Key Takeaways
Brokered CDs can offer a wider selection and potentially higher yields than CDs purchased directly from a bank
Most brokered CDs offer FDIC protection up to $250,000, but it’s important to check before you invest
Brokered CDs can be purchased and sold on the secondary market, and are subject to the same market forces as other fixed-income products
When market volatility ramps up, particularly in a rising interest rate environment, many investors look to the certificate of deposit (CD)—that seemingly mundane fixed-income mainstay available at your local bank branch. CDs can offer a calm respite for investors who want to safely park their money, allow it to generate a bit of income, and walk away, knowing that the invested funds are generally protected by the FDIC up to $250,000.
But did you know there’s an alternative to the bank CD? The brokered CD can offer wider selection, potentially higher yields, and the same FDIC protection.
So before you traipse down to the bank and invest in a plain-vanilla CD, you might want to learn the differences between bank CDs and brokered CDs. They can be broken down into five categories: transaction, selection, costs, potential benefits, and risk.
1. Differences in Transaction
How and where to buy. First off, bank CDs are often purchased directly from a bank, while brokered CDs are typically purchased through a brokerage.
Secondary market. Unlike bank CDs, which can only be closed out at maturity (lest you risk getting charged a penalty for early withdrawal), brokered CDs can be sold on the secondary market before maturity. Just be aware that this can result in a net loss (typically if interest rates rise) or a net profit (if rates fall). In other words, if you sell before maturity, as with any fixed-income investment, you’re subject to the market value of the security, which fluctuates as interest rates rise and fall.
2. Differences in Selection
Choice of issuer. Are you okay with limiting your choice of CDs to those offered by a single bank, or would you rather choose from a wider universe of CD products offered by multiple banks across the country? It’s up to you, but this is one reason why some investors prefer brokered CDs over those offered through a single bank.
Choice of yield and terms. In general, the wider the range of CD products, the wider your selection of different maturity terms, yields, and, of course, risks. If you shop carefully, you may be able to find more suitable—if not competitive—terms and yields by virtue of having a wider selection of choices.
3. Differences in Costs
Transaction costs. Brokered CDs may cost more to obtain than bank CDs. The difference depends on the specific brokerage and the services it offers. Some brokerages may simply add the ticket charge to your costs, while others may charge fees for asset management, financial planning, and more.
Service. Higher transaction costs may reflect the potential benefits of a brokered CD. If a brokerage does most of the sorting and vetting; provides you with access to multiple banks and CDs; shops around for competitive rates; and assists you with renewals, a reasonable fee might be worthwhile.
4. Differences in Potential Benefits
Yield. You may be able to find higher yields among brokered CDs than those issued by an individual bank. This is partly because of their wider selection, but it may also have to do with a broker’s ability to transact higher volumes of capital and deposits, giving them a greater degree of negotiating power (for competitive rates) with banks.
Longer terms. Bank CD maturity dates typically range between one month and five years. You’re more likely to find longer-term CDs (up to 20 years) through a brokerage, if you’re interested in locking your money away for that long.
Early withdrawal penalty versus secondary market. Unlike bank CDs, brokered CDs typically don’t have early withdrawal fees, as they can be sold on the secondary market. If you choose to sell, you may lose money if interest rates rise, but you might also be able to collect a profit if interest rates decline. One caveat: not all CDs have high liquidity. Some may be harder to buy or sell than others, so be careful when making your selection.
Payment periods. Bank CDs typically pay interest upon maturity. Some brokered CDs offer the flexibility of periodic payments: monthly, quarterly, annually, or at maturity.
Take advantage of competitive rates and FDIC protection with a brokered CD
Estate protection. Brokered CDs offer estate protection, which allows a beneficiary to redeem the investment at face value upon the death of the holder. In contrast, some bank CDs offer survivorship rights via joint ownership. But this comes with a big caveat. Some banks may allow you to keep the original rate, but other banks may require that you close the account and reinvest at current rates, which can be a disadvantage if current rates are lower. If you’re concerned about the estate protections in a particular CD, you should consider checking with your bank prior to purchasing it. You might also wish to consult a tax attorney.
With brokered CDs, a beneficiary can redeem them at the full par value even if the current market value has fallen. And if the CDs are trading at a higher price than their redemption value at par, the beneficiary has the option to sell the CDs on the secondary market to seek a potential profit.
5. Differences in Risk
FDIC protection. Most bank CDs are FDIC insured. Some brokered CD products may include securities that are not, so be careful when making your selection. Either way, if your investment exceeds the $250,000 threshold—whether via CD, checking, or savings account—your deposits may not be fully protected.
Note that FDIC limits can differ significantly within a brokerage account versus a traditional bank account, particularly if you have a lot of money to invest. You can deposit large amounts of money in different banks but through the same brokerage firm. And if you keep each deposit under the $250,000 FDIC limit per institution, diversifying your CD positions across multiple issuers, your funds are fully insured by the FDIC.
Term risk. If you’re stuck in a long-term brokered CD while interest rates are rising, not only might you miss out on a better yield, but you may even lose money on your CD if you sell it on the secondary market (when yields go up, CD prices go down, and vice versa). Because bank CDs tend to have short terms, you might not have the same kind of reinvestment risk as brokered CDs.
Callability. Some CDs, particularly those offering high yields, are subject to “call features,” meaning that the issuing bank can terminate your CD before maturity. Sure, you’ll be repaid your entire principal plus interest up to that point, but in a falling interest rate environment, your reinvestment options may be limited to more expensive and lower-yielding CDs. It’s important to know up front if your CD is callable or not.
Default risk. Because CDs are debt instruments, there is a risk that the issuing institution will default. FDIC insurance can help mitigate that risk, but only up to the threshold. Plus, in a default, although your money is protected and federal law requires the FDIC to remit funds “as soon as possible,” you might experience a delay.
If you’re considering investing in CDs as a way of earning steady income over time, you might consider building a “CD ladder” by holding CDs of varying maturities. For example, you could divide your money into CDs with maturity dates ranging from, say, one year to 10 years out or longer. The longer-dated CD maturities will typically pay higher yields, but the shorter-term CDs will offer you a chance to withdraw savings if needed.
Brokered CDs offer two things most people desire when shopping for anything from shoes to investments: choice and flexibility. But there are a few things to look for in a brokered CD before deciding if it’s right for you. If you’re interested in learning more about brokered CDs, the TD Ameritrade brokered CD page provides useful information on various FDIC-insured CD products, minimum requirements, risk, and product support.