Best Certificate of Deposit Rates September 2026 Up to 6.03%
Brian McKay
Brian McKay
Founder & Data Architect- Automated Online Rate Data Aggregation
- Location-Based Rate Tables
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If you are looking to maximize your savings, you can compare national CD options like Vacationland Federal Credit UnionVacationland Federal Credit Union2409 E Perkins Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 3.71% offering 12 Month Youth Certificates at 6.03% APY, or CO-OP Credit UnionCO-OP Credit Union100 E Main St, Black River Falls, WI 54615A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 3.23% offering 12 Month Youth Saver Certificate at 6.00% APY, or Congressional Federal Credit UnionCongressional Federal Credit Union10461 White Granite Dr, Oakton, VA 22124A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 4.81% offering Flexible Saver - 1 Year Certificate at 6.00% APY, or Schools Federal Credit UnionSchools Federal Credit Union20101 Hamilton Ave Ste 150, Torrance, CA 90502 1306A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.69% offering Relationship Certificate (12 months) at 5.90% APY. CD rates as of September 21, 2026 according to verified data from MonitorBankRates.
Finding the best CD rate is one of the safest ways to grow your savings. Unlike variable accounts, a CD lets you lock in a high APY for a specific term, protecting your return from market fluctuations. We empower savers with transparent financial health metrics, including A-F Safety Grades, verified Star Ratings, and Texas Ratios, so you can choose a stable, highly-rated institution with confidence.
The Annual Percentage Yields (APYs) displayed reflect actual verified offers from top-rated institutions. Rates are subject to change at the institution’s discretion without notice and may depend on your initial funding amount. A substantial penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal, which could reduce earnings on the account. CD Rates Last Updated and Verified: September 21, 2026
Compare the Best CD Rates Nationwide
3 Month CD Rates
The national average 3-month CD rate is 2.05% APY as of September 21, 2026, based on MonitorBankRates data collected from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
$50,000+
No additional details available.
6 Month CD Rates
The national average 6-month CD rate is 2.78% APY as of September 21, 2026, based on MonitorBankRates data collected from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 90 Days Interest
max $1,000
Limit of one CD per member
Balance Range: $50 - $5,000
$50,000+
Teen Cents Club Junior Savers Kangaroo Kids Club Minimum $100.00 Maximum $5,000.00 (Aggregate)
Minimum: Amount of 4H or FFA - Youth Fair Participation Check; Max $5,000
Must be funded by new money not currently on deposit
No additional details available.
Limited time offer. Converts to a standard 6 Month CD at renewal.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Minimum to Obtain: $500
No additional details available.
Qualifications Required; Checking and Savings account, Debit card and must currently have Direct Deposit. Money must be new to MWFFCU.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Bonus Rate: 5.00%; Early Withdrawal Penalty: 90 Days Interest
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
10-Day CD Rate Guarantee
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
12 Month CD Rates
The national average 12-month CD rate is 2.96% APY as of September 21, 2026, based on MonitorBankRates data collected from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
Age: 19
No additional details available.
Term: Flexible Saver - 1 Year Certificate; Special Rate (APY):
Terms Apply
Balance Range: $50 - $5,000
Age: 13-17
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
$100,000.00 maximum for each certificate 90 penalty for early withdrawal, 10 day grace period at end of contract Dividends are paid quarterly and deposited to certificate.
Rate disclosed is for customers of West Gate Bank with Certificate of Deposit balances below $250,000. Add 0.25% to interest rate for balances at or over $250,000.00, No Term IRA excluded.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Maximum $10,000 (Automatic Renewal)
The Family Legacy Certificate Account must be opened within two years of the date of death. Eligibility is subject to verification.
Penalty for early withdrawal: 180 days dividends
Maximum Balance: $1,000
Term: 12 Month Youth Special
18 Month CD Rates
The national average 18-month CD rate is 2.81% APY as of September 21, 2026, based on MonitorBankRates data collected from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
No additional details available.
Maximum deposit of $1M per individual.
Penalty for early withdrawal: 180 days dividends
No additional details available.
See Fair Special options; Preferred Rate with any checking account; 5.00%
Interest Will Be Credited: Quarterly; Fixed Rate or Variable Rate***: Variable
No additional details available.
Minimum balance $100,000
Purchased through Raymond James brokerage account: $2,000; Not purchased through Raymond James brokerage account: $1,000
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Checking Relationship APY
Must be under 18 to open. 18M allows add-ons & withdrawals (Min +/- $100 ) & a 1-time rate bump (must provide report card). MAXIMUM DEPOSIT OF $10,000.00, LIMIT ONE PER MEMBER
No additional details available.
