Certificate (CD) return
Compute the total return and profit on a savings certificate, by payout.
About this calculator
Compute a certificate of deposit's return from amount, term, annual rate and payout frequency — monthly, quarterly or at maturity.
Effective annual yield only exceeds nominal with at-maturity payout — compare certificates on the same payout frequency.
FAQs
Does a certificate's rate change after purchase?
Fixed-rate certificates keep their rate to maturity regardless of market moves; variable-rate ones track the corridor rate.
Nominal vs effective yield?
Nominal is the advertised rate; effective reflects payout frequency. With periodic payout they are about equal — effective exceeds nominal only with at-maturity payout.
When can I break a certificate, and at what cost?
Most certificates allow redemption after six months per a schedule that reduces the return — terms differ by bank, so review before buying.