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Fidelity CD Rates: December 2024

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Fidelity’s brokered CDs offer competitive rates but also different risks

Fact checked by Hans Daniel Jasperson

Hello Lovely / Getty Images

Hello Lovely / Getty Images

Fidelity offers brokered certificates of deposit (CDs), which function similarly to traditional bank CDs for the most part. Brokers purchase bank CDs in large denominations, then resell them to their customers in smaller denominations. 

Fidelity offers two types of CDs—standard new issue CDs and fractional CDs—with varying terms. Fidelity’s CD rates are competitive with some of the best CDs, but it’s important to understand how they work and their potential risks before you open one.

Compare Fidelity CD Rates

Fidelity’s CDs are safe investments that can guarantee a certain return, and some have very competitive APYs. But they come with certain limitations, as well. See a broader selection of savings accounts below to find the right place for your money.

Fidelity CDs: Key Features

Fidelity’s new issue CDs are sold in $1,000 increments—if you want to invest $10,000, for instance, you’d buy 10 CDs. You can also purchase prepackaged CD ladders with varying terms. There are typically from 50 to 100 new issue offerings at any point in time. There’s no trading fee to purchase a new issue CD.

There’s also no early withdrawal penalty if you decide to liquidate your CD. Instead, you’ll sell the CD on the broker’s secondary market. If you do so, there’s a fee of $1 per CD. 

Because interest rates on brokered CDs can fluctuate daily, though, your CD may be worth less than its original value on the secondary market, which means you may get less than your original investment if you decide to sell.

Fidelity’s Fractional CD differs from its traditional new issue CDs by offering lower minimums—each CD starts at $100. However, interest rates are a bit different, and term options are more limited. 

There’s no fee to purchase a fractional CD; if you decide to sell, the same trading fee and potential risks apply as with new issue CDs. 

Warning

Your ability to sell your CD on the secondary market depends on whether there are investors interested in buying it. As a result, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to sell your CD when you want to, which increases your liquidity risk compared to a bank CD.

Pros and Cons of Fidelity CDs

Pros

  • Competitive rates

  • Variety of terms

Cons

  • Potentially better rates elsewhere

  • Minimum deposit

Pros Explained

  • Competitive rates; Fidelity CDs can offer rates on the higher end of up to 4.50%, depending on the term length.
  • Variety of terms: You can find several term lengths among Fidelity CDs, although only up to five years.

Cons Explained

  • Potentially better rates elsewhere: You may be able to earn more with your CD investment by shopping around and comparing rates.
  • Minimum deposit: In some cases, you may have to make a minimum deposit of up to $1,000.

About Fidelity Investments

Fidelity Investments offers brokered CDs to its customers nationwide, but you’ll need to have a brokerage account to buy them. Compared to CD rates offered by banks, the best Fidelity CD rates are quite competitive and worth exploring.

While the brokerage firm offers a cash management account, which offers a high APY and can be used like a checking account with a debit card and check-writing privileges, it doesn’t offer any typical bank account products or services.

Alternatives for Fidelity CDs

  • High-yield savings accounts: If you’re willing to open an online savings account elsewhere, you may be able to earn higher rates than what Fidelity offers. See the best high-yield savings account rates to compare how much you could earn.
  • High-yield checking accounts: You may find relatively high rates with some checking accounts. Be aware of their requirements and limits. The best high-interest checking accounts give you easy access to your money.
  • Certificates of deposit (CDs): You can also choose from a range of CDs from other financial institutions.
  • Money market account: Money market account can also provide a return on your savings. Check the best money market account rates to see how it compares.
  • Treasury securities: These government-backed bills, notes, and bonds sometimes offer even higher rates than CDs and may be more liquid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Fidelity CD Rates Competitive?

Yes, CD rates at Fidelity Investments are competitive with the top CD rates from traditional banks and credit unions. Before you invest in a brokered CD with Fidelity, shop around to ensure you get the best rate based on your deposit and liquidity needs.

What Is the Minimum Deposit for Fidelity CDs?

For Fidelity’s standard new issue CDs, the minimum investment is $1,000, and you have to purchase CDs in $1,000 increments. If you want more flexibility, you can opt for a fractional CD, which has a minimum investment of just $100. Learn more about the pros and cons of brokered CDs.

How Do You Open a Fidelity CD Account?

You can open a Fidelity brokerage account online through the broker’s website. To do so, you’ll need to provide some basic information about yourself, including your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information. 

If you’d like to transfer funds from your bank or another brokerage account to your new Fidelity account, you can do so during the account opening process.

Are Fidelity CDs FDIC-Insured?

Yes, because Fidelity buys large-denomination CDs from banks, your investment is technically an obligation of the issuing banks and, therefore, FDIC-insured.

What’s more, because Fidelity purchases CDs from various issuing banks, you may be able to get more than the standard limit of $250,000 in FDIC coverage per account owner, per issuer, without needing to open multiple brokerage accounts.

Your Guide to CDs

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