Can I transfer my IRA to a CD without penalty?

Asked by: Oceane Barton  |  Last update: February 24, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (20 votes)

Bottom Line. You can rollover your 401(k) account into a CD without any penalties or taxes. But you need to make sure you're rolling over into an IRA CD, specifically. And always ensure to roll over into a like-kind account, whether a traditional or Roth retirement account, or you might get hit with a surprise tax bill ...

Can you move money from IRA to CD without paying taxes?

Indirect rollover

Request a distribution from your retirement account. Receive the funds through an IRA distribution, typically by check. Open an IRA CD account with a financial institution. Within 60 days of receiving the funds, deposit the funds received into the new IRA CD to avoid tax consequences.

Can you put IRA money into CD?

So if you wanted to, and assuming your bank allows it, you could invest some of your IRA funds in stocks, some in bonds, put some in a money market account and then put some in CDs. If you wanted to put all of the funds in CDs, you would have an IRA CD.

Can an IRA be transferred to a CD?

If you've already established retirement savings through an Individual Retirement Account, you may be ready to roll your contributions into an IRA CD, that will grow your funds with a fixed rate guarantee of return throughout your retirement.

What is the penalty for an IRA CD transfer?

If you take the proceeds from that cash-out and transfer them to another IRA, then that early withdrawal penalty from your bank is the only one you'll face. But if you withdraw those funds and don't roll them into another IRA, you'll face a 10% IRA early withdrawal penalty as well.

How to transfer an IRA from one institution to another

36 related questions found

Can an IRA be transferred without penalty?

An IRA transfer is when you transfer money from an IRA account to a different retirement or IRA account. Transfers are generally free if made to similar-type accounts. IRA transfers must be made within 60 days to avoid tax penalties. The required minimum distribution may not be transferred over.

How can I get money out of my IRA without paying penalties?

You can avoid an early withdrawal penalty if you use the funds to pay unreimbursed medical expenses that are more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). New parents can now withdraw up to $5,000 from a retirement account to pay for birth and/or adoption expenses penalty-free.

Can I roll my retirement into a CD?

It's possible to roll 401(k) money into a CD without paying tax penalties but there are some guidelines for doing so. First, you'll need to make sure you're using the right type of CD. Specifically, that means an IRA CD. An IRA CD is a CD account that's funded through an IRA and enjoys its tax benefits.

What is the difference between a regular CD and an IRA CD?

Shawn Valco, CFP®, former financial advisor, explains that the difference between regular CDs and IRA CDs is that with regular CDs, interest you earn is taxable in the year you receive it. Valco notes that with Traditional IRA CDs, tax on interest is deferred, allowing more money to stay in the IRA.

How to avoid tax on CD interest?

Like IRAs and 529 plans, there are a variety of investments you can buy within an HSA, and your options depend on the financial institution that holds your account. If you invest in CDs within your HSA, you can avoid paying taxes on the interest, provided you use distributions to pay for qualifying expenses.

When can I cash in an IRA CD without penalty?

If you withdraw Roth IRA earnings before age 59½, a 10% penalty usually applies. Withdrawals before age 59½ from a traditional IRA also trigger a 10% penalty tax, whether you withdraw contributions or earnings.

What are IRA CD rates now?

Best IRA CD Rates
  • Citi IRA CD: 0.05% to 4.60% APY.
  • Quorum Federal Credit Union IRA Term Savings: 2.20% to 4.60% APY.
  • NASA Federal Credit Union IRA CD: 3.85% to 4.54% APY.
  • America First Credit Union IRA Certificate: 4.10% to 4.40% APY.
  • EFCU Financial IRA Certificates: 3.85% to 4.35% APY.

What is the safest IRA to have?

Best IRA accounts to open in 2025
  • Charles Schwab.
  • Wealthfront.
  • Fidelity Investments.
  • Vanguard.
  • Betterment.
  • Interactive Brokers.
  • Schwab Intelligent Portfolios.
  • Merrill Edge.

Should I move my IRA to a CD?

If you're nearing retirement, making withdrawals from your IRA, are being considerate about the tax implications of withdrawals, and want financial stability, you should consider moving your IRA to a CD. Transferring capital to a CD moves it into an FDIC-insured account up to capital limits.

Where can I move my IRA without penalty?

You may be able to transfer money in a tax-free rollover from your SIMPLE IRA to another IRA (except a Roth IRA) or to an employer-sponsored retirement plan (such as a 401(k), 403(b), or governmental 457(b) plan).

Can I buy CD with my IRA account?

Here's the good news: You can buy CDs in an IRA – and it's easy.

What happens when an IRA CD matures?

What happens when a CD matures in an IRA? Upon the maturity of an IRA CD, you can renew the CD, transfer the funds to a different CD or financial institution's IRA, or make withdrawals if you are at retirement age. Withdrawing from a traditional IRA CD at maturity will incur taxes.

When I turn 70 how much do I have to withdraw from my IRA?

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) must be taken each year beginning with the year you turn age 72 (70 ½ if you turn 70 ½ in 2019). The RMD for each year is calculated by dividing the IRA account balance as of December 31 of the prior year by the applicable distribution period or life expectancy.

Can you roll an IRA into a CD without paying taxes?

It's possible to roll 401(k) money into a CD without paying tax penalties but there are some guidelines for doing so. First, you'll need to make sure you're using the right type of CD. Specifically, that means an IRA CD. An IRA CD is a CD account that's funded through an IRA and enjoys its tax benefits.

Can you move money from 401k to CD without penalty?

Bottom Line. You can rollover your 401(k) account into a CD without any penalties or taxes. But you need to make sure you're rolling over into an IRA CD, specifically. And always ensure to roll over into a like-kind account, whether a traditional or Roth retirement account, or you might get hit with a surprise tax bill ...

Should I put my retirement money in a CD?

If you have enough saved that you only need a small percentage of return on investment, then a CD could be perfect for you when you retire. However, that option probably will not be the case for most people, as they will need larger returns than are typical for bank CD rates.

At what age is IRA withdrawal tax-free?

If you're at least age 59½ and your Roth IRA has been open for at least five years, you can withdraw money tax- and penalty-free. See Roth IRA withdrawal rules.

How do I avoid paying taxes on my IRA withdrawal?

To avoid taxes on IRA withdrawals, consider the following strategies:
  1. Convert to a Roth IRA. Consider converting traditional IRA funds into a Roth IRA. ...
  2. Use Roth contributions. If you have a Roth IRA, prioritize contributions to it. ...
  3. Delay withdrawals.