Best 6-Month CD Rates - October 2026
Brian McKay
Brian McKay
Founder & Data Architect- Automated Online Rate Data Aggregation
- Location-Based Rate Tables
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- Finance Calculators
6-month CD rates range from 4.10% to 10.00% APY, verified by MonitorBankRates as of October 15, 2026. Top 6-month CD rates currently available include Century Credit UnionCentury Credit Union1540 LEMAY FERRY RD, SAINT LOUIS, MO 63125 2405A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.27%Real return: +7.20%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 6 Month Teen CD at 10.00% APY, and Metropolitan Services Credit UnionMetropolitan Services Credit Union475 Etna St Ste 10, Saint Paul, MN 55106 5845A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.00%Real return: +5.20%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 6 Month NEW Youth CD at 8.00% APY, and Cornerstone Community Federal Credit UnionCornerstone Community Federal Credit Union55 Stevens St, Lockport, NY 14094 4229B+4.8 ★Texas Ratio: 17.18%Real return: +3.20%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 6 Month Youth Share Certificate at 6.00% APY, and Northwoods Community Credit UnionNorthwoods Community Credit Union1224 4th Ave S, Park Falls, WI 54552 1923A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.66%Real return: +2.26%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 6 Month Youth Share Certificate at 5.06% APY. CD rates as of October 15, 2026 according to verified data from MonitorBankRates.
A 6-month CD is one of the most popular short-term options for savers. It offers a higher yield than a standard savings account while keeping your money committed for just one year, ideal for building a CD ladder or parking funds you won’t need in the near term. We display Safety Grades, Star Ratings, and Texas Ratios so you can choose institutions 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. 6-Month CD Rates Last Updated and Verified: October 15, 2026
Compare the Best 6-Month CD Rates Nationwide
max $1,000
$500-$1000; limit of one CD per member; Open a Youth CD
Balance: $50 - $5,000; Effective as of June 15, 2026
Accounts: Teen Cents Club, Junior Savers, Kangaroo Kids Club; Maximum $5,000.00 (Aggregate); Dividends compounded semi-annually; Subject to penalty for early withdrawal
Minimum: Amount of 4H or FFA - Youth Fair Participation Check; Max $5,000
Kids Share Certificates (Under 18); $100.00 opening balance, unlimited deposits allowed; 12 months or shorter early withdrawal penalty: ninety (90) days' dividends
Balance: $500-$15,000
Minimum opening deposit is $1,000; penalties may be imposed for early withdrawal
- Oct 12, 20265.00%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 12, 20264.00%first recorded
Must be funded by new money not currently on deposit; Dividends paid Monthly
No additional details available.
- Oct 15, 20264.86%▲ from 4.15%
- Oct 5, 20264.15%▲ from 3.85%
- Sep 17, 20263.85%first recorded
Bonus CD; Minimum to Obtain: $500
Promo; 25% of opening deposit must be new money; at maturity converts to regular certificate; early withdrawal penalty applies
FEATURED RATE
Interest is compounded monthly; 10-day option to withdraw at the end of each six-month term; penalty for early withdrawals applies at other times; no brokered deposits
Effective date 10/1/26; Get complete details here
$100,000+; Compound Period: Maturity
Minimum of $1,000 to open; penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
- Sep 24, 20264.55%▲ from 4.30%
- Sep 14, 20264.30%first recorded
Balance: $250,000.00 and over
- Oct 14, 20264.54%▲ from 4.23%
- Sep 14, 20264.23%first recorded
Dividends compounded and credited at maturity; Rates as of August 21, 2026
6-Month CD Promo; APY valid for new money only; funds must be new to First Atlantic FCU
