Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are a popular way to earn a guaranteed return on your savings. One of the top questions we receive at Western State Bank is "how do you calculate CD interest?" So we are here to explain the basics and the key differences in the ways banks figure interest on CDs. While the basic formula to calculate CD interest is standard across banks, there are a few important details that can vary—and these can impact how much interest you actually earn.
The Basics: How CD Interest Is Generally Calculated
Most banks calculate CD interest using the following formula:
Interest = Principal × Rate × Time
Here’s what each part means:
- Principal: The amount of money you initially deposit into the CD.
- Rate: This determines the return on your investment—the higher the rate, the more you will earn.
- Time: The length of the CD term—longer terms generally result in higher interest earned.
For example, let’s say you’ve chosen to invest $50,000 in a 3-month CD at a rate of 5%. Here is how that would be calculated:
Take $50,000 times 5% and then divide the result by 365 days. Then multiple that result by the number of days in your investment.
- $50,000 X .05 = $2,500 (this how much you could earn in 1 year).
- $2,500 divided by 365 days= roughly $6.85/day.
- $6.85 x 90 days= about $616 in guaranteed earnings.
But keep in mind, not all banks calculate based off of 365 days.
Key Differences in How Banks Calculate CD Interest
1. The Impact of Leap Years
While many banks use a standard 365-day year to calculate interest, some take into account the actual number of days in the year. For instance, 2024 is a leap year, meaning it has 366 days. Some banks, such as Western State Bank, calculate interest based on the actual days in the year, this extra day could result in slightly higher earnings. Although the difference might seem small, it’s worth considering, especially if you're investing in a large CD.
2. When Is Interest Paid Out?
Another crucial factor is when the interest is paid out. This varies by bank and CD term:
- At Maturity: Some CDs only pay interest at the end of the term. This means if you open a 6-month CD, you'll receive all the interest you've earned when the CD matures in 6 months.
- Annually: For longer-term CDs, some banks pay interest annually, providing you with periodic returns before the CD matures.
- Monthly: Some banks even offer monthly interest payments, allowing you to earn a steady income from your CD.
Western State Bank’s Approach
At Western State Bank, we’ve set a clear policy on how we handle CD interest payments:
- For CDs longer than 12 months: Interest is paid both annually and at maturity. For example, if you open a 13-month CD, you’ll receive interest at 12 months and again at the 13-month mark when the CD matures.
- For CDs 12 months or shorter: Interest is paid only at maturity. So, if you open a 6-month CD, you’ll receive your interest when the CD matures at the end of the 6 months.
This approach ensures that you benefit from regular interest payments on longer-term investments while keeping things simple for shorter-term CDs.
Why These Differences Matter
Understanding these nuances can help you make more informed decisions about where to place your money. Whether you’re looking for a short-term savings vehicle or a longer-term investment, knowing how and when interest will be calculated and paid out is essential to maximizing your earnings.
At Western State Bank, we’re committed to transparency and helping you make the most of your savings. If you have any questions about our CDs or how interest is calculated, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help!