Certificate of Deposit (CD) Accounts

Leave uncertainty behind with a steady-rate CD account

Lock it in and let it grow

With fixed interest rates and terms ranging from months to years, our CD accounts are a great way to save money you don't need right away.

Even higher rates

Qualify for even higher rates than traditional savings accounts with longer-term CDs.

Choose your terms

Select from a variety of CD terms with varying rates of return.

Stable earnings

Earn a steady, fixed rate by locking your funds until the maturity date.

Promotional Rate

Set yourself up for savings success with this great rate

Earn as much as
4.00% APYD

for a 5-month CD
Terms and conditions apply

Open an online high-yield CD account

Other CD options are available through your local branch.

Your earning potential awaits

Use our CD Savings Calculator to calculate your earnings.

Depending on interest rates, certificates of deposit, or CDs, may offer an appealing blend of competitive returns and low risk.

Compared to traditional savings accounts—which prioritize ongoing access to funds over rate of return—CDs operate a bit differently. They offer a highly competitive interest rate but have a set maturity date. That's the future date when you'll get back your investment plus any interest earned.

You choose the term that's right for you—from 6 months to 5 years. During that period, your funds will grow steadily, but you won't be able to access them without penalty. This can be ideal for long-term savings goals.

However, if you're like most people, you probably have multiple goals in sight—from short-term goals, like saving for a vacation, to those that are a few years off, like saving for a down payment on a home.

This is where CD investing strategies may come in handy. CD ladders, barbells and bullets are three ways to maximize your returns, while also giving you a bit more flexibility. But which strategy is right for you?

CD ladders offer the best of both worlds: periodic access to your money, along with long-term growth potential.

Laddering involves opening multiple CDs with different term lengths—say 1, 2 and 3 years. When each CD matures, you can reinvest the money or use it for a major expense—the choice is yours.

Depending on your goals, a CD barbell is another strategy to consider.

This involves splitting an investment into two CDs—one short-term and one long-term. This can be particularly helpful if you want to lock in an attractive long-term rate but still keep a portion of your funds accessible for short-term needs.

And then there's the bullet strategy. This involves investing in multiple CDs at different times but all with the same target maturity date.

The bullet strategy works well for targeted goals—like saving for your wedding. It's also a good fit for those who need to save gradually over time.

All three of these strategies can be powerful ways to save for future goals. Just make sure you choose the right term length to avoid early withdrawal penalties.

If you're unsure which savings vehicle or CD term is right for you, talk to a banker.

They can help you evaluate your personal finances and come up with a plan that fits your unique goals.

To learn more, visit FirstCitizens.com/Certificate-Of-Deposit.

Earn and save more

Earn up to 0.15% APYD depending on the CD term you select.

Reach your goals

Plan ahead. Save more for a vacation, wedding, large purchase or other life goal.

Insured savings

Your funds are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC.

Term	Minimum Opening Deposit	APYD
6-month automatic saver CDD	$500	0.01%
1-year convertible CDD	$500	0.01% ≥ $49,000 0.02% ≥ $50,000
1+ year premier CDDD	$5,000	0.10%

Certificate of deposit rates may vary depending on your area. Contact your local branch for details.

Term	Minimum Opening Deposit	APYD
6 months	$500	0.01%
12 months	$500	0.01%
18 months	$500	0.02%
2 years	$500	0.05%
3 years	$500	0.05%
4 years	$500	0.15%
5 years	$500	0.15%

CD account rates may vary depending on your area. Contact your local branch for details.

With a CD, you deposit a sum of money to earn interest for a certain period of time. These periods of time can range from shorter terms measured in months to longer terms spanning multiple years. During this term, your CD savings account earns a fixed rate of interest. Although you can access your funds before the CD matures, there's a penalty for early withdrawal. Once your CD matures, you can renew it for another term or withdraw your funds without penalty during the grace period.

A certificate of deposit, or CD savings account helps your money grow over a specific length of time with a guaranteed interest rate. If you have funds that you don't need to access for a while, a CD account is a great way to safely store and grow your savings while you plan for the future.

Yes, but a penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal of principal. Any withdrawal of principal or interest prior to maturity will reduce earnings on the account.

You can open a CD savings account by visiting a local branch. Speaking with a banking representative can help you decide which CD account is the best fit for you. The minimum opening deposit for a CD account is $500.

Yes. Your deposit accounts, including CD savings accounts, are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, for each account ownership category.

A savings account is a personal banking account that earns interest. Interest rates can vary daily. Some savings accounts require a minimum opening deposit. You're allowed to withdraw your funds at any time. However, there's usually a minimum monthly balance that must be maintained to keep this account open.

Unlike a personal savings account, a CD savings account is a type of investment that secures a fixed amount of money for a specific time. A CD account accrues interest at a higher rate than an individual savings account. This higher interest yields greater savings over time, making it an excellent choice for saving more over a specific period. Once the CD reaches maturity, you can allow it to auto-renew, or you can withdraw your funds plus the interest.

The only funding option for the online high-yield CD is an ACH transfer from an external bank.

To open the online high-yield CD, you'll need the bank name, routing number and account number of the external account you wish to use to fund the CD. Please note that funding for the high-yield CD can't come from existing First Citizens or CIT bank accounts.

The minimum deposit is $5,000 and the maximum deposit is $250,000 for the online high-yield CD.

Saving

Account openings and credit are subject to bank approval.

First Citizens does not charge fees to download or access First Citizens Digital Banking, including the First Citizens mobile banking app. Mobile carrier fees may apply for data and text message usage. Check with your carrier for more information. Fees may apply for use of certain services in First Citizens Digital Banking.

Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

Requires a minimum $5,000 initial deposit. Funds must be new money, not on deposit with First Citizens currently or within the past 90 days. CD accounts can be opened online and may not be available at branch locations. This CD must be opened by an individual(s). It's not available for trusts or businesses. This CD product is not available as an IRA. This 5-month CD must be opened in the name of an individual(s) residing in a state where there is a First Citizens Bank branch. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal of any principal. Any withdrawal of principal or interest prior to maturity will reduce earnings on the account. For more details on our online high-yield 5-month CD, read the 5-month CD Addendum (PDF).

APY (annual percentage yield) is accurate as of ${date-today}. Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. No brokered CDs accepted. Other restrictions and fees may apply. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account.

Limited-time offer that may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Public funds are not available for CD promotional rates. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal of any principal. Any withdrawal of principal or interest prior to maturity will reduce earnings on the account. As a general rule, you may not make additional deposits after you open your account until the maturity date. There are exceptions to this general rule, such as 182- to 364-day CDs and all IRAs. Please consult your Disclosure of Product and Fees to determine whether additional deposits are permitted for your account.

A Premier or Prestige checking account is required to receive the Premier CD.

A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal of principal. Any withdrawal of principal or interest prior to maturity will reduce earnings on the account.

Links to third-party websites may have a privacy policy different from First Citizens Bank and may provide less security than this website. First Citizens Bank and its affiliates are not responsible for the products, services and content on any third-party website.

Bank deposit products are offered by First Citizens Bank. Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. icon: sys-ehl.

NMLSR ID 503941

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