What is a potential consequence of early withdrawal from a Certificate of Deposit?

Withdrawing funds from a Certificate of Deposit (CD) before the maturity date typically incurs penalties, making this choice the most accurate. Financial institutions often impose these penalties to discourage early withdrawals, which disrupt their ability to manage the funds effectively. This means that if a depositor withdraws early, they may face a predetermined fee that could reduce the interest earnings or even the principal amount returned.

In contrast, higher interest earnings are usually a feature of keeping the CD until maturity, not withdrawing early. No consequences at all is misleading, as penalties are standard. Immediate release of funds isn’t applicable in the context of a CD because the product is designed to lock in funds for a set term, and early withdrawal may lead to loss of accrued interest and the imposition of penalties. Therefore, recognizing the financial implications of withdrawing early helps individuals make informed decisions about their investments.