If you’ve managed to amass some savings and you’re looking for an easy way to get a guaranteed return, short term deposits may be the answer. When comparing short term deposits, you’ll ideally want to find an offer that gives you the biggest bang for your buck and helps you grow your savings by paying the most interest.
Here’s what to look out for when comparing short term deposits.
The interest rate you earn on your short term deposit is essentially your return on investment. The percentage advertised is the amount of interest you’ll earn over the life of the short term deposit. When comparing short term deposits, look out for the ‘next interest rate’, which is the rate you can earn by depositing your savings for a longer term. If you don’t need access to your funds, investing for a longer period may earn you more interest.
When it comes to comparing interest, it’s not just about the rate. Take notice of whether the interest compounds monthly or at the end of the term. Short term deposits that compound interest monthly will usually earn you more interest over the term of the deposit. Of course, this varies depending on the lender and the amount you invest.
Some short term deposits usually have a minimum and maximum deposit amount. In most cases, the minimum deposit is $1,000 and the maximum differs between accounts. The interest rate may differ depending on the amount you invest, so compare your options to ensure you get the best rate of return.
If you open a short term deposit with another bank, check that you don’t need to open any additional accounts and that you can easily deposit and withdraw funds between banks.
When you invest in short term deposits, you’re agreeing to lock away your savings for a fixed period. If you need to access your funds before the maturity date, you’ll most likely be penalised. While it’s not ideal to prematurely withdraw your funds from short-term deposits, take notice of the charges so you know where you stand.
Savers looking for a more flexible way to stash away their cash might also want to consider high-interest savings accounts or savings accounts that offer bonus interest.