
A custodial CD account is a type of savings account designed for minors, typically under the age of 18. It's a great way for parents or guardians to save for their child's future.
The account is managed by an adult, who is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the minor. This adult is often referred to as the custodian.
The custodian has control over the account until the minor reaches the age of majority, which varies by state. In some states, it's 18, while in others, it's 21.
The custodian can deposit funds into the account, and the money earns interest over time.
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Pros and Cons
A custodial CD account can be a great way to teach kids about saving and investing.
A custodial CD account is a good first investment for kids, allowing them to learn about the importance of saving, compound interest, and investing with minimal risk.
Youth CD accounts often come with special benefits, such as lower minimums to open the CD and the ability to add to the CD after opening.
Here are some key benefits of a custodial CD account:
- Higher APYs (Annual Percentage Yields) compared to traditional savings accounts
- Penalty-free withdrawals for specific purposes, such as school expenses
Pros Explained

A CD can be a great investment for kids, teaching them about saving, compound interest, and investing with minimal risk. This type of investment is often a good first step into the world of finance.
A youth CD account can offer special benefits, such as lower minimums to open the account and the ability to add to the CD after opening. Some banks and credit unions may even offer penalty-free withdrawals for specific purposes like school expenses.
Higher APYs (Annual Percentage Yields) are usually earned in a CD compared to a traditional savings account. This can help your child's savings grow faster over time.
Here are some key benefits of opening a CD for a child:
- Good first investment for kids to learn about saving and investing
- Youth CD accounts often come with special benefits like lower minimums and penalty-free withdrawals
- Higher APYs compared to traditional savings accounts
Cons Explained
Opening a CD for your child can be a great way to help them save, but it's essential to consider the potential downsides.
A CD's funds are "locked up" for the term, which can be frustrating for your child as they're learning to save.
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The interest earned on CDs is taxed as ordinary and unearned income, which can be a significant consideration.
If the CD generates more than $2,500 per year, you may need to file taxes for your child or include the earnings in your income.
Assets held in UGMA and UTMA accounts are considered the student's assets on the FAFSA, which can reduce the amount your child can receive in federal student aid.
Here are some key cons to consider:
- Limited access: A CD's funds are locked up for the term.
- Could reduce financial aid: Assets held in UGMA and UTMA accounts are considered the student's assets on the FAFSA.
- Taxes may be due: Interest earned on CDs is taxed as ordinary and unearned income.
Understanding Custodial CDs
Custodial CDs are a type of savings account that can be a good way to help a child save, as they are among the lower-risk investment options.
They offer a guaranteed amount of money, which is a big plus, especially if the market drops.
You should consider the length of time between opening the CD account and when the child reaches the age of majority.
This is because the longer-term savings goals may be better met with other options, such as a Roth IRA.
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A custodial CD can provide a guaranteed amount of money, but it's low-yield, meaning it won't grow as much as other investments over time.
If you're saving for your child's education, you may want to explore other options, like a 529 college savings plan, which can offer more growth potential.
Ultimately, whether a custodial CD is a good investment for a child depends on the specific circumstances and goals.
Custodial CD Options
A custodial CD account is a great way to save for your child's future, and it's relatively easy to set up. You can open a custodial CD account using a custodial account, which is owned by your child but managed by you until they reach adulthood.
Since minors can't legally buy CDs, you'll need to open the account as a custodian. This means you'll manage the account until your child comes of age, at which point they'll take control of the funds. Many custodial CD accounts require a minimum opening deposit, which can range from $500 to $2,500 or more.

To choose the right custodial CD account, consider your budget and the options available. Some CDs come with higher annual percentage yields (APYs) than others, and some may have additional fees or penalties for early withdrawal. You can usually open a custodial CD account online, in person, or by phone, and you'll need to provide some basic identification and information about your child.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when opening a custodial CD account:
Should I Open a Custody Agreement?
Opening a custodial CD can be a great way to teach children about saving and investing, just like opening a CD for your child is a safe and excellent way to do so. Certificates of deposit (CDs) are some of the safest investments available.
You can include your children in opening and managing their CD accounts, which can be a valuable learning experience for them. This can help them develop a sense of responsibility and ownership over their finances.
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CDs are a low-risk investment option, making them a great choice for those who are new to investing or want to introduce their children to the concept. You can even consider opening a custodial CD in your child's name, which can be a great way to start them off on the right foot.
Are Good Options?
A CD can be a good investment for a child, but you should consider both the pros and cons. CDs are among the safest investment vehicles in which you can put your money, with zero volatility and guaranteed interest.
One of the main benefits of CDs is their low-risk nature, making them an ideal instrument for novice investors, including children. CDs are fully insured up to $250,000 for individual accounts, providing an added layer of security.
To open a CD for your child, you'll need to consider your budget, as CDs typically require a lump sum deposit. This can range from $500 to $2,500 or more, depending on the account.