Our High Yield Jumbo CDs offer among the most competitive rates, plus more. 10-Day Rate Guarantee Earn Loyalty Rates when you renew your CD
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
24 Month CD Rates
The national average 24-month CD rate is 2.85% APY as of September 21, 2026, based on MonitorBankRates data collected from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
No additional details available.
Balance Range: $50 - $5,000
No additional details available.
Balance: $100,000 +
Regular IRA And Roth IRA
No additional details available.
Purchased through Raymond James brokerage account: $2,000; Not purchased through Raymond James brokerage account: $1,000
Balance: Under $100,000
Treasury Indexed CD; variable yield account with no cap
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
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No additional details available.
Checking Relationship APY
No additional details available.
Earn Loyalty Rates when you renew your CD
No additional details available.
Maximum opening deposit amount of $500,000.00. Fees could reduce earnings on account. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. At the end of the initial term, CDs will automatically review at the then-offered rate.
Featured: Market-leading CD rates
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
36 Month CD Rates
The national average 36-month CD rate is 2.76% APY as of September 21, 2026, based on MonitorBankRates data collected from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
FOR AGES 13-15 YEARS OLD; Minimum deposit of $500, Maximum $10,000. Annual Percentage Yield is based on assumption that dividends will remain in account until maturity. A penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity. Contact 1st CCU for full details, qualifications, restrictions, funds availability, terms and conditions. Youth members may have one of each Youth Certificate type. Teen members may have one Teen Certificate and one of each Youth Certificate type. Certificates are subject to age restrictions. Cannot be opened as UTMA account. Certificate must be in the minor's name. Membership eligibility required. Anyone who lives or works in La Crosse, Monroe, Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson, Eau Claire, Clark, Wood, Adams, Juneau, Sauk, Richland, Crawford, or Vernon County is eligible to join 1st CCU. Federally insured by NCUA.
No additional details available.
Penalty for early withdrawal applies. Fees may reduce earnings. Rates are variable. UVA Community Credit Union reserves the right to end or modify this offer at any time without notice. This offer is also valid for Education Savings Certificates.
Purchased through Raymond James brokerage account: $2,000; Not purchased through Raymond James brokerage account: $1,000
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Minimum to Obtain: $500
No additional details available.
MIN BALANCE - $99,999.99
$10 minimum at 36 months and requires a monthly deposit between $10 & $500
Certificate of Deposits, IRAs, and HSA**5
Earn Loyalty Rates when you renew your CD
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Balance: $100,000 and over; 1
No additional details available.
48 Month CD Rates
The national average 48-month CD rate is 2.76% APY as of September 21, 2026, based on MonitorBankRates data collected from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
Regular IRA And Roth IRA
Purchased through Raymond James brokerage account: $2,000; Not purchased through Raymond James brokerage account: $1,000
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Balance: $75,000 to $199,999.99
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Balance: $500.00
No additional details available.
Interest paid quarterly
Balance: $100,000.00 and over
No additional details available.
Balance: $100,000.00 and over
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
60 Month CD Rates
The national average 60-month CD rate is 2.84% APY as of September 21, 2026, based on MonitorBankRates data collected from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
Regular IRA And Roth IRA
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Purchased through Raymond James brokerage account: $2,000; Not purchased through Raymond James brokerage account: $1,000
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
FOR AGES 0-12 YEARS OLD; Minimum deposit of $500, Maximum $10,000. Annual Percentage Yield is based on assumption that dividends will remain in account until maturity. A penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity. Contact 1st CCU for full details, qualifications, restrictions, funds availability, terms and conditions. Youth members may have one of each Youth Certificate type. Teen members may have one Teen Certificate and one of each Youth Certificate type. Certificates are subject to age restrictions. Cannot be opened as UTMA account. Certificate must be in the minor's name. Membership eligibility required. Anyone who lives or works in La Crosse, Monroe, Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson, Eau Claire, Clark, Wood, Adams, Juneau, Sauk, Richland, Crawford, or Vernon County is eligible to join 1st CCU. Federally insured by NCUA.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Interest Will Be Credited: Monthly; Opening Balance: $10,000 or above
No additional details available.
Minimum to Obtain: $500
No business or institutional funds allowed. For deposits exceeding $250,000 we have programs available for you. Maximum deposit is $500,000 per account. Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
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No additional details available.
