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10 Best CD Rates Of June 2025: Up To 4.50% APY

Audited & Verified: Jun 24, 2025, 3:12pm
Written By
Staff Writer
Fact Checked
Staff Writer
& 1 other
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

We analyzed 458 certificates of deposit (CDs) at 148 institutions, ranking each on criteria such as annual percentage yield (APY), minimum deposit requirements, available terms and customer ratings to compile our list of the best CD rates. These are the top-scoring accounts for various CD terms, ranging from one month to 10 years. All winners earned a five-star rating.

The highest-earning accounts on our list of best CD rates are from Vanguard. The brokerage’s 10-year CD currently earns 4.50% APY, and its one-month, two-month, three-month and five-year CDs all earn 4.45%. Other financial institutions offer competitive rates, but none top Vanguard’s.

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Advertisers do not and cannot influence our ratings. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the banking methodology for the ratings below.

  • 142 CD and certificate accounts inspected
  • 84 nationwide institutions researched
  • 11 data points evaluated and scored

Read More

Compare the ​​​​Best CD Rates of 2025

The accounts below are arranged by demand for the term, rather than by the duration.

Best 6-Month CD

Service Credit Union Share Certificate

Service Credit Union Share Certificate
5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

2.35% to 4.15%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$500

Terms

3 months to 5 years

Service Credit Union Share Certificate

2.35% to 4.15%

$500

3 months to 5 years

Editor's Take

Service Credit Union Share Certificate’s six-month CD made our list of best CD rates, offering an impressive 4.15% APY and only requiring a minimum deposit of $500.

Why We Like It

We like that this account has a relatively low minimum deposit requirement, so it’s a good choice for both new and established savers. Plus, it earns one of the highest APYs on our list.

What We Don’t Like

We dislike that dividends are compounded monthly instead of daily. Additionally, to become a member of Service Credit Union, you must qualify for membership, open a Primary Savings account and deposit $5 before you can open a CD account.

Who It’s Best For

This account is an attractive option for active-duty military members, veterans and their families who want risk-free, predictable returns on their savings.

See our full list of the best 6-month CD rates for other top picks.

Pros & Cons
  • Competitive dividend rates across terms
  • Wide variety of term lengths
  • Reasonable minimum balance requirement
  • Membership is required
  • Dividends compounded monthly
Details

There are various ways to qualify for membership, including those in active-duty military service and their family members. Anyone, however, can join by becoming a member of the American Consumer Council or Financial Fitness Association.

Early withdrawal penalties depend on your CD term and how much you withdraw. For accounts that automatically renew, you have a 10-day grace period after maturity to withdraw or add funds without penalty. Dividends are compounded and credited to your certificate account monthly.

Service Credit Union Share Certificate Term APY
3 Months
3.75%
6 Months
4.15%
9 Months
4.15%
1 Year
4.05%
15 Months
3.50%
18 Months
3.25%
2 Years
3.00%
3 Years
2.35%
4 Years
2.45%
5 Years
2.50%

Best 1-Year CD

Capital One Certificates of Deposit

5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

3.50% to 4.00%

Rates and details as of 3/12/25.

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$0

Terms

6 Months to 5 Years

Learn More Arrow
On Bankrate.com's Website

3.50% to 4.00%

Rates and details as of 3/12/25.

$0

6 Months to 5 Years

Editor's Take

Capital One offers a wide range of CDs, ranging from six months to five years, all with competitive yields and no minimum deposit requirements. We chose the Capital One Certificates of Deposit as the best one-year CD because it offers a highly competitive rate of 4.00% APY.

Why We Like It

We like that the one-year Capital One Certificates of Deposit account offers the highest yield available on Capital One Certificates of Deposit (4.00% APY) and has no minimum balance requirement.

What We Don’t Like

Like most CDs, if you withdraw funds before the CD has matured, you’ll be charged an early withdrawal penalty. For a Capital One Certificates of Deposit with a term of 12 months or less, the penalty is three months’ interest. Partial withdrawals of the principal are not permitted.

Capital One also does not offer other CD variants, such as no-penalty CDs or jumbo CDs.

