Tarra Jackson

[[{“value”:”I know, I know… Using your debit card is easy. It’s familiar. It keeps you out of credit card troubles. I totally get it.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. But seriously, if you’re still using a debit card to pay for travel stuff — like flights, hotels, or rental cars — you might be unknowingly leaving hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on the table.Not to mention, you could be missing out on some other perks and protections that can save your trip if things go sideways.Here’s everything you need to know — and how to switch things up without overcomplicating your life.Credit card rewards can offset your entire tripLet’s talk numbers. Many of the best travel cards offer anywhere between 2% to 5% back in rewards on travel-related purchases. That may not sound like much — until you add it all up…Say you spend $3,000 on flights, hotels, and food during a single trip. That could net you an easy $60 – $150 or more in rewards, depending on the card you have.And that’s just for a single trip! If you’re traveling multiple times a year, and using the card on regular purchases, it’s easy to rack up over $500 in annual travel rewards.Debit cards don’t offer anything close to this in rewards.If you’re looking for an easy starter travel card, check out this crowd favorite from Chase. I’ve personally used it for years, and right now it comes with a massive welcome offer for a limited time.Built-in protections can save your trip (and your wallet)Beyond points, another huge benefit of travel cards is built in protections and insurance.Here are just a few of the protections you can get when you book travel with the right cards:Trip cancellation or interruption coverage: Get reimbursed if your trip gets delayed or canceled for covered reasonsLost luggage reimbursement: Receive money if your bags go MIARental car insurance: Decline the rental company’s pricey coverage and still be protectedEmergency assistance: Access help abroad, from medical referrals to travel coordinationIf you book travel with a debit card, you probably won’t get any of these. That means if your plans go sideways, you’re likely on your own — financially and logistically.How to switch smartly (and maximize your rewards)Here’s a simple four-step way to dip your toe in the credit card rewards pool:Pick a starter travel card — Here’s our best travel cards list. You can’t go wrong with either of the top two.Start with travel bookings — Use this credit card only when buying flights, hotel stays, or rental cars.Pay it off right away — Treat it like a debit card by paying the balance in full after each use.Track your rewards — Use the issuer’s portal or app to see how quickly your points add up.This strategy gives you all the best rewards, protections, and perks, without risking credit card debt or overspending.Interested in even more travel perks, like VIP status upgrades or lounge access? Compare all our top-rated travel credit cards here for 2025.You’re booking travel anyway. Might as well earn rewards by using different cards. Your next trip could pay for your next-next trip. Just sayin’!Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

I know, I know… Using your debit card is easy. It’s familiar. It keeps you out of credit card troubles. I totally get it.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

But seriously, if you’re still using a debit card to pay for travel stuff — like flights, hotels, or rental cars — you might be unknowingly leaving hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on the table.

Not to mention, you could be missing out on some other perks and protections that can save your trip if things go sideways.

Here’s everything you need to know — and how to switch things up without overcomplicating your life.

Credit card rewards can offset your entire trip

Let’s talk numbers. Many of the best travel cards offer anywhere between 2% to 5% back in rewards on travel-related purchases. That may not sound like much — until you add it all up…

Say you spend $3,000 on flights, hotels, and food during a single trip. That could net you an easy $60 – $150 or more in rewards, depending on the card you have.

And that’s just for a single trip! If you’re traveling multiple times a year, and using the card on regular purchases, it’s easy to rack up over $500 in annual travel rewards.

Debit cards don’t offer anything close to this in rewards.

If you’re looking for an easy starter travel card, check out this crowd favorite from Chase. I’ve personally used it for years, and right now it comes with a massive welcome offer for a limited time.

Built-in protections can save your trip (and your wallet)

Beyond points, another huge benefit of travel cards is built in protections and insurance.