Interest paid quarterly
Banks and Credit Unions: If you identify an incorrect rate or wish to request removal from MonitorBankRates.com, please contact us here.
National CD Rate Trends
Weekly national average APYs across all 8 CD terms, compiled from 8,500+ banks & credit unions, updated nightly.
National 12-month CD rates rose 0.066 points this week to 2.962%, up from 2.896% last week.
National 6-month CD rates rose 0.060 points this week to 2.780%, up from 2.720% last week.
CD Rate Averages by Term
National average CD rates as of September 21, 2026, compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
| CD Term | National Average APY | Weekly Change | 26-Week Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Month CD | 2.05% | ▲ 0.03% | |
| 6-Month CD | 2.78% | ▲ 0.06% | |
| 12-Month CD | 2.96% | ▲ 0.07% | |
| 18-Month CD | 2.81% | ▲ 0.02% | |
| 24-Month CD | 2.85% | ▲ 0.03% | |
| 36-Month CD | 2.76% | ▲ 0.02% | |
| 48-Month CD | 2.76% | ▲ 0.02% | |
| 60-Month CD | 2.84% | ▲ 0.01% |
CD Rate Trends
Weekly average APYs across all CD terms. Hover over the chart to see exact rates for each week.
What Your Savings Earn at National CD Rates Today
Annual interest earnings at today’s national average APYs, compiled from 8,500+ banks and credit unions.
| CD Term | National Avg APY | $5,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Month CD | 2.047% | $102.36 | $204.71 | $511.78 | $1,023.55 |
| 6-Month CD | 2.780% | $138.99 | $277.98 | $694.95 | $1,389.90 |
| 12-Month CD | 2.962% | $148.11 | $296.21 | $740.53 | $1,481.05 |
| 18-Month CD | 2.812% | $140.60 | $281.20 | $703.00 | $1,406.00 |
| 24-Month CD | 2.846% | $142.29 | $284.58 | $711.45 | $1,422.90 |
| 36-Month CD | 2.761% | $138.03 | $276.05 | $690.13 | $1,380.25 |
| 48-Month CD | 2.761% | $138.04 | $276.07 | $690.18 | $1,380.35 |
| 60-Month CD | 2.840% | $142.02 | $284.04 | $710.10 | $1,420.20 |
| Earnings shown are annualized (APY basis). Actual earnings for sub-12-month terms will be proportionally lower at maturity. Top offers in the tables above pay well over these averages. Rates as of September 21, 2026. | |||||
Sample CD Ladder at Today’s National Averages
$25,000 split equally across 5 terms using today’s national average rates. As each CD matures, reinvest at the 36-month rung.
| Rung | Term | Deposit | National Avg APY | Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.047% | $102.36 |
| 2 | 6-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.780% | $138.99 |
| 3 | 12-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.962% | $148.11 |
| 4 | 24-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.846% | $142.29 |
| 5 | 36-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.761% | $138.03 |
| Total ($25,000 invested) | $25,000 | 2.679% blended | $669.78/yr | |
Ladder example uses equal $5,000 rungs and national average APYs. Actual earnings depend on the specific institution and product chosen. The top offers above pay well over the averages. Use the calculator below to model your exact deposit amounts.
About Our National CD Rate Database
MonitorBankRates monitors CD rates from 8,500+ banks and credit unions across all 50 states, spanning all eight major terms from 3 months to 60 months. The tables above surface the highest-yield offers available nationwide today from the thousands of verified rates in our database, and the state and minimum-deposit filters let you narrow the full database to offers available where you live. Our proprietary aggregation system pulls verified rate data directly from each institution’s official website, no estimates, no national averages passed off as real offers.
Every rate listed includes the institution’s Safety Grade (A+ to F), Star Rating (1–5), and Texas Ratio, objective financial health metrics calculated from FDIC and NCUA regulatory data, so you can compare yield and institutional safety in one place.
Current top 12-month rate: Vacationland Federal Credit Union offers a 12-month CD at 6.03% APY with a minimum deposit of $500. Use the term tabs above to compare all current national offers.
How to Find the Best CD Rates
What to compare when shopping for a certificate of deposit
To find the best CD APYs, start with credit unions and online-only banks. They consistently offer the highest yields because they have lower overhead than traditional brick-and-mortar banks and compete aggressively for deposits. Use the state filter in the tables above to see how local institutions stack up against the national leaders.