Who It’s Best For

Because there is no minimum deposit requirement, a Capital One Certificates of Deposit is a worthwhile option for both beginner and experienced savers looking to earn a high APY and maximize their savings, regardless of the amount.

See our full list of the best 1-year CD rates for other top picks.

Pros & Cons
  • No minimum deposit requirement
  • Flexible interest payout options
  • Backed by a reputable institution
  • Other banks offer higher APYs
  • Few branches compared to other national banks
  • Strict early withdrawal penalty
Details

Interest on Capital One Certificates of Deposits compounds and gets credited to your account monthly. Upon your CD’s maturity, you have a 10-day grace period during which you can withdraw from your CD before it renews for another term. If you withdraw your principal balance before maturity, you’ll pay a penalty fee equal to six months of interest for CD accounts longer than 12 months. For CD accounts of 12 months or less, the penalty fee is three months of interest.

Capital One Certificates of Deposit Term APY
6 Months
3.80%
9 Months
3.80%
1 Year
4.00%
18 Months
3.70%
2 Years
3.50%
30 Months
3.50%
3 Years
3.50%
4 Years
3.50%
5 Years
3.50%
Rates & details as of 03/12/2025.

Best 3- and 5-year CDs

Synchrony Bank Certificates of Deposit

5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is subject to change at any time without notice. Offer applies to personal non-IRA accounts only. Fees may reduce earnings. For CD accounts, a penalty may be imposed for early withdrawals. After maturity, if your CD rolls over, you will earn the offered rate of interest in effect at that time. Visit synchrony.com/banking for current rates, terms and account requirements. Member FDIC.

0.25% to 4.15%

Rates and details as of 6/18/25.

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$0

Terms

3 Months to 5 Years

Learn More Arrow
On Synchrony Bank's Website
Member FDIC

Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is subject to change at any time without notice. Offer applies to personal non-IRA accounts only. Fees may reduce earnings. For CD accounts, a penalty may be imposed for early withdrawals. After maturity, if your CD rolls over, you will earn the offered rate of interest in effect at that time. Visit synchrony.com/banking for current rates, terms and account requirements. Member FDIC.

0.25% to 4.15%

Rates and details as of 6/18/25.

$0

3 Months to 5 Years

Editor's Take

Synchrony Bank Certificates of Deposit’s three-year and five-year CDs ranked among the best overall CD rates thanks to their competitive APYs and lack of minimum deposit requirement.

Why We Like It

We like that three-year and five-year CDs from Synchrony Bank offer competitive yields of 4.00% APY and 4.15% APY, respectively, and require no minimum balance to open. We also like that interest on Synchrony Bank Certificates of Deposits is compounded daily.

What We Don’t Like

The early withdrawal penalty for Synchrony Bank Certificates of Deposits with terms of 48 months or more is 365 days’ interest.

Who It’s Best For

Synchrony Bank Certificates of Deposit‘s longer-term CDs are a good choice for savers who want to avoid minimum balance requirements and are comfortable locking their cash away for several years in return for a competitive APY.

See our full list of the best 3-year CD rates for other top picks.

Pros & Cons
  • Impressive APYs on most terms
  • No minimum deposit requirement
  • Bump-up CD option
  • Can withdraw interest at any time
  • Early withdrawal penalty ranges from 90 to 365 days of interest
Details

Interest on Synchrony Bank Certificates of Deposits is compounded daily and credited monthly. These CDs automatically renew upon maturity following a 10-day grace period. During the grace period, account holders can add or withdraw funds, change CD terms or close the account.

Synchrony Bank Certificates of Deposit Term APY
3 Months
0.25%
6 Months
3.70%
9 Months
3.90%
12 Months
4.00%
13 Months
3.90%
14 Months
4.00%
15 Months
4.15%
16 Months
3.90%
18 Months
3.80%
19 Months
4.15%
24 Months
3.50%
36 Months
4.00%
48 Months
3.50%
60 Months
4.15%
Rates & details as of 06/18/2025.