Here are just a few of the protections you can get when you book travel with the right cards:

• Trip cancellation or interruption coverage: Get reimbursed if your trip gets delayed or canceled for covered reasons
• Lost luggage reimbursement: Receive money if your bags go MIA
• Rental car insurance: Decline the rental company’s pricey coverage and still be protected
• Emergency assistance: Access help abroad, from medical referrals to travel coordination

If you book travel with a debit card, you probably won’t get any of these. That means if your plans go sideways, you’re likely on your own — financially and logistically.

How to switch smartly (and maximize your rewards)

Here’s a simple four-step way to dip your toe in the credit card rewards pool:

1. Pick a starter travel card — Here’s our best travel cards list. You can’t go wrong with either of the top two.
2. Start with travel bookings — Use this credit card only when buying flights, hotel stays, or rental cars.
3. Pay it off right away — Treat it like a debit card by paying the balance in full after each use.
4. Track your rewards — Use the issuer’s portal or app to see how quickly your points add up.

This strategy gives you all the best rewards, protections, and perks, without risking credit card debt or overspending.

Interested in even more travel perks, like VIP status upgrades or lounge access? Compare all our top-rated travel credit cards here for 2025.

You’re booking travel anyway. Might as well earn rewards by using different cards. Your next trip could pay for your next-next trip. Just sayin’!

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady in its June meeting, which means CD rates aren’t likely to drop overnight — but they may start slipping soon.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Many experts still expect the Fed to lower rates later this year. If that happens, banks could begin cutting CD yields in anticipation. So if you’ve been thinking about locking in a long-term CD, this might be your best window.Learn why (and how) to open a 5-year CD before rates start to fall.Why a 5-year CD makes sense right nowHistorically, CD rates tend to follow the Fed’s lead. When the Fed lowers its benchmark rate, banks usually reduce CD rates as well — sometimes even before the cut happens.Case in point: even with no rate cut yet, some banks have already started trimming their CD yields. But right now, top 5-year CD rates are still among the best we’ve seen in years, with some banks currently offering around 3.50%.Opening a 5-year CD at these rates means you can lock in a solid return even if the market shifts. That gives you more certainty than something like a high-yield savings account, which can change rates at any time.And with a 5-year CD, you’ll get that guaranteed return for a whole half-decade.Want to lock in a top CD rate now? Check out our list of the top 5-year CD rates to get started now.Who should open a CD?A CD isn’t right for everyone. But it can be a great fit if you have money you don’t need to touch and want a predictable return.You should consider a CD if:You have short- to medium-term savings goals. A CD can be perfect for saving for a car, vacation, or wedding.You want a guaranteed return. A fixed rate shields your savings from drops in the market.You have an emergency fund already. CDs charge penalties for early withdrawal, so they’re best for money you can leave untouched.CDs are also FDIC insured up to $250,000, meaning your money’s protected just as it would be in a savings account.Don’t wait — open a CD todayCD rates haven’t significantly dropped yet — but that could change fast if the Fed signals cuts.By opening a 5-year CD now, you can secure a strong return and protect yourself from future rate drops for years to come.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady in its June meeting, which means CD rates aren’t likely to drop overnight — but they may start slipping soon.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Many experts still expect the Fed to lower rates later this year. If that happens, banks could begin cutting CD yields in anticipation. So if you’ve been thinking about locking in a long-term CD, this might be your best window.

Learn why (and how) to open a 5-year CD before rates start to fall.

Why a 5-year CD makes sense right now

Historically, CD rates tend to follow the Fed’s lead. When the Fed lowers its benchmark rate, banks usually reduce CD rates as well — sometimes even before the cut happens.

Case in point: even with no rate cut yet, some banks have already started trimming their CD yields. But right now, top 5-year CD rates are still among the best we’ve seen in years, with some banks currently offering around 3.50%.

Opening a 5-year CD at these rates means you can lock in a solid return even if the market shifts. That gives you more certainty than something like a high-yield savings account, which can change rates at any time.

And with a 5-year CD, you’ll get that guaranteed return for a whole half-decade.

Who should open a CD?

A CD isn’t right for everyone. But it can be a great fit if you have money you don’t need to touch and want a predictable return.

