Rates on this page were last verified by CD Valet on September 21, 2026. Every APY shown was posted publicly by the financial institution and every institution is FDIC-insured or NCUA-insured.
Who has the highest CD rate right now?
As of September 21, 2026, the highest CD rate verified by CD Valet is 9.00% APY on a 9-month certificate from Southland Credit Union, an NCUA-insured credit union available to new members in Los Angeles and Orange County. Among nationally available offers with no membership requirement, the highest verified rate is 4.95% APY from Raymond James Bank on a 60-month CD with a $1,000 minimum deposit.
While the Fed raised rates 25 basis points in the September meeting (the first hike in 3 years), banks and credit unions were already preparing for it — our marketplace just logged the highest week of CD rate increases we’ve tracked in a while.
Banks and credit unions raised rates on 840 CDs and lowered rates on just 190, with 172 brand-new offerings added — a sharp tilt toward higher yields heading into the Fed decision. (Data as of 9/13)
Right now, CDs are giving savers something they don’t get often: strong, comparable yields across both short and long terms. When you can lock in the same competitive rate whether you choose 5 months or 5 years, it’s a signal that the CD yield curve is essentially flat. What does the flattening yield curve mean for savers? Since there’s no rate benefit to locking up money longer, the smarter move for most people is to match the CD term to when they’ll actually need the cash — not to chase a rate that doesn’t exist at the long end anymore.
What You’ll Learn:
- Current best rates from federally insured banks and credit unions
- Common types of certificates of deposit
- What to consider when comparing rates
- How to find and secure a competitive APY
- Smart savings strategies like CD laddering to maximize returns
Who is paying the highest CD rates today?
Which credit unions are paying the highest CD rates?
A share certificate is a credit union equivalent of a CD, and it carries the same fixed term and fixed rate.
According to CD Valet data, Southland Credit Union leads with one of the highest-yielding CD rates in short-term offerings: a 9-month anniversary special offering 9.00% APY for new members in LA and Orange county. This CD comes with a $100 minimum deposit and $1,000 maximum deposit limit. Southland Credit Union deposits are insured by the NCUA.
For their 65th anniversary special, Lynchburg Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union has a 78-month CD with a 6.50% APY ($650 minimum deposit, $10,000 maximum deposit). Lynchburg Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union deposits are insured by the NCUA. Financial Partners Credit Union has an 8-month CD offering 6.00% APY with a minimum deposit of $1,000. Financial Partners Credit Union deposits are insured by the NCUA. Birmingham City Credit Union is offering 5.00% APY on an 18-month CD with a $500 minimum deposit. Gerber Federal Credit Union, which serves individuals who live, work, worship, volunteer or attend school in certain Michigan counties, has an 84-month CD with a 4.75% APY and minimum deposit of $1,000.
Credit union rates are often restricted by geography or employer. To see what is available where you live, check CD rates by state.
Which banks are paying the highest CD rates?
When comparing CD rates from FDIC-insured banks, CD Valet rate data shows Raymond James Bank rises to the top with its 60-month CD with 4.95% APY and a minimum deposit of $1,000. Raymond James Bank is a Member FDIC institution.
Wintrust Bank is offering a 6-month Grand Opening CD offering 4.60% APY and a $1,000 minimum deposit (new money only). Wintrust Bank is a Member FDIC institution. State Bank of Newburg (Member FDIC) closely follows with its 60-month CD paying 4.54% APY ($10,000 min deposit). Argentine Federal Savings (Member FDIC) has a 4-month, new-money CD special offering 4.50% APY for members in the greater Kansas City area. This CD has a $1,500 minimum deposit. Bread Financial‘s highest available rate is on its 18-month CD earning 4.35% APY ($1,500 minimum deposit), which is available to open nationwide. Bread Financial is a Member FDIC institution.
