Buying a CD from Bank of America: What You Need to Know

If you are looking for a low-risk way to save money and earn interest, you may want to consider buying a certificate of deposit (CD) from Bank of America. A CD is a type of deposit account that pays a fixed interest rate for a specified term, usually ranging from a few months to several years. You can choose from different types of CDs, such as standard, featured, or promotional CDs, depending on your financial goals and preferences.
But before you buy a CD from Bank of America, there are some things you need to know. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of investing in a CD from this bank.
The Benefits of Buying a CD from Bank of America
- Guaranteed returns. Unlike other investments that may fluctuate in value, a CD offers a fixed interest rate that is guaranteed for the duration of the term. This means you know exactly how much money you will earn at maturity.
- FDIC insurance. As a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Bank of America insures your deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per account category. This means your money is safe even if the bank fails.
- Flexible terms and options. Bank of America offers a variety of CD terms and options to suit your needs. You can choose from terms as short as 28 days or as long as 10 years. You can also choose from different interest payment options, such as monthly, quarterly, or at maturity. You can also renew your CD automatically or manually at the end of the term.
- Online access and management. You can open and manage your CD online through the Bank of America website or mobile app. You can check your balance, interest rate, maturity date, and transaction history anytime, anywhere. You can also transfer funds between your CD and other Bank of America accounts online.
The Drawbacks of Buying a CD from Bank of America

- Low interest rates. Compared to other banks and financial institutions, Bank of America offers relatively low interest rates on its CDs. For example, as of May 5, 2023, the annual percentage yield (APY) on a 12-month standard CD is only 0.05%, while the national average is 0.25%. This means you may earn more interest elsewhere.
- Early withdrawal penalty. If you withdraw your money from your CD before the maturity date, you will have to pay an early withdrawal penalty. The penalty amount depends on the term length and the amount withdrawn, but it can range from $25 to $500 or more. This can reduce or even eliminate your earnings.
- Minimum deposit requirement. To open a CD from Bank of America, you need to have a minimum deposit of $1,000. This may be too high for some savers who want to start small or diversify their portfolio.
Conclusion

Buying a CD from Bank of America can be a good option for savers who want a guaranteed return, FDIC insurance, flexible terms and options, and online access and management. However, it may not be the best option for savers who want higher interest rates, no early withdrawal penalty, or lower minimum deposit requirement. Therefore, it is important to compare different CD offers from different banks and financial institutions before making a decision.