Open a Certificate of Deposit (CD) Account Online (2024)

A Wells Fargo Certificate of Deposit (CD) offers an alternative way to grow your savings. You choose the set period of time to earn a guaranteed fixed interest rate, regardless of market conditions. A CD can provide peace of mind whether you're saving for a short-term goal, next year's project, college tuition, or fun-filled vacation.

Benefits of a Wells Fargo CD account

Open a Certificate of Deposit (CD) Account Online (1)

Interest rates

CDs typically pay higher interest rates than other deposit products.

Open a Certificate of Deposit (CD) Account Online (2)

Guaranteed return

Interest rate is set at opening and doesn’t change until the CD matures, so you know exactly how much you'll earn.

Open a Certificate of Deposit (CD) Account Online (3)

Security

Your funds are FDIC-insured up to the maximum applicable limits.

Open a Certificate of Deposit (CD) Account Online (4)

Flexible terms

You choose what term works best for you.

Today's CD rates

Note

Early withdrawal penalties may apply.

Special Fixed Rate CDs

7 month Special Fixed Rate CD footnote

Special Interest Rate

4.64%

Relationship APY footnote

5.01%

Term

7 months

Renewal Term

6 months

$5,000 minimum opening deposit

Open now

Standard Fixed Rate CDs footnote

3 month

Standard Fixed Rate

3 month term

Standard Interest Rate

Relationship APY footnote

$0 - $4,999.99

4.40%

4.50%

4.41%

4.51%

$5,000 - $9,999.99

4.40%

4.50%

4.41%

4.51%

$10,000 - $24,999.99

4.40%

4.50%

4.41%

4.51%

$25,000 - $49,999.99

4.40%

4.50%

4.41%

4.51%

$50,000 - $99,999.99

4.40%

4.50%

4.41%

4.51%

$100,000 +

4.40%

4.50%

4.41%

4.51%

$2,500 minimum opening deposit

Open now

Additional terms are available at the branch

Make an appointment

6 month

Standard Fixed Rate

6 month term

Standard Interest Rate

Relationship APY footnote

$0 - $4,999.99

2.47%

2.50%

2.48%

2.51%

$5,000 - $9,999.99

2.47%

2.50%

2.48%

2.51%

$10,000 - $24,999.99

2.47%

2.50%

2.48%

2.51%

$25,000 - $49,999.99

2.47%

2.50%

2.48%

2.51%

$50,000 - $99,999.99

2.47%

2.50%

2.48%

2.51%

$100,000 +

2.47%

2.50%

2.48%

2.51%

$2,500 minimum opening deposit

Open now

Additional terms are available at the branch

Make an appointment

1 year

Standard Fixed Rate

1 year term

Standard Interest Rate

Relationship APY footnote

$0 - $4,999.99

1.49%

1.50%

1.50%

1.51%

$5,000 - $9,999.99

1.49%

1.50%

1.50%

1.51%

$10,000 - $24,999.99

1.49%

1.50%

1.50%

1.51%

$25,000 - $49,999.99

1.49%

1.50%

1.50%

1.51%

$50,000 - $99,999.99

1.49%

1.50%

1.50%

1.51%

$100,000 +

1.98%

2.00%

1.99%

2.01%

$2,500 minimum opening deposit

Open now

Additional terms are available at the branch

Make an appointment

The APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is a percentage rate that reflects the total amount of interest paid on the account, based on the interest rate compounded daily for a 365-day period.

If you receive a periodic statement, that statement will include the Annual Percentage Yield earned (APYE) on your account for the period covered by the statement.

The APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is a percentage rate that reflects the total amount of interest paid on the account, based on the interest rate and the frequency of compounding for a 365-day period (366 in a leap year).

If you receive a periodic statement, that statement will include the Annual Percentage Yield earned (APYE) on your account for the period covered by the statement.

The APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is a percentage rate that reflects the total amount of interest paid on the account, based on the interest rate compounded daily for a 365-day period.

If you receive a periodic statement, that statement will include the Annual Percentage Yield earned (APYE) on your account for the period covered by the statement.


Certificate of Deposit FAQs

What is a CD account?