The table below shows the highest APY verified by CD Valet as of September 21, 2026. Rates are drawn from tens of thousands of CD offers tracked across federally insured banks and credit unions nationwide, and reflect the rate each institution posted publicly, not an estimate and not a national average.
| Financial Institution | Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | Term | Minimum Deposit | Insurance |
| Southland Credit Union | 9.00% APY* | 9-month | $100 | Insured by NCUA |
| Lynchburg Municipal Employees FCU | 6.50% APY* | 78-month | $650 | Insured by NCUA |
| Financial Partners Credit Union | 6.00% APY* | 8-month | $1,000 | Insured by NCUA |
| Birmingham City Credit Union | 5.00% APY* | 18-month | $500 | Insured by NCUA |
| Raymond James Bank | 4.95% APY* | 60-month | $1,000 | Member FDIC |
| Gerber Federal Credit Union | 4.75% APY* | 84-month | $1,000 | Insured by NCUA |
| Wintrust Bank | 4.60% APY* | 6-month | $1,000 | Member FDIC |
| State Bank of Newburg | 4.54% APY* | 60-month | $10,000 | Member FDIC |
| Argentine Federal Savings | 4.50% APY* | 4-month | $1,500 | Member FDIC |
| Bread Financial | 4.35% APY* | 18-month | $1,500 | Member FDIC |
Compare rates by term: best 6-month CD rates, best 12-month CD rates, best 24-month CD rates, best 3-year CD rates, best 4-year CD rates, best 5-year CD rates
What are CD rates today compared to the national average?
As of September 21, 2026, the FDIC national average APY is 1.73% for a 12-month CD. The highest 12-month rate verified by CD Valet is 5.00% APY or more, roughly 3.27 percentage points above the national average.
Is 4.00% APY on a CD still available?
Yes. CD Valet rate data shows there are currently around 3,780 tracked CD rates earning 4.00% APY or higher. Southland Credit Union has a 9-month anniversary special offering 9.00% APY ($100 minimum deposit) for new members in LA and Orange county. Lynchburg Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union has a 78-month CD with a 6.50% APY ($650 minimum deposit). Financial Partners Credit Union has an 8-month CD offering 6.00% APY with a minimum deposit of $1,000.
Among nationally available CDs with no membership requirement, the highest rate verified by CD Valet is 4.95% APY.
How does a CD work?
A certificate of deposit (CD) is a low-risk, federally-insured savings account. You agree to keep your money in the account for a fixed term, and the financial institution agrees to pay you a fixed interest rate, providing fixed and predictable returns. Minimum deposit requirements for CDs can vary widely, from $0 to $10,000 or more.
Typically, most banks are federally insured by the FDIC while credit unions are insured by NCUA. Some financial institutions are privately insured. In general, the FDIC and NCUA insure up to $250,000 per depositor. FDIC coverage is based on account ownership and structure. Depending on ownership, CDs can be insured for more than the standard $250,000.
CD yields are expressed as an Annual Percentage Yield (APY) — a standardized measure that reflects both the interest rate and the effects of compounding, giving you a clearer picture of your real earnings potential. Because CDs are designed for a set holding period, withdrawing funds prior to the maturity date may result in early withdrawal penalties. You can calculate an early withdrawal penalty before you commit. This makes CDs best suited for savings you can set aside until maturity.
Certificate of deposit accounts typically pay higher interest than traditional savings accounts due to their fixed terms and penalties for early withdrawal.
What are the common types of CDs?
| Fixed Rate CD | The fixed rate CD is the most common type of CD, offering a set interest rate for the term. Typically requires a low minimum balance ($100 to $1,000) and has terms ranging from 3 months to 5 years. |
| Promotional CD | A time-limited offer from a bank or credit union, often featuring a higher-than-average rate or nonstandard term length (e.g., 7 months or 11 months). Attractive short-term opportunity, and it usually rolls into a standard CD at maturity, which may have a lower APY. |
| Jumbo CD | A jumbo certificate of deposit requires a larger minimum deposit, typically $100,000, compared to traditional CDs. |
| No Penalty CD | A No Penalty CD allows withdrawals before maturity without penalty, but usually pays a lower APY than a traditional fixed-rate CD of the same or similar term. |
| Bump Up CD | Bump Up CDs allow you to request one or more rate increases during the term, if market rates rise. |
| Add On CD | An Add On CD allows for additional deposits to be made before maturity, though APYs are generally lower than traditional CDs. |
| Callable CD | Callable CDs can be “called” (redeemed) early by the issuing bank or credit union, usually after a no-call period has expired. Often pays a higher initial rate, but carries reinvestment risk. If called, you receive your principal and interest to date, but lose the ability to earn the originally promised rate for the full term. |
| Brokered CD | Brokered certificates of deposit are offered through brokerage firms rather than directly from a bank and may typically yield more than regular CDs because they are in a more competitive market. The broker’s underlying CD purchase from the bank is federally insured. |
What should you look at besides APY when comparing CD rates?
