What is a CD?

A certificate of deposit or CD is a type of short-term investment where you agree to keep your money for a certain period of time, usually for three months to several years.

You usually open a CD with a traditional bank, credit union or even an investment company. For example, investment company such as Vanguard offers brokered CDs.

Once the CD “matures” or becomes “due,” you receive the principal money invested, plus interest.

If you withdraw your money before the stated period of time, an early withdrawal penalty will apply.

However, there are some banks that offer CDs with no penalty. Banks such as CIT Bank has an 11-month, no penalty CDs. However, those CDs usually have lower APY.

CDs are very safe. That’s because they are insured by the federal government for up to $250,000.

So, if you’re looking for safety, a CD is a good choice.

Is a six-month CD right for you?

Before you start shopping for the best 6-month CD rates, you need to ask yourself these questions:

• How much interest will you earn?
• Are 6-month CD rates better than interests from a savings account, money market funds, etc?

With a 6-month CD, you can expect to earn good money. But not a lot when comparing to longer CD terms. It is because the longer the length of the CD, the more money you will make. 

But one thing for sure is that you will earn more money on a 6-month CD than on a savings account (more on this later).

Here’s how much you can earn with a 6-month CD rate.

Overview of the best 6-Month CD Rates: how much should you expect to earn.

The minimum balance requirement and the rates for these 6-month CDs vary depending on the bank. The rates range from 0.50% to 1.00%.

EmigrantDirect 6-month CD rate

The applicable rate for a six-month CD from Emigrant Direct is 1.00% . This six-month CD has a $1000 minimum deposit requirement. This is one of the highest interest rates out there.

MySavingsDirect 6-month CD rate

This 6-month CD also has a 1.00% APY and requires a $1000 minimum deposit.

Limelight Bank 6-month CD rate

The applicable yield for a six-month CD from Limelight Bank is 0.95%. It also has a $1000 minimum balance requirement.

BMO Harris 6-month CD rate

For a BMO Harris six-month CD, it is 0.80% APY and $5,000 minimum deposit.

Live Oak Bank 6-month CD rate

You can expect a 0.80% APY, But the minimum deposit can be high, $2,500.

Sallie Mae Bank 6-month CD rate

Sallie Mae’s 6-month CD offers a 0.90% APY and requires a $2,500 minimum deposit.

TIAA Bank 6-month CD rate

The minimum deposit can be steep for a six-month CD from TIAA Bank, which is $5,000. But a rate of 0.75% is still competitive.

Ally Bank 6-month CD rate

For an Ally Bank six-month CD, the rate is 0.65%. And there is no minimum deposit.

Bank5 Connect 6-month CD rate

The Bank5 Connect 6-month CD has the lowest minimum deposit requirement ($500) with a rate of 0.75%.

HSBC Direct 6-month CD rate

For a 6-month CD from HSBC, the yield is 0.75% and the minimum deposit requirement is $1,000.

PurePoint 6-month CD rate

The yield for this six-month CD is 0.50%  and the minimum deposit is $10,000. This deposit requirement can be too much for most people.

Why should you invest in a 6-month CD?

Given that these banks’ 6-month CD offer competitive rates, they may be a good option for you.

So, you may want to consider them for the following reasons:

Emergency fund. A 6-month CD is a good place for your emergency fund. However, if an emergency occurs before the CD matures and you withdraw the money, a penalty will apply.

Saving for a down payment. A 6-month CD is a good option if you’re thinking of buying a house in the next six months.

It’s a good place to accumulate and grow the down payment. You certainly don’t want to risk your money investing it in the stock market, because the market can plunge in a relatively short of time.

Wedding. If you have an upcoming wedding, a six-month CD is a good place to keep your cash.

Vacation. If you’re planning of taking a vacation in 6 months or so, a 6-month CD makes the most sense. Your money is safe and you’ll earn interest at the same time.

CDs vs. savings accounts vs. money market funds

While a 6-month CD can be a good option for your money, it may not be the best options in all situations.

If you need your money before the stated period and withdraw it, you will get hit with a penalty.

So, it makes sense to see what other options are available to you. And the best way to do so is to compare a 6-month CD rate with other saving vehicles.

6-month CD vs. savings account

There is no doubt you’ll receive a higher return on your money with a CD than with a savings account.

However, a savings account is more liquid than a CD. You can withdraw money in your savings account with no fear that you’ll get hit with a penalty.

With a CD, however, an early withdrawal penalty will apply if you need access to your money before the CD becomes “due.”

6-month CD vs. money market fund

It’s likely that you will earn more interest on your money with a CD than with a money market fund.

However, just like a savings account, you can easily access your funds in your money market fund at any time without the early withdrawal penalty that comes with taking money out of your 6-month CD before it matures.

You can write a check or you can call the fund company and ask them to transfer your money to your bank.

The bottom line

6-month CD rates are competitive. A six-month CD can be a good choice if you’re saving for a short-term goals. You’ll earn a higher rate on a 6-month CD than on a savings account.

Speak with the Right Financial Advisor

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