A Certificate of Deposit (also known as a CD, COD, or Time Account) is a financial product that usually pays a fixed interest rate for a set period of time, ranging from a few months to several years. This period of time is known as a "term." By keeping your money in the CD for the full term, you are guaranteed your initial deposit. If you withdraw funds from your CD account before the term is complete, a penalty may be charged on the amount withdrawn which will be deducted from any interest earned, and then principal if necessary.

How do I earn interest on a CD?

You earn interest from the date of your opening deposit up to your maturity date. Your interest compounds daily and is generally paid monthly, although interest payments made quarterly, semi-annually, annually, or at maturity are also available. Interest can be re-deposited to the CD, transferred to a Wells Fargo checking or savings account, or paid by check if the Time Account has a minimum balance of $5,000.

How do I fund a CD?

There are three ways to fund your account

  • Transfer from an existing Wells Fargo account.
  • Transfer from a non-Wells Fargo account. You'll need your account number and the nine-digit routing number found on your check or deposit slip.
  • Use a check or money order by mail. If you submit your application online, your check or money order must be mailed in after you submit your application; branches are not able to accept your opening deposit for an online application.

What terms are available for my CD?

You can select from standard fixed rate terms of 3, 6, or 12 months, or select from available Special Fixed Rate CD term(s) online. To select other standard fixed rate terms, up to 120 months, please visit a branch.

What happens when my CD matures?

Approximately one month before your CD matures, you'll be sent a notice reminding you of the maturity date. At maturity, you'll have a seven-calendar-day grace period to renew or make any of the following changes:

  • Change the term
  • Make additional deposits
  • Make withdrawals (as long as the remaining balance in the CD meets the minimum balance requirements)
  • Close the CD

At maturity, your CD will automatically renew at the interest rate then in effect unless you make one of the changes noted above. Interest will not be paid during the grace period if you withdraw your funds and do not renew your CD.

What is the penalty for early withdrawal?

You may pay an early withdrawal penalty or a Regulation D penalty if you withdraw funds from your account before the term is complete. Some exceptions may apply. Penalties could reduce earnings on this account.

The Regulation D Penalty is seven days' simple interest on the amount withdrawn and applies to:

  • Withdrawals made within seven days of account opening including the day the account was opened.
  • Withdrawals made during the grace period, when additional deposits are made during the grace period and the withdrawal exceeds the amount of the matured CD balance.
  • Withdrawals within seven days of any prior withdrawal where the Bank's early withdrawal penalty is not applied.

Other than the Regulation D penalty described above, any money withdrawn from the CD before the end of its term will be subject to an early withdrawal penalty based on the length of the CD term. If your term is:

  • Less than 90 days (or less than 3 months), the penalty is 1 month's interest
  • 90 through 365 days (or 3-12 months), the penalty is 3 months' interest
  • Over 12 months through 24 months, the penalty is 6 months' interest, or
  • Over 24 months, the penalty is 12 months' interest.

Still have questions?

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For existing accountholders or questions:
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Terms and conditions apply. Mobile carrier's message and data rates may apply. See Wells Fargo's Online Access Agreement for more information.

Terms and conditions apply. Setup is required for transfers to other U.S. financial institutions, and verification may take 1 – 3 business days. Customers should refer to their other U.S. financial institutions for information about any potential transfer fees charged by those institutions. Mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. See Wells Fargo’s Online Access Agreement for more information.

Minimum opening deposit of $25,000 required. New Dollar Special Interest Rates require $25,000 in new money deposited to the account from sources outside of the customer's current relationship with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., or its affiliates (which includes all deposit, brokerage, loan and credit accounts). Public funds are not eligible for these offers. Special Interest Rate applicable to initial term only. At maturity, time account will automatically renew for the Renewal Term stated above, at the interest rate and Annual Percentage Yield in effect on the maturity date for time accounts not subject to a Special Interest Rate, unless the Bank has notified you otherwise. The Bank may limit the amount you may deposit in this product to an aggregate of $2.5 million.

The Relationship Interest Rate is variable and subject to change at any time without notice, including setting the interest rate equal to the Standard Interest Rate or to zero (0.00%), which could change the Relationship Annual Percentage Yield (APY). For time accounts, the change will occur upon renewal. To receive the disclosed Relationship Interest Rate/Relationship APY, the eligible account must remain linked to a Prime Checking, Premier Checking or Private Bank Interest Checking account. Time Accounts must be linked at account open and at every renewal. If the checking account is closed for any reason or the eligible savings account or time account is de-linked, the account will revert to the then-current applicable Standard Interest Rate on that date; for time accounts, this change will occur upon renewal. Any Special Interest Rate would not expire until the expiration date of that Special Interest Rate.

