Corporate bonds vs. CDs: What you should know

 Two young investors listen to an Edward Jones financial advisor provide guidance on bonds and CDs in her branch office.

If you’re seeking income, Edward Jones offers a variety of options that may fit your needs. Corporate bonds and CDs offer different benefits and drawbacks. Learn the key differences and similarities between corporate bonds and CDs.

Corporate bonds vs. CDs

How are they the same?

Taxable income 
Corporate bonds and CDs both pay interest, typically semiannually, which is subject to federal and state income taxes. These regular payments can be a steady source of income. Rates on short-term CDs and corporate bonds are currently comparable.



 

Maturity date 
Both have a defined maturity date when principal is repaid. These funds can then be reinvested or used to pay for an expected purchase or goal.
 
Liquidity 
Both can be sold prior to maturity. But keep in mind that prices can fluctuate over time due to various market factors, including interest rate risk, such that when interest rates rise, the prices of bonds can decrease. You may lose principal value and receive more or less than you originally invested if you sell prior to maturity.
How are they different?
FDIC insurance 
CDs are covered by FDIC insurance1 up to applicable limits, while corporate bonds are not insured by the FDIC, are not deposits, and may lose value. This means the risk of failing to make timely interest and principal payments (known as the default risk) is generally lower for CDs than for most corporate bonds. As a result, you may be able to hold CDs in larger amounts than corporate bonds.
Maturity length 
CDs are typically available with short- or intermediate-term maturities of up to 10 years. Corporate bonds are offered with maturities of up to 30 years.
Issuer type 
Only banks can issue CDs, while companies in any sector – including financial services, industrials and utilities – can issue corporate bonds. If you plan to own primarily corporate bonds, be sure to diversify by sector.

Stocks have performed well over the past few years, and they may represent a larger portion of your portfolio than you intended. You may need to rebalance to the mix of stocks and fixed-income investments that’s right for you, and CDs or corporate bonds may be an appropriate solution. Start by getting in touch with your Edward Jones financial advisor today.

Corporate bond vs. CD FAQs

Important information:

Before investing in bonds, you should understand the risks involved, including credit risk and market risk. Certificates of deposit (CDs) offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. Please see the Certificate of Deposit Disclosure Statement (PDF) for additional information.

1 Edward Jones is not a bank or FDIC-insured institution and deposit insurance only covers the failure of an insured bank. FDIC insurance for brokered-CDs offered by Edward Jones is provided by the FDIC-insured banks that issue the CDs on a "pass-through" basis, which requires certain conditions to be met for coverage to apply. The list of those banks frequently changes. For a list of FDIC-insured banks in our network offering brokered-CDs, see List of Banks for Brokered FDIC-Insured Certificates of Deposit (CDs).