The best CD rate we track right now is 4.25% APY at Barclays as of Sep 11, 2026 on a 12-month term. We check CD rates weekly from each bank’s and credit union’s own rate page, never from a comparison site, and every rate shows the date it was checked.
- The top 12-month CD rate we track today is 4.25% APY at Barclays as of Sep 11, 2026.
- Every rate comes from the institution’s own rate page and carries an as-of date. Rates we cannot re-check within 10 days are removed rather than left to go stale.
- CDs are FDIC- or NCUA-insured up to $250,000 per depositor. MYGAs are backed by the issuing insurer and state guaranty associations instead, and their interest grows tax-deferred.
- We track a select group of banks and credit unions, so treat these as a sample of competitive rates rather than a survey of the whole market.
Best CD Rates by Term
The table below shows the highest standard CD rate we track at each common term, and which institution pays it.
| Term | Top APY | National avg. | Bank | Min deposit | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-month | 2.70% APY | 1.14% APY | Ally Bank | None | Sep 16, 2026 |
| 6-month | 4.00% APY | 1.41% APY | Barclays | None | Sep 11, 2026 |
| 9-month | 4.15% APY | – | Barclays | None | Sep 11, 2026 |
| 12-month | 4.25% APY | 1.71% APY | Barclays | None | Sep 11, 2026 |
| 18-month | 4.15% APY | – | Ally Bank | None | Sep 16, 2026 |
| 2-year | 4.35% APY | 1.57% APY | Barclays | None | Sep 11, 2026 |
| 3-year | 3.80% APY | 1.34% APY | Navy Federal Credit Union | $1,000 | Sep 17, 2026 |
| 4-year | 2.50% APY | 1.27% APY | Barclays | None | Sep 11, 2026 |
| 5-year | 4.25% APY | 1.36% APY | Barclays | None | Sep 11, 2026 |
Standard CD rates for a $25,000 balance, from each institution's own published rates. These are the highest among the institutions AnnuityJournal checks each week, not every bank in the country. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Verify the current rate with the bank. National average: the FDIC national rate for August 2026, via the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED).
Online Bank
Ally Bank CD Rates
Ally is an online-only bank offering four CD types, including a No Penalty CD, with no minimum deposit. See Ally CD rates for the full breakdown.
| Term | APY | Min deposit | Rate last changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-month | 2.70% APY | None | – |
| 6-month | 3.50% APY | None | – |
| 9-month | 3.90% APY | None | – |
| 12-month | 4.00% APY | None | – |
| 18-month | 4.15% APY | None | – |
| 3-year | 3.60% APY | None | – |
| 5-year | 4.00% APY | None | – |
| Term | APY | Min deposit | Rate last changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-month | 3.50% APY | None | – |
| 14-month | 4.00% APY | None | – |
| Term | APY | Min deposit | Rate last changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-month | 2.70% APY | None | – |
| Term | APY | Min deposit | Rate last changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-year | 3.00% APY | None | – |
| 4-year | 3.00% APY | None | – |
A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal.
Where the rate depends on your balance, the table shows the tier that includes $25,000. Rate last changed is the as-of date of the first week we saw the current rate; a dash means it hasn't changed since we started tracking it. Deposits at FDIC-member banks are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.
Online Bank
American Express CD Rates
American Express National Bank offers a single online CD with no minimum deposit and several odd-length terms. See American Express CD rates for its early withdrawal penalties and more.
| Term | APY | Min deposit | Rate last changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-month | 4.25% APY | None | – |
| 11-month | 3.50% APY | None | – |
| 12-month | 3.50% APY | None | – |
| 14-month | 3.50% APY | None | – |
| 18-month | 3.25% APY | None | – |
| 22-month | 4.00% APY | None | – |
| 2-year | 3.25% APY | None | – |
| 3-year | 2.25% APY | None | – |
| 4-year | 2.25% APY | None | – |
| 5-year | 3.00% APY | None | – |
A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal.
Rate last changed is the as-of date of the first week we saw the current rate; a dash means it hasn't changed since we started tracking it. Deposits at FDIC-member banks are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.
Online Bank
Barclays CD Rates
Barclays’ U.S. online bank offers one CD with no minimum deposit and terms from six months to five years. See Barclays CD rates for details.
| Term | APY | Min deposit | Rate last changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-month | 4.00% APY | None | – |
| 9-month | 4.15% APY | None | – |
| 12-month | 4.25% APY | None | – |
| 18-month | 3.00% APY | None | – |
| 2-year | 4.35% APY | None | – |
| 3-year | 2.50% APY | None | – |
| 4-year | 2.50% APY | None | – |
| 5-year | 4.25% APY | None | – |
A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal.
Rate last changed is the as-of date of the first week we saw the current rate; a dash means it hasn't changed since we started tracking it. Deposits at FDIC-member banks are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.
Credit Union
Navy Federal CD Rates
Navy Federal serves military members, veterans, Department of Defense employees and their families. Its CDs, which it calls certificates, are insured by the NCUA. See Navy Federal CD rates for membership and product details.
| Term | APY | Min deposit | Rate last changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-month | 1.25% APY | $1,000 | – |
| 12-month | 3.70% APY | $1,000 | – |
| 18-month | 3.80% APY | $1,000 | – |
| 2-year | 3.50% APY | $1,000 | – |
| 3-year | 3.80% APY | $1,000 | – |
| 5-year | 3.50% APY | $1,000 | – |
| 7-year | 3.50% APY | $1,000 | – |
| Term | APY | Min deposit | Rate last changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-month | 3.66% APY | $50 | – |
| 18-month | 3.55% APY | $50 | – |
| 2-year | 3.45% APY | $50 | – |
| Term | APY | Min deposit | Rate last changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-month | 4.00% APY | $50 | – |
A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal.
Where the rate depends on your balance, the table shows the tier that includes $25,000. Rate last changed is the as-of date of the first week we saw the current rate; a dash means it hasn't changed since we started tracking it. Deposits at federally insured credit unions are insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 per member, per ownership category.
National Bank
U.S. Bank CD Rates
U.S. Bank is a national branch bank whose CD rates vary by location. The tables show rates for ZIP code 60611 (Chicago); see U.S. Bank CD rates for its specials and other CD types.
| Term | APY | Min deposit | Rate last changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-month | 0.05% APY | $500 | – |
| 2-month | 0.05% APY | $500 | – |
| 3-month | 0.05% APY | $500 | – |
| 6-month | 0.05% APY | $500 | – |
| 9-month | 0.05% APY | $500 | – |
| 12-month | 0.05% APY | $500 | – |
| 18-month | 0.05% APY | $500 | – |
| 2-year | 0.05% APY | $500 | – |
| 3-year | 0.10% APY | $500 | – |
| 4-year | 0.15% APY | $500 | – |
| 5-year | 0.25% APY | $500 | – |
| Term | APY | Min deposit | Rate last changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-month | 3.25% APY | $1,000 | – |
| 9-month | 3.15% APY | $1,000 | – |
| 12-month | 3.00% APY | $1,000 | – |
| Term | APY | Min deposit | Rate last changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-month | 0.10% APY | $1,000 | – |
| 5-year | 0.40% APY | $1,000 | – |
| Term | APY | Min deposit | Rate last changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-month | 0.05% APY | $250,000.01 | – |
| 2-month | 0.05% APY | $250,000.01 | – |
| 3-month | 0.05% APY | $250,000.01 | – |
| 6-month | 0.05% APY | $250,000.01 | – |
| 9-month | 0.05% APY | $250,000.01 | – |
| 12-month | 0.05% APY | $250,000.01 | – |
| 18-month | 0.05% APY | $250,000.01 | – |
| 2-year | 0.05% APY | $250,000.01 | – |
| 3-year | 0.10% APY | $250,000.01 | – |
| 4-year | 0.15% APY | $250,000.01 | – |
| 5-year | 0.25% APY | $250,000.01 | – |
| Term | APY | Min deposit | Rate last changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-month | 3.15% APY | $250,000.01 | – |
| 12-month | 3.05% APY | $250,000.01 | – |
A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal.
U.S. Bank rates vary by location; shown for ZIP 60611 (Chicago, Illinois Metro). Where the rate depends on your balance, the table shows the tier that includes $25,000. Rate last changed is the as-of date of the first week we saw the current rate; a dash means it hasn't changed since we started tracking it. Deposits at FDIC-member banks are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.
CD Rates vs. MYGA Rates vs. Treasuries
A five-year CD, a five-year multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA) and a five-year Treasury note all lock in a rate for the same period. They differ in how they are insured, how they are taxed and what they pay.
| Product | Rate/APY | What $25,000 earns over 5 years | Guaranteed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| National average 5-year CD FDIC national rate, August 2026 | 1.36% APY | $1,747 | FDIC or NCUA insurance, up to $250,000 |
| Barclays 5-year CD Best standard CD we track, as of Sep 11, 2026 | 4.25% APY | $5,784 | FDIC insurance, up to $250,000 |
| 5-year MYGA: Knighthead Life Staysail 5 (Simple Interest) Top rate from carriers rated A- or better (AM Best A-) | 6.55% guaranteed | $8,188 | The issuing insurer and state guaranty associations |
| 5-year Treasury Par yield as of Sep 16, 2026 | 4.86% yield | $6,695 | The U.S. government |
MYGAs are not FDIC-insured; they are backed by the issuing insurer and state guaranty associations, up to state limits, and carry surrender charges for early withdrawals. Earnings are estimates before taxes: the rate compounded once a year over the term with interest left in the account (simple interest where noted). The national average and Treasury figures are treated the same way. A penalty may be imposed for early CD withdrawal. This comparison is educational, not a recommendation; verify every rate with the provider.
For a fuller comparison, including surrender charges and tax treatment, see MYGA vs. CD.
How CD Rates Are Set
Banks and credit unions set CD rates largely in response to the Federal Reserve’s target rate. When the Fed moves, most institutions adjust within a few weeks, and online banks usually move faster than large branch banks.
Insurers set MYGA rates in the same interest-rate environment but on their own schedule, based on what they can earn on their bond portfolios. For more, see how annuity rates are set and current annuity rate trends.
Types of CDs
- Standard CD. A fixed rate for a fixed term, with a penalty for early withdrawal.
- No-penalty CD. Usually a shorter term and a slightly lower rate, in exchange for penalty-free access to the full balance.
- Bump-up CD. Lets you request a rate increase during the term if the bank’s rates rise, in exchange for a lower starting rate.
- Step-up CD. The rate rises on a preset schedule rather than by request.
- Jumbo CD. Requires a larger deposit, often $100,000 or more, sometimes for a higher rate.
- Brokered CD. Bought through a brokerage account rather than from the bank. It can be sold before maturity, but its price moves with interest rates.
- Add-on CD. Accepts additional deposits during the term.
CD Pros, Cons and Early Withdrawal Penalties
Pros: a fixed rate for the full term, FDIC or NCUA insurance up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, and no minimum deposit at several of the online banks we track.
Cons: the rate stays fixed even if market rates rise, interest is taxed every year whether or not you withdraw it, and early withdrawals usually cost a penalty measured in months or days of interest.
Penalties vary by institution and term, so check the schedule on the bank’s own site before opening a CD.
Taxes and FDIC/NCUA Insurance
CD interest is taxed as ordinary income in the year it is earned, even if it stays in the account until maturity. Banks report it on Form 1099-INT. MYGA interest, by contrast, grows tax-deferred until it is withdrawn.
CDs at FDIC-member banks and NCUA-insured credit unions are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, per institution. MYGAs are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured; they are backed by the issuing insurer’s claims-paying ability and by state guaranty associations up to state limits.
When a CD Beats an Annuity, and When It Doesn’t
A CD usually makes more sense for money you need back on a short, known timeline, generally under five years, or when you value the simplicity of FDIC or NCUA insurance.
A MYGA usually makes more sense for longer horizons, larger balances where tax deferral matters, or savings you may later convert into guaranteed retirement income. Spreading money across several maturities is a common way to balance the two; see annuity laddering strategy for how that works with MYGAs.
Neither is better in every case. The right choice depends on your time horizon, tax situation and how much access you need before the term ends.
CD Rate FAQ
What is a CD and how does it work?
A certificate of deposit (CD) is a savings account that pays a fixed rate in exchange for leaving your money with a bank or credit union for a set term. You generally cannot add to or withdraw from it before the term ends without a penalty.
Are CDs FDIC-insured?
Yes, at FDIC-member banks, up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, per institution. CDs at credit unions carry equivalent NCUA insurance.
Can you lose money in a CD?
Not from a bank failure, as long as you stay within the insurance limits. You can lose part of your earnings, and occasionally principal, if an early withdrawal penalty exceeds the interest you have earned.
What happens if I withdraw from a CD early?
Most CDs charge a penalty, usually a set number of months or days of interest that varies by bank and term. No-penalty CDs are the exception, typically at a lower rate.
How much can $25,000 earn in a CD right now?
The CD vs. MYGA vs. Treasury table above shows what $25,000 earns over five years at the top CD, MYGA and Treasury rates we track.
CD vs. high-yield savings account: which is better?
A CD locks in today’s rate for the full term, which helps if rates fall and costs you if they rise. A high-yield savings account’s rate can change at any time, but you can withdraw without a penalty, which suits money you may need on short notice.
CD vs. MYGA: which pays more?
It depends on the term and the day you compare them, so check the CD vs. MYGA vs. Treasury table above for current numbers. MYGAs are backed by the issuing insurer and state guaranty associations rather than FDIC insurance, and their interest grows tax-deferred, while CD interest is taxed each year.
Rates change without notice, so confirm current CD rates with the bank or credit union before opening an account.