Best CD Rates Today (2026)
Compare the highest CD rates across every term from FDIC-insured banks and credit unions. Find the right CD for your timeline, whether you need your money in 3 months or 5 years.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
Best CD Rates by Term
Here are today's top CD rates for each available term length. All institutions listed are FDIC-insured or NCUA-insured.
| Term | Best APY | Bank | Min. Deposit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Month | 4.00% | Brilliant Bank | $1 | All rates → |
| 6-Month | 4.20% | United Fidelity Bank, fsb | $0 | All rates → |
| 12-Month | 4.23% | GECU | $50 | All rates → |
| 18-Month | 4.10% | USALLIANCE Financial | $500 | All rates → |
| 24-Month | 4.20% | Mountain America Credit Union | $500 | All rates → |
| 36-Month | 4.10% | United Fidelity Bank, fsb | $0 | All rates → |
| 48-Month | 4.10% | CoVantage Credit Union | $1 | All rates → |
| 60-Month | 4.15% | United Fidelity Bank, fsb | $0 | All rates → |
Key Takeaways
- •The best 1-year CD rate is 4.23% APY from GECU
- •The best 5-year CD rate is 4.15% APY from United Fidelity Bank, fsb
- •Top HYSA rate for comparison: 4.50% APY from SoFi (variable, no lock-up)
- •All CDs listed are from FDIC-insured banks or NCUA-insured credit unions
Best 3-Month CD Rates
Best 6-Month CD Rates
Best 1-Year CD Rates
Best 2-Year CD Rates
Best 5-Year CD Rates
How Much Will $10,000 Earn in a CD?
The table below shows how much you would earn on a $10,000 deposit at today's best rate for each term, assuming monthly compounding and no early withdrawals.
| Term | APY | Interest Earned | Total at Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Month | 4.00% | $100 | $10,100 |
| 6-Month | 4.20% | $212 | $10,212 |
| 1-Year | 4.23% | $431 | $10,431 |
| 2-Year | 4.20% | $875 | $10,875 |
| 5-Year | 4.15% | $2,302 | $12,302 |
Calculations assume monthly compounding. Use our compound interest calculator for custom amounts, or try the CD ladder calculator to model a multi-term strategy.
CDs vs High-Yield Savings vs Treasury Bills
CDs are not the only safe place to earn yield. Here is how they compare to the other major options:
| Feature | CD | HYSA | T-Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Short-Term Rate | 4.20% | 4.50% | 3.73% |
| Rate Type | Fixed (locked in) | Variable | Fixed (at auction) |
| Liquidity | Locked until maturity | Withdraw anytime | Sellable on secondary market |
| Early Access Penalty | 3-6 months interest | None | None (sell at market price) |
| FDIC Insured | Yes ($250K per bank) | Yes ($250K per bank) | N/A (backed by US gov) |
| State Tax Exempt | No | No | Yes |
| Min. Investment | Often $0 | $0 | $100 |
Bottom line: CDs are best when you want a guaranteed, fixed rate and can lock up money for a defined period. HYSAs are best for accessible cash. T-bills offer a state tax advantage and government backing. HYSA vs CD comparison · CD vs Treasury comparison
How to Choose the Right CD Term
The right CD term depends on two things: when you need the money, and where you think interest rates are headed.
Match the Term to Your Timeline
If you are saving for a specific goal — a down payment, a wedding, a tax bill — choose a CD term that matures around when you need the money. You will avoid early withdrawal penalties and get a guaranteed return for exactly the period you need. Do not lock money into a 5-year CD if you might need it in 18 months.
Consider the Rate Environment
When rates are high and expected to fall, longer-term CDs let you lock in the higher rate. When rates are low and expected to rise, shorter terms keep your money available to reinvest at higher rates later. If you are unsure, a CD ladder hedges both directions.
Look at the Yield Curve
Normally, longer CDs pay higher rates than shorter ones. But sometimes the difference is small — or even inverted. If a 1-year CD pays nearly the same as a 5-year CD, the shorter term is usually the better deal because you are not giving up much yield but you regain access to your money four years sooner. Check our CD rates forecast for more context on the current rate environment.
Do Not Overlook Odd Terms
Banks sometimes offer promotional rates on non-standard terms like 7, 9, 11, 14, or 18 months. These odd-term CDs can carry higher APYs than the standard 6- or 12-month options. Check our full CD rates page to spot any promotional terms that might fit your timeline.
Not Sure Which Term? Build a CD Ladder
A CD ladder spreads your deposit across multiple terms so one rung matures every few months. You earn higher long-term rates while keeping regular access to portions of your money.
Tips for Getting the Best CD Rates
Look beyond your primary bank
Big national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo consistently offer some of the lowest CD rates. Online banks and credit unions have lower overhead and pass those savings on as higher APYs. You do not need to move your checking account — just open a CD at the highest-paying institution.
