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With online savings accounts offering rates significantly higher than those of brick-and-mortar banks, it's easy to assume that any offer appearing online is worth checking out.

But not all online offers are created equal.

Bank Deals provides information for verifying whether or not an online CD rate is legitimate.

If you see a website advertising a very high rate on a certificate of deposit or something else that looks like a bank account, you should first determine if the website is from a FDIC or NCUA insured institution. Both FDIC and NCUA are agencies of the US federal government. FDIC covers banks and NCUA covers credit unions.

Not only do FDIC and NCUA provide protection for depositors against bank/credit union failures, but also ensure a level of standards.

Find out if a bank is FDIC-insured at the FDIC Bank Find.

Find a Credit Union at the National Credit Union Administration.

(When is a CD Rate Too Good to Be True? Verifying FDIC or NCUA Membership - Bank Deals)