You should consider a CD if:

• You have short- to medium-term savings goals. A CD can be perfect for saving for a car, vacation, or wedding.
• You want a guaranteed return. A fixed rate shields your savings from drops in the market.
• You have an emergency fund already. CDs charge penalties for early withdrawal, so they’re best for money you can leave untouched.

CDs are also FDIC insured up to $250,000, meaning your money’s protected just as it would be in a savings account.

Don’t wait — open a CD today

CD rates haven’t significantly dropped yet — but that could change fast if the Fed signals cuts.

By opening a 5-year CD now, you can secure a strong return and protect yourself from future rate drops for years to come.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
I have no desire to look rich. I’d much rather be rich.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. I’ve lived in Los Angeles for the past 10 years, and let me tell you — this town is full of conspicuous consumption. Designer clothes, flashy cars, rooftop brunches, the whole deal. From the outside, it looks like wealth. But behind the scenes? It’s often just credit card debt and empty bank accounts.I’m on a mission to do the opposite of most people.Instead of spending to impress, I’m building long-term financial freedom. That means living simply, spending intentionally, and growing wealth quietly in the background.They call it stealth wealth. Here’s what it looks like in my life.1. No flashy car (I drive a Sienna)Let’s start with the minivan in my driveway. It’s a used Toyota Sienna I bought last year. Not exactly turning heads in a valet line… but I love this thing.We paid for it in cash, and it’s roomy, reliable, cheap to insure, and fits all my surfboards in the back.A new luxury SUV might cost $70,000+, and we could have bought that. But this Sienna was just over $20,000, and it gets us from point A to point B just the same.Every dollar I didn’t spend on a new car is now invested in my brokerage account. If that $50,000 difference compounds at 8% over 20 years, that’s over $230,000 I get to keep. That’s stealth wealth in action.2. Credit cards pay me (not the other way around)I don’t use credit cards to buy flashy stuff or swipe around on shopping sprees. I use them as a tool to earn rewards.Between travel perks, cash back, and the occasional referral bonus, my wife and I rake in hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of dollars a year just by putting our normal everyday spending on the right cards.We’re not buying things we don’t need. We’re just being intentional with how we pay for our everyday stuff.Our favorites are travel rewards cards. These are one of the main reasons we’re able to travel so often — those points and miles stretch our vacation dollars way further. Flights, hotels, even rental cars can be deeply discounted (or totally free) just by stacking welcome offers and using perks wisely.If you don’t have a credit card that pays you back, it might be time to upgrade. Check out these top credit cards and find one that matches your lifestyle and goals.Just be sure to pay your bill in full every month. Otherwise, you’re just making the credit card issuers richer.3. We cook gourmet meals at homeHere’s a weird flex. My wife and I make better food at home than most restaurants. So we don’t really eat out much.The funny thing is, we intentionally splurge on top-tier groceries. Our grocery bill is probably higher than most families — but I don’t stress about it because It’s still way cheaper than restaurant food.We also host friends and family for dinner a lot. Cooking for a group at home — with good wine and conversation — is still cheaper than splitting the check at a high-end place.4. I buy the stock, not the productI don’t care how hyped a product is. My thought is always: Can I own the company instead?Owning fancy name-brand stuff doesn’t excite me nearly as much as owning the stock. One takes money out of my pocket. The other puts money into it.Sure, I’ve got nothing flashy to show for my small ownership shares — but I don’t care. Buying and holding stocks moves me closer to financial independence, which is more important to me.5. I prioritize time over “stuff”Time freedom is the real goal.I’ve spent years intentionally saying “no” to lifestyle creep and the endless accumulation of material stuff.Because the way I see it, the more stuff I own, the more I have to work to afford it. Not just to buy things, but also to clean them, organize them, maintain them, and eventually replace them.What’s the point of filling your house with things if those things end up running your life?So my wife and I keep our expenses lean and focus on being content with less. We’ve built a ton of financial breathing room, which has allowed us both to take extended sabbaticals from work.Skip the flash — build real freedomFor me, stealth wealth isn’t about restriction or deprivation. It’s just about being intentional.Instead of spending my money on flashy stuff that other people think is cool, I invest in things that I actually care about (my financial freedom, my family’s security, and the experiences I love).Want help building your own wealth strategy and designing a life you love? It can help to chat with a financial expert. With our partner, SmartAsset, you can get matched with up to three fiduciary advisors so you can get professional advice.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

