


What it is:

In the finance world, a deposit is the placement of funds in an account with a bank or other financial institution. Many people also use the term to refer to a refundable down payment made to ensure that a future transaction occurs.

How it works (Example):


A time deposit is an interest-bearing deposit held by a bank or financial institution for a fixed term whereby the depositor can withdraw the funds only after giving notice. Time deposits generally refer to savings accounts or certificates of deposit, and banks and financial institutions usually require 30 days' notice for withdrawal of these deposits. Individuals and companies often consider time deposits as "cash" or readily available funds even though they are technically not payable on demand. The notice requirement also means that banks may assess a penalty for withdrawal before a specified date. Time deposits may pay higher interest rates than demand deposits.

Why it Matters:


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