Best CD Rates 2026

Updated March 04, 2026 · FDIC-insured accounts only

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Best CD Rates — 2026

Certificates of deposit (CDs) offer fixed rates for a set term, protecting your yield against rate cuts. They're ideal for money you won't need until the CD matures.

Bank	APY	Term	Min Deposit
Marcus by Goldman Sachs ✓ FDIC	4.90% Mar 2026	12 mo	$500
Synchrony Bank ✓ FDIC	4.80% Mar 2026	18 mo	$0
Ally Bank ✓ FDIC	4.75% Mar 2026	12 mo	$0
Discover ✓ FDIC	4.60% Mar 2026	24 mo	$2,500
Capital One ✓ FDIC	4.60% Mar 2026	12 mo	$0

Early withdrawal penalties apply to all standard CDs. Verify current rates before opening.

CD vs. HYSA: Which Is Right for You?

Both CDs and HYSAs offer above-average interest, but serve different purposes:

Feature	CD	HYSA
Rate type	Fixed for term	Variable
Access to funds	Locked until maturity	Withdraw anytime
Rate risk	None (locked in)	Can drop with Fed cuts
Best for	Known future expenses	Emergency fund
Typical term	6 months – 5 years	Ongoing

Strategy: Keep 3-6 months of expenses in a HYSA for emergencies. Invest additional savings in CDs laddered across 6, 12, and 24-month terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when a CD matures?

When a CD matures, you typically have a short grace period (7-10 days) to withdraw your money, add to it, or roll it over into a new CD. If you don't act during the grace period, most banks auto-renew at the current rate for the same term.

What is the early withdrawal penalty on CDs?

Early withdrawal penalties vary by bank and term. Typical penalties are 60-90 days of interest for short-term CDs (under 12 months) and 150-365 days of interest for longer terms. Some banks offer no-penalty CDs with lower rates.

Are CD rates negotiable?

For large deposits ($100,000+) at traditional banks, rates are sometimes negotiable. Online banks and credit unions typically offer their best rates upfront without negotiation. Jumbo CDs may offer slightly better rates.

Should I open one CD or multiple?

A CD ladder — opening multiple CDs with different maturity dates (6, 12, 18, 24 months) — gives you both the higher fixed rate of longer CDs and periodic access to cash as each CD matures. This is the optimal strategy for most savers.

Are CDs FDIC insured?

Yes. CDs at FDIC-insured banks are covered up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution. If you have more than $250,000 to deposit, spread it across multiple FDIC-insured banks.