What Is a Negotiable Certificate of Deposit (NCD)?
A negotiable certificate of deposit (NCD), also known as a jumbo CD, is a certificate of deposit (CD) with a minimum face value of $100,000—though NCDs are typically $1 million or more. They are guaranteed by the bank and can usually be sold in a highly liquid secondary market, but they cannot be cashed in before maturity.
Because of their large denominations, NCDs are bought most often by large institutional investors that typically use them as a way to invest in a low-risk, low-interest security. A Yankee CD is one example of an NCD.
Key Takeaways
- Negotiable certificates of deposit are CDs with a minimum face value of $100,000.
- They are guaranteed by banks, cannot be redeemed before their maturation date, and can usually be sold in highly liquid secondary markets.
- Along with U.S. Treasury bills, they are considered a low-risk, low-interest security.
Understanding a Negotiable Certificate of Deposit (NCD)
AnNCD is short term, with maturities ranging from two weeks to one year. Interest is usually paid either twice a year or at maturity, or the instrument is purchased at a discount to its face value. Interest rates are negotiable, and yield from an NCD is dependent on money market conditions.
History of NCDs
NCDs were introduced in 1961 by First National City Bank of New York, which is now Citibank. The instrument allowed banks to raise funds that could be used for lending. NCDs were designed to ease a deposit shortage that had affected banks during the previous decade. Many bank depositors transferred their cash from checking accounts, which did not pay interest, to other investments, such as Treasury bills (T-bills), commercial paper, and bankers’ acceptances.
The First National City Bank of New York loaned $10 million in government securities to a New York broker that agreed to accept trades in CDs. This created a secondary market in which the NCDs could trade. By 1966, investors held $15 billion in outstanding NCDs. That amount grew to more than $30 billion in 1970 and $90 billion in 1975.
Participants in the market for NCDs primarily comprise wealthy individuals and institutions, such as corporations, insurance companies, pension funds, and mutual funds. The market attracts those seeking a return on cash in a low-risk and liquid investment.
$250,000
The amount up to which the FDIC will insure an NCD.
Advantages of NCDs
One feature of the NCD is its low risk. NCDs are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for up to $250,000 per depositor per bank. This was increased from $100,000 in 2010 with the passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Therefore, the product attracts those who would invest in other low-risk investments, such as U.S. Treasury securities.
That said, NCDs are generally considered riskier compared with T-bills, which are backed by the U.S. government's full faith and credit. As such, NCDs offer higher interest rates compared to those of Treasury bills.
NCDs offer higher interest rates than Treasury bills.
Disadvantages of NCDs
Most NCDs are not callable, meaning the bank cannot redeem the instrument prior to the maturity date. However, if a bank can call the NCD, it will do so when interest rates fall. Hence, investors will have difficulty finding another NCD that pays a similar rate of interest. The initial rate to the NCD holder will be higher to compensate the investor for this risk.
Where Can I Purchase an NCD?
NCDs are typically issued by banks and credit unions. They are also traded on the secondary market, which can be accessed through financial brokers.
How Much of a NCD Is FDIC or NCUA-insured?
NCDs are insured up to $250,000 per depositor per bank. Any amount over this is not insured.
What Is the Typical Term for an NCD?
NCDs are short-term investments with terms ranging from a week up to a year on average.
The Bottom Line
For investors with significant amounts of cash and a short period of time, NCDs are a safe and stable way to earn interest. Together with Treasury bills, NCDs offer a good combination of liquidity and earning potential, without the volatility of potentially higher earning instruments such as a stocks.