 

Best 3-Month CD

Digital Federal Credit Union Regular Certificates

Digital Federal Credit Union Regular Certificates
5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

3.25% to 4.00%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$500

Terms

3 months to 5 years

Digital Federal Credit Union Regular Certificates

3.25% to 4.00%

$500

3 months to 5 years

Editor's Take

DCU offers CD terms ranging from three to 60 months. We chose Digital Federal Credit Union Regular Certificates account as the best three-month CD because it offers a competitive APY and can be opened with a $500 deposit.

Why We Like It

We like that the three-month CD offers the highest yield from DCU Regular CDs—4.00% APY—and has a relatively low balance requirement.

What We Don’t Like

To join DCU, you must open a Primary Savings account with a minimum deposit requirement of $5. If you aren’t eligible to join based on family relations, company or community, you can become a member by joining one of DCU’s participating organizations. Membership starts at $10.

Who It’s Best For

This account is best for individuals seeking a short-term, risk-free savings option, and those who prefer to bank with a credit union. Since branch access is limited, it’s also a good choice for individuals who are comfortable banking online.

See our full list of the best 3-month CD rates for other top picks.

Pros & Cons
  • Competitive CD rates across all terms
  • Can withdraw dividends at any time
  • Relatively low opening deposit
  • Membership open to anyone
  • Some membership options require a one-time fee to a charity
  • Short grace period
Details

There are several ways to qualify for a DCU membership. If you’re not eligible for a DCU membership by community or company, you can join by becoming a member of one of its partner charities, like Reach Out for Schools ($10 membership).

Credit union certificates earn dividends rather than interest. At DCU, dividends compound daily and are credited monthly. Early withdrawal penalties are equal to 60 days to 180 days of dividends, depending on the term. You have a five-day grace period after maturity to withdraw funds or adjust your CD’s term before it renews.

Digital Federal Credit Union Quickstart Certificates Term APY
3 to 5 Months
4.00%
6 to 11 Months
3.75%
12 to 23 Months
3.50%
24 to 35 Months
3.25%
36 to 47 Months
3.25%
48 to 59 Months
3.25%
60 Months
3.25%

Best 9-Month CD

Consumers Credit Union Certificate Account

5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

0.50% to 4.25%

Rates and details as of 4/8/25.

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$250

Terms

91 Days to 5 Years

Learn More Arrow
Read Our Review

0.50% to 4.25%

Rates and details as of 4/8/25.

$250

91 Days to 5 Years

Editor's Take

We selected Consumers Credit Union Certificate Account as the top choice for best nine-month CDs because it offers a competitive rate of 4.25% APY with a reasonable minimum balance requirement.

Why We Like It

We like that this account offers a yield of 4.25% APY and can be opened with a low minimum deposit requirement of $250.

What We Don’t Like

While Consumers Credit Union Certificate Account offers a wide variety of CD accounts ranging from 91 days to five years, including jumbo CDs, most rates are low.

Who It’s Best For

This is a good option for both new and established savers who want a guaranteed rate of return on their savings but don’t want to commit to a longer-term CD.

Consumers Credit Union Certificate Account is primarily an online credit union, offering only a handful of branch locations throughout Illinois. For this reason, this account is best suited for individuals who are comfortable with online banking.

See our full list of the best 9-month CD rates for other top picks.

Pros & Cons
  • Competitive promotional rates
  • Wide range of term lengths
  • Low minimum deposit requirement
  • Interest compounds daily
  • Nonpromotional rates are not competitive
  • Membership is required
Details

Consumers Credit Union Certificate Account offers 11 standard certificate terms, ranging from 91 days to five years. In order to open a Consumers certificate, you must be a member of the credit union. This requires a one-time $5 donation that Consumers will reimburse.

Consumers Credit Union Certificate Account Term APY
91 Day
0.50%
6 Months
0.65%
9 Months
4.25%
1 Year
0.90%
17 Months
4.00%
18 Months
0.99%
2 Years
1.00%
30 Months
1.19%
3 Years
1.30%
4 Years
1.35%
5 Years
1.50%
Rates & details as of 04/08/2025.

Best 4-Year CD

Langley Federal Credit Union Certificate of Deposit

Langley Federal Credit Union Certificate of Deposit
5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

1.00% to 4.25%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$500

Terms

3 months to 5 years

Langley Federal Credit Union Certificate of Deposit

1.00% to 4.25%

$500

3 months to 5 years

Editor's Take

Langley Federal Credit Union Certificate of Deposit topped our list of the best four-year CDs.The account earns a competitive APY and can be opened with just $500. To join Langley, all you need is a Social Security number, proof of name, address and birthday and a reasonable minimum deposit.

Why We Like It

We like that this account earns a competitive yield of 3.75% APY and can be opened with a relatively low minimum deposit requirement. There’s no maximum deposit limit, and funds are insured up to $250,000 by the NCUA.

What We Don’t Like

We don’t like that to become a member, you must open a Langley Savings account and deposit at least $5. Also, while many of Langley Federal Credit Union Certificate of Deposit rates are competitive, they’re still slightly lower than some other accounts on this list.

For CD terms of 12 months or longer, the penalty is 180 days’ dividends if you withdraw funds from your account before it matures.

Who It’s Best For

This account is best for current Langley members or those willing to join and open a Langley Savings account before opening a CD. Opening a four-year CD can be a great way to lock in high rates, as long as you’re comfortable not accessing your cash for several years. Four-year CDs can also be used as part of a CD ladder.

See our full list of the best 4-year CD rates for other top picks.

Pros & Cons
  • Most terms have competitive APYs
  • Relatively low minimum deposit requirement
  • Wide range of CD terms
  • Other banks offer lower or no minimum balance requirements
  • Must open a savings account to become a member
  • Dividends compounded monthly
Details

Dividends on Langley Federal Credit Union Certificate of Deposits are compounded and credited to your account monthly. For accounts that automatically renew, you have a seven-day grace period after maturity to withdraw funds without penalty. Early penalty fees are 90 days’ dividends for terms of less than 12 months and 180 days’ dividends for terms of 12 months or longer.

To be eligible for membership, all you need is proof of name, address and date of birth, as well as a Social Security number. To join, you must open a Langley Savings account and deposit $5.

Langley Federal Credit Union Certificate of Deposit Term APY
3 Months
1.00%
6 Months
2.00%
10 Months
4.25%
1 Year
3.90%
18 Months
3.90%
2 Years
3.65%
30 Months
3.75%
3 Years
3.65%
4 Years
3.75%
5 Years
3.75%

Best 7- and 10-Year CDs

Credit Human Share Certificates

Credit Human Share Certificates
5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

3.41% to 4.31%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$500

Terms

3 months to 10 years

Credit Human Share Certificates

3.41% to 4.31%

$500

3 months to 10 years

Editor's Take

Credit Human Share Certificates offers an extensive lineup of CDs, and scored at the top of our list of both best seven- and 10-year CDs, which are less commonly available than other terms. Both CDs earn an APY of 4.01%.

Why We Like It

We like that Credit Human Share Certificates offers a solid lineup of CD accounts, all with fairly competitive rates. Both the seven and 10-year CDs earn a high rate of 4.01% APY.

What We Don’t Like

Becoming a member of Credit Human Share Certificates is easy, but we don’t like that you’re required to open a Share Savings account, which requires a minimum balance of $5.

Although not particularly high, Credit Human Share Certificates’s CD accounts have a minimum balance requirement of $500. Other accounts on our list have lower or no minimum balance requirements at all.

Who It’s Best For

These accounts are best suited for individuals seeking a longer-term, risk-free savings option, and who are not concerned about lack of liquidity.

See our full list of the best 7-year CD rates for other top picks.

Pros & Cons
  • Competitive APYs
  • Relatively low minimum deposit requirement
  • Wide range of CD terms
  • Other banks offer lower or no minimum balance requirements
  • Must open a savings account to become a member
Details

Dividends on Credit Human Share Certificates are compounded and credited to your account monthly. For accounts with terms of less than one year, you have a seven-day grace period upon your CD’s maturity during which you can withdraw from your CD. For terms of one year or greater, you have a grace period of 10 days.

The early withdrawal penalty is either $50 or the amount listed below, whichever is greater.

  • Three-month term: 90 days’ dividends
  • Six-month term: 180 days’ dividends
  • One-year term: 270 days’ dividends
  • Three-year term: 365 days’ dividends
  • Five-year term: 730 days’ dividends
  • Seven-10-year terms: 1,095 days’ dividends

To become a member, you must meet one of Credit Human Share Certificates’s location- or organization-based criteria. If those don’t apply to you, you can still become a member by enrolling in the American Consumer Council (ACC). Credit Human Share Certificates will handle your application and cover your initial fee to join. To become a member, you are required to open a Share Savings account and deposit $5.

Credit Human Share Certificates Term APY
3-5 Months
3.41%
6-11 Months
3.95%
12-17 Months
4.01%
18-23 Months
4.00%
24-35 Months
3.95%
36-59 Months
3.85%
60-83 Months
4.01%
84-119 Months
4.01%
120 Months
4.01%

Best 1-Month CD

Vanguard Brokered Certificates of Deposit

Vanguard Brokered Certificates of Deposit
5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's APYs, fees, minimums and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

4.15% to 4.50%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1,000

Terms

1 month to 10 years

Vanguard Brokered Certificates of Deposit

4.15% to 4.50%

$1,000

1 month to 10 years

Editor's Take

Vanguard Brokered Certificates of Deposit’s one-month CD ranked among the best overall CD rates. It earns an impressive yield of 4.45% APY, the highest on this list.

Why We Like It

We like that this CD earns a super competitive rate of 4.45% APY.

What We Don’t Like

While there’s no early withdrawal fee, you must sell your CD on the secondary market to access your money before the CD term ends, which means there’s a possibility you could sell for less than you paid.

The account also requires a minimum deposit of $1,000, which is higher than many other accounts on this list.

Who It’s Best For

This account is ideal for individuals who prefer brokered CDs.

See our full list of the best 1-month CD rates for other top picks.

Pros & Cons
  • Impressive APYs
  • Reasonable minimum deposit requirement
  • No early withdrawal penalties
  • No compounding interest
  • Need to sell on secondary market if you want your cash early
  • No physical branches
Details

Brokered CDs are different from CDs offered directly by banks in that you have to buy them through the secondary market. Instead of opening a CD account with a bank, you can buy a CD through a brokerage like Vanguard.

Vanguard Brokered Certificates of Deposits have some of the highest rates on the market, but they also come with a risk. If you want to access your money before the CD term ends, you’ll have to sell the CD. Depending on market conditions, the CD’s value could have decreased, meaning you may lose money.

Vanguard Brokered Certificates of Deposit Term APY
1 to 3 Months
4.45%
4 to 6 Months
4.30%
7 to 9 Months
4.35%
10 Months to 1 Year
4.25%
13 to 18 Months
4.20%
2 Years
4.20%
3 Years
4.25%
4 Years
4.30%
5 Years
4.45%
7 Years
4.15%
10+ Years
4.50%

Summary of the Best CD Rates of 2025

Best For
Best 1-Month CD
Annual Percentage Yield
4.45%
Minimum Deposit Requirement
$1,000
Terms
1 month to 10 years
Best For
Best 3-Month CD
Annual Percentage Yield
4.00%
Minimum Deposit Requirement
$500
Terms
3 months to 5 years
Best For
Best 6-Month CD
Annual Percentage Yield
4.15%
Minimum Deposit Requirement
$500
Terms
3 months to 5 years
Best For
Best 9-Month CD
Annual Percentage Yield
4.25%
Minimum Deposit Requirement
$250
Terms
91 Days to 5 Years
5.0
On Bankrate.com's Website
Best For
Best 1-Year CD
Annual Percentage Yield
4.00%
Minimum Deposit Requirement
$0
Terms
6 Months to 5 Years
5.0
On Synchrony Bank's Website Member FDIC
Best For
Best 3-Year CD
Annual Percentage Yield
4.00%
Minimum Deposit Requirement
$0
Terms
3 Months to 5 Years
Best For
Best 4-Year CD
Annual Percentage Yield
3.75%
Minimum Deposit Requirement
$500
Terms
3 months to 5 years
5.0
On Synchrony Bank's Website Member FDIC
Best For
Best 5-Year CD
Annual Percentage Yield
4.15%
Minimum Deposit Requirement
$0
Terms
3 Months to 5 Years
Best For
Best 7-Year CD
Annual Percentage Yield
4.01%
Minimum Deposit Requirement
$500
Terms
3 months to 10 years
Best For
Best 10-Year CD
Annual Percentage Yield
4.01%
Minimum Deposit Requirement
$500
Terms
3 months to 10 years

