Certificates of deposit are popular among investors because they tend to offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts. However, not all CD rates are competitive with other deposit accounts.

Iowa Banking Rates compiles rates data from a database of over 3,000 banks and credit unions to bring you the most up-to-date CD rate information and help you find the best accounts.

Whether you’re looking for a short-term CD of only six months, or a longer investment period of one to two years, the interest rate you earn greatly determines whether you made a wise investment choice. Not all bank CD rates are competitive with the current national or state average, so thoroughly research your options before committing your funds to an account.

Finding the highest CD rate in Iowa at any given time is easy these days, especially with online rate charts and comparison tools available to you. But a question that often arises is whether the highest rate is always the best choice for residents. The answer depends on a number of factors.

Iowa has diversified its state products to include focus on green technology, biotechnology, financial services among other manufacturing initiatives. In doing so, they are preparing for their financial future – but are you doing the same as an individual and resident? Take a look at your own investments and decide whether or not you’re diversifying for future growth with a certificate of deposit. CDs may be the only investment vehicle you have that will guarantee a return. They are great for any investor’s needs, and here are some other reasons you should consider them if you haven’t already.

Residents of the Hawkeye State are living in one of the safest places in the country, but it doesn’t mean your financial future is safe. That’s because government programs like Social Security and Medicare are running out, and pensions have lost a lot of money due to the stock market collapse in 2008. One way you can start earning a safe return on your savings again is by locking in a high rate Iowa CD. Can you afford to live without one?

Although your job is rough and challenging, you enjoy the benefits and the stability it provides you. That weekly paycheck has put food on the table, kept a roof over your head and has even allowed you to bank and build a nest egg.

If you currently have all your money stored in a savings account, you are doing your investments a great injustice as by having a diversified portfolio with CDs, bonds, and money market accounts you will benefit from diversification and higher investment rates.

Iowa Banking Rates want to help you earn money, save money and put yourself in the best position for your own financial situation. If you have a savings account that you do not need for the rest of this year, it may be a good idea to invest into a 6-12 month CD and take advantage of the higher interest rates. You can earn up to 1% or more in a CD versus a savings account with a $5000 CD over 10 years; that can be over $500-$1000 more in interest payments with the higher CD rate.

A clear advantage of investing in CD‘s is that CD Rates are fixed, meaning you lock in an interest rate for the entire term of the CD, and it does not change. When interest rates are dropping, your CD stays at a higher rate. If you money is in a savings account, or interest paying checking account, your interest rate will drop daily, if rate are falling. Learn from Iowa Banking Rate partners if rates are falling or rising, and make the right choice to earn more money.