You may have skipped CDs before. Perhaps because you didn’t want your money locked in, or because better investment opportunities were out there.
That’s fair. Still, there are moments when a CD becomes the perfect fit and that moment might be happening now.
When a CD Makes Sense for You
If you have cash that you know you won’t need right away – say for a remodeling project or a future expense – and you’re looking for a safe place to grow it, that’s prime CD territory.
With M&T Bank's CDs, you can:
- Lock in a fixed rate for a term that suits your timeline
- Enjoy FDIC insurance for peace of mind
- Potentially out-earn a regular savings account on the side of safety
Example: You're saving for a renovation in about six months. You don’t need the lump sum before then and a CD removes risk of changing interest rates while building your balance.
When a CD May Not Be the Best Fit
Ask yourself:
- Do I need access to this money at any time?
- Is my timeline short and unstable, like an emergency fund?
- Am I investing for long-term growth?
If you're unsure, an M&T Relationship Savings Account offers the flexibility to access your funds at any time.
How M&T Makes Starting a CD Easy
- Low minimums: Open a CD with just $1,000
- FDIC protection: Your deposit is backed up to maximum limit.
- Various term options: Pick terms that align with your needs…from just a few months to several years
You can also further customize your approach by blending a CD with a Relationship Savings Account for emergency liquidity.
Smart Ways to Start Your CD Strategy
- Clarify your time horizon (i.e., six months for renovations)
- Choose a CD term that fits your goals
- Open your CD at any M&T branch
- Track your growth using the M&T Savings Calculator
- Set alerts to manage your CD’s maturity and avoid unintended auto-renewals
Ready to Take a First Step with Confidence?
- See available CDs: Savings & CD Options at M&T
- Calculate how your money could grow: Savings Calculator Library
- Explore smarter savings ideas: M&T Financial Education Center
The minimum deposit required to open the CD account is $1,000. The maximum deposit is $1,000,000 per account. After the CD is opened, the minimum balance to obtain the advertised annual percentage yield “APY” is $1.00. Advertised APYs stated are accurate as of 10/30/2025 and these offers may change at any time. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. Offer not available for non-personal accounts. Advertised APYs cannot be combined with any other offer.
For educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified professional about your personal situation.
A CD (a Certificate of Deposit) is sometimes called a Time Deposit.