Up to 4.50% APY; CD terms: 6-month, 12-month, 18-month, 24-month, and Jumbo 24-month; early withdrawal penalties apply
Account code 34; Interest compounded monthly; Fall into Savings Special: $5,000 New Money required for 4.50% APY, otherwise 4.00% APY
Term: six months to five years; APY as high as 4.50%; Dividend rate as high as 4.40%; Minimum to earn $1,000.00/$50,000.00; Minimum to open $1,000.00/$50,000.00; Monthly fee $0.00
- Oct 4, 20264.50%▲ from 4.15%
- Sep 25, 20264.15%first recorded
Business deposit rates; Effective: October 7, 2026
Rates as of July 1, 2026; Interest compounded & paid quarterly; Transfer any amount $1,000 or over from your Shares to a CD
Bonus Rate: 5.00%; Early Withdrawal Penalty: 90 Days Interest; Bonus conditions: Active Checking Account +0.10%, Full Direct Deposit +0.10%, Active SECU Credit Card +0.10%, Active Consumer Loan +0.10%, Current Mortgage +0.10%
- Oct 13, 20264.50%▲ from 3.14%
- Oct 9, 20263.14%▼ from 4.50%
- Sep 14, 20264.50%first recorded
Balance: $300,000.00 and greater
Balance: $500,000.00 minimum to open and obtain APY
- Oct 14, 20264.45%▲ from 4.35%
- Oct 7, 20264.35%▼ from 4.45%
- Sep 27, 20264.45%▲ from 4.35%
- Sep 18, 20264.35%▲ from 4.14%
Featured Offer; $1,000.00 minimum opening deposit required to earn APY; APY effective as of 09/24/2026
- Oct 3, 20264.44%▲ from 4.28%
- Sep 14, 20264.28%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Oct 12, 20264.40%▲ from 4.35%
- Sep 16, 20264.35%first recorded
Banking Center Only; Requires Propel Premier Checking and Propel Preferred Savings; APYs include additional 0.15% APY; Opening deposit must be new money; Minimum daily balance $0.01 to earn APY; Early withdrawal penalties may apply
- Oct 14, 20264.40%▲ from 4.15%
- Sep 18, 20264.15%first recorded
Morgan Stanley Preferred CD; deposits in increments of $1,000
Substantial Penalty for Early Withdrawal
Type: Regular/IRA; Dividends compound & paid: Daily
- Oct 15, 20264.40%▲ from 3.96%
- Sep 18, 20263.96%first recorded
Minimum balance to open and earn APY: $100; dividends compounded and paid monthly; rates as of 09/29/26
- Oct 5, 20264.40%▲ from 4.30%
- Sep 14, 20264.30%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Oct 12, 20264.40%▲ from 4.15%
- Sep 25, 20264.15%first recorded
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 Month Interest
- Oct 7, 20264.36%▲ from 3.82%
- Sep 14, 20263.82%first recorded
IRA certificate; $1,000 minimum to open and to obtain APY; automatically renews at maturity
No additional details available.
- Oct 6, 20264.35%▲ from 4.25%
- Oct 1, 20264.25%▲ from 4.15%
- Sep 24, 20264.15%first recorded
Minimum opening deposit $2,000 if purchased through Raymond James brokerage account; Rates effective October 9, 2026
- Oct 7, 20264.35%▲ from 4.30%
- Sep 27, 20264.30%▲ from 4.20%
- Sep 18, 20264.20%first recorded
Interest paid quarterly via ACH; Withdrawal before maturity is not permitted
Minimum to Open: $2,500; Balance to Earn APY: $2,500; Promotional certificate rate valid on new money only; early withdrawal penalty is 90 days of dividend whether earned or not
Balance: $100,001 and up
Minimum deposit to open a CD is $1,000; APY assumes dividends remain until maturity
Rate marked with *; rates subject to change without notice
No additional details available.
Age: 13-17; Compounding: Monthly; $250 minimum
Rates effective September 18, 2026; Early withdrawal penalty applies
Rate tier: Base Rate + 1.25%; Dividends paid monthly
No penalty for early withdrawals
- Sep 24, 20264.33%▲ from 4.07%
- Sep 14, 20264.07%first recorded
Iowa residents in Polk, Jasper, and surrounding counties only; Balance: $50,000 to $245,000
Balance: $100,000 & over; Penalty for early withdrawal applies; APY is based on quarterly compounding
- Oct 3, 20264.32%▲ from 4.27%
- Sep 24, 20264.27%▲ from 4.22%
- Sep 20, 20264.22%first recorded
No additional details available.
