What is a certificate of deposit typical minimum balance

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. Investing in a CD can provide peace of mind whether you're saving for tomorrow, next year's projects, college tuition, or retirement.

Benefits of a Wells Fargo CD account

What is a certificate of deposit typical minimum balance

Interest rates

CDs typically pay higher interest rates than other deposit products.

What is a certificate of deposit typical minimum balance

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.

What is a certificate of deposit typical minimum balance

Security

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

What is a certificate of deposit typical minimum balance

Flexible terms

You choose what term works best for you.


Today's CD rates

APY (Annual Percentage Yield)

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.


Special Fixed Rate CD Rates

Open a Special Fixed Rate CD account
$5,000 minimum opening deposit

Special CD Rates table
TermSpecial Interest RateAnnual Percentage Yield (APY) Relationship Interest Rate Relationship APYRenewal Term
7 months 1.98% 2.00% 1.99% 2.01% 6 months

Standard Fixed Rate CD Rates

Open a Standard Fixed Rate CD account
$2,500 minimum opening deposit

Standard CD Rates
TermStandard Interest RateAnnual Percentage Yield (APY)Relationship Interest Rate Relationship APYBalance
3 months0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $0 - $4999
0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $5000 - $9999
0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $10000 - $24999
0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $25000 - $49999
0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $50000 - $99999
0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $100,000 +
6 months0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $0 - $4999
0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $5000 - $9999
0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $10000 - $24999
0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $25000 - $49999
0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $50000 - $99999
0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $100,000 +
1 Year0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $0 - $4999
0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $5000 - $9999
0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $10000 - $24999
0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $25000 - $49999
0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $50000 - $99999
0.01% 0.01% 0.02% 0.02% $100,000 +

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.


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 depositing your money into a CD for a set term, you won't lose any of your initial deposit and will lock in your interest rate until your money matures. 

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.

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 or in person. You can mail in your check or money order or go to a local branch after you submit your application.

You can select terms of 3, 6, or 12 months online. To select other terms, please visit a branch.

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.

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.

What is the minimum deposit amount?

A minimum deposit is the smallest amount of money you need to open an account with a bank, credit union, or other financial institution. A minimum deposit is the smallest amount of money you need to open an account with a bank, credit union, or other financial institution.

What is a certificate of deposit balance?

A certificate of deposit (CD) is a savings account that holds a fixed amount of money for a fixed period of time, such as six months, one year, or five years, and in exchange, the issuing bank pays interest. When you cash in or redeem your CD, you receive the money you originally invested plus any interest.

What is the typical minimum balance?

A minimum account balance for a traditional savings account is the least amount of money you must keep in your account to avoid fees. Typical minimum account balance requirements for traditional savings accounts range from $300 to $500, although amounts vary and some banks have no minimum requirements.

What is a certificate of deposit typical interest rate?

The average rate for a one-year CD is 0.60% APY, and the average rate for a five-year CD is 0.74% APY. ... Current CD Rates: Compare high-yield to national average rates..