Banking » Compare Banks » Comparing Brokered CD Rates: Vanguard Vs Fidelity
Advertiser Disclosure

This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.

Comparing Brokered CD Rates: Vanguard Vs Fidelity

Vanguard and Fidelity offer brokered CDs, including high rates. Here's a full comparison - where can you get more?
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann’s areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.

Review & Fact Check: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Financial Expert, The Smart Investor CEO

Experience

Baruch Mann (Silvermann) is a financial expert and founder of The Smart Investor. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann’s areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.

Review & Fact Check: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Financial Expert, The Smart Investor CEO

Experience

Baruch Mann (Silvermann) is a financial expert and founder of The Smart Investor. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Table Of Content

Vanguard and Fidelity are two major brokerage firms that offer CD options to their customers.  With their reputations for providing high-quality investment options, both Vanguard and Fidelity offer attractive CD options for customers looking to diversify their investment portfolio.

In this article, we will compare the CD rates offered by Vanguard and Fidelity, as well as other important factors such as minimum deposit requirements, how their CDs work, and early withdrawal penalties.

Vanguard
Fidelity
CD Range
4.90% – 5.50%
4.45% – 5.30%
Minimum Deposit
$1,000
$1,000
Terms
3 months – 10 years
3 months – 5 years

How Do CD Rates Compare?

When comparing Vanguard and Fidelity rates, we can see that not only Vanguard offers more terms compared to Fidelity, but in most cases, you can expect higher interest rates. 

While the difference is not significant, Vanguard offers a slightly higher rate.

CD Term
Vanguard
Fidelity
3 Months
5.30%
5.30%
6 Months
5.30%
5.25%
9 Months
5.30%
5.30%
12 Months
5.45%
5.25%
18 Months
5.50%
5.20%
24 Months
5.30%
4.90%
36 Months
5.15%
4.65%
48 Months
5.10%
4.55%
60 Months
5.00%
4.45%
84 Months
5.15%
N/A
120 Months
4.90%
N/A

Vanguard CD Vs Fidelity CD: How They Work?

Vanguard and Fidelity are brokerage firms that offer brokered certificates of deposit with varying terms and rates. Brokered CDs are known to be more competitive than those issued by other institutions, as brokerage firms have access to products from the entire market, including brokerage-only products and deals.

Vanguard offers CDs with terms ranging from one month to seven years or more, with fixed rates that are among the highest in the market for 24-month CDs. Fidelity, on the other hand, provides CDs with terms ranging from three months up to five years, with generally higher yields for longer-term CDs. Fidelity also offers excellent options for CD laddering.

All Fidelity and Vanguard CDs are FDIC insured, providing customers with up to $250,000 of protection per account owner, per institution.

Since they offer CDs from hundreds of banks, it may be possible to increase this coverage beyond the FDIC limits. Overall, customers should consider the varying terms, rates, and FDIC insurance coverage when comparing Vanguard and Fidelity's brokered CD options.

Is There A Difference Between Brokered vs Traditional CDs?

Brokered CDs are similar to traditional CDs in that they are a type of fixed-income investment where the investor agrees to lend money to the issuing institution for a specific period of time in exchange for a fixed rate of return. However, there are some key differences between brokered CDs and traditional CDs.

Firstly, brokered CDs are sold through a brokerage firm rather than directly through a bank or credit union. This means that investors have access to a wider range of CD options from various institutions, including ones that may not be available locally.

Secondly, brokered CDs may have higher interest rates than traditional CDs due to the increased competition between institutions to attract investors through the brokerage firm.

Thirdly, the terms and conditions of brokered CDs may differ from traditional CDs. For example, there are no early withdrawal penalties – but you may per other fees such as trade fees when you sell the CD.

Finally, while traditional CDs are typically held until maturity, brokered CDs may be sold on the secondary market before maturity. This provides investors with more flexibility but may also come with additional risks and fees.

About Fidelity

Founded in 1946, Fidelity has a long history of helping individuals and businesses work towards their financial goals. With a focus on innovation, Fidelity offers a range of investment solutions to help customers achieve their financial objectives.

In addition to brokered CDs, Fidelity provides access to a variety of investment products, including bonds, ETFs, and funds. This allows customers to incorporate brokered CDs into their overall investment strategy, alongside other investment options. With its extensive range of investment products and services, Fidelity is a popular choice for investors seeking comprehensive investment solutions.

About Vanguard

With a history dating back to the 1970s, Vanguard is a leader in low-cost investing. The company is dedicated to keeping investment costs low so that customers can maximize their returns. What sets Vanguard apart is that it is customer-owned, with customers who own Vanguard funds owning a part of the company. This unique structure allows Vanguard to focus on its customers' long-term success, rather than just producing quarterly results.

The company's structure is designed to align customers' goals with the company's goals, ensuring that its investment solutions are tailored to meet customers' needs.

In addition to brokered CDs and money market accounts, Vanguard offers a range of other investment products, including stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, bonds, and IRAs. With its focus on low-cost investing and customer ownership, Vanguard is a popular choice for investors looking for a trusted and reliable investment partner.

Compare CD Rates

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann's areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Best CD Rates

Table of Contents

$200 Chase Total Checking Banner

Advertiser Disclosure

The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.