years4.75%$2,250
3 years4.66%$2,375
4 years4.45%$2,225
5 years4.30%$2,150
Feb 10, 2024

What is a downside of CDs? ›

Disadvantages of investing in CDs

The penalty ranges from a minimum of multiple months' worth of interest to more, depending on the bank and term of the CD. If you open a 12-month CD and need to withdraw the money before it reaches the maturity date, you might lose three months' worth of interest that you earned.

Why is my CD losing money? ›

A Certificate of Deposit (CD) could lose money if funds are withdrawn early, incurring penalties that may exceed earned interest. CDs are generally low-risk and guarantee a fixed interest rate for the term. Early withdrawal penalties can sometimes reduce the principal, not just the interest.

Are money CDs safe if the market crashes? ›

Even if the market crashes, your CD is still safe. Your interest rate won't change, and your money is still insured. But, keep an eye on interest rates. After your CD term ends, you might find that new CDs have lower rates if the economy is still struggling.

How much money does it take to open a CD certificate of deposit )? ›

Minimum deposits vary based on account and financial institution, but a required deposit of around $500 to $1,000 is typical when opening a CD. However, it is possible to find CDs with no minimum deposit requirement. Jumbo CDs are like regular CDs but require much larger minimum deposits.

How many CDs can you have at one bank? ›

There's no limit on the number of CDs you can have, and it's possible to have multiple CDs at the same bank or different financial institutions.

Can you get 6% on a CD? ›

Right now, the only financial institution offering a 6% CD is Financial Partners Credit Union. To become a member of the credit union, you must live, work or go to school in Orange County, San Diego County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, the city of South San Francisco or the city of Alameda.

Are CDs 100% safe? ›

The short answer is yes. Like other bank accounts, CDs are federally insured at financial institutions that are members of a federal deposit insurance agency. If a member bank or credit union fails, you're guaranteed to receive your money back, up to $250,000, by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

What happens to CD if the bank fails? ›

The FDIC Covers CDs in the Event of Bank Failure.

Can I open a CD with $100? ›

CD terms can vary, depending on where the account is opened. For example, you might choose a CD with a maturity term as short as 28 days or as long as 10 years. The minimum deposit to open a CD may range from $100 to $500, though other CDs might require $10,000 or more to open.

How much will a $1000 CD earn? ›

That all said, here's how much a $1,000 CD will make in a year, based on four possible interest rate scenarios: At 6.00%: $60 (for a total of $1,060 total after one year) At 5.75%: $57.50 (for a total of $1,057.50 total after one year) At 5.50%: $55 (for a total of $1,055 total after one year)

How much money do you make on a $5000 CD? ›

How much interest would you make on a $5,000 CD? We estimate that a $5,000 CD deposit can make roughly $25 to $275 in interest after one year. In comparison, a $10,000 CD deposit makes around $50 to $550 in interest after a year, depending on the bank.

What if I put $20,000 in a CD for 5 years? ›

So, no matter which 5-year CD you choose, you're going to earn between $4,000 and $4,700 on a $20,000 deposit at today's best rates. Keep in mind, you have to pay taxes on CD interest, so your total return could be less. Still, this is a decent return for a relatively risk-free investment.

What bank is the best to open a CD? ›

Here are Bankrate's top picks for banks with the best CD rates.
  • Capital One — 6 months - 5 years, 3.90% – 5.00% APY, no minimum deposit.
  • Barclays Bank — 6 months - 5 years, 3.50% – 5.00% APY, no minimum deposit.
  • Citizens Access — 1 year - 5 years, 3.35% – 5.00% APY, $5,000 minimum deposit.

What documents do I need to open a CD account? ›

The exact requirements will vary by bank, but you'll often need:
  1. A government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
  2. Social Security or tax identification number.
  3. Proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement with your name and current address.
  4. Minimum opening deposit, if required.
Jan 2, 2024

How much money is needed to open a CD account? ›

Minimum deposits vary based on account and financial institution, but a required deposit of around $500 to $1,000 is typical when opening a CD. However, it is possible to find CDs with no minimum deposit requirement.

What do I need to open a CDs account? ›

What do I need to open a CDS account? You need two recently taken passport size photographs, original National ID or passport. In the case of a company you need the original certificate of incorporation, and if you are an organization registered in any other way you need the certificate of registration.

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