Best CD Rates for May 2024: Up to 5.51% (2024)

Table of Contents
In the News Compare the Best CD Rates Rankings by Term Why You Can Trust Our Expert Recommendations for the Best CD Rates TotalDirectBank – 5.51% APY (3 months & 6 months) & 5.35% APY (12 months) My Banking Direct – 5.50% APY (5 months) INOVA Federal Credit Union – 5.50% APY (6 months) & 5.40% APY (8 months) DR Bank – 5.50% APY (6 months) & 5.35% APY (9 months) Vibrant Credit Union – 5.50% APY* (9 months) NASA Federal Credit Union – 5.50% APY (9 months) & 5.40% APY (15 months) MutualOne Bank – 5.40% APY* (6 months) NexBank — 5.40% APY (12 months) & 5.35% APY (12 months) CIBC Agility – 5.36% APY (12 or 13 months) Mills42 Federal Credit Union – 5.35% APY* (6 months) Rising Bank – 5.35% APY (6 months) Newtek Bank – 5.35% APY (6 months) Merrick Bank – 5.35% APY (6 months) Limelight Bank – 5.35% APY Should You Buy a CD Now or Wait? What Is a CD Rate? Tip How Does a CD Work? Why You Might Not Recognize the Banks and Credit Unions in Our CD Rankings How Much Does $10,000 Earn in a CD in One Year? Fast Fact Who Should Get a CD? Types of CDs Note Pros and Cons of CDs Pros Cons How to Choose the Best CD for You Christine DiGangi, Investopedia Product Reviews Team What Happens if I Withdraw From a CD Early? What You Need to Open a CD How to Build a CD Ladder How Are CDs Taxed? CDs vs. Inflation Alternatives to CDs CDs vs. Traditional Savings Accounts CDs vs. High-Yield Savings Accounts CDs vs. Money Market Accounts Note CDs vs. Bonds CDs vs. Brokerage Accounts Note CDs vs. Annuities CDs vs. Treasury Bills Frequently Asked Questions Who Has the Highest CD Rate Right Now? Are CDs Safe? How Have CD Rates Changed Over Time? Why Are Interest Rates So High Right Now? Are There Fees Associated With CDs? How Long Can You Have Money in a CD? Is It Worth Putting Money in a CD Right Now? What Is Considered a Jumbo CD? Financial Institutions We Reviewed How We Find the Best CD Rates Your Guide to CDs FAQs

The best CD rates right now range from 5.35% to 5.51%. The top CD rate is from nationally available from TotalDirectBank for either 3 months or 6 months. That's more than three times the FDIC's national average rates of 1.53% on a 3-month term and 1.79% on a 6-month term and is one of 15 or more top-ranked offers you can find in our best CD rankings below.

Certificates of deposit (CDs) are fixed-interest accounts where you can deposit your money and then withdraw it later. While your money is in the CD, you can't touch it (unless you really need it). Once the term is up—usually a certain number of months or years—you get your money back plus interest. Depending on how much money you deposited, your interest earned could be a few hundred or a few thousand dollars. And since the interest is guaranteed, CDs are a safe investment that appeals to people in various financial situations.

Since 2019, we've been tracking the CD rates of more than 200 nationally available banks and credit unions every weekday, putting the results in our daily ranking of the highest CD yields across every major term. Though we focus on the highest returns available, we also provide you with details on each CD's exact term, the minimum required deposit, and its early withdrawal penalty policy.

Below are the top CD rates available from our partners, followed by the best CD rates that we've found from our research that are available to U.S. customers everywhere.

In the News

The Fed held rates steady for a sixth consecutive time at its meeting ending on May 1. The 5.25% to 5.50% range is the highest it has been since 2001, and Fed officials noted in a statement that there has been a lack of recent progress toward the committee's goal of lowering inflation. Consumer prices rose 3.5% over the year in March. Officials don't foresee reducing the target range until they are confident inflation is moving toward 2%.

CD yields closely follow the fed funds rate. Back in October, CD rates reached peaks not seen in more than 20 years. But now, the Fed’s holding pattern has caused CD rates to plateau. Once it appears the Fed is ready to make a rate cut, rates on new CDs will fall.

Compare the Best CD Rates

Ranked below are the top 15 or more APYs on nationally available CDs with minimum deposits of no more than $25,000. In the case of ties, we rank them first by the shortest available term, then by the lowest minimum deposit, and finally by the smallest early withdrawal penalty. If there's still a tie, we sort alphabetically by institution name.

InstitutionRate (APY)TermMinimum DepositEarly Withdrawal Penalty
TotalDirectBank5.51%3 months & 6 months$25,0001 month of interest
My Banking Direct5.50%5 months$2,5001 month of interest
INOVA Federal Credit Union5.50%6 months$2003 months of interest
DR Bank5.50%6 months$5006 months of interest
Vibrant Credit Union5.50%9 months$5All earned interest
NASA Federal Credit Union5.50%9 months$10,000All earned interest up to 6 months
MutualOne Bank5.40%6 months$5003 months of interest
NexBank5.40%12 months$25,0006 months of interest
NASA Federal Credit Union5.40%15 months$10,000All earned interest up to 6 months
INOVA Federal Credit Union5.40%8 months$2003 months of interest
CIBC Agility5.36%12 months & 13 months$1,0001 month of interest
Mills42 Federal Credit Union5.35%6 months$5003 months of interest
Rising Bank5.35%6 months$1,0003 months of interest
Newtek Bank5.35%6 months$2,5003 months of interest
Merrick Bank5.35%6 months$25,0003 months of interest
DR Bank5.35%9 months$5006 months of interest
Limelight Bank5.35%12 months$1,0003 months of interest
NexBank5.35%12 months$10,0006 months of interest
TotalDirectBank5.35%12 months$25,0003 months of interest

Rankings by Term

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Recommendations for the Best CD Rates

Investopedia collects thousands of CD rates from hundreds of banks and credit unions every weekday. When ranking CD rates, we look at factors like term, early withdrawal penalty, and minimum opening deposit. We also research banks and credit unions to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right decisions for their needs. Investopedia launched in 1999 and has been helping readers find the best CD rates since 2019.