Recent News on CD Rates

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 4.25% to 4.50% during its June 18 policy meeting, sticking with its cautious stance as officials assess inflation trends, labor market strength and the potential economic impact of shifting trade policies.

For savers, the Fed’s pause offers a potential advantage. While the national average savings rate remains low, at just 0.38%, according to the FDIC, many CDs continue to pay more than 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY).

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, now may be a smart time to act. Futures markets suggest policymakers will stay the course through the summer, keeping rates steady.


Highest CD Rates Today

The highest CD rates today reach 4.94% APY, but the key is to find the best CD rate that matches a term that fits your financial needs. Also keep in mind that banks change yields all the time, depending on market conditions. As the Federal Reserve brings down borrowing rates, for instance, expect CD yields to fall.

Highest CD Rates from Banks, Credit Unions and Fintechs


Best Bank CD Rates

While shopping for CDs, you’ll find that online banks typically offer the highest rates. This is because online banks lack the overhead costs associated with maintaining physical branches, and offering high rates is an effective way for banks to compete for customers and deposits.

If APY isn’t your top priority, and you’d rather sacrifice a higher rate to be able to bank with a well-established institution with a physical presence, consider the following:


CD Rates by State

Opening a CD from a local bank or credit union in your state is worth considering, as they sometimes offer competitive rates. Here are some of the best CD rates currently available per state.


How To Choose a CD

You should consider several factors before opening a CD. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

  • Term Length: One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make before choosing a CD is what term length to opt for. You’ll need to be comfortable with your cash being tied up for the entire term you choose, which can range anywhere from one month to 10 years. You may also want to consider interest rates when choosing a term length. If rates are expected to drop, consider locking in a high rate with a longer-term CD. But if rates are expected to rise, you may opt for a shorter-term CD so you don’t miss out on the higher rate later.
  • APY: APY is also important to consider when opening a CD. The higher the APY, the more you’ll earn over time. Online banks and credit unions typically offer CDs with higher APYs than traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.
  • Minimum Deposit Requirement: This is the minimum amount you’ll need to deposit to open a CD. Some CDs have no minimum deposit requirement, but others require initial deposits of several thousand dollars.
  • Compounding Schedule: Some CDs compound interest daily, while others compound monthly. The more frequently your CD’s interest is compounded, the more you can earn.
  • Early Withdrawal Penalty: If you withdraw funds from your CD before it matures, you’ll be charged an early withdrawal penalty, which varies between institutions. These penalties can be hefty, offsetting much of the interest you may have earned.
  • Safety: Ensure your CD is federally insured by the FDIC or NCUA. The FDIC insures up to $250,000 per depositor, bank, and ownership category. The NCUA insures individual accounts at credit unions for up to $250,000. All CDs on our list are either FDIC- or NCUA-insured.

When To Consider a CD

Overall, CDs can be great savings vehicles depending on your financial goals. The following are reasons you should consider opening a CD:

  • Competitive Interest: CDs earn higher-than-average APYs on deposits, helping you maximize your savings over time. If you’re OK with not accessing your funds until the CD matures, locking in a competitive rate can pay off.
  • Guaranteed Returns: Because interest rates on CDs are fixed, you’ll know exactly how much interest you’ll earn over the life of the CD. This predictability can help you better manage your savings and meet your financial goals.
  • Safety: CDs from reputable banks and credit unions are FDIC- or NCUA-insured for up to $250,000.

Because the Federal Reserve is expected to cut the federal funds rate in the second half of 2025, now’s a good time to open a CD to lock in high rates before they fall.