Rates effective 09/24/2026; APY assumes dividends remain until maturity; dividends paid semi-annually and at maturity; early withdrawal penalties may apply
Promotional certificate; funded with new deposits only; $100 minimum if under 18 years old
Minimum deposit of $500 to open the Prime CD and earn the APY; Substantial penalty for early withdrawal
Effective as of October 14, 2026; Early withdrawal penalties may apply
Business CD; Maximum deposit $250,000; Open online
- Oct 14, 20264.30%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 18, 20264.00%first recorded
Certificate Rates (100,000 minimum balance)
No additional details available.
- Oct 7, 20264.30%▲ from 4.25%
- Oct 3, 20264.25%▲ from 4.20%
- Sep 24, 20264.20%first recorded
APY = Annual Percentage Yield. *Assumes no compounding, interest paid annually or at maturity.
- Oct 7, 20264.30%▲ from 4.04%
- Sep 14, 20264.04%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Sep 27, 20264.30%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 18, 20264.00%first recorded
Maximum opening deposit $500,000.00; Guaranteed rate for the duration of the CD term; Rates may change prior to account opening
- Oct 8, 20264.30%▲ from 4.20%
- Sep 14, 20264.20%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Oct 9, 20264.30%▲ from 4.20%
- Sep 14, 20264.20%first recorded
Minimum account balance of $2,500; APY assumes interest remains on deposit in the CD until maturity; a withdrawal will reduce earnings
Dividend Frequency: Monthly
Amount: $500 - $100,000+; Fixed rate of maturity; Up to three-month dividend penalty for early withdrawal prior to maturity; APY computed on daily balance
- Oct 10, 20264.25%▲ from 3.85%
- Sep 14, 20263.85%first recorded
Platinum & VIP Members
10-Day Rate Guarantee
No additional details available.
High-Yield Certificates of Deposit; Minimum daily balance of $10 required to earn APY; Rates effective as of 9/22/26
Balance: $500 - $9,999.99
- Sep 24, 20264.25%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Oct 3, 20264.25%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 11, 20264.00%first recorded
Automatically renews at maturity; Free online/mobile banking access; Statement frequency: Quarterly; Early withdrawal penalty applies
- Sep 27, 20264.25%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 24, 20264.00%first recorded
Deposit: $10,000+
6 Month Liquid CD - no penalty; Minimum balance to obtain APY: $0.01
Jumbo Certificate; $75,000 minimum balance; penalties for early withdrawal; auto-renews to a Jumbo Certificate with same term at standard Jumbo rates; Certificates (Regular, Traditional IRA, and Roth IRA)
No additional details available.
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 180 Days
Dividends paid monthly
Early withdrawal penalties may apply
- Oct 9, 20264.25%▲ from 3.00%
- Sep 14, 20263.00%first recorded
Online Only; Interest Rate: 4.16%; Maximum $1,000,000 per client
- Oct 2, 20264.25%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 18, 20264.00%first recorded
Rewards+ Loyalty Program
Minimum opening balance $500; Dividend Rate 4.18%; Dividends compounded and credited quarterly; penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
Special certificate; certificate compounding monthly; $500 minimum to earn APY; penalty for early withdrawal; rates as of 5/01/2026
Level 6; Balance: $100000.00 to open; $100000.00 to obtain disclosed APY
No additional details available.
- Sep 21, 20264.25%▲ from 1.00%
- Sep 14, 20261.00%first recorded
Share Certificate; APY based on 6 month certificate; must maintain $500 minimum balance to earn advertised rate; early withdrawal penalties apply; certificate auto-renews at maturity; rate accurate as of August 3, 2026
Youth Minimum Balance: $75,000; Effective October 8 through October 14, 2026
No additional details available.
