Wells Fargo CD Rates: Earn Up to 5.01% APY

Wells Fargo may have a high minimum opening deposit on a CD, but its special short-term CDs have good APYs

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Wells Fargo is a national bank known as one of the safest banks in the U.S. It's also known for its wide assortment of financial products, including certificates of deposits (CDs). Wells Fargo CD rates offer high-yield interest on some CD terms and are comparable with the national average in some cases. CD rates vary depending on your account balance and location. Here's what you need to know about Wells Fargo CDs.

Wells Fargo CD Rates

7 months (special)

Wells Fargo's special CDs require a $5,000 minimum opening deposit, twice what's required to open a standard Wells Fargo CD. The special CDs' highest interest tiers are relationship based, reserved for Wells Fargo customers with a linked Prime Checking, Premier Checking or Private Bank Interest Checking account. Otherwise, customers earn lower rates.

Wells Fargo doesn't list an end date for this promotional offer, which means it could end at any time. Note that when this special CD term ends, it will automatically renew to a standard six-month CD. There is a seven-calendar-day grace period at maturity where you can make changes to the CD or close it.

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Pros and Cons of Wells Fargo CDs

Pros

Cons

Wells Fargo CD Overview

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• Minimum deposit: $2,500 for standard CDs; $5,000 for special CDs
• Interest: Compounded daily and credited monthly
• CD terms: Four options ranging from three months to one year
• Monthly fees: None

Wells Fargo offers short-term CD terms ranging from three months to one year. Interest rates vary between terms and CD balances. Rates may also vary by location.

The minimum to open a standard Wells Fargo CD is $2,500, which is high compared to competitors. What's more, the promotional CDs require a $5,000 minimum opening deposit. You can open a Wells Fargo CD online, however.

Funding options for a Wells Fargo CD include:

• Electronic transfers from an existing Wells Fargo account
• Electronic transfer from an external bank
• Mailed check
• Money order

Deposits to Wells Fargo CDs are FDIC insured up to the maximum allowed limits. Insurance protection guarantees your money is protected in the event that Wells Fargo experiences a bank failure.

Interest Disbursement

Interest compounds daily and is credited to your account each month, but it may be credited quarterly, semi-annually, annually or at maturity, depending on the CD length and terms. CD funds, including earned interest, are payable at maturity.

Early Withdrawal

CDs typically offer higher interest rates in exchange for keeping your funds untouched for the entirety of the CD term. If you withdraw funds before your CD matures, Wells Fargo charges an early withdrawal penalty on your term length.

• Terms less than three months: One month's interest
• Three to 12 months: Three months' interest
• Thirteen to 24 months: Six months' interest
• More than 24 months: Twelve months' interest

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Relationship Benefits

Some banks offer exclusive benefits and perks known as relationship benefits. These benefits are available for existing customers that meet eligibility requirements and may include higher APYs on deposit accounts, rate discounts on loan products, rewards or waived fees.

How Wells Fargo CD Rates Compare

• National banks aren't typically known for competitive rates, but Wells Fargo CDs offer decent APY on select CD terms.
• Rates often beat the national average, according to the FDIC.
• Wells Fargo rates may exceed some big banks and online banks on select terms.
• If you're already banking through Wells Fargo, you may be eligible for higher relationship rates with a qualifying linked bank account.

While there's a lot to like about Wells Fargo CDs, the bank offers limited terms online, all 12 months or less. You must visit a branch to get a CD with a longer term. Wells Fargo also only offers standard, fixed-rate CDs. Some banks, like Synchrony, offer other CD options like bump-up CDs and no-penalty CDs. Standard CDs at Wells Fargo carry a $2,500 minimum to open, while the special CDs require a $5,000 minimum, which is more than what's required from some banks.

A certificate of deposit (CD) or a high-yield savings account can be a great place to stash some cash for your short-term savings goals. With a little bit of savvy comparison shopping, you’re likely to find above-average interes...

Alternatives to Wells Fargo CDs

Like most financial products, it's best to research available options before committing. Shop around to find the best CD rates and terms to maximize your savings based on your needs.

If you're looking for other CDs with comparable or higher APYs, here are some CD offerings to consider.

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Bottom Line

Wells Fargo offers competitive rates for savers looking for short-term CDs that can meet the minimum opening deposit requirements. You may find CDs offering higher APYs with lower minimums elsewhere. Compare rates and terms from several banks and financial institutions to ensure you get the best CD to meet your needs.