CD vs High-Yield Savings Account Calculator
Compare the returns of a Certificate of Deposit (CD) vs a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA).
Find out which earns more based on your timeline.
CD vs High-Yield Savings Account — Key Differences
A Certificate of Deposit (CD) locks your money at a guaranteed rate for a fixed term. A High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) offers a variable rate that can change at any time.
When a CD Wins CDs lock in today’s rate. If interest rates are expected to fall, a CD secures the higher rate for the full term. Most CDs compound daily or monthly — this calculator uses daily compounding (APY).
When a HYSA Wins If rates rise, the HYSA earns more because it adjusts upward. HYSAs also offer full liquidity — no penalty for withdrawals.
This Calculator
- CD: fixed rate for the full CD term, then no further growth shown
- HYSA: earns the initial rate for 12 months, then drops to the expected lower rate
- Comparison is made at the CD maturity date
Example $10,000 in a 12-month CD at 5.0% APY → $10,500 $10,000 in HYSA at 4.5% APY for 12 months → $10,450 CD wins by $50 in this scenario.