Best Certificate of Deposit Rates September 2026 Up to 6.03%
Brian McKay
Brian McKay
Founder & Data Architect- Automated Online Rate Data Aggregation
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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 14, 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 14, 2026
Compare the Best CD Rates Nationwide
3 Month CD Rates
The national average 3-month CD rate is 2.03% APY as of September 14, 2026, based on MonitorBankRates data collected from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
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APY* Assumes no compounding, interest paid annually or at maturity.
Dividends: Quarterly
6 Month CD Rates
The national average 6-month CD rate is 2.73% APY as of September 14, 2026, based on MonitorBankRates data collected from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
Age: 6
max
Limit of one CD per member
Balance Range: $50 - $5,000
Maximum $5,000.00 (Aggregate)
Amount of 4H or FFA - Youth Fair Participation Check; Max $5,000
Limited time offer. Converts to a standard 6 Month CD at renewal.
Must be funded by new money not currently on deposit
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Qualified Military Members receive a 1% rate increase on all CDs, excluding iSave. Eligible members include Active Duty, Veterans, and Retirees. To qualify, military members must establish a full direct deposit in their name into their checking account. Any direct deposits less than $2,000 will not be eligible for the rate increase. Offer is subject to qualification and can change without notice. Military Status Verification: Verification of military status is required. Acceptable proof includes Military ID, Retirement ID, or DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). