This month’s RateWatcher report finds that as of December 2025, many 12-month CDs are still offering rates around or above 4.00% APY—despite a broader trend of declining yields. These remain some of the most competitive options for savers looking to secure strong returns.
“Yearend is an ideal time to evaluate finances and savings strategies,” says Mary Grace Roske, Head of Marketing and Communications at CD Valet. “While overall CD rates are trending downward, many banks and credit unions are still offering attractive yields, especially through special promotional CDs. These products are also a strategic tool for financial institutions looking to grow deposits in an increasingly competitive landscape.”
CD Valet’s monthly RateWatcher report analyzes over 40,000 publicly listed CD rates from nearly 5,000 U.S. banks and credit unions. These institutions are tracked via the platform’s digital marketplace, which aggregates all CD offers that are published online. In November alone, there were 5,273 CD APY decreases, averaging 22 basis points, compared to 823 increases averaging 46 basis points.
“Our data shows that while average CD rates are falling, top-tier offers have remained more resilient,” said Roske. “For savers, doing a little homework, like visiting unbiased rate marketplaces—can significantly improve returns. In today’s volatile environment, staying informed is especially important.”
CD APY Benchmark Overview:
- Top 1% benchmark: Held at 4.40% from June–August, fell slightly to 4.23% by end of November.
- Top 10% benchmark: Declined from 4.08% in mid-August to 3.85% in November.
- Top 25% benchmark: Dropped a total of 25 basis points over 6 months, ending at 3.60%.
- Median benchmark: Experienced the most significant erosion, falling from 3.50% in June to 3.20% in November.
Definitions:
- Top 1%, 10%, and 25% benchmarks reflect the percentile rankings among all tracked CD offers.
- Basis point = 0.01%. A 25 basis point change equals 0.25%.
Despite market shifts, select institutions continue to offer 4%+ yields—especially on shorter-term CDs. CD Valet encourages consumers to use its RateWatcher tools to identify top offers and make informed decisions.
CD Valet is a CD marketplace that features verified CD rates from federally insured banks and credit unions nationwide. The platform tracks more than 40,000 CD offers from nearly 5,000 institutions, standardizes APY and term details, and presents rate information in a clear, easy-to-compare format, giving savers a consolidated view of available CD options across the country.
Consumers use CD Valet’s comparison tools, calculators, and Best CD Rates by State Map to evaluate top CD yields and identify options that fit their savings goals. Financial institutions use CD Valet to reach high-intent savers through digital advertising, analytics, and streamlined account-opening pathways. By expanding visibility for regional banks and credit unions, CD Valet helps local institutions compete more effectively with national providers.
Visit www.cdvalet.com for more information, and explore CD Valet’s Best CD Rates by State Map to stay on top of current CD opportunities.