I have no desire to look rich. I’d much rather be rich.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

I’ve lived in Los Angeles for the past 10 years, and let me tell you — this town is full of conspicuous consumption. Designer clothes, flashy cars, rooftop brunches, the whole deal. From the outside, it looks like wealth. But behind the scenes? It’s often just credit card debt and empty bank accounts.

I’m on a mission to do the opposite of most people.

Instead of spending to impress, I’m building long-term financial freedom. That means living simply, spending intentionally, and growing wealth quietly in the background.

They call it stealth wealth. Here’s what it looks like in my life.

1. No flashy car (I drive a Sienna)

Let’s start with the minivan in my driveway. It’s a used Toyota Sienna I bought last year. Not exactly turning heads in a valet line… but I love this thing.

We paid for it in cash, and it’s roomy, reliable, cheap to insure, and fits all my surfboards in the back.

A new luxury SUV might cost $70,000+, and we could have bought that. But this Sienna was just over $20,000, and it gets us from point A to point B just the same.

Every dollar I didn’t spend on a new car is now invested in my brokerage account. If that $50,000 difference compounds at 8% over 20 years, that’s over $230,000 I get to keep. That’s stealth wealth in action.

2. Credit cards pay me (not the other way around)

I don’t use credit cards to buy flashy stuff or swipe around on shopping sprees. I use them as a tool to earn rewards.

Between travel perks, cash back, and the occasional referral bonus, my wife and I rake in hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of dollars a year just by putting our normal everyday spending on the right cards.

We’re not buying things we don’t need. We’re just being intentional with how we pay for our everyday stuff.

Our favorites are travel rewards cards. These are one of the main reasons we’re able to travel so often — those points and miles stretch our vacation dollars way further. Flights, hotels, even rental cars can be deeply discounted (or totally free) just by stacking welcome offers and using perks wisely.

If you don’t have a credit card that pays you back, it might be time to upgrade. Check out these top credit cards and find one that matches your lifestyle and goals.

Just be sure to pay your bill in full every month. Otherwise, you’re just making the credit card issuers richer.

3. We cook gourmet meals at home

Here’s a weird flex. My wife and I make better food at home than most restaurants. So we don’t really eat out much.

The funny thing is, we intentionally splurge on top-tier groceries. Our grocery bill is probably higher than most families — but I don’t stress about it because It’s still way cheaper than restaurant food.

We also host friends and family for dinner a lot. Cooking for a group at home — with good wine and conversation — is still cheaper than splitting the check at a high-end place.

4. I buy the stock, not the product

I don’t care how hyped a product is. My thought is always: Can I own the company instead?

Owning fancy name-brand stuff doesn’t excite me nearly as much as owning the stock. One takes money out of my pocket. The other puts money into it.

Sure, I’ve got nothing flashy to show for my small ownership shares — but I don’t care. Buying and holding stocks moves me closer to financial independence, which is more important to me.

5. I prioritize time over “stuff”

Time freedom is the real goal.

I’ve spent years intentionally saying “no” to lifestyle creep and the endless accumulation of material stuff.

Because the way I see it, the more stuff I own, the more I have to work to afford it. Not just to buy things, but also to clean them, organize them, maintain them, and eventually replace them.

What’s the point of filling your house with things if those things end up running your life?

So my wife and I keep our expenses lean and focus on being content with less. We’ve built a ton of financial breathing room, which has allowed us both to take extended sabbaticals from work.

Skip the flash — build real freedom

For me, stealth wealth isn’t about restriction or deprivation. It’s just about being intentional.

Instead of spending my money on flashy stuff that other people think is cool, I invest in things that I actually care about (my financial freedom, my family’s security, and the experiences I love).