CDs are one of the most straightforward ways to grow your savings. They offer a fixed interest rate that won’t change and carry very low risk when held through insured banks and credit unions. Smart savers already know how to spot a great rate—but the APY alone doesn’t tell the whole story. It’s also important to consider the minimum opening deposit and CD term length.
To get the most out of your CD, you’ll want to look closely at the fine print. Understanding how penalties work, how interest is paid, and what happens when your CD matures will help ensure you’re choosing the best account for your savings goals.
- Penalties: Know the early-withdrawal rules (90–180 days’ loss of interest is most common). Some early withdrawal penalties may be shorter or longer and can dip into principal. Calculate your early withdrawal penalty before you commit.
- How interest is paid: Understand your accrued interest payment options. Can you withdraw posted interest without penalty? Does the financial institution pay out interest monthly, quarterly, or at maturity? You may be able to have your interest paid monthly to supplement your income. Please note that taking interest out early reduces compounding and results in a lower annual percentage yield.
- Maturity handling: Know what happens at the CD maturity date before you receive the maturity notice. For example, does your CD automatically renew for the same term or a different term, or does it auto-close? What is the maturity grace period? 10 calendar days or shorter? Do you earn interest during this grace period? Can you provide maturity instructions to the financial institution in advance?
The financial institution you choose to deposit with can also matter when it comes to deciding where to open an account. Oftentimes, online banks and community financial institutions can offer better rates on CDs compared to larger banks. Ensure your deposits are safe by choosing institutions that are federally insured by the FDIC or NCUA.
Which CD strategy should you use?
Here are three CD savings strategies that will help you plan your CD funding and maximize your earnings.
CD Laddering: Laddering is the process of opening several CDs, each with different terms, so that you have a set schedule of funds becoming available providing needed liquidity. This could be to meet an expected cash flow, such as tax payments, quarterly or annual tuition payments, or funding a home renovation. Or it can be a way to keep funds invested until you need them.
For example, you open four CDs, each for $50,000 but with respective terms of 3-months, 6-months, 9-months, and 12-months. Over the coming year, $50,000 will be available every 3 months. Each time a CD has reached its maturity, you’re able to access some or all the cash. Or you can set it up to let each CD roll over into a new 12-month CD, retaining the same 3-month availability in the coming year, while still earning the higher rates typically offered for CDs.
CD Bullet: If you have a target date that you’d like access to your funds, the CD Bullet is what you’re looking for. Just like an actual bullet, the CD Bullet strategy targets a date in which the saver opens several CDs over several years that will mature around the same time.
This is a great way to fund long-term savings goals, like buying a house, funding college tuition, taking a dream vacation, or saving for retirement.
CD Barbell: This may not be a strategy you’d add to your physical workout routine, but exercising a CD Barbell gives you the savings results you’re looking for by splitting your investments in two, short- (12 months or less) and long- (5 years or more) term CDs.
This is beneficial when you have two savings goals on different timelines. A two-ended Barbell strategy allows you to take advantage of a long-term CD’s higher, fixed interest rate while a short-term CD allows you to reach short-term savings goals, provides early access to funds, or gives you the ability to reinvest in CDs with possible higher rates.
Where can you compare CD rates from multiple banks in one place?
CD Valet is a CD marketplace that features verified rates from federally insured banks and credit unions nationwide. With tens of thousands of CD offers tracked across the country, CD Valet gives you a clear view of top rates and helps you explore higher-yield CD options with reliable returns.
- Compare verified rates with confidence: Explore the nation’s top rates from thousands of FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions, compiled in one place.
- Filter by what matters: Narrow by desired term length, APY, minimum deposit amount, financial institution type, and location. Find nationwide and local offers.
- Use our tools and calculators: Estimate earnings and break-fee scenarios before you act, or instantly find the Best CD Rates by State using our interactive map.
- Securely open an account: Click “Open Now” to open a CD account directly with one of our trusted financial institution partners.
