6-month CDs

Certificates of deposit with a maturity date of 6 months. They are available from virtually all banks and credit unions and the return is usually expressed as an annualized percentage rate and a slightly higher annual percentage yield (APY), which includes the interest you earn on the interest you are paid over the life of the CD. Issuers charge an early withdrawal penalty, typically 2- to 3-months worth of interest, if these CDs are redeemed before the maturity date. CDs are among the type of accounts protected by federal deposit insurance as long as they are purchased from an insured bank or credit union. Here’s where to find the best CD rates available nationwide and from banks in your area.