High-yield CDs can offer APYs over 5%, making them a more attractive option for growing your child's savings. However, these CDs may come with higher fees or stricter penalties for early withdrawal.
Some CDs, like bump-up CDs, allow you to request a higher interest rate mid-term, while others, like no-penalty CDs, let you withdraw funds early without penalties. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons to find the best option for your child's needs.
Ultimately, a CD can be a great way to teach your child about saving and investing, while also providing a safe and secure place for their money to grow.
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Using Custodial CDs
A custodial CD is a type of savings account that allows you to open a CD account in your child's name, with you as the custodian.
Opening a custodial CD is a "teachable moment" for your child, as they need to think through what the money can be used for once the CD reaches maturity.

You can cash out the CD when it matures, or renew it, and if your child is of legal age at that point, the account is transferred to them.
You may have to contact the bank to remove your name from the account when your child reaches the age of majority.
CDs are among the lower-risk investment options, making them a good way to help a child save.
However, they are also low-yield investments, so you may want to consider other options, such as a 529 college savings plan, for long-term savings.
For longer-term savings, opening a Roth IRA may also be a good choice for parents hoping to provide financial security for their child.
If your child is a teenager, a CD will provide a guaranteed amount of money, and there is no risk of loss if the market drops.
Financial Implications
A custodial CD account can provide a sense of security for your child's financial future.

You'll earn a guaranteed interest rate on your investment, which is a big advantage over other investment options. This rate is locked in for the entire term, so you can rely on a steady return.
As long as you keep the money in the account for the whole term, it will earn the guaranteed interest rate, protecting your investment from market fluctuations.
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Financial Aid Implications
If you're saving for a child's education, you'll need to consider the financial aid implications of your investment choices.
CDs don't earn a lot of interest, which may not be ideal for long-term savings goals.
If your child has savings in a UGMA, those assets will need to be disclosed on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), potentially affecting their college costs.
A 529 college savings account might be a better option for education savings, as it can help minimize the impact on financial aid eligibility.
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Guaranteed Returns

You can earn a guaranteed return on your investment with a CD. As long as you keep the money in the account for the whole term, it will earn the agreed-upon interest rate, regardless of any economic downturns.
The term of a CD is a set period of time, and you agree to leave your money in the account for that entire time. This means you'll earn the guaranteed interest rate, and your investment will be secure.
By locking in a high interest rate, you can ensure a steady return on your investment, especially if rates drop in the future. This can provide peace of mind and financial stability.
The longer the CD's term, the higher the interest rate you'll earn. This means you can choose a term that suits your financial goals and earn a higher return on your investment.
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Benefits and Safety
A custodial CD account offers a safe and secure way to grow your child's savings. You can lock in savings with a fixed interest rate over a set term.
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The money in your child's CD account is protected up to $250,000 per account per bank, which means it's insured by the FDIC. This gives you peace of mind knowing their money is safe, even if the bank fails.
Withdrawing money from a CD before the term expires can incur penalty charges, which can help you and your child think twice before touching the funds. This can be a good thing, as it encourages responsible saving habits.
Reasons to Enroll Your Child
Enrolling your child in a CD is a great way to teach them about personal finance, and with its low-risk nature, you can rest assured that their money is safe. CDs are insured up to $250,000 for individual accounts, a guarantee that's backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for bank-issued CDs and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for credit union-issued CDs.
Opening a custodial CD account allows you to retain decision-making authority while still including your child in the process, which is a smart way to involve them in financial decisions. This is a practical way to teach your child about saving and investing.
A CD for kids can be a solid start to an investment plan, and it's a great way to explain the concept of earning interest on a principal deposit.
Grow Money Safely

Grow your money safely with a CD. Lock in savings with a certificate of deposit to earn higher interest rates over a fixed term.
CDs are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per account per bank, or NCUA-insured for credit unions, which means your child's money is safe even if the institution fails.
The only way you might "lose" money in a CD is if you withdraw funds before the term expires, in which case you'll incur penalty charges that will chip away at your balance.
A CD with an early withdrawal penalty forces you to think twice before touching earmarked funds, making it a great way to teach your child about saving and responsible spending.
CDs are among the safest investment vehicles in which you can put your money, with zero volatility and guaranteed interest.
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Security and Safety
A custodial CD account is a great way to save for your child's future, and one of the best things about it is the security and safety it provides. Your child's money will be safe in a custodial CD account, thanks to FDIC or NCUA insurance.

CDs are insured up to $250,000 per account per bank, or the same amount for credit unions. This means if the institution fails, your child's money is completely safe.
A CD with an early withdrawal penalty can actually help you and your child think twice before touching the money. It's a built-in way to discourage impulse spending and keep the savings on track.
You can withdraw funds from a savings account at any time, but a CD with a penalty will make you think twice about doing so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the downsides of a custodial account?
Custodial accounts have a potential drawback: they can impact a child's eligibility for college financial aid. This is because the account is considered an asset owned by the minor
Can I put a CD in my kids name?
Yes, you can gift a CD to a child by opening a custodial account under a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) or Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA). This allows you to deposit funds into a CD in the child's name, making it a great savings option for their future.
Sources
- https://www.investopedia.com/how-to-open-a-cd-for-a-child-5248856
- https://www.annuity.org/personal-finance/banking/certificate-of-deposit/how-to-open-for-a-child/
- https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/how-to-open-a-certificate-of-deposit-account-for-your-child/
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-open-cd-for-child/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-you-should-open-a-cd-for-your-child-now/
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