How CD Valet verifies rates
Every CD rate listed on CD Valet is verified with publicly available data from federally insured banks and credit unions. We operate as a comprehensive marketplace without the bias of favorable placement, ensuring our data remains transparent and accurate. Rates are actively verified and updated in a multi-step review as often as daily. Read the full CD Valet Verified Rate Methodology and Data Verification Policy.
What should you do next?
Current rates up to 4.95% APY and higher represent significant opportunities to lock in attractive fixed returns. Many banks and credit unions are still offering strong yields, especially through promotional CDs.
As the CD yield curve continues to flatten, smart savers may find it helpful to adopt a strategy that balances flexibility with yield capture, such as building a CD ladder or incorporating no-penalty CDs. Doing a little homework—such as visiting rate comparison websites—can significantly improve returns. In today’s volatile environment, staying informed can be the difference between average or excellent returns.
Next steps:
- Visit CD Valet to compare top rates from Southland Credit Union, Raymond James Bank and other banks and credit unions nationwide.
- Use CD Valet’s Earnings Calculator or Early Withdrawal Penalty Calculator to determine your best possible earnings opportunities.
- Take a look at the Best Rate By State Map to find the highest interest rates available by state, updated daily. The map pulls real-time offers from banks and credit unions so you can compare APYs at a glance.
- Click “Open Now” to open a CD directly with one of our trusted financial institution partners.
Frequently asked questions about CD rates
As of September 21, 2026, the highest CD rate verified by CD Valet is 9.00% APY on a 9-month certificate from Southland Credit Union, an NCUA-insured credit union available to new members in Los Angeles and Orange County. Among nationally available offers with no membership requirement, the highest verified rate is 4.95% APY from Raymond James Bank on a 60-month CD with a $1,000 minimum deposit.
When comparing CD rates from FDIC-insured banks, CD Valet rate data shows Raymond James Bank rises to the top with its 60-month CD with 4.95% APY and a minimum deposit of $1,000. Raymond James Bank is a Member FDIC institution.
According to CD Valet data, Southland Credit Union leads with one of the highest-yielding CD rates in short-term offerings: a 9-month anniversary special offering 9.00% APY for new members in LA and Orange county. This CD comes with a $100 minimum deposit and $1,000 maximum deposit limit. Southland Credit Union deposits are insured by the NCUA.
Yes. CD Valet rate data shows there are currently around 3,780 tracked CD rates earning 4.00% APY or higher. Southland Credit Union has a 9-month anniversary special offering 9.00% APY ($100 minimum deposit) for new members in LA and Orange county. Lynchburg Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union has a 78-month CD with a 6.50% APY ($650 minimum deposit). Financial Partners Credit Union has an 8-month CD offering 6.00% APY with a minimum deposit of $1,000.
Banks and credit unions can change posted CD rates at any time, and promotional rates often expire without notice. CD Valet verifies posted rates in a multi-step review as often as daily, so the rates on this page reflect what each institution published on the verification date shown at the top.
Online banks and community financial institutions frequently post higher CD rates than large national branch banks, because they carry lower overhead and compete for deposits on yield. The size of that gap changes by term and by month, so compare the actual posted rate rather than assuming a category advantage.
CDs at FDIC-insured banks are insured up to $250,000 per depositor. Certificates at NCUA-insured credit unions carry the same coverage. FDIC coverage is based on account ownership and structure, so depending on ownership a CD can be insured for more than the standard $250,000. Every institution listed on CD Valet is federally insured.
Withdrawing before the maturity date usually triggers an early withdrawal penalty, most commonly 90 to 180 days of interest. Some penalties are shorter, some are longer, and some can dip into principal. Use the CD Valet early withdrawal penalty calculator to see what a specific penalty would cost.
Every CD rate listed on CD Valet is verified with publicly available data from federally insured banks and credit unions. CD Valet operates as a comprehensive marketplace without the bias of favorable placement, and rates are actively verified and updated in a multi-step review as often as daily. CD Valet tracks tens of thousands of CD offers nationwide rather than publishing a curated shortlist of partner institutions.
CD Valet is a CD marketplace that features verified rates from federally insured banks and credit unions nationwide. You can filter by term length, APY, minimum deposit, institution type, and location, and compare nationwide and local offers side by side at www.cdvalet.com.