The CDs we recommend must be available nationwide and these certificates typically pay three to five times as much as the national average—or even more. To be eligible for our rankings, each CD's minimum opening deposit requirement cannot exceed $25,000 and must be offered by an FDIC-insured bank or NCUA-insured credit union (which covers up to $250,000 per depositor).

TotalDirectBank – 5.51% APY (3 months & 6 months) & 5.35% APY (12 months)

  • Minimum deposit: $25,000
  • Early withdrawal penalty: 1 month of interest for 3-month and 6-month terms; 3 months of interest for 12-month term
  • Overview: TotalDirectBank is an online-only operation of City National Bank of Florida, established in Miami in 1946.

Pros

  • Three term options with APYs of at least 5.35%

Cons

  • High minimum deposit requirement

My Banking Direct – 5.50% APY (5 months)

  • Minimum deposit: $2,500
  • Early withdrawal penalty:1 month of interest
  • Overview: My Banking Direct is an internet-only division of Flagstar Bank and part of New York Community Bancorp, founded in 1859 and headquartered in Hicksville, New York.

Pros

  • Backed by Flagstar Bank, which dates back to 1859

  • Offers checking and savings accounts in addition to CDs

Cons

  • No physical branches

INOVA Federal Credit Union – 5.50% APY (6 months) & 5.40% APY (8 months)

  • Minimum deposit: $200
  • Early withdrawal penalty:3 months of interest
  • Overview: Anyone can join INOVA with a $5 donation to the nonprofit Tru Direction or Elkhart River Restoration. INOVA was established in 1942 to serve employees of Miles Laboratory in Elkhart, Indiana.

Pros

  • Among the lowest minimum deposit requirements in out rankings

Cons

  • Fewer than 10 physical locations—all but one in Northwest Indiana

DR Bank – 5.50% APY (6 months) & 5.35% APY (9 months)

  • Minimum deposit: $500
  • Early withdrawal penalty:6 months of interest
  • Overview: DR Bank was founded in 2006 in Connecticut, where it still operates two branches. Accounts are available nationally through digital banking.

Pros

  • Low minimum deposit requirement

Cons

  • Only two physical branches, both in Connecticut

Vibrant Credit Union – 5.50% APY* (9 months)

  • Term (months):9
  • Minimum deposit: $5
  • Early withdrawal penalty:All earned interest
  • Overview: Anyone can join Vibrant Credit Union through membership in the Illinois Consumer Council and by maintaining a balance of $5 in a savings account. Headquartered in Moline, Illinois, Vibrant dates back to 1935.

*Account must be funded with new money to the bank.

Pros

  • Lowest minimum deposit requirement among rate leaders

Cons

  • Rate good only on deposits made with money that has not been on deposit at Vibrant for more than seven days

NASA Federal Credit Union – 5.50% APY (9 months) & 5.40% APY (15 months)

  • Early-withdrawal penalty: All earned interest up to 6 months
  • Minimum deposit: $10,000
  • Overview: Anyone can join NASA FCU by signing up for a free membership in the National Space Society and holding $5 or more in a savings account. NASA FCU was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Maryland.

Pros

  • Easy path to membership

Cons

  • Physical branches only in Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas

MutualOne Bank – 5.40% APY* (6 months)

  • Early-withdrawal penalty: 3 months of interest
  • Minimum opening deposit: $500
  • Overview: Dating back to 1889, MutualOne is a brick-and-mortar Massachusetts bank that offers some of its banking products online.

*Account must be funded with new money to the bank.

NexBank — 5.40% APY (12 months) & 5.35% APY (12 months)

  • Minimum deposit: $25,000 for 5.40% APY; $10,000 for 5.35% APY
  • Early withdrawal penalty:6 months of interest
  • Overview: Chartered in 1922, NexBank operates three branches in Dallas and serves customers nationwide with online banking.

Pros

  • Full banking services available online

Cons

  • High minimum deposit requirements

CIBC Agility – 5.36% APY (12 or 13 months)

  • Minimum deposit: $1,000
  • Early withdrawal penalty:1 month of interest
  • Overview: Headquartered in Toronto, CIBC's U.S. operations were established in 1991. CIBC Agility is the bank's online banking arm.

Pros

  • Low minimum deposit requirement

  • Two term options for the same rate

Cons

  • Agility does not offer full banking services

Mills42 Federal Credit Union – 5.35% APY* (6 months)

  • Minimum deposit: $500
  • Early withdrawal penalty: 3 months of interest
  • Overview: Chartered in 1958, Mills42 takes its name from the 42nd latitude line running through Lowell, Massachusetts, the credit union’s headquarters. Anyone nationwide is eligible for membership by first joining either Mothers Against Drunk Driving or the Tewksbury Historical Society.

*Quoted rate requires signing up for electronic statements. Otherwise, the APY is 0.25% lower.

Pros

  • Low minimum deposit requirement

  • Easy path to membership

Cons

  • Lowest rate requires electronic statements

Rising Bank – 5.35% APY (6 months)

  • Minimum deposit: $1,000
  • Early withdrawal penalty: 3 months of interest
  • Overview: Rising Bank is an Internet-only division of Midwest BankCentre of St. Louis, Mo., established 1906.

Pros

  • Low minimum deposit requirement

Cons

  • No physical branches

Newtek Bank – 5.35% APY (6 months)

  • Early-withdrawal penalty: 3 months of interest
  • Minimum deposit: $2,500
  • Overview: Newtek Bank is a subsidiary of Newtek One (NASDAQ: NEWT), a financial company that dates back to 2000. Newtek Bank is headquartered in Miami.

Pros

  • Offers multiple terms with APYs of 5.00% or better

Cons

  • No physical branches

Merrick Bank – 5.35% APY (6 months)

  • Term (months):
  • Minimum deposit: $25,000
  • Early withdrawal penalty: 3 months of interest
  • Overview: Primarily a credit card issuer and consumer finance provider, Merrick Bank offers online-only certificates of deposit.

