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Term Deposit

A deposit locked for a fixed period at a guaranteed interest rate, usually higher than an instant-access account.

A term deposit pays a fixed, often higher rate in exchange for committing your money for a set period, from a few months to several years. Withdrawing early typically means losing some or all of the interest. It suits money you are sure you will not need until the term ends, offering certainty but no flexibility. In a falling-rate environment it locks in a good rate; in a rising one it can trap you below market. Always weigh the guaranteed return against the loss of access.

Example

You lock $20,000 in a 1-year term deposit at 5%, guaranteeing $1,000 of interest, provided you do not withdraw before the year is up.

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