Compound Interest Formula:
From: | To: |
The Marcus Interest Rates Calculator helps estimate the maturity amount for Marcus savings accounts or CDs using the compound interest formula. It provides an accurate projection of investment growth over time.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how an initial investment grows over time with compound interest, accounting for how often interest is compounded.
Details: Understanding compound interest is crucial for financial planning, investment decisions, and maximizing returns on savings accounts and certificates of deposit.
Tips: Enter principal in USD, annual interest rate as a decimal (e.g., 0.05 for 5%), compounding frequency (e.g., 12 for monthly), and time in years. All values must be positive.
Q1: What's the difference between simple and compound interest?
A: Simple interest is calculated only on the principal amount, while compound interest is calculated on both the principal and accumulated interest.
Q2: How does compounding frequency affect returns?
A: More frequent compounding (e.g., daily vs. annually) results in higher returns due to interest being calculated on previously earned interest more often.
Q3: Are Marcus rates competitive?
A: Marcus by Goldman Sachs typically offers competitive rates on savings accounts and CDs, but rates vary over time and should be compared with other financial institutions.
Q4: What is APY vs APR?
A: APR (Annual Percentage Rate) doesn't account for compounding, while APY (Annual Percentage Yield) does and provides a more accurate representation of actual earnings.
Q5: Are there penalties for early withdrawal from Marcus CDs?
A: Yes, Marcus CDs typically have early withdrawal penalties that vary by term length, which can affect the actual returns if funds are accessed before maturity.