Pros

  • Offers credit cards and recreation loans in addition to CDs

Cons

  • $25,000 required to open a CD

Limelight Bank – 5.35% APY

  • Term (months):12
  • Minimum deposit: $1,000
  • Early withdrawal penalty: 3 months of interest
  • Overview: Limelight is an internet-only division of Capital Community Bank, which was established in 1993 and operates five branches in Utah.

Pros

  • Only $1,000 required to open a CD

Cons

  • No physical branches

Should You Buy a CD Now or Wait?

Right now, the best CD rates range from 4.00% to over 5.50% APY, which is much higher than what CD rates were just two years ago. Buying a CD now is a good idea since you'll be able to earn a higher interest rate than you might be able to earn in a year from now. Right now, you're guaranteed a high interest rate, even if the Fed decides to lower rates during the term of your CD. Waiting to buy a CD could mean that you earn a lower interest rate on a CD and lose out on higher guaranteed earnings. So if you are debating whether to buy a CD or not, don't wait.

What Is a CD Rate?

A CD rate is an interest rate that shows what a bank or credit union will pay you for depositing your money with them for a certain time in a certificate of deposit (CD). For example, if the rate is 5.50% for a 1-year CD, the bank or credit union will pay you 5.50% in interest on your money for keeping it in the account, untouched, for 12 months. If you deposit $1,000 in that account and keep it there for 12 months, you will earn $55 at the end of the term.

Tip

The interest rate and the APY offered on a CD may be slightly different. An interest rate is the raw rate you earn on your money, while the annual percentage yield (APY) is the full amount of interest earned after compounding at the end of one year. APY is almost always slightly higher than the interest rate. For example, an interest rate on a 3-month CD could be 5.023% while the APY on that same CD is 5.15%.

How Does a CD Work?

A certificate of deposit (CD) is similar to a bank deposit account. The difference is what you're agreeing to when you sign on the dotted line (even if that signature is now digital).

A CD works by locking your deposit up for a set time. When time is up, the CD pays you the set interest rate you agreed to when you opened it. A CD locks you into four specific things:

  • The interest rate: Most CDs pay a fixed interest rate. The bank cannot later change the rate and therefore reduce your earnings. On the flip side, a fixed interest rate may hurt you if rates later rise and you've lost your opportunity to take advantage of higher-paying CDs.
  • The term: This is the length of time you agree to leave your money deposited to avoid any penalty (such as six months or 1 year, etc.) The term ends on the "maturity date," when you can withdraw your money penalty-free.
  • The principal: Except for some specialty CDs that allow add-on deposits, this is the amount you agree to deposit into the CD, at the time of opening.
  • The institution: The bank or credit union where you open your CD will determine aspects of the agreement, such as early withdrawal penalties and whether your CD will be automatically reinvested if you don’t provide other instructions at the time of maturity. Credit unions may also require you to open a high-yield savings account or money market account before you open a CD.

Once your CD is established and funded, the bank or credit union will set the terms and conditions like with most other deposit accounts. You'll get either monthly or quarterly statement periods, paper or electronic statements, and usually monthly or quarterly interest payments deposited to your CD balance, where the interest will compound. The money you put into a CD is insured like other deposit accounts—up to $250,000 per customer, per institution.

Why You Might Not Recognize the Banks and Credit Unions in Our CD Rankings

You typically won't see big names like Chase, American Express, or Bank of America in our rankings of the best CD rates. We do research their rates, but they don't make our list simply because they don't pay enough. Extremely large banks typically don't need to attract customers and deposits in the way that smaller institutions do, so they don't need to use rates as a way to win business. In fact, some of the biggest banks pay interest rates very close to zero, but it depends and can change from month to month. Our best CD rates are based on careful research, and we update this article every day to give you the best CD rates available nationwide.

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

If you invest $10,000 in a CD for one year, you could earn $540—that's based on the best 1-year CD rate offered right now (5.40% APY). CD rates can change, so locking in a high interest rate today could guarantee you the maximum earnings, especially if CD rates drop by next year.

There are a few scenarios you may encounter or need to decide between when it comes to investing $10,000 in a CD. It'll depend on the rate and CD term you choose. Here are a few scenarios:

Deposit AmountAPYTermEarnings
$10,0005.00%3 months$98.53
$10,0005.00%1 year$500
$10,0005.00%3 years$1,248.64

Fast Fact

When asked in late April what they would invest in if they had an extra $10,000,12% of Investopedia readerssaid they would open a CD. Back in December and January, 11% and 9% of readers (respectively) said they’d invest extra funds in CDs, with that share dipping even further to 8% in March. While CDs sit below individual stocks as the top response (at 19%), CDs are always a good option for those looking for safer investments.

Who Should Get a CD?

If you're looking to save money for a certain amount of time and you want to make sure you don't touch it until you need it, then you should get a CD. If you're risk-averse and don't want to invest money in the stock market because there's no guarantee you'll see a return, then you should consider a CD. CDs offer a fixed rate of return that guarantees you earnings when the term is over. And right now, CD rates are high—over 4% and 5% in many cases—so you can earn a decent amount on your deposit.

Types of CDs

  • Regular CDs: A regular CD is a CD with a fixed interest rate for a set period. Brick-and-mortar traditional banks, as well as online institutions and credit unions, offer these kinds of CDs. They may also be called traditional CDs.
  • Variable-rate CDs: A variable-rate CD is one where the interest rate can change based on theprime rate, theConsumer Price Index (CPI),Treasury bills, or amarket index. The entire term for a variable-rate CD is still fixed, though, and does not change. These are sometimes called "flex" CDs.
  • Jumbo CDs: A jumbo CD is a CD that requires a larger opening deposit, such as $50,000 or $100,000.
  • No-penalty CDs: A no-penalty CD is exactly what it sounds like—you do not pay a fee for withdrawing your money early.
  • Brokered CDs: A brokered CD is one that an investor can buy through a brokerage firm or from a sales representative other than a bank or credit union.
  • Step-up CDs: A step-up CD allows you to increase your interest rate when you can. Your rate is not fixed for the entire term; you can capitalize on higher interest rates with a step-up CD. A step-up CD may also be called a bump-up CD.
  • Promotional-rate CDs: This CD offers a promotional rate that may be higher than a regular CD rate and is only offered for a certain time period. You may be able to lock in a high rate by opening this kind of CD within a promotional period, like 30 days or before the end of the month.

Note

Online banks or credit unions tend to offer high CD rates because of the lower overhead costs. If you're worried about opening an online bank account, just do your research to ensure the institution comes with FDIC or NCUA insurance. It may also be an online arm of a larger, brick-and-mortar institution, which could give you peace of mind. Big banks like Bank of America, Chase, Capital One, Wells Fargo, American Express, and more offer CDs too, but they may not pay the highest CD rates. It's important to shop around and consider all financial institutions before choosing a CD.

Pros and Cons of CDs

Pros

  • Guaranteed yield for the CD's full term: Most CDs are a fixed-rate product, so you're guaranteed to earn the rate you lock in until the CD's maturity date, no matter what the Federal Reserve does with the fed funds rate in the future.
  • Higher interest rates than liquid accounts: Banks generally offer higher rates on CDs than on savings and money market accounts, in exchange for you keeping the money in the account and not touching it until you're allowed to withdraw it.
  • Fully predictable earnings and withdrawal date: Because you know the CD's rate and term, you can calculate exactly how much you'll earn and when you can withdraw the funds without penalty.
  • Extremely safe, with almost no bank or market risk: When you open a CD at an FDIC bank or an NCUA credit union, up to $250,000 in deposits are federally protected against the institution's failure. You're also safe from the market volatility—and potential loss in value—that can occur with stock and bond investments.
  • Can deter spending temptations: Withdrawing funds before your CD matures causes you to pay an early withdrawal penalty, which can help keep you from giving in to temptations to dip into your savings for an unplanned purchase. This means a CD could be good for building your emergency fund.

Cons

  • Early withdrawal of the funds incurs a penalty: If you do need to withdraw your CD funds before maturity, the bank or credit union will impose an early withdrawal penalty. Typically, it's calculated as a certain number of months of forfeited interest earnings.
  • You can’t add to your deposit: With the rare exception of add-on CDs, you can only deposit funds into the certificate at the time of initial deposit. This means you miss out on compound interest since you're not able to grow the account and apply the interest rate to your new balance every month like with a savings account.
  • If CD rates rise, you may miss out on a higher yield: If you lock in your CD rate, but rates increase shortly after, you may wish you'd waited to score a higher return.
  • If CD rates drop, you may wish you’d chosen a longer CD: Though you'll still be well-served by any CD yield you have locked in before interest rates drop, you may wish you'd locked in a longer-term CD to extend that competitive yield for a longer period.
  • Typically return less than stocks over long periods: Though stock investments involve more risk and less predictability, they may offer greater returns over long periods.

How to Choose the Best CD for You

When choosing a CD, consider the following factors:

  • Your financial goals: Both short-term goals and long-term goals are important.
  • How much money you have to deposit: CDs have minimums, so if you only have $500 to deposit, you'll need to find a CD with that minimum balance requirement.
  • How long you can leave that money in the CD without touching it: This will help you determine the right term—whether that's a one-year CD or a three-year CD.
  • Interest rates offered for your term and minimum deposit: The higher the rate, the more you will earn on your deposit during the CD term.
  • CD type: Is it a bump-up CD or a regular CD? This will ensure you're choosing one that meets your needs and goals.

Once you choose a CD, open the account, and deposit your money to start earning interest.

Christine DiGangi, Investopedia Product Reviews Team

I had two short-term savings goals, so I looked for a 6-month and a 1-year CD with a high APY that I could ladder. I checked out a few of the options on our list and decided to go with CIT Bank and Bread Savings, because applying for the CDs online was really easy, and they offered mobile apps—I’m one of those people who checks their financial accounts frequently, if not daily. I’d keep accounts with both of them (assuming the rates are good when the two terms end).

What Happens if I Withdraw From a CD Early?

If you withdraw money early from a CD, you'll likely have to pay an early withdrawal penalty. This is usually a certain number of months' worth of interest that you earned in the CD thus far. For example, if you had deposited $10,000 in a 12-month CD with a rate of 5.00%, and withdrew it early, you might have to pay three months' worth of the interest you had earned. So instead of cashing out $500 at the end of the CD term, you'd walk away with less interest earned, the exact amount depending on how early you withdrew the money.

Now, not all CDs have early withdrawal penalties. Some no-penalty CDs are available and have more flexibility, However, they may also come with lower interest rates.

What You Need to Open a CD

To open a CD, you'll need some personal information including, but not limited to:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone number

For example, you may need to provide a copy of your license or ID if you don't have an account with that institution already.

When you have that info handy, fill out the application for your CD account:

  1. State how you'll fund the CD, whether via an electronic transfer or another method.
  2. Fund the CD.
  3. State how you want to receive the interest, all at the end or in monthly installments (if required).

Once you've done all that, you should officially have a CD in your name, though check with the institution to ensure you've taken all the right steps.

How to Build a CD Ladder

Smart CD investors have a specific tactic for hedging against rate changes over time and maximizing their return. It's called aCD ladderand it enables you to access the higher rates typically offered on 5-year CDs, but with the twist that a portion of your money becomes available every year, rather than every five years. Here's how to do it.

  1. Take the amount of money you want to invest in CDs and divide it by five.
  2. Put one-fifth of the funds into a top-earning 1-year CD, another fifth into a top 2-year CD, another into a 3-year CD, and so forth through a 5-year CD. Let’s say you have $25,000 available. That would give you five CDs of varying lengths, each with a value of $5,000.
  3. When the first CD matures in a year, you take the resulting funds and open a top-rate 5-year CD.
  4. One year later, your initial 2-year CD will mature, and you'll invest those funds into another 5-year CD.
  5. Continue doing this every year with whichever CD is maturing until you end up with a portfolio of five CDs all earning 5-year APYs, but with one of them maturing every 12 months, keeping your money a bit more accessible than if all of it were locked up for a full five years.

How Are CDs Taxed?

Just like how the interest you earn on any money you have in savings, money market, and checking accounts is taxable as interest income at both the state and federal levels, the interest you earn on your money in a CD is too.

Your CD earnings will be reported to the IRS in the year they were earned and posted to your account, so that's when they're taxable—even though you may not withdraw the funds for one or more years into the future.

For example, if you have $1,000 in a 1-year CD with a 5.00% interest rate, you'll earn $50 in interest. You owe taxes on that $50, but not on the $1,000 principal you deposited at the start of the term.

If you decide to add a CD to your IRA, you may not have to pay taxes until you're ready to withdraw in retirement. You can add CDs in both traditional and Roth IRAs. With a Roth IRA, you are not penalized for withdrawing money from the account if it's open for at least five years because it's funded with after-tax dollars. However, if you want to withdraw money from your Roth IRA CD before it matures, you will be hit with a CD early withdrawal penalty. If your CD matures in a traditional IRA before your retirement age, then you may not be able to withdraw that money without first paying taxes and fees.

CDs vs. Inflation

In April 2024, inflation was 3.4%, while the top rate offered across all CDs was around 5.50%. CD rates reached historic highs in 2023 as a result of the Fed's rate-hike policy to cool inflation, which had reached 9.1% in June 2022. CDs can help you combat inflation by paying you interest on your money, even though you may be paying more for goods and services. This will not always be the case, though. Interest rates are often increased to help combat high inflation. When inflation drops back to the standard 2% mark the Fed aims for each year, then interest rates may also drop back from their highs.

Alternatives to CDs

CDs vs. Traditional Savings Accounts

Traditional savings accounts tend to offer a low interest rate. Banks or credit unions with no high-yield savings account options may only offer traditional savings accounts that pay 0.01% to 0.10%. While the national average for savings rates is 0.47%, according to the FDIC, many banks pay much less. For example, Wells Fargo's Way2Save account pays 0.01% APY and Chase offers just 0.01% with its Chase Savings account. When interest rates are high, the top CD rate can be up to 600x the rate you may be earning on your money in a traditional savings account.

CDs vs. High-Yield Savings Accounts

If you just aren't sold on committing your funds for a certain amount of time, or simply can't afford to because you may need the money in the near term, a high-yield savings account may be a better option. You'll be free to withdraw and deposit funds as you like, though some institutions will limit how many withdrawals you can make each month. Some savings accounts may also require a minimum balance.

CDs vs. Money Market Accounts

If you're looking for other high-yield accounts, a money market account may serve your needs. Money market accounts offer the feature of allowing you to write checks on the account. They may also come with minimum deposit or balance requirements like savings accounts, and money market account rates can easily compete with savings account rates.

You can always find the top nationally available rates in our daily rankings of the best high-yield savings accounts and best money market account rates. Both accounts have deposit insurance through the FDIC or NCUA.

Note

Some money market accounts come with debit cards, but money market accounts tend to act more like savings accounts.

CDs vs. Bonds

If you're interested in venturing out of the bank and into the world of bonds, you have numerous options. You could put cash savings into U.S. government I bonds, which are designed to track or beat the inflation rate. Or you could invest in U.S. Treasuries, in which you lend money to the U.S. government for a fixed amount of time. The Treasury notes with durations of four weeks to one year are called T-Bills.

Another option is corporate and municipal bonds. Though it's difficult to research individual bonds on your own, you can easily invest in a bond mutual fund or bond exchange-traded fund which is diversified across a bundle of different bond issues. You can also enter and exit these funds at any time.

CDs vs. Brokerage Accounts

If you have a brokerage account, you can also hold savings in the brokerage’s cash reserve account or their money market fund (not to be confused with the money market accounts offered by banks). Just be sure to research what rate you’ll earn because in many cases, these brokerage cash accounts pay far less than what you can earn by keeping your money in an outside CD, savings account, or money market account.

Note

Some brokerages may also offer brokered CDs, another option if you're already investing with a broker and want to open a CD.

CDs vs. Annuities

An annuity is a type of fixed-income investment provided by financial institutions. You can buy an annuity and pay into it with monthly payments or a lump sum. Then, in the future, you receive fixed monthly payments. Annuities are insurance contracts that can guarantee income. While they are similar to a CD in that the income is guaranteed as long as you follow the rules of the contract, they are not as short-term as CDs may be. Annuities are most often used in retirement planning. CDs can also be used for retirement planning, but they are usually bought and held for terms of 6 months to 5 years, rather than an annuity which could be owned for 20 years, or something similar. There may also be different withdrawal rules and limits, as well as tax consequences with annuities.

CDs vs. Treasury Bills

Treasury bills are debt obligations backed by the U.S. government. They usually have maturities of one year or less. That timing is similar to CDs with shorter terms, but Treasury Bills may not offer the same level of return on the investment. Rates are comparable, ranging from 4.76% to 5.39% as of March 20, 2024, but they can fluctuate daily.

CD rates can also change daily. The thing with T-bills is that you buy them at a discount and when they mature, you receive the full amount back, plus a little more. For example, you might buy a $1,000 T-bill for $950. When the bill matures, you will get $1,000, or $50 more than what you paid for it. This increase of $50 is the interest you earn. CDs are a little less complicated, where you put in a set amount, and then receive a fixed interest rate when it matures.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who Has the Highest CD Rate Right Now?

    The highest-paying CD right now is from TotalDirectBank, which offers a rate of 5.51% APY on a 3-month or 6-month CD with a minimum deposit of $25,000. That could change, though, as interest rates fluctuate daily and institutions can offer CDs with high interest rates for as long or as short of a time as they want.

  • Are CDs Safe?

    CDs are safe because they are usually offered by banks or credit unions which are insured by the FDIC or NCUA. This means your money at a bank or credit union, across all of your accounts (CDs, savings, and checking, etc.) is insured for up to $250,000. CDs also come with virtually no risk since the interest rate is usually fixed; you'll know what to returns to expect before even opening the CD.

  • How Have CD Rates Changed Over Time?

    The top CD rates have changed over time, from around 1.35% in 2021, to over 5.50% by the start of 2024. This is because CD rates typically follow the trend of the fed funds rate. So when the fed funds rate is low, CD rates tend to be low. When the fed funds rate is high, CD rates tend to be high. To combat high inflation between 2021 and 2023, the Fed raised the fed funds rate. The Fed held rates steady and in March 2024, the best CD rates were between 4.60% and 5.55% APY.

  • Why Are Interest Rates So High Right Now?

    CD interest rates are high right now because they follow the fed funds rate, which is currently set at a target range of 5.25%-5.50%. The Fed has kept interest rates high to help combat high inflation. However, the progress toward lowering inflation with high interest rates has stalled. That means the Fed will need to keep the fed funds rate high until it feels confident that inflation is falling sustainably lower.

  • Are There Fees Associated With CDs?

    There are not usually fees associated with the CD that you want to open. However, you may be required to open a savings account at the institution before you can open the CD there. This could require a deposit of $5 or more. Additionally, some credit unions ask new members to make a charitable donation in order to sign up for an account, and this could cost up to $40.

  • How Long Can You Have Money in a CD?

    CD terms often range from 3 months to 10 years, so you can have your money in a CD for generally any length of time in between. Some CDs have terms of 8 or 9 months, others have 15-month terms, and there are 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year, 5-year, 6-year, 7-year, 8-year, and 10-year terms—though the longer terms may be offered by fewer banks or credit unions.

  • Is It Worth Putting Money in a CD Right Now?

    Putting money into a CD right now may be a smart move if you're looking to earn a high interest rate on money you don't need. CD rates are over 5.00% for many terms right now, and locking up your money for six, 12, or even 24 months could help you in the long run if CD rates decline in the next year or two.

  • What Is Considered a Jumbo CD?

    A CD with a minimum deposit requirement of $100,000 or more is usually considered a jumbo CD. While the required minimum deposit is higher than traditional CDs, the interest rates on jumbos are not always higher. That means you could earn a higher interest rate by depositing $100,000 in a traditional CD instead of a jumbo CD. Just shop around to learn which CD is best for your money and situation.

  • Financial Institutions We Reviewed

    We researched and reviewed more than 250 banks, credit unions, and financial institutions to find the best CD rates you see above on this list. While we write individual reviews for most, we do not always write reviews for those we would not recommend. Below are the banks, credit unions, and financial institutions we researched along with links to individual company reviews to help you learn more before making a decision:

    1st Source Bank, 5star Bank, ableBanking, Abound Credit Union, Achieva Credit Union, Affinity Federal Credit Union, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Air Force Federal Credit Union, Alabama Credit Union, Allegacy Federal Credit Union, Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, Amerant Bank, American 1 Credit Union, American Express, American Heritage Credit Union, Andrews Federal Credit Union, Apple Federal Credit Union, Banco do Brasil Americas, Banesco USA, Bank of Baroda, Bank5 Connect, Bank7, Texas Capital Bank, bankESB (Easthampton Savings Bank), BankUnitedDirect, Barclays, BBVA Bank, Bellco Credit Union, Blue Federal Credit Union, BMO, BMO Alto, BrioDirect, Cadets Federal Credit Union, California Coast Credit Union, Capital One, Capitol Federal Savings Bank, CD Bank, CFG Bank, Chase Bank, Chevron Federal Credit Union, CIBC (Agility Banking), CIT Bank, Citibank, Citizens Access, Citizens Trust Bank, Colorado Federal Savings Bank, Bread Savings, Communitywide Federal Credit Union, ConnectOne Bank, Connexus Credit Union, Consumers Credit Union, Corporate America Federal Credit Union (CAFCU), Credit Union of Denver, Credit Union of the Rockies, Digital, Federal Credit Union, Discover Bank, DollarSavingsDirect, Dover Federal Credit Union, Dow Credit Union, Evergreen Bank Group, RocklandTrust Bank, Elements Financial, EmigrantDirect.com, Liberty Federal Credit Union, Fidelity Investments, Financial Partners Credit Union, Financial Resources Federal Credit Union, First Financial Credit Union, First Financial Northwest Bank, First Internet Bank, First National Bank of America, First Technology Federal Credit Union, Fort Bragg Federal Credit Union, Garden Savings Federal Credit Union, Georgia Banking Company, Georgia's Own Credit Union, GreenState Credit Union, Greenwood Credit Union, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, GTE Financial, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company, Hanscom Federal Credit Union, Heritage Bank, Hiway Federal Credit Union, Home Loan Investment Bank, Home Savings Bank, Hope Credit Union, HSBC Direct, Hughes Federal Credit Union, Hyperion Bank, Ideal Credit Union, iGObanking, Interior Federal Credit Union, Justice Federal Credit Union, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, KS State Bank, La Capitol Federal Credit Union, Lafayette Federal Credit Union, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Langley Federal Credit Union, Latino Community Credit Union, Limelight Bank, Live Oak Bank, Luther Burbank Savings, MYSB Direct, MAC Federal Credit Union, Main Street Bank, MainStreet Bank, MapleMark Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Market USA Federal Credit Union, Matadors Community Credit Union, MECU Credit Union, Merrick Bank, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, Mills42 Federal Credit Union, Mountain America Credit Union, MTC Federal Credit Union, MutualOne Bank, My Banking Direct, My eBanc, My Savings Direct, NASA Federal Credit Union, Nationwide by Axos Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union, nbkc, NexBank, North Country Savings Bank, Northern Bank Direct, Northfield Bank, Northpointe Bank, Nuvision Federal Credit Union, Oklahoma Central Credit Union, One American Bank, OneUnited Bank, Pacific National Bank, Paramount Bank, PARDA Federal Credit Union, Partner Colorado Credit Union, Patelco Credit Union, Pen Air Federal Credit Union, PenFed Credit Union, People's Credit Union, First Service Credit Union, Pinnacle Federal Credit Union, Popular Direct, Premier America Credit Union, Presidential Bank, FSB, Prime Alliance Bank, PSECU (Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union), Quontic Bank, Quorum Federal Credit Union, Rising Bank, Merrimack Valley Credit Union, Salal Credit Union, Sallie Mae Bank, Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union, Signature Federal Credit Union, Spectrum Credit Union, SRP Federal Credit Union, State Bank of India Chicago, State Bank of India New York, State Bank of Texas, State Department Federal Credit Union, Summit Credit Union, Sun East Federal Credit Union, Superior Choice Credit Union, Synchrony Bank, TAB Bank, Teachers Federal Credit Union, Technology Credit Union, The Federal Savings Bank, Third Federal Savings & Loan, EverBank, TotalDirectBank, Transportation Federal Credit Union, TruStone Financial Credit Union, UNIFY Financial Credit Union, Expedition Credit Union, United States Senate Federal Credit Union, United Texas Bank, University Federal Credit Union, US Bank, USAlliance Financial, USPS Federal Credit Union, Velocity Credit Union, VeraBank, Vio Bank, Virtual Bank, WebBank, Webster Bank, Wells Fargo, Western Vista Credit Union, Wings Financial Credit Union, XCEL Federal Credit Union, BankPurely, Umbrella Bank, giantbank.com, CapEd Credit Union, Zeal Credit Union, Finworth, Coastal1 Credit Union, Service Credit Union, National Cooperative Bank, Premier Members Credit Union, Bank of America, Flagstar Bank, 1st MidAmerica Credit Union, INOVA Federal Credit Union, Genisys Credit Union, Ivy Bank, Heartland Credit Union, Luana Savings Bank, Spectra Credit Union, Workers Credit Union, Credit Human, EFCU Financial, Poppy Bank, Credit One Bank, Vibrant Credit Union, CFBank, Department of Commerce Federal Credit Union, Seattle Bank, Crescent Bank, Pima Federal Credit Union, Cross River Bank, USAA, Great River Federal Credit Union, Brilliant Bank, Merchants Bank of Indiana, LendingClub, Chartway Credit Union, First Central Savings Bank, AgFed Credit Union, North American Savings Bank, Pelican State Credit Union, First Community Credit Union, Bask Bank, Skyla Credit Union, SkyOne Federal Credit Union, 3Rivers Federal Credit Union, Utah First Credit Union, Pasadena Federal Credit Union, Magnifi Financial, AloStar, Primis Bank, Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union, Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union, Veridian Credit Union, Republic Bank, Salem Five Direct, All In Credit Union, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Self-Help Federal Credit Union, Forbright Bank, Jovia Financial Credit Union, Sun Canyon Bank, Fortera Credit Union, Partners 1st Federal Credit Union, SouthEast Bank, American Bank, Newtek Bank, CBC Federal Credit Union, Vanguard, All America Bank, Amalgamated Bank, Citizens State Bank, AmBoy Direct, Republic Bank of Chicago, Oklahoma Community Credit Union, BluPeak Credit Union, Valley Direct, Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union, First Harvest Credit Union, Orion Federal Credit Union, Wellby Financial, FedChoice Federal Credit Union, CoVantage Credit Union, Choice First Bank, Sandia Area Federal Credit Union, OMB Bank, Minnequa Works Credit Union, Securityplus Federal Credit Union, Bank of South Texas, T Bank

How We Find the Best CD Rates

Every business day, Investopedia tracks the rate data of more than 200 banks and credit unions that offer CDs to customers nationwide and determines daily rankings of the top-paying certificates in every major term. To qualify for our lists, the institution must be federally insured (FDIC for banks, NCUA for credit unions), and the CD's minimum initial deposit must not exceed $25,000.

Banks must be available in at least 40 states. While some credit unions require you to donate to a specific charity or association to become a member if you don't meet other eligibility criteria (e.g., you don't live in a certain area or work in a certain kind of job), we exclude credit unions whose donation requirement is $40 or more. For more about how we choose the best rates, read our full methodology.

Your Guide to CDs

Best CD Rates for May 2024: Up to 5.51% (1)

Article Sources

Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in oureditorial policy.

  1. FDIC. "National Rates and Rate Caps."

  2. Federal Reserve. "Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement."

  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Consumer Price Index."

  4. TotalDirectBank. "About Us."

  5. Flagstar Bank. "About Us."

  6. New York Community Bancorp, Inc. "Strength, Stability, Service."

  7. INOVA Federal Credit Union. "About INOVA."

  8. DR Bank. "About Us."

  9. Vibrant Credit Union. "We Are Vibrant."

  10. NASA Federal Credit Union. "About Us."

  11. MutualOne Bank. "Our Story."

  12. NexBank. "About NexBank."

  13. CIBC Agility. "Our Purpose: To Help Make Your Ambition a Reality."

  14. Mills42 Federal Credit Union. "Our History."

  15. Rising Bank. "Who Is Rising Bank?"

  16. Newtek Bank. "FAQ."

  17. NewtekOne. "We Do It Better."

  18. NewtekOne. "Get in Touch."

  19. Merrick Bank. "About Us."

  20. Limelight Bank. "About."

  21. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. “Your Insured Deposits.”

  22. National Credit Union Administration. “Share Insurance Fund Overview.”

  23. IRS. "Topic No. 403, Interest Received."

  24. Internal Revenue Service. "Publication 590-B, Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)."

  25. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Consumer Price Index - March 2024."

  26. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Consumer Prices up 9.1 Percent Over the Year Ended June 2022, Largest Increase in 40 Years."

  27. FDIC. "National Rates and Rate Caps."

  28. U.S. Department of Treasury, TreasuryDirect. “Treasury Bills.”

  29. U.S. Department of the Treasury. "Daily Treasury Bill Rates."

  30. Federal Reserve Board. "Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement, May 1, 2024."

Related Terms

Jumbo Certificate of Deposit (CD): What It Is, Pros and Cons

A jumbo certificate of deposit (CD) is a type of savings account with higher balance requirements than a traditional CD. It generally pays a higher interest rate.

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What Is a Certificate of Deposit (CD) and What Can It Do for You?

A certificate of deposit (CD) is a type of savings account offered by banks and credit unions that pays a fixed interest rate on money held for an agreed upon period of time.

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Annual Percentage Rate (APR): What It Means and How It Works

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the interest charged for borrowing that represents the actual yearly cost of the loan, including fees, expressed as a percentage.

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Letter of Credit: What It Is, Examples, and How One Is Used

A letter of credit is a letter from a bank guaranteeing that a buyer’s payment will be received on time and for the correct amount. Here’s how letters of credit work.