Limited Time Special; $100,000 minimum; Penalty for Early Withdrawal
Annual Percentage Yield of 4.25% for 6 months; 4 terms to fit your needs: 6, 12, 18, and 24-month special; Call or stop in for full details
Balance: $1,000 minimum tier; Nonrenewable; APY = Annual Percentage Yield; Penalties may be imposed for early withdrawal
Upward's Summer CD Specials; Minimum balance for all Certificates and IRA Certificates is $500; Terms and conditions may vary by account; All regular certificates can be opened as IRA certificates, unless otherwise noted
Term: 6 Months with Epic Premium Checking; Requires Epic Premium Checking; Stated rate 4.169%, APY 4.250%
- Oct 4, 20264.25%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 25, 20264.00%first recorded
Starting minimum deposit $500; not eligible for Member Saver Reward
- Sep 22, 20264.25%▲ from 3.90%
- Sep 14, 20263.90%first recorded
Auto-renews into a 6-month certificate at the current rate when it matures; $5 Membership Share account required
Add-on certificate; Personal and Business minimum deposit $500 (Youth $10)
Featured CD Specials; Balance: $100,000.00 and over
- Sep 27, 20264.24%▲ from 4.19%
- Sep 18, 20264.19%first recorded
Non-Compounding Certificates available; early withdrawal penalties may apply
- Oct 8, 20264.24%▲ from 3.82%
- Sep 16, 20263.82%first recorded
No additional details available.
$100,000 Minimum
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
- Oct 13, 20264.23%▲ from 3.55%
- Sep 18, 20263.55%first recorded
No additional details available.
Term: 6 Months to 11 Months; Early withdrawal penalty may be imposed
- Oct 14, 20264.22%▲ from 4.11%
- Sep 14, 20264.11%first recorded
Balance: $50,000.00 and Higher
- Oct 8, 20264.21%▲ from 4.06%
- Sep 30, 20264.06%first recorded
Balance: $1,000.00
Balance to open and earn APY: $1,000; $250,000 maximum deposit; Rate effective as of 11 October, 2026; Online
- Sep 24, 20264.20%▲ from 4.10%
- Sep 18, 20264.10%first recorded
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 months' interest; Interest Rate/APY: 4.11% / 4.20%
- Oct 1, 20264.20%▲ from 3.95%
- Sep 24, 20263.95%first recorded
APY accurate as of 09/24/2026; APY assumes interest remains on deposit until maturity
New 6-month CD opened with minimum $1,000.00; no additional deposits during term; early withdrawal penalty may apply
- Oct 7, 20264.20%▲ from 4.09%
- Sep 28, 20264.09%first recorded
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
- Oct 14, 20264.20%▲ from 4.05%
- Sep 24, 20264.05%first recorded
No additional details available.
Min Bal $100,000 & above
No additional details available.
Limited-time special offer; requires a new account with at least $25,000 minimum deposit and new money; withdrawals reduce earnings and an early withdrawal penalty applies
Penalty: 90 Days
Promotion CD; offer valid beginning September 28, 2026; Penalty for early withdrawal applies; Available for consumer, business, and IRA/Retirement CDs (business and IRA/Retirement must be opened in branch); Rates effective as of 9/28/2026
- Oct 2, 20264.20%▲ from 3.75%
- Sep 18, 20263.75%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Oct 4, 20264.20%▲ from 3.75%
- Sep 25, 20263.75%first recorded
Fixed APY for the full term; daily compounding; 10-day rate guarantee
In select markets only; No minimum to earn APY; Penalty assessed for early withdrawal; Offer may expire without notice
- Oct 14, 20264.20%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 29, 20264.00%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Sep 29, 20264.20%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
No additional details available.
Minimum balance to obtain APY is $1,000; APY as of 10/9/2026 and may be discontinued at any time; offer limited to new, consumer certificates only; early withdrawal penalty may be imposed
Balance: $1,000 - $24,999
APR shown as rate; YIELD shown as APY
- Oct 13, 20264.18%▲ from 4.15%
- Oct 5, 20264.15%▼ from 4.18%
- Sep 21, 20264.18%first recorded
Balance: $500 & over
Effective Sept. 2026; ** One thousand dollar minimum**; also applies to IRA Certificate; early withdrawal penalty 25 basis points per quarter
- Oct 12, 20264.16%▲ from 3.44%
- Sep 17, 20263.44%first recorded
Minimum deposit of $100,000.00; Certificate specials will not renew at end of term; Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
- Oct 4, 20264.16%▲ from 3.96%
- Sep 12, 20263.96%first recorded
Early withdrawal penalty: 181 Days Interest; Minimum early withdrawal penalty $25; Rates current as of December 18, 2025
No additional details available.
