A certificate of deposit, or CD, is a popular savings option that may allow you to earn a higher interest rate compared to regular savings accounts, providing a safe and predictable way to grow your money over time. Most CD accounts offer a fixed interest rate in exchange for depositing your money for a specific period, known as the term.4 If funds are withdrawn prior to the end of the term, a penalty is incurred, which can be a specific dollar amount or a percentage of either the original principal or the amount withdrawn.