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Traveler's Check: What It Is, How It's Used, Where to Buy

A traveler’s check is a once-popular—but now largely outmoded—exchange medium used in place of currency, often by people traveling abroad.

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Callable Certificate of Deposit (CD): What it Means, How it Works

A callable certificate of deposit (CD) is an FDIC-insured CD that contains a call feature like other types of callable fixed-income securities.

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Best CD Rates for May 2024: Up to 5.51% (2024)

FAQs

How high will CD rates go in 2024? ›

CD Rates Forecast 2024

The CME FedWatch Tool, which measures market expectations for federal funds rate changes, shows that most experts expect rates to sit between 4.50% and 5.25% by December 2024.

Can you get 6% on a CD? ›

You can find 6% CD rates at a few financial institutions, but chances are those rates are only available on CDs with maturities of 12 months or less. Financial institutions offer high rates to compete for business, but they don't want to pay customers ultra-high rates over many years.

Who has the highest paying Jumbo CD right now? ›

Credit One Bank, Alliant Credit Union, State Department Federal Credit Union, Quorum Federal Credit Union and Rising Bank offer the best jumbo CD rates. Key Takeaways: The highest jumbo CD rates are up to 5.41% APY from online banks and credit unions.

Where can I get 7% interest on my money? ›

7% Interest Savings Accounts: What You Need To Know
  • As of May 2024, no banks are offering 7% interest rates on savings accounts.
  • Two credit unions have high-interest checking accounts: Landmark Credit Union Premium Checking with 7.50% APY and OnPath Credit Union High Yield Checking with 7.00% APY.

How high will interest rates go in 2024? ›

But until the Fed sees evidence of slowing economic growth, interest rates will stay higher for longer. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate is expected to fall to the mid-6% range through the end of 2024, potentially dipping into high-5% territory by the end of 2025.

Should I lock in a CD now or wait? ›

Unlike traditional or high-yield savings accounts, which have variable APYs, most CDs lock your money into a fixed interest rate the day you open the account. That's why if you suspect that interest rates will soon drop, it can be a good idea to put money in a CD to preserve the high APY you would earn.

Is anyone paying 6% interest? ›

One local credit union has CD paying 6% APY. To open a 6% APY CD, you may need to meet certain eligibility requirements. There are also banks and credit unions with CDs paying over 5% APY, which are available nationwide.

Where can I get 6% interest on savings? ›

Digital Federal Credit Union has an account that pays over 6% APY, but you must meet membership requirements to get started. You also won't earn this high interest rate on your entire Digital FCU savings balance. Plenty of savings accounts are available around the U.S. and still offer great rates — over 5% APY.

What is considered a good 6 month CD rate right now? ›

Compare the best 6-month CDs
INSTITUTIONSTAR RATINGAPY ON 6-MONTH CDs
Popular Direct certificates of deposit4.815.30%
Marcus by Goldman Sachs High-Yield certificates of deposit4.805.10%
TAB Bank certificates of deposit4.770.00%
Bask Bank Certificates of Deposit4.765.15%
7 more rows

Are there any 7% CDs? ›

Can You Get a 7% CD Account? There was a lot of excitement in August 2023 about a few credit unions offering 7% APYs on certificates. But those rates were offered for a limited time only and are no longer available. However, the nation's best CD rates are still well above 5%, with some pushing toward 6%.

What is the best interest rate on $100,000? ›

Best Jumbo CD Rates for June 2024
BEST NATIONAL JUMBO CDs
Luana Savings Bank4.38% APY$100,000
State Department Federal Credit Union4.37% APY$100,000
Lafayette Federal Credit Union4.37% APY$100,000
Best non-Jumbo option: BMO Alto4.80% APYAny amount
46 more rows

Where can I earn 5% on a CD? ›

Highest current CD rates (overall)
Institution nameAPYTerm length
Morgan Stanley5.05%2 years
LendingClub Bank5.00%18 months
My eBanc5.00%18 months
TAB Bank5.00%18 months
31 more rows

Where to put $10,000 for best interest? ›

The best way to invest 10K in individual stocks, ETFs, mutual and index funds, and stocks and shares ISAs. You can also use a robo-advisor to invest in stocks. How to invest 10k for the short term? You can invest the 100k in a high-interest savings account or a cash ISA for short-term goals.

Where can I make 10% interest on my money? ›

Where can I get 10 percent return on investment?
  • Invest in stocks for the short term. ...
  • Real estate. ...
  • Investing in fine art. ...
  • Starting your own business. ...
  • Investing in wine. ...
  • Peer-to-peer lending. ...
  • Invest in REITs. ...
  • Invest in gold, silver, and other precious metals.

How can I get 5% interest on my money? ›

Multiple banks offer 5% on a savings account, such as Varo Bank and CIT Bank. Investing platforms like Betterment also have 5% savings accounts for new customers.

What will CD rates be in 2025 in the USA? ›

"Shorter CD rates won't collapse and will still offer far higher yields than the ones we experienced in 2021 and prior years," Krumpelman says. "Even in 2025, we expect short CDs to pay more than 3%."

What will CD rates be in 2027? ›

The Top CDs for Locking Your Rate Until 2025 to 2027
Best 1-Year CDs - Mature Early 2025APYMinimum
Best 3-Year CDs - Mature 2027RateMinimum
Lafayette Federal Credit Union5.10%$ 500
EFCU Financial5.00%$ 500
DollarSavingsDirect5.00%$ 1,000
20 more rows
Feb 28, 2024

Is it a good time to buy CDs? ›

CD rates are at a 3-year high—but waiting longer to buy could be a gamble. Interest rates on certificates of deposits (CDs) have been increasing substantially since 2022—in lock-step with the Fed's rate hikes. The national deposit rate for 5-year CDs is 1.39%, up from less than 0.50% in June 2022.

How to avoid tax on CD interest? ›

If the CD is placed in a tax-deferred 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA), any interest earned on the CD may be exempt from paying taxes in the year it was earned. 2 Instead, you will pay taxes on that money when it is withdrawn from the 401(k) or IRA after you retire.

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