$1,000,000 max opening deposit. Early withdrawal penalty may apply.
Minimum deposit $50,000; maximum $240,000; APY accurate as of 10-07-2026
$1,000 minimum opening deposit required; penalty applies for early withdrawal
- Oct 15, 20264.15%▲ from 3.90%
- Oct 8, 20263.90%first recorded
Certificates Federally Insured; Open LorMet Checking Account required; a penalty may be charged for early withdrawal
No additional details available.
Opening balance $25,000.00 - $240,000.00; funds must be new money, not from an existing NexBank CD
No additional details available.
- Oct 13, 20264.15%▲ from 4.10%
- Sep 14, 20264.10%first recorded
Penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal
- Oct 14, 20264.15%▲ from 3.92%
- Sep 19, 20263.92%first recorded
CD Specials; Not all CD/IRA specials are available for online account opening, please contact your local branch
- Oct 14, 20264.15%▲ from 3.90%
- Sep 19, 20263.90%first recorded
Jumbo CD; interest compounded and credited monthly; penalty for early withdrawal
- Oct 14, 20264.15%▲ from 4.11%
- Sep 22, 20264.11%▲ from 3.95%
- Sep 14, 20263.95%first recorded
CD Rates; $500 minimum opening deposit and minimum balance to earn APY
Must be opened under a commercial/business account with BCFCU; dividends compounded monthly
Maximum purchase $250,000.00; Gold and Platinum members are eligible for bonus rates
- Sep 22, 20264.15%▲ from 3.75%
- Sep 14, 20263.75%first recorded
APY is Annual Percentage Yield. Interest compounded quarterly.
- Sep 22, 20264.15%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
Requires Better Rewards Checking eligibility at time of opening or renewing
No additional details available.
Consumer; Penalty may be applied for early withdrawal; Minimum $100,000 required to open an account; Rates effective as of 10/05/2026
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 Months of Interest; Individuals only
Compounded/Credited: Monthly/Monthly
APY is accurate as of 9-1-26. Offer is subject to change.
Certificate of Deposit; Substantial penalty for early withdrawal
Promotional CD available only October 6 - December 31, 2026; new deposits only; $10,000 minimum deposit to open and earn the APY; upon maturity renews once at 3.65% (3.68% APY) for the same 6-month term; early withdrawal penalty may apply
- Oct 8, 20264.15%▲ from 4.04%
- Sep 30, 20264.04%first recorded
Balance: $2,500 - $9,999.99; New Certificates
- Oct 13, 20264.14%▲ from 3.53%
- Sep 29, 20263.53%first recorded
Rates as of September 22, 2026
- Sep 24, 20264.14%▲ from 3.79%
- Sep 14, 20263.79%first recorded
Compounding: At maturity; Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 months interest
Annual Percentage Yield is current as of September 21, 2026; a penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal; certificate automatically renews to a fixed rate CD of the equivalent term at the current rate
- Sep 24, 20264.14%▲ from 3.90%
- Sep 14, 20263.90%first recorded
Balance: $250,000.00 and up; Compounding: Interest At Maturity
Balance: $1M+
Rate 4.05% with an APY* of 4.13%; $500.00 opening deposit on a custodial account; six-month term not available for an IRA Certificate
Balance: $1M and over
Compound Period: Daily; APY is based on $50,000.00
No additional details available.
Balance: $100,000 and over
- Oct 9, 20264.13%▲ from 3.61%
- Sep 14, 20263.61%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Oct 8, 20264.13%▲ from 4.02%
- Sep 24, 20264.02%▲ from 3.92%
- Sep 14, 20263.92%first recorded
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
- Oct 6, 20264.11%▲ from 3.65%
- Sep 27, 20263.65%first recorded
Balance: $50,000 +
No additional details available.
