If 2025 taught savers anything, it’s that earning predictable returns doesn’t require taking big risks.
CD Valet tracked hundreds of Certificates of Deposit (CDs) from partners that offer direct digital account opening via the Featured CDs tab, and throughout the year, a clear pattern emerged: savers were intentional, flexible, and focused on value.
Here’s what stood out in 2025 and what it means for your savings strategy going into the year ahead.
Short-Term CDs Were the Go-To Choice for Savers
In a year that included multiple Federal Reserve rate cuts, many savers leaned into shorter CD terms to keep their options open.
More than half of featured CDs on CD Valet in 2025 were for terms one year or less, with the most common options being:
- 12-month CDs (21%)
- 6-month CDs (15.9%)
- 9-month CDs (7.2%)
And those same terms weren’t just widely available—they were the most popular with consumers. 6-month and 12-month CDs each accounted for 24% of total engagement, making them the most clicked and explored options on CD Valet.
Takeaway: Short-term CDs offered a balance of competitive Annual Percentage Yield (APY) and flexibility, which is especially helpful in a changing rate environment.
Competitive Rates Stuck Around Longer Than Expected
Even with rate shifts during the year, CD rates stayed strong.
Over 60% of featured CD offers in 2025 paid 4.00% APY or higher, giving savers plenty of opportunities to lock in attractive yields without stretching into long terms.
Some of the most popular CDs of the year included:
- 4.65% APY on a 7-month CD (bank)
- 4.60% APY on 6- and 9-month CDs (bank)
- 4.50% APY on an 8-month CD (credit union)
- 4.50% APY on a 12-month CD (bank)
These rates stood out not just for their rate, but for how consistently they drew saver interest.
Flexibility Mattered, Both in Term Length and Deposit Size
While short-term CDs dominated, longer options still played a key role. Terms like 24-, 36-, and even 60-month CDs continued to attract interest from savers focused on longer-range planning.
At the same time, deposit flexibility was key:
- 44% of saver activity focused on CDs with a minimum deposit of $1,000
- This shows a clear preference for options that don’t require large upfront commitments
Takeaway: Savers weren’t chasing complexity; they were choosing CDs that fit their budgets and timelines.
Comparison Tools Helped Savers Make Confident Choices
More consumers used CD Valet’s comparison tools in 2025, including the Best CD Rates by State Map and monthly APY Checkpoint, to double-check whether a rate was truly competitive before opening.
Instead of guessing or relying on a single bank or credit union’s rate, savers increasingly compared options across institutions, helping them feel confident that they were choosing CDs that aligned with their goals.
Banks vs. Credit Unions: Where Savers Looked Most
In 2025, saver interest leaned toward banks (75%) compared to credit unions (25%). Banks often offer nationwide availability and typically do not require membership to open an account. That said, some of the most popular rates of the year came from both types of institutions, reinforcing that great CD options can be found across the board.
What This Means for Savers Heading in 2026
The big lesson from 2025?
Savers are prioritizing predictable returns, flexibility, and informed decision-making.
Whether you’re building an emergency fund, laddering CDs, or just looking for a better place to grow your savings, the trends from this year show that:
- Comparing rates pays off
- Flexibility and matching terms to goals matters just as much as APY
In 2026, staying informed—and staying flexible—continues to be a savvy saver’s advantage.