Want help building your own wealth strategy and designing a life you love? It can help to chat with a financial expert. With our partner, SmartAsset, you can get matched with up to three fiduciary advisors so you can get professional advice.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”The Federal Reserve didn’t touch interest rates at its June meeting, but it’s widely expected to cut them later this year. If that happens, banks are likely to lower CD rates in anticipation — and some institutions already have.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. That means time may be running out to lock in the best available rates. Right now, you can still find CDs offering up to 4.30% APY, but those offers may not last much longer.How CDs workA certificate of deposit (CD) is a savings product that offers a fixed interest rate for a set term. You agree to leave your money in the CD for a specific period, usually between a few months and a few years.In return, your interest rate is guaranteed for the entire term and is FDIC insured up to $250,000, just like your savings account.And while the best high-yield savings accounts offer comparable APYs, those rates can drop at any time. A CD, on the other hand, locks in your return until the term ends.Quick CD checklistIf you’re thinking of opening a CD, here’s what to do:Pick your term: Shorter terms offer more flexibility. Longer terms offer more stability.Compare rates: Online-only banks often pay the most.Open and fund: Most CD deposit minimums start at $500 to $1,000 and can be opened online.Avoid early withdrawals: Taking money out early usually triggers a penalty.Plan for maturity: When your CD ends, decide whether to reinvest or move your money elsewhere.For more flexibility, consider setting up a CD ladder: Splitting your savings across CDs with different end dates so you get regular access to part of your funds.Ready to get started? Secure your high APY by opening one of our favorite CDs today.Who should open a CD now?You might benefit from a CD if:You have extra cash you won’t need right awayYou want a reliable, fixed return over a set periodYou’re working toward a short- or medium-term savings goalYou already have an emergency fundAnd if you think interest rates are heading lower, locking in a CD today could give you a better return than you’ll find later.Lock in your top APY todayEven though a rate cut hasn’t happened yet, banks often make moves in anticipation of the Fed. Some have already reduced CD rates, and others could soon follow.Act now to lock in your high CD rate before they start to slip — check out our full list of the best offers today to get started.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

The Federal Reserve didn’t touch interest rates at its June meeting, but it’s widely expected to cut them later this year. If that happens, banks are likely to lower CD rates in anticipation — and some institutions already have.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

That means time may be running out to lock in the best available rates. Right now, you can still find CDs offering up to 4.30% APY, but those offers may not last much longer.

How CDs work

A certificate of deposit (CD) is a savings product that offers a fixed interest rate for a set term. You agree to leave your money in the CD for a specific period, usually between a few months and a few years.

In return, your interest rate is guaranteed for the entire term and is FDIC insured up to $250,000, just like your savings account.

And while the best high-yield savings accounts offer comparable APYs, those rates can drop at any time. A CD, on the other hand, locks in your return until the term ends.

Quick CD checklist

If you’re thinking of opening a CD, here’s what to do:

• Pick your term: Shorter terms offer more flexibility. Longer terms offer more stability.
• Compare rates: Online-only banks often pay the most.
• Open and fund: Most CD deposit minimums start at $500 to $1,000 and can be opened online.
• Avoid early withdrawals: Taking money out early usually triggers a penalty.
• Plan for maturity: When your CD ends, decide whether to reinvest or move your money elsewhere.

For more flexibility, consider setting up a CD ladder: Splitting your savings across CDs with different end dates so you get regular access to part of your funds.

Who should open a CD now?

You might benefit from a CD if:

• You have extra cash you won’t need right away
• You want a reliable, fixed return over a set period
• You’re working toward a short- or medium-term savings goal
• You already have an emergency fund

And if you think interest rates are heading lower, locking in a CD today could give you a better return than you’ll find later.

Lock in your top APY today

Even though a rate cut hasn’t happened yet, banks often make moves in anticipation of the Fed. Some have already reduced CD rates, and others could soon follow.

Act now to lock in your high CD rate before they start to slip — check out our full list of the best offers today to get started.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More