A respectable return on a certificate of deposit remains achievable, but prompt action is necessary. Average CD yields saw a substantial decrease in 2024 due to the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts. While yields stayed fairly consistent in early 2025 as the central bank paused further rate adjustments, the Fed implemented its initial rate cut of the year in September, followed by another in October.
TL;DR
- Secure savings with CDs offering up to 4.20% APY, with top rates available November 13, 2025.
- Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2024 and 2025 have impacted CD yields, making prompt action advisable.
- Online banks and smaller institutions often provide more competitive CD rates than major national banks.
- Consider CD ladders and different CD types like no-penalty or bump-up CDs for flexibility.
The highest CD rates available today provide as much as 4.20% in annual percentage yield. Securing these elevated rates for an extended period is possible by funding a certificate now, contingent on selecting a CD term aligned with your objectives. Given the likelihood of another Fed rate reduction before year's end, prompt action is advisable.
Today's top CD yields: Secure up to 4.20%
Bread Savings provides the top CD rate at 4.20% for its six-month term. A six-month CD from Newtek Bank is available with a 4.20% APY, though it necessitates a larger initial deposit. Coins2Day tracks the leading rates from major U.S. Banks to assist our readers in maximizing their CD investment yields. Below are the most competitive rates:
Pro tip
Looking for the best CD to fit your investment needs? See rates from top institutions:
–Wells Fargo
–Capital One
–Chase
–Bank of America
–Discover Bank
–Northern Bank Direct
–Ally Bank
–Newtek Bank
–Popular Direct
–Citibank
–Sallie Mae Bank
Examine interest rates for Certificates of Deposit at leading financial institutions nationwide.
You might not recognize the banks in the table above, and there's a solid explanation. Larger banks rely to a lesser extent on certificates of deposit for their capital compared to smaller financial entities. Consequently, they feel less pressure to be competitive by providing the most attractive rates.
Major financial institutions such as Chase, PNC, and U.S. Bank attract new clients through their lending and credit card divisions. Consequently, the certificate of deposit (CD) interest rates these banks provide tend to be less favorable than those from smaller community banks or online-only banks. To obtain a competitive rate at a large bank, customers might need to open more deposit accounts or satisfy elevated minimum deposit thresholds.
CD rates news 2025
Experienced investors understand that Certificate of Deposit (CD) market rates closely follow the Federal Reserve's monetary policy choices, especially adjustments to the fed funds rate. Individuals interested in CD investments should familiarize themselves with central bank policy shifts to grasp changes in CD returns.
From January to August 2025, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) maintained the federal funds rate at its existing level. Subsequently, during their September 16-17 session, the FOMC declared a 0.25% decrease, lowering the federal funds rate to 4.00%-4.25%. Following a reduction at the central bank's October gathering, the fed funds rate is presently at 3.75%-4.00%.
There's one more FOMC meeting scheduled for this year, on Dec. 9-10.
The Federal Reserve reduced interest rates on three occasions during 2024, with the final adjustment occurring at the December FOMC gathering. This brought the rate down to a range between 4.25% and 4.50%. These decisions were prompted by a slowdown in U.S. Inflation, as the Fed sought to bolster the American economy through more affordable borrowing. Consequently, CD rates have declined from their peak levels seen in the past two decades.
The exceptionally elevated CD returns observed were a direct consequence of the Federal Reserve's assertive increases to interest rates throughout 2022 and 2023. From March 2022 through July 2023, the FOMC implemented 11 rate adjustments, moving the benchmark from near zero to a spectrum of 5.25%-5.50%. These elevated rates by The Fed were a strategic measure to temper the most significant inflation figures recorded since the 1980s, which were themselves precipitated by pandemic-induced economic disturbances.
It's worth mentioning that current CD rates are still quite close to their recent highs. Savers can still find attractive rates for both shorter and longer CD terms. Placing a substantial amount of money into your CD can result in significant interest income.
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Historical CD rates
During the early 1980s, CD rates reached double-digit figures, a significant difference from the current lower returns. However, by 2019, the annual percentage yield for a five-year CD was just slightly over 3.00%.
During the early 2020s, rates climbed past 5.00% while the economy navigated the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, five years onward, CD rates are settling between 3.00% and 4.00%.
How to get a good CD rate
To figure out what makes a "good" CD rate suitable, you need to weigh the benefit of high returns against how long you're willing to commit your funds. For instance, if you're considering a 5-year certificate offering 5.00% APY, it's a good move only if you're confident you won't require access to the money before then and don't anticipate a rise in interest rates.
Key factors to evaluate when comparing CDs include:
- Term length: Ensure it aligns with your savings objectives and time frame.
- APY: Typically, higher rates are offered for longer terms.
- Minimum deposit: Confirm that you can meet the required initial balance.
- Penalties: Understand the costs associated with early withdrawal before maturity.
- Deposit insurance: Verify that the bank is Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC)- or National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)insured to keep your money secure.
Online banks often promote the best CD rates; however, it's crucial to check their minimum balance stipulations and any applicable fees. Choosing a bank over a broker might help you bypass extra costs.
Explore what online banks have to offer
Fintech firms and online banks generally offer more competitive rates than national banks. Large financial institutions generate revenue from interest on loans, fees, and investments in securities.
Smaller financial institutions and digital financial technology firms draw in clients by offering appealing annual percentage yields on savings. Furthermore, these internet-based banks incur reduced operational expenses, enabling them to provide more favorable interest rates on deposits.
Set up a CD ladder
CD ladders are a great option for savers who don't want to commit their money for extended durations. By distributing your savings among CDs with different maturity dates, you can access funds sooner while still benefiting from better interest rates over time.
Begin by putting $3,000 into three Certificates of Deposit (CDs) with staggered maturity dates: one for 1 year, one for 2 years, and one for 3 years. Each time a CD matures, put that money into a new 3-year CD. This approach lets you access your funds and earned interest annually.
Explore the various types of CDs
There are several types of CDs available to cater to different financial needs:
- Brokered CDs are acquired and traded via brokerage accounts, bypassing direct transactions with banks or credit unions. These instruments frequently offer superior APYs because they originate from banks before being distributed to brokerages.
- Callable CDs features a provision enabling the issuing institution to end the CD prior to its scheduled maturity. Should this option be utilized, investors will be reimbursed their principal along with any interest accumulated up to the termination date.
- Bump-up CDs let you ask for a better APY if interest rates go up after you've opened the account. Usually, you can change the rate one or two times while the CD is active.
- No-penalty CDs do not charge penalties for early withdrawals before maturity. This type is less common and may offer lower APYs compared to traditional CDs.
- Jumbo CDs require a substantial minimum deposit, often starting at $100,000 or more. They generally offer higher APYs than standard CDs.
- Variable-rate CDs offer an annual percentage yield that fluctuates based on current interest rates. These certificates of deposit involve greater risk compared to standard CDs, as a drop in interest rates prior to their maturity date could lead to a reduced return.
Cassie Bottorff, a former Coins2Day editor, developed a series focusing on daily CD rates. Glen Luke Flanagan, Editor of Evergreen Content, has revised this particular installment.
