Are One-Year CDs A Smart Move Amid Rising Inflation?
Compare the best 1-year CD rates to grow your savings with a guaranteed return over the next 12 months.
If you're looking for a safe place to store cash for short-term goals, certificates of deposit are worth considering. They offer guaranteed returns and FDIC insurance at most banks, making them a stable option for savings you won’t need right away.
Right now, 1-year CD rates can reach up to 4.03% APY, which allows your cash to grow at a higher rate than a traditional savings account.
However, with inflation at 4.20%, you'll lose money using one. That said, they still help you reach savings goals. I'll show you the top options to consider and smart alternatives to keep ahead of inflation.
Here are some of the top 1-year CD rates
Account | APY | Min Deposit | Early Withdrawal Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
4.03% | $1,000 | 3 months of interest | |
4.00% | $5,000 | 3 months of interest | |
3.90% | $500 | 3 months of interest | |
3.85% | $500 | 3 months of interest |
Why open a 1-year CD?
A 1-year CD is ideal for saving money for short-term goals. I've used them in the past and found them to be successful in helping me achieve my goals.
Why? There are several reasons. One, I don't like losing money. CDs force you to keep your money in them unless you want to lose months of earned interest.
The second reason is that you gain quick access to your cash. This is useful if inflation climbs, as you can pivot to investments that will earn you more.
In the meantime, use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to help you find some of the best 1-year CD rates quickly:
The difference depends on whether you open an account with a bank (overseen by the FDIC) or credit union (regulated by NCUA). If your bank or credit union faces any financial trouble or closes, your deposits will be insured up to $250,000 per account (and up to $250,000 per person in a joint account).
You can even use the FDIC BankFind tool to check whether a bank is federally insured.
Opening a CD is also a great option if you're looking for a guaranteed rate of return on your savings. While CDs offer comparatively lower returns compared with higher-risk investment options, such as stocks or ETFs, they're a good choice if you value a fixed, predictable and safe return on your money.
Pros and cons of 1-year CDs
Before deciding whether a 1-year CD is the right fit for your savings strategy, it’s helpful to weigh the advantages and drawbacks.
Pros:
- CDs offer a risk-free way to save with guaranteed returns on your deposit
- Fixed rates on CDs mean that even if interest rates fall, the APY on your account will remain the same
- Most CD accounts from banks and credit unions are federally insured for up to $250,000
- Since you should only withdraw funds when your CD account matures, you won't be tempted to spend your money elsewhere
Cons:
- Accessing funds from a CD account isn't as easy as with a savings account. If you need to withdraw funds from a CD account before the maturity date, you'll be charged a fee, which will likely offset any interest earned
- Money can't be added to a CD once it has been opened
- Fixed rates on CDs mean that if rates increase, you'll miss out on potential earnings
- CDs have a lower earnings potential compared with stocks or mutual funds
What's the best uses for a 1-year CD?
These CDs can help you reach your short-term goals, such as:
- Paying for a home improvement project
- Reallocating money to less risky investments as you move closer to retirement
- Saving for a home down payment
- Earmarking money for a vacation
While CDs won't help you earn as much as investments traditionally do, they still make sense in some instances. Having a fixed savings vehicle can help you stay on course to achieve your goals without having to contend with market risk.
Do 1-year CDs outpace inflation?
Unfortunately, they don't. If you're looking to shelter your cash from rising prices, I found a few alternatives.
The first is a jumbo CD. The best jumbo CD rates I found are 4.35% APY, keeping you ahead of rising prices for now. The one caveat with jumbo CDs is that they require a $50,000 to $100,000 deposit.
The good news is that while you'll have to tie up money, you won't have to for long. Terms for these CDs range from six months to a year, giving you enough time to earn thousands and pivot to other investments if inflation continues to rise.
Another option is to make sure you have enough to cover living expenses for at least six months, then devote the rest of your money to paying off high-interest debt and investments.
Even with the volatility the market provides, you can earn much higher returns historically if you don't mind the risk. If you need help getting started, a financial advisor is a smart option. They can help you lock down some goals and tailor solutions to match your risk profile.
Use this Bankrate tool to find a reputable advisor today:
When a 1-year CD makes sense
Short-term CDs give you the best of both worlds: You'll earn a healthy rate of return, and you have the flexibility to take advantage of better investment opportunities soon.
However, one-year CDs won't keep you ahead of inflation. For this reason, I recommend using a jumbo CD if you have the cash or investing, where the returns could be much better.
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