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Fortune
Fortune
Andrea Guzman

The pros and cons of a CD: how to know if a certificate of deposit is the right investment for you

Photo illustration of two hour glasses full of $100 bills sitting opposite of each other on a scale. (Credit: Photo illustration by Fortune; Original photos by Getty Images (2))

Mapping out plans to build your savings can be challenging, especially when interest rates fluctuate. A certificate of deposit (CD) is a good alternative if you're risk-averse when investing. 

A CD is a type of savings account that allows people to earn interest at a fixed rate that's often higher than what's available with traditional savings accounts. However, CDs can also have some downsides given their nature of holding funds for a set term. Here are a few important things to consider to help you decide if a CD is right for you. 

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