- Oct 7, 20264.11%▲ from 1.51%
- Sep 14, 20261.51%first recorded
Balance: $225,000 or greater
- Oct 4, 20264.11%▲ from 3.85%
- Sep 14, 20263.85%first recorded
New Money
Homepage featured rate; advertised as Annual Percentage Yield*
Open a CD online with a $500 Minimum Deposit; APY accurate as of today assuming interest and principal remain on deposit until maturity
No additional details available.
- Oct 5, 20264.10%▲ from 3.75%
- Sep 21, 20263.75%first recorded
High-Yield Rewards Checking Account required
- Sep 27, 20264.10%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 18, 20264.00%first recorded
Open Online; Each Individual limited to $250,000 in any one or combination of Online Certificate Accounts
- Oct 15, 20264.10%▼ from 4.20%
- Oct 12, 20264.20%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 25, 20264.00%▲ from 3.90%
- Sep 14, 20263.90%first recorded
New money only; Early withdrawal penalties may apply
- Oct 14, 20264.10%▲ from 0.50%
- Sep 24, 20260.50%first recorded
Minimum balance to open account online: $1,000; Online only; Early withdrawal penalty may apply
- Oct 14, 20264.10%▲ from 4.05%
- Sep 27, 20264.05%first recorded
No additional details available.
Featured rate; APY accurate as of 09/15/2026; penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal; fees could reduce earnings
- Sep 19, 20264.10%▲ from 3.85%
- Sep 7, 20263.85%first recorded
Balance: $500 - $20,000; Dividend Rate 4.04%; Rates as of 11/01/2024
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
- Oct 7, 20264.10%▲ from 2.02%
- Sep 19, 20262.02%first recorded
Early withdrawal penalty: 90 days
Dividend Rate 4.03%; APY includes .25% bonus for Meijer Team members, Meijer retirees and current MCU members (effective 10/1/26)
Min. To Open and Earn APY; Traditional or Roth IRA certificate; In-Branch Only
Balance: $100,000.00 and over
- Oct 14, 20264.10%▲ from 3.60%
- Sep 14, 20263.60%first recorded
Effective 9/17/26; Minimum $500.00 purchase; Early withdrawal penalty may apply
- Sep 27, 20264.10%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
APY from CD Rate Comparison table; $500 minimum deposit to open a CD; APYs available for American Bank personal and business accounts; compounded daily
- Oct 14, 20264.10%▲ from 3.80%
- Sep 19, 20263.80%first recorded
Current CD Special; $500 minimum opening deposit required to obtain APY; penalty may be applied for early withdrawal; fees may reduce earnings; not valid with any other offer; rates effective as of 09/24/2026; expires on or before 10/18/2026
- Sep 27, 20264.10%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Oct 1, 20264.10%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
APY accurate as of 10/13/2026; Maximum deposit $10 million; Limited-time offer
IRA/HSA & Share Certificate; penalty for early withdrawal; minimum deposit $500 to open and earn dividends; Rate = dividend rate
- Sep 27, 20264.10%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
Online Only; Minimum balance to open account online: $1,000; Not available to business customers
- Oct 14, 20264.10%▲ from 4.05%
- Sep 28, 20264.05%first recorded
Share and IRA Certificate Rates (Share/IRA/Roth/ESA)
Minimum daily balance of $1,000.00 must be maintained; promotional rate requires opening deposit not originating from pre-existing Freedom Bank account funds; rate applies to a maximum of $250,000.00 FDIC coverage per customer relationship; penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
- Sep 24, 20264.10%▲ from 4.07%
- Sep 14, 20264.07%first recorded
No additional details available.
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 6-Month CD Rate Database
MonitorBankRates tracks 6,492 6-month CD rates from 3,456 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 to 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: Century Credit Union offers a 6-month CD at 10.00% APY with a minimum deposit of $1,000. Use the rate table above to compare all current offers.
6-Month CD Rate Trend
Daily national average APY for 6-month CDs
Daily averages compiled from 6,492 verified CD rate quotes, updated daily.
National 6-month CD rates rose 0.007 points over the past 7 days to 2.790% APY, up from 2.784% 7 days ago. Rates are currently 0.080 points above the 90-day average of 2.710%.
Rates are well above the 2010-2019 decade average of 0.30%, though below the 2023 cycle peak of 5.50%.
6-Month CD Rate Forecast, Next 12 Months
Where are 6-month CD rates headed through October 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 6-month term at today’s top APY.
CD Ladder with 6 months RungModel a CD ladder that includes a 6-month CD. See how staggering maturities keeps cash accessible while locking in higher yields on longer terms.
Early Withdrawal Penalty6-month CDs typically carry a 90 to 180 days interest penalty for early access. Calculate your actual net return if you need funds before maturity.
6-month CD vs. High-Yield Savings6-month CD rates are close to top savings APYs right now. Compare both side-by-side to find which earns more for your deposit amount and timeline.
What Does a 6-Month CD Actually Earn After Inflation?
The APY on your CD tells you the nominal return, what you earn before accounting for inflation. The real return is what matters for purchasing power: your CD rate minus the current inflation rate. A CD yielding 4.85% when inflation runs at 2.8% gives you a real return of roughly 2.0%. When inflation runs at 5%, that same CD is losing ground.
What This Means for 6-Month CD Savers
At the current national average of 2.790% and headline inflation running at 2.8% (BLS CPI-U, February 2026), a $10,000 6-month CD earns roughly $69.76 in interest over 3 months. After adjusting for the annualized inflation rate, the real purchasing-power gain is approximately -0.01% on an annualized basis.
With inflation still running above the current CD average, short-term CD holders are losing ground in real terms, though far less than during the 2020 to 2021 period when rates were near zero and inflation was accelerating.
The top-yielding 6-month CDs in our database, however, typically run 0.50% to 1.50% above the national average. Savers who shop across our full list rather than accepting their current bank's rate meaningfully improve their real return.
Real Return in Context
| Period | Avg 3-Mo CD APY | Avg CPI | Approx. Real Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 to 2019 (pre-pandemic) | ~1.0% to 2.4% | ~2.3% | ~-1.3% to +0.1% |
| 2020 to 2021 (pandemic lows) | ~0.05% to 0.10% | ~1.2% to 4.7% | ~-4.6% to -1.1% |
| 2022 to 2023 (rate hike cycle) | ~0.5% to 5.5% | ~4.0% to 9.1% | ~-8.6% to +1.5% |
| 2023 Peak | ~5.50% avg | ~3.2% to 4.1% | ~+1.0% to +2.0% |
| Today (Oct 2026) | 2.790% avg | 2.8% | -0.01% |
Data sources: MonitorBankRates.com 6-month CD rate averages; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), All Items, 12-month percent change. CPI reading: February 2026. Real return is an approximation; precise calculation is ((1+nominal)/(1+inflation))-1. Not financial advice.
How to Find the Best 6-Month CD Rates
What to compare when shopping for a 6-month CD
To find the best APYs on a 6-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 6-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 6-Month CD Makes Sense
- You have a planned purchase or expense in ~6 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’re building the shortest rung of a CD ladder
- 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
6-Month CD vs. Other Short-Term Savings Options
| Feature | 6-Month CD | High-Yield Savings | Money Market | 6-Month CD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Type | Fixed APY | Variable APY | Variable APY | Fixed APY |
| Liquidity | Locked 3 months | Anytime | Anytime | Locked 6 months |
| Early Withdrawal | Penalty (30 to 90 days interest) | None | None | Penalty (90 to 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 |
6-Month CD FAQs
What is a 6-Month Certificate of Deposit (CD)?
Are 6-month CD rates higher than regular savings accounts?
Is my money safe in a 6-month CD?
What happens if I withdraw money from a 6-month CD early?
What is APY and how does it differ from the interest rate?
Can I add money to a 6-month CD after opening it?
How can I use a 6-month CD in a CD ladder?
Is a 6-month CD better than a high-yield savings account right now?
What is the real return on a 6-month CD?
Does inflation affect CD rates?
Methodology & Data Sources
Direct-Sourced & Verified CD Rate Data: We aggregate 6-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 1-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.