Check credit unions, not just banks
Credit unions are nonprofit and often offer higher CD rates (called share certificates) than banks. Many have open membership requirements or easy-to-meet eligibility. NCUA insurance protects your deposits the same way FDIC does for banks.
Watch for promotional rates
Banks frequently run promotional CD rates, especially on odd terms (7, 11, 13, 14, or 17 months). These can be 0.25% to 0.50% higher than standard terms. The catch is they are temporary — once the promotional period ends, the rate for new CDs drops. But your locked-in rate stays fixed.
Consider no-penalty CDs for flexibility
If you want a fixed rate but cannot commit to a full lock-up, a no-penalty CD lets you withdraw your full balance before maturity without losing any interest. The rates are usually slightly lower than standard CDs, but you get the flexibility of a savings account with a guaranteed floor rate.
Set maturity reminders
Most banks auto-renew CDs at maturity, often at a lower rate than you originally locked in. Set a calendar reminder 7 to 10 days before each CD matures so you can compare current rates and decide whether to renew, move to a higher-paying institution, or use the money elsewhere.
Verify FDIC or NCUA insurance
Before opening a CD at any institution, confirm it is FDIC-insured (banks) or NCUA-insured (credit unions). You can verify at fdic.gov/BankFind or mycreditunion.gov. All institutions listed on SafetyYield are federally insured. Learn more about FDIC insurance.
What Is a Certificate of Deposit (CD)?
A certificate of deposit (CD) is a type of savings account where you agree to deposit a fixed amount of money for a set period of time — called the term — in exchange for a guaranteed, fixed interest rate. Terms typically range from 3 months to 5 years, though some banks offer terms as short as 1 month or as long as 10 years.
When the CD matures (reaches the end of its term), you receive your original deposit plus all accumulated interest. If you withdraw the money before maturity, you pay an early withdrawal penalty — usually a certain number of months of interest.
CDs are popular because they combine safety (FDIC/NCUA insurance) with a predictable return. Unlike a high-yield savings account, where the rate can change at any time, a CD rate is locked in for the entire term. Read our complete guide to CDs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best CD rate right now?
The best 1-year CD rate is currently 4.23% APY from GECU. The best 5-year CD rate is 4.15% APY from United Fidelity Bank, fsb. Rates vary by term and change frequently, so check our rate tables for the latest numbers. All listed CDs are from FDIC-insured or NCUA-insured institutions.
What CD term should I choose?
The best CD term depends on when you need the money. Choose a 3 to 6-month CD if you need access soon, a 1-year CD for the best balance of rate and flexibility, or a 2 to 5-year CD to lock in high rates before they potentially fall. If you are unsure, a CD ladder spreads your money across multiple terms so you get regular access while earning higher long-term rates.
Are CDs safe?
Yes. CDs from FDIC-insured banks are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank. Credit union CDs (share certificates) carry equivalent NCUA insurance. Your principal and accrued interest are guaranteed regardless of what happens to the bank. CDs are one of the safest places to put money.
Is a CD better than a savings account?
CDs and high-yield savings accounts serve different purposes. A CD locks in a fixed rate (currently up to 4.23% for 1 year) and protects you if rates fall. A HYSA (currently up to 4.50%) gives you full liquidity but the rate can drop at any time. Use a HYSA for your emergency fund and money you might need soon. Use CDs for savings you can lock away for a defined period.
What happens when a CD matures?
When your CD matures, you can withdraw your principal plus all earned interest penalty-free. Most banks automatically renew your CD into a new term at the current rate, which may be lower than your original rate. Set a reminder 7 to 10 days before maturity to review your options: renew at the same bank, move to a higher-paying institution, or redirect the money elsewhere.
Can I lose money in a CD?
You cannot lose your principal in an FDIC-insured CD. The only way to receive less than you deposited is if you withdraw early and the early withdrawal penalty exceeds the interest you have earned, which is rare unless you withdraw very early in the term. If you hold the CD to maturity, you are guaranteed to get your full deposit back plus interest.
Are CD rates going up or down?
CD rates are influenced primarily by the Federal Reserve's federal funds rate. When the Fed raises rates, CD rates tend to rise. When the Fed cuts rates, CD rates fall. If rates are expected to decline, locking in a CD now preserves a higher rate. Check our CD rates forecast guide for the latest outlook.
How much do I need to open a CD?
Many online banks and credit unions offer CDs with no minimum deposit or minimums as low as $1. Some traditional banks require $500 to $1,000 or more. The minimum deposit does not affect the APY you earn in most cases. If you are starting small, look for CDs with low or no minimums in our rate tables.
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Best 5-Year CD Rates
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CD Ladder Strategy
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CDs vs Treasury Bills
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CD Rates Forecast
Where CD rates are headed and when to buy