Liquid Certificate Of Deposit

Liquid certificates of deposit are a type of certificate of deposit (CD) that allow investors to make withdrawals without incurring a penalty. The funds in the account are accessible throughout the lifetime of the product where most traditional CD's apply a hefty fee for withdrawing early, reducing the interest earned to that point. But investors can't have their cake and eat it too. Liquid CD's often offer lower rates than a traditional CD, meaning they sacrifice yield for greater flexibility.

Liquid certificates of deposit allow holders to make a withdrawal before the maturity date but not without providing the institution with advanced notice. It's not as simple as making a withdrawal from a checking account. Some banks or credit unions require a week's notice while others need as much as 30 days. In many cases, there is also an initial lock-up period where investors can't make a withdrawal in the first week of the fund. That prevents day trading type behavior often prevalent in the stock market. Furthermore, liquid CDs frequently have limits on the amount that can be withdrawn at a given point in time. Some banks permit 100% of the funds to be withdrawn in one transaction while others have more stringent requirements. It can be a minimum percentage of the initial deposit or simply a minimum dollar amount. Breaking these rules can result in withdrawal penalties comparable to a traditional certificate of deposit. Investors interested in a liquid certificate of deposit should remember to read all the terms and condition of the product which plainly state the different withdrawal requirements and minimum account size.

Some investors enjoy the flexibility of a liquid CD. It provides quick and easy access to interest-bearing funds in the event of an emergency. That way you don't necessarily need a huge cushion and idle cash sitting in a savings account. Liquid CDs aren't for everyone, though. In that case, there are plenty of other solutions that satisfy various financial goals. One option is to purchase a traditional certificate of deposit that offers better returns but less flexibility. With a solid emergency fund and no need to access quick cash, investors will benefit more from a traditional CD. Laddering is a popular approach for investing in CDs that promise consistent income and regular intervals. Other approaches include money market accounts which can pay as much as a CD.