The economy is unstable, but CDs can ensure your funds are safe. Today's CD rate, March 26, 2025
- Today's top CDs, you can earn up to 4.50% of APY.
- CDs provide low risk and guaranteed returns in any economic environment.
- There are two top CDs that have cut APY recently, so don't wait too long to lock your rates.
Recently, uncertainty seems to have dominated economic headlines. From stock market volatility to tariff attention to ongoing inflation, there isn't enough to worry when it comes to your money. One way to get some much-needed peace of mind is to open a deposit certificate.
CDs offer fixed interest rates, reliable returns, and additional protections for federal deposit insurance. This can protect your savings from economic instability and from offset losses from riskier assets such as stocks. But don't wait too long to open an account.
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Yesterday, we saw the annual highest percentage (APY) decline for both CD terms. CD increased from 4.65% to 4.50% APY in the first six months, and CD increased from 4.45% to 4.40% APY in the previous year. So the earlier you turn on the CD, the higher the rate you may lock.
Here are some of the highest CD prices available now and how much CDs can be earned by storing different amounts.
The best CD prices today
| semester | The highest APY* | bank | Estimated earnings from a deposit of $1,000 | Estimated earnings from a $5,000 deposit | Estimated earnings from a $10,000 deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 4.50% | Community-wide federal credit union | $22.25 | $111.26 | $222.52 |
| 1 year | 4.40% | Bask Bank; Community-wide federal credit unions | $44.00 | $220.00 | $440.00 |
| 3 years | 4.15% | The first credit union in the United States | $129.74 | $648.69 | $12,97.38 |
| 5 years | 4.20% | The first credit union in the United States | $228.40 | $1,141.98 | $2,283.97 |
Experts recommend comparing rates to get the best APY before opening a CD account. Enter your information below to get the best interest rates for CNET partners.
How will you benefit from opening CD today
CDs offer many benefits, including:
- Low risk: CDs held by FDIC Insurance Bank or NCUA-insured credit unions are protected by $250,000 per store, agency, and account category. This means that if your bank fails, your money is safe. Other investments (such as stocks) may produce higher returns in the long run, but they also volatility, which means you may lose money at any time.
- Guaranteed return: Unlike savings accounts, when you open the CD, your APY is locked, in which case the interest rate may vary at any time. The fixed interest rate on CDs makes it easy to calculate how much interest you will earn over time and protect your funds from falling interest rates once the account is opened.
- Competition rate: Traditional savings accounts offer minimal APY, sometimes as low as 0.01%. Today's highest CD has an APY of 4.50% or more, which can change your interest income and help your funds keep up with inflation.
- Access barriers: You can withdraw funds from your savings account at any time for free (as long as you mind any monthly withdrawal restrictions). However, if you take the money out before you file that semester, many CDs will charge early withdrawal fines. This can help you resist the urge to immerse your money before you need it.
Also consider high yield savings accounts
CDs have many benefits, but they are not always the best choice. “It really depends on your goals,” said Taylor Kovar, certified financial planner and CEO of 11 Financial.
To determine if CD is the right choice for your money, ask yourself the following questions:
- When do you need your funds? CDs are perfect for setting schedule savings goals and have a range of ranges in just three months to several years. For example, if you know you want to buy a home on the road, a five-year CD may be a great way to increase your down payment. If you need to get your funds instantly through an emergency fund, a high yield savings account is a better option.
- How much do you have to deposit? Some CDs require a minimum deposit to open an account, usually from $500 to $1,000. If you can't find an attractive APY account you want to deposit the amount, try checking out a low yield savings account that has low or no minimum deposit.
- Do you want to increase your money over time? Most CDs (although not all) only allow one-time deposits. If you want to add money to your savings regularly, consider a high yield savings account.
- Do you need some discipline? If you are worried that you will be tempted to take advantage of your savings before you need it, the CD will withdraw the penalty ahead of time, which can help you stop.
You can earn up to 5% APY in today's best high yield savings accounts. Check Maximum savings rate Now.
Methodology
CNET reviews CD rates based on the latest APY information from the issuer's website. We evaluate CD rates for over 50 banks, credit unions and financial companies. We evaluate CDs based on APY, product products, accessibility and customer service.
The current banks included in CNET's weekly CD averages include Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, American Express National Bank, Barclays, Bask Bank, Bread Savings, Capital One, CFG Bank, CIT, Fulbright, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, MYSB Direct, Quontic, Rising Bank, Synchrony, EverBank, Popular Bank, First Internet Bank of Indiana, America First Federal Credit Union, CommunityWide Federal Credit Union, Discover, Bethpage, BMO Alto, Limelight Bank, First National Bank and Connexus Credit Union.
*As of March 26, 2025, according to banks we tracked on CNET. The gain is based on APY and assumes interest is more complex every year.