Always compare the APY (Annual Percentage Yield), not just the interest rate. The APY reflects compounding and is the true measure of what you’ll earn. The current national average 12-month CD APY is 2.962% , but top institutions are offering as high as 6.03%, so shopping around pays off.
Also compare the early withdrawal penalty. Common penalties range from 30 to 180 days of interest depending on the term. If you’re unsure whether you’ll need the funds early, a no-penalty CD or a high-yield savings account may be a better fit.
When a CD Makes Sense
- You have a planned expense coming up and want your savings to earn while you wait
- You expect rates to fall and want to lock in today’s rate
- You want FDIC or NCUA protection with a guaranteed fixed return
- You’re building a CD ladder for predictable income with regular access to a portion of your savings
Consider an Alternative If…
- You may need the funds within 30 days. Compare savings rates instead
- Rates are rising and you want to benefit: a variable-rate savings or money market account keeps pace
- You want check-writing access. Compare money market rates
U.S. Saver Snapshot
National demographics and economic context for CD savers, Source: U.S. Census Bureau
At today’s national 12-month CD average of 2.962%, saving 10% of the U.S. median salary ($4,734/year) and putting it in a CD would earn an additional $140 annually in guaranteed interest, and the top national offers above pay even more.
Data: U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
CD Rates vs. Other Savings Options
What to compare when choosing between a CD and other deposit accounts
| Feature | CD | High-Yield Savings | Money Market | 6-Month CD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Type | Fixed APY | Variable APY | Variable APY | Fixed APY |
| Liquidity | Locked for term | Anytime | Anytime | Locked 6 months |
| Early Withdrawal | Penalty (months of interest) | None | None | Penalty (90–180 days interest) |
| FDIC / NCUA Insured | Yes (up to $250K) | Yes (up to $250K) | Yes (up to $250K) | Yes (up to $250K) |
| Check / Debit Access | No | Usually no | Often yes | No |
| Best For | Known savings goal, CD ladder | Emergency fund, flexible savings | Liquid savings with check-writing | Slightly higher yield, less urgency |
Compare live rates: savings rates · money market rates
CD Calculator
See exactly what a CD will earn by maturity. Enter your deposit, pick a term, and set the APY, or click any current top national rate on the right to apply that term and rate instantly. CD rates are fixed for the full term.
Assumes the APY is held to maturity with interest compounding and remaining in the CD. Early withdrawals typically forfeit 30–180 days of interest. Estimates are for informational purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions about CD Rates
What is a Certificate of Deposit (CD)?
Are CD rates higher than regular savings accounts?
Is my money safe in a CD?
What happens if I withdraw money from a CD early?
What is APY and how does it differ from the interest rate?
What CD term should I choose?
What is a CD ladder?
Can I add money to a CD after opening it?
CD Calculators
Methodology & Data Sources
Independent, Free, and Unbiased Rate Comparisons: MonitorBankRates.com is an independent rate comparison service. Our nationwide CD rate tables are free for consumers to use, and we do not receive payment from any financial institution to be included or to be ranked in any particular order. Listings are based solely on the rates each institution publicly advertises on its own website.
A Note on Third-Party Rate Tools: Some pages on our site also feature rate comparison widgets and tools provided by third-party partners. These tools may include sponsored listings or affiliate links, and we may receive compensation when users click through them. We clearly label these widgets so you can tell at a glance which rates come from our independent MonitorBankRates.com tables and which come from our advertising partners.
Direct-Sourced & Verified CD Rate Data: We aggregate certificate of deposit (CD) rates nationwide directly from the official websites of banks and credit unions using our proprietary rate aggregation technology and a dedicated team of rate updaters. By sourcing data from the institutions’ own digital properties and manually verifying yields daily, every rate on MonitorBankRates.com is highly accurate and trustworthy.
Local, Regional, and National Coverage: Our systems constantly monitor the market to provide a complete picture of available yields across the country. We feature a comprehensive mix of financial institutions, from neighborhood credit unions and competitive regional banks to high-yield CDs from large national institutions.
Daily Updates & Time-Stamped Accuracy: Our rate updaters verify and update CD rates daily. Because yields can fluctuate rapidly based on Federal Reserve policy and market conditions, every CD product listed features its own specific “last updated” date for full transparency.
Proprietary Institution Health & Safety Grades: Beyond tracking rates, MonitorBankRates evaluates the financial stability of every listed institution. Our Health Grades (A+ to F) and Star Ratings are composite metrics calculated using objective regulatory data, including the Texas Ratio, ensuring you deposit with secure, reliable institutions.
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