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.
Interest rate
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.
Minimum deposit
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.
Additional requirements
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.
Withdrawing funds
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.
Rollover terms
Rollover terms are the options available to you at the end of your term, when you’re able to reclaim your deposit and interest earnings. Some providers will require a certain number of days' notice if you're planning on withdrawing your funds and closing your term deposit account.
Some term deposits will allow you to immediately reinvest your savings into a new term deposit and earn even more interest. If you do decide to reinvest right away, it’s important that you reconsider what the current interest rate is as it may have changed since you first opened your account.
You may have the option to have this interest paid into a bank account of your choice, to supplement your household income, or even put towards your home loan or outstanding credit card debt.
Flexibility
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.