Standard Interest Rate CDs require a $2,500 minimum opening deposit, unless otherwise noted.

Special Interest Rate CDs require a $5,000 minimum opening deposit unless otherwise noted. Public funds are not eligible for these offers. Special Interest Rates are applicable to initial term only. At maturity, Special Interest Rate CDs will automatically renew for the Renewal Term stated above, at the interest rate and Annual Percentage Yield (APY) in effect on the maturity date for CDs not subject to a Special Interest Rate, unless the Bank has notified you otherwise. The Bank may limit the amount you may deposit in this product to an aggregate of $2.5 million.

The interest rates and Annual Percentage Yields displayed here are for the Wells Fargo Bank locations in the California counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma.


Current Deposit Rates for 01/20/2024 - 01/26/2024

Annual Percentage Yields (APYs) and Interest Rates shown are offered on accounts accepted by the Bank and effective for the dates shown above, unless otherwise noted. Interest Rates are subject to change without notice.

CD rates are fixed for the term of the account. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal from a CD. For CDs, interest begins to accrue on the business day you deposit non-cash items, such as checks. Penalties – including early withdrawal penalties – could reduce earnings.

Interest is compounded daily. Payment of interest on Standard CDs is based on term:

  • For terms less than 12 months (365 days), interest may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or at maturity (the end of the term).
  • For terms of 12 months or more, interest may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.

CD rates are subject to change at any time and are not guaranteed until the CD is opened.

Early withdrawal(s) may be subject to either the Regulation D Penalty or the early withdrawal penalty. Some exceptions may apply.

The Regulation D Penalty is seven days' simple interest on the amount withdrawn and applies to:

  • Withdrawals made within seven days of account opening including the day the account was opened.
  • Withdrawals made during the grace period, when additional deposits are made during the grace period and the withdrawal exceeds the amount of the matured CD balance.
  • Withdrawals within seven days of any prior withdrawal where the Bank's early withdrawal penalty is not applied.

Other than the Regulation D penalty described above, any money withdrawn from the CD before the end of its term will be subject to an early withdrawal penalty based on the length of the CD term. If your term is:

  • Less than 90 days (or less than 3 months), the penalty is 1 month's interest,
  • 90 through 365 days (or 3-12 months), the penalty is 3 months' interest,
  • Over 12 months through 24 months, the penalty is 6 months' interest, or
  • Over 24 months, the penalty is 12 months' interest.

See the Consumer Account Fee and Information Schedule and Deposit Account Agreement for additional consumer account information.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

QSR-0323-03725

LRC-0223

As an expert in financial products and services, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide you through the intricacies of Wells Fargo Certificate of Deposit (CD) accounts. I have a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts and benefits associated with these financial instruments, and my expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the details provided in the article.

Let's delve into the important concepts and information related to Wells Fargo CDs:

  1. Certificate of Deposit (CD) Overview:

    • A CD is a financial product that pays a fixed interest rate for a predetermined period, known as a "term."
    • The CD guarantees the initial deposit, but early withdrawals may incur penalties.
  2. Interest Rates and Terms:

    • CDs offer higher interest rates compared to other deposit products.
    • The interest rate is fixed at the opening and remains unchanged until the CD matures.
    • Wells Fargo provides flexible terms, including Special Fixed Rate CDs and Standard Fixed Rate CDs with terms of 3, 6, or 12 months, and up to 120 months.
  3. Current CD Rates:

    • Rates vary based on the term and amount deposited.
    • Example: A 7-month Special Fixed Rate CD may offer a 4.64% interest rate with a 4.75% Annual Percentage Yield (APY).
  4. Account Security:

    • Funds in Wells Fargo CDs are FDIC-insured up to the maximum applicable limits, providing security to depositors.
  5. Early Withdrawal Penalties:

    • Penalties apply for withdrawing funds before the CD matures.
    • Penalties are based on the length of the CD term, ranging from 1 month's interest for terms less than 90 days to 12 months' interest for terms over 24 months.
  6. Interest Compounding and Payments:

    • Interest compounds daily and is typically paid monthly, but other frequency options are available.
    • Interest earned can be redeposited, transferred to a Wells Fargo account, or received by check for CDs with a minimum balance of $5,000.
  7. CD Maturity and Renewal:

    • Approximately one month before maturity, account holders receive a notice.
    • A seven-calendar-day grace period allows for renewal, term changes, additional deposits, withdrawals, or closure.
    • Automatic renewal occurs if no changes are made.
  8. How to Fund a CD:

    • Funding options include transfers from existing Wells Fargo accounts, transfers from non-Wells Fargo accounts, or check/money order by mail.
  9. FAQs and Customer Support:

    • The article addresses common FAQs related to CD accounts, including how interest is earned, available terms, and penalties for early withdrawal.
    • Customers can reach out for support through online chat or phone.

In conclusion, a Wells Fargo CD presents a secure and flexible option for individuals seeking to grow their savings with guaranteed returns. The details provided in the article cover essential aspects of CD accounts, making it a valuable resource for those considering this financial tool. If you have further questions or need personalized advice, feel free to reach out to Wells Fargo's customer support.

Open a Certificate of Deposit (CD) Account Online (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to open a CD account online? ›

Using an online bank for CDs and other deposit accounts can be just as safe as using a brick-and-mortar bank, as long as the online bank is federally insured and takes basic steps to protect your information, such as: Encryption: Encryption technology can protect your username, password and other information.

Can you set up a certificate of deposit online? ›

Depending on the bank, you can open a CD online, over the phone or in person at a branch. Some banks encourage you to apply online, and others require that you visit a branch. If you're able to apply online, the application process can take five to 20 minutes, though this may vary.

How hard is it to open a CD account? ›

The process of opening a CD is straightforward. With many banks and credit unions, you can do it entirely online. You'll be asked for basic information like your address and contact details. You may have to show an ID if you don't already have an account at that financial institution.

What is the biggest negative of putting your money in a CD? ›

The biggest risk to CD accounts is usually an interest-rate risk, as federal rate cuts could lead banks to pay out less to savers. 7 Bank failure is also a risk, though this is a rarity.

Why is my CD losing money? ›

Inflation erodes the purchasing power of your money over time, and if your CD's interest rate isn't keeping up with inflation, you're essentially losing money. For example, if your CD earns a 2% annualized return but inflation is running at 3%, you're actually losing 1% of your purchasing power every year.

Do you need a Social Security number for a CD? ›

Gather the Required Information: To open a CD account, you must provide some personal information, such as your name, address and social security number. You may also need to provide identification, such as a driver's license or passport.

Does opening a CD run your credit? ›

While the biggest hits to your credit score come from financial oversights like missing payments, having too much debt and declaring bankruptcy, opening a new CD will generate an inquiry which has the potential to hurt your credit score.

Can I open a CD over the phone? ›

Certificates of deposit, known as CDs, offer higher-than-typical interest rates in exchange for leaving your money in place for a period of time. You can open a CD at a bank, credit union or brokerage, and typically you'll have the option to do so online, by phone or in person.

Can CD accounts lose money? ›

Standard CDs are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) for up to $250,000, so they cannot lose money. However, some CDs that are not FDIC-insured may carry greater risk, and there may be risks that come from rising inflation or interest rates.

What is a downside of opening a CD? ›

CDs offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, guaranteed returns and a safe place to keep your money. But it can be costly to withdraw funds early, and CDs have less long-term earning potential than certain other investments.

Are CDs safe if the market crashes? ›

Are CDs safe if the market crashes? Putting your money in a CD doesn't involve putting your money in the stock market. Instead, it's in a financial institution, like a bank or credit union. So, in the event of a market crash, your CD account will not be impacted or lose value.

Are CDs safe if bank fails? ›

The short answer is yes. Like other bank accounts, CDs are federally insured at financial institutions that are members of a federal deposit insurance agency. If a member bank or credit union fails, you're guaranteed to receive your money back, up to $250,000, by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

Are CDs safe from hackers? ›

And since CDs are typically insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. or the National Credit Union Administration, you can be sure your money's safe. CDs are secure, low-risk investments, whether you open an account online or at a local branch bank.

Does opening a CD hurt your credit? ›

The short answer is no, opening a CD generally will not hurt your credit. That's because you're not borrowing money; a CD is a type of savings account, which usually doesn't require a credit check.

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