[Farmerbob]

I have a large CD (Certificate of Deposit) maturing in a few days. Is it safe to roll over? Should I cash out? Should it command a higher rate?

[kc8ukw]

It's probably safe to roll over. I would try to make sure you're at a bank that isn't in danger of failing, just in case the FDIC finds itself running out of money. (Plus, they're probably a pain to deal with, anyways.)

Actually, beware if the bank offers you an exceptionally high CD rate, as it could be a sign they're in trouble. You can use bankrate.com to compare rates in your area.

[ikka]

If it is under 100K it will be insured no matter where you have it; if over 100K split it into sub-100K chunks and distribute it among different accounts.

You might want to call around, look for a credit union or even a regional bank in your area, see what rates they offer.

[Kackikat]

Savings and CD’s are covered by FDIC up to $100,000. presently.

[GoLightly]

I wouldn't roll it over if it long term. I'd probably split it up & put it into instruments with different length terms. You'll get less in the short run, but you'll have better flexibility.

[FReepaholic]

Check your bank's rating.

[Loyal Buckeye]

Be careful of interest accruing that will put you over the $100,000 limit. $95,000 in any one C/D s/b the limit.

[Farmerbob]

I would like to thank everyone for their advice.
The CD is a little under the 100k level but I did not know if Cd's were subject to FDIC protections.

I wonder why, if there is a credit crunch, banks aren’t giving a higher rate to people with money to lend?

[mountainbunny]

I have a large CD (Certificate of Deposit) maturing in a few days. Is it safe to roll over? Should I cash out? Should it command a higher rate?

If you are concerned about the liquidity of your bank, there are ways to check that out.

The FDIC doesn't keep a public list of banks that may be in trouble. And if you think about it, this makes sense, since a list would soon become self-fulfilling as there would be runs on the "bad" banks.

But there are bank rating services. There is a page at the FDIC website that gives a basic rundown of the private services that rate financial institutions.

Here it is. Some are fee-based, some are not. Obviously, start with the free ones. I have never felt the need to move beyond the free services. The FDIC doesn't endorse these, but they are a potential starting place if it is of concern.

Bank Rating Services *pops*

/YMMV, IANAL, etc.,

[Chewbacca]

Convert them into silver coin.