When Not To Consider a CD

Sometimes a CD isn’t a suitable option for your savings goals. Here’s why you may not want to invest in a CD.

  • Limited Access to Funds: When you open a CD, you agree to lock away your cash for a specified period of time in exchange for a higher APY. If you withdraw funds from your CD before it matures, you’ll be charged an early withdrawal penalty, which can offset part of the interest you’ve earned. If you’re looking for a savings vehicle that lets you access your cash more frequently, a high-yield savings account might be a better choice.
  • Future Rate Increases: You might be better off waiting to open a CD if you expect savings rates to rise. If rates increase after you’ve opened an account and locked in an APY, you’ll miss out on potential earnings.
  • Inflation: High inflation can cause CDs to lose their purchasing power over time.

How Much Does a $10,000 CD Earn In a Year?

How much your CD earns in one year depends on your account’s APY, term length and compounding schedule. For example, a $10,000 CD with a 4.00% APY compounded monthly would earn $400 in interest after a year. A three-year CD with the same rate and deposit would earn around $1,250. If your CD had an APY of 4.50%, you’d make even more: $450 after one year and about $1,400 after three years.

Use our CD calculator to determine how much you’d earn with a CD, depending on term length, APY and initial deposit.


Opening Multiple CD Accounts

Opening multiple CDs at once can be an effective way to grow your savings. Known as CD laddering, this strategy involves opening multiple CD accounts with varying term lengths, so that when each CD matures, you’ll have access to a part of your savings.

For example, say you invest $10,000 evenly across five CDs with terms ranging from one year to five years and increasing in one-year increments. When each of these initial deposits matures, you’ll reinvest it into a longer-term CD.

So when your one-year CD matures, you’ll reinvest that cash into a five-year CD. When your two-year CD matures, you’ll open another five-year CD, and so on, continuing the ladder. After five years, one of these five-year CDs will mature each year, giving you access to a portion of your cash.


Alternatives to Certificates of Deposit

If you’re looking for a savings account with a high interest rate and easy access to your funds, consider the following CD alternatives.

High-Yield Savings Accounts

Money Market Accounts


Methodology

To create this list, Forbes Advisor analyzed 458 CD and share certificate accounts across 148 financial institutions, including a mix of traditional brick-and-mortar banks, online banks and credit unions. For the star rating, we ranked each account on 11 data points within the categories of APY, minimums, compound interest schedule, customer experience, digital experience, available terms and overall availability. We also analyzed and ranked each account by individual term. The following is the weighting assigned to each category:

  • APY: 55%
  • Minimum deposit: 10%
  • Compound interest: 5%
  • Available terms: 5%
  • Availability: 5%
  • App Store rating: 3.75%
  • Google Play rating: 3.75%
  • Online banking: 2.50%
  • BBB grade: 3.75%
  • Trustpilot rating: 3.75%
  • Live chat: 2.50%

Banks We Monitor


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are CDs safe?

Yes. CDs from reputable banks and credit unions are FDIC- or NCUA-insured for up to $250,000.

What is a good CD rate?

Generally, good CD rates are at least twice as high as the average rate for that term. Some of the highest rates on CDs are currently over 4.00% APY.

Do CD accounts have fees?

CDs do not charge monthly maintenance fees like savings accounts often do. However, if you withdraw funds before your CD has matured, you will have to pay an early withdrawal penalty.

Why are CD rates so low?

CD rates are lower in 2025 than in previous years due to the Federal Reserve’s decision to stop increasing interest rates. However, rates are still relatively high, letting you earn a respectable amount of interest.

Are CDs taxable?

Yes, interest of $10 or more earned on a CD is considered taxable income by the IRS.


Next Up In CDs


Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
Erin Bendig
Staff Writer

Erin Bendig has extensive experience in various areas of personal finance. She previously worked as a staff writer for Kiplinger.com, focusing primarily on savings accounts and banking. In addition, she has freelanced for Bankrate, covering topics related to credit cards. Erin combines her personal experiences with thorough research and is committed to sharing valuable personal finance advice with others.

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