Which U.S. savings product is protected by the FDIC but limits withdrawals through a fixed maturity date?

The U.S. savings product protected by the FDIC and designed around a fixed maturity date is a certificate of deposit.

A certificate of deposit, or CD, is a time deposit. The customer places money with a bank for a stated term, such as several months or years, and the bank pays interest according to the account agreement. At maturity, the customer can usually withdraw the principal and interest or choose a new term.

Early withdrawal is often permitted only with a penalty, although some products have different terms. That fixed commitment distinguishes a CD from an ordinary savings account, which generally provides easier access. Rates and maturity terms vary, and a longer term does not guarantee the highest rate.

FDIC insurance can cover eligible deposits at an insured U.S. bank, subject to the legal limit and ownership-category rules. Coverage applies to qualifying deposit products, not to every investment sold by a bank. A CD purchased through a brokerage may have additional conditions, so its documentation matters.