Best 48-Month CD Rates - May 2026
Brian McKay
Brian McKay
Founder & Data Architect- Automated Online Rate Data Aggregation
- Location-Based Rate Tables
- Bank & Credit Union Health Safety Ratings
- Finance Calculators
Top 48-month CD rates currently available include Cornerstone State BankCornerstone State Bank500 Main St, Madison Lake, MN 56063A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.88%Real return: +1.75%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering IRA 36-48 month C.D. at 4.55% APY, and MECE Credit UnionMECE Credit Union2722 E McCarty St, Jefferson City, MO 65101 4428A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.48%Real return: +1.69%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering IRA & HSA Certificates 48 Months Jumbo IRA at 4.49% APY, and Priority Plus Federal Credit UnionPriority Plus Federal Credit Union6 LYNAM ST, WILMINGTON, DE 19804A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.58%Real return: +1.52%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 48 mo Certificate at 4.32% APY, and Fairmont Federal Credit UnionFairmont Federal Credit Union2 The Credit Union Way, Fairmont, WV 26554 1567A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.76%Real return: +1.40%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering Jumbo Certificates 48 month at 4.20% APY. CD rates as of May 4, 2026 according to verified data from MonitorBankRates.
A 4-year CD is the longest standard CD term, designed for savers who want to maximize fixed yield and are comfortable locking in funds for the long term. It is often the highest-yielding option available and pairs naturally with retirement or long-term savings goals. We display Safety Grades, Star Ratings, and Texas Ratios so you can choose a stable institution with confidence.
The APYs displayed reflect actual verified offers. Rates are subject to change at the institution’s discretion without notice. A substantial penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. 60-Month CD Rates Last Updated and Verified: May 4, 2026
Compare the Best 48-Month CD Rates Nationwide
$75,000 to $199,999.99
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Over $90,000
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$100,000 and Above
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Early Withdrawal Penalty: 180 Days' Dividends
$500.00 Minimum
$1,000.00 & over
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Variable Rate - during the term of your Certificate account(s), you may increase the rate one time to the rate currently in effect for accounts of this type with the same term.
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More Than $100,000
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$20,000
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Minimum to open & earn dividends: $100,000
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Minimum $500 Credit Quarterly Compound Daily
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Greater than or equal to $100,000
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Early withdrawal penalties may apply.
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Over $50,000
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$2,000 minimum deposit to open. Must maintain a minimum daily balance of $2,000 in the account each day to obtain the disclosed annual percentage yield. APY on CDs assumes interest is compounded quarterly and stays on deposit until maturity. Withdrawal of interest will reduce earnings. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal from a Certificate of Deposit.
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In-Branch
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Loss of 180 days' dividends
Minimum to open is $5,000. Minimum to open waived for existing checking and savings account customers. Penalty for early withdrawal. Consumer accounts only. Rates are subject to change without notice.
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Bonus Rate
$200
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$100,000+*
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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.
Tracked Nationwide
About Our 48-Month CD Rate Database
MonitorBankRates tracks 2,808 48-month CD rates from 1,649 institutions across the United States. 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 rate: Cornerstone State Bank offers a 48-month CD at 4.55% APY with a minimum deposit of $500. Use the rate table above to compare all current offers.
48-Month CD Rate Trend
Daily national average APY for 48-month CDs
Daily averages compiled from our database of 8,500+ banks and credit unions — updated daily.
National 48-month CD rates fell 0.008 points over the past 7 days to 2.596% APY, down from 2.604% 7 days ago.
48-Month CD Rate Forecast — Next 12 Months
Where are 48-month CD rates headed through May 2027?
Projections based on Fed funds rate futures and historical CD-to-fed-funds spread model. Not financial advice.
CD Calculators
Enter any deposit amount to see exactly how much interest you earn at the end of your 48-month term at today’s top APY.
CD Ladder with 48 months RungA 4-year CD anchors the long end of a CD ladder. See how pairing it with 12 and 24-month CDs gives you periodic access while maximizing yield on a portion of savings.
Early Withdrawal Penalty48-month CDs typically carry a 270–365 days interest penalty for early access. Calculate your actual net return if you need funds before maturity.
48-Month CD vs. High-Yield Savings4-year CD rates offer one of the highest fixed yields available. Compare to savings accounts to quantify exactly how much more a 48-month commitment earns over the same period.
How to Find the Best 48-Month CD Rates
What to compare when shopping for a 48-month CD
To find the best APYs on a 48-month CD, 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.
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. A CD advertised at 4.75% interest compounding monthly is worth more than one at 4.80% compounding annually.
Also compare the early withdrawal penalty. On a 48-month CD, common penalties range from 30 to 90 days of interest. If you’re unsure whether you’ll need the funds early, a penalty-free no-penalty CD or a high-yield savings account may be a better fit.
When a 48-Month CD Makes Sense
- You have a planned purchase or expense in ~48 months and want to earn while you wait
- You expect interest rates to fall and want to lock in today’s rate short-term
- You want to secure a high fixed rate for 4 years without committing to a full 5-year term
- You want FDIC/NCUA protection with a guaranteed fixed return
Consider an Alternative If…
- You may need funds before 3 months → High-yield savings
- Rates are rising and you want to benefit → Variable-rate savings or MMA
- You want check-writing or debit access → Money market account
48-Month CD vs. Other Savings Options
| Feature | 48-Month CD | High-Yield Savings | Money Market | 6-Month CD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Type | Fixed APY | Variable APY | Variable APY | Fixed APY |
| Liquidity | Locked 48 months | Anytime | Anytime | Locked 6 months |
| Early Withdrawal | Penalty (30–90 days 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 near-term goal, CD ladder start | Emergency fund, flexible savings | Liquid savings with check-writing | Slightly higher yield, less urgency |
60-Month CD FAQs
What is a 48-Month (4-Year) Certificate of Deposit?
Are 4-year CD rates higher than shorter-term CDs?
Is my money safe in a 48-month CD?
What happens if I withdraw money from a 4-year CD early?
What is APY and why does it especially matter for a 4-year CD?
Is locking in a 4-year CD rate a good strategy when rates are high?
How can I use a 48-month CD in a CD ladder?
Is a 48-month CD better than a 36-month CD?
Methodology & Data Sources
Direct-Sourced & Verified CD Rate Data: We aggregate 48-month CD rates nationwide directly from the official websites of banks and credit unions using our proprietary rate aggregation technology. By pulling data straight 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 4-year CD 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.
