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BUDGETING AND SAVING

CD vs. high yield savings: Choose the right account for your goals

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Ever feel like growing your savings is taking forever? If you’re ready to upgrade from a traditional savings account to one that can help accelerate your savings efforts, you’ve come to the right place. Let's take a closer look at two popular savings options, high-yield savings accounts and CDs. Both accounts offer competitive interest rates and are reliable, low-risk investments.

 

With both accounts offering similar benefits, it can be tricky to choose between them. We'll cover the differences between high-yield savings accounts and CDs to help you decide what account will best support your goals and match your financial lifestyle.

What is a CD account?

A certificate of deposit (CD) is a type of savings account that offers a competitive interest rate in exchange for leaving your money untouched for a predetermined period. Your initial deposit, known as the principal, will accrue interest throughout the term of your CD.

 

A CD could be a great option to grow your money if you don’t need to withdraw before the end of the term, usually between six months and a few years. You’ll also want to have your full deposit ready upfront. With a CD account, additional deposits are not usually accepted after the initial one.

 

What is a high-yield savings account?

A high-yield savings account has the same functionality as a traditional savings account but with the added perk of having a higher interest rate, also referred to as an annual percentage yield (APY). The higher your APY, the more you will see your savings grow. Keep in mind that the APY can change at any time based on the Federal Reserve benchmark interest rate.

What are the main differences between them? Let’s break it down:

Withdrawals

  • With most CDs, your savings are locked in for the length of the term. If you need to withdraw funds, penalties may apply.
  • With a high-yield savings account, you can make withdrawals without penalties. You can also continue making deposits, unlike with most CD accounts.

Interest Rates

  • CDs typically offer higher rates than savings accounts. Your rate is fixed for the length of the CD term.
  • High-yield savings accounts also offer better rates than standard savings accounts. Your rate is variable and could change at any time.

How do I know which account is right for me?

It all comes down to choosing what works for your lifestyle. If you plan to continue making deposits or withdrawals with your savings, a high-yield savings account could be a great option to give you plenty of flexibility with your money. CDs are a great option if you already have a chunk of money saved that you won’t need to touch for a while.

 

If you’re still not sure which account is best for you, compare available interest rates for CD and high-yield savings accounts to find the best offer. Remember, high-yield savings rates can change anytime, but your CD rate is locked in for the length of the term.

 

Try out our savings calculators and CD calculator to see how much your money can grow depending on the interest rate.

Interested in current CD rates or a high-yield savings account?

MULTIPLE OPTIONS

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Earn up to 3.80% APY1 with a Certificate of Deposit (CD)

Enjoy guaranteed growth when you open a CD account.

More details

STAY FLEXIBLE

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Earn up to 3.75% APY2 with a Savings Account

Grow your money with a great savings rate.

More details

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What is a certificate of deposit (CD) account?

Offering higher interest rates, CD accounts can help grow your savings faster than most traditional savings accounts.
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CD Calculator

Discover how much your savings could grow in a certificate of deposit (CD) account with our CD interest calculator.
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Explore our personal checking account options to find the right fit for you. 

1Annual Percentage Yield (APY). 3.80% APY is accurate as of 8/25/2026 and available as a 12-month term. Fees could reduce earnings. Withdrawals may result in imposition of applicable early withdrawal penalties. $500 minimum opening deposit required. Maximum deposit is $10 million. 'New Money' is defined as funds that are not currently deposited in any account at Flagstar Bank. Not available for public units or Business CDs. Certain restrictions, including area restrictions, may apply. Offer subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice. Must present offer at account opening. Limited-time offer. Important information will be provided to you in the disclosures you receive during the account opening process. Please contact your local branch for more information.

Flagstar Ready Savings – Promotional Rate Disclosure

2Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 8/25/2026. A promotional annual percentage yield of 3.75% is available on balances greater than or equal to $10,000 for the first 180 days after account opening. Balances at or below $9,999.99 do not qualify for this promotional rate and are subject to the current non-promotional interest rate applicable to this account type. At the end of the 180-day promotional period, the interest rate and APY will revert to the then-posted non-promotional rate(s) applicable to this account type. The interest rate(s) and annual percentage yield(s) are variable and may change at any time before or after the account is opened. To qualify, you must be a new personal savings client of Flagstar Bank and open a Flagstar Ready Savings account. You must make an initial minimum opening deposit of at least $1.00. To qualify for the promotional rate, you must deposit additional funds, to maintain a balance greater than or equal to $10,000 is required and must be "new money," which is defined as money that is not currently on deposit in any Flagstar Bank account; money moved from any Flagstar Bank affiliate or subsidiary account or funded from a Flagstar/affiliate loan or line of credit does not qualify. For purposes of this offer, funds from maturing certificate of deposit accounts held at Flagstar Bank will be considered eligible. The account must remain open for the full 180-day promotional period.

This offer is limited to one promotion per household. If any signer on this account has previously received a savings promotion from Flagstar Bank, you are ineligible for this offer. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. An early account closure fee may be imposed for accounts closed within 180 days. Flagstar Bank employees are not eligible for this offer. Offer subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice. Receiving this offer does not guarantee eligibility. All account applications are subject to our normal approval process. Personal accounts only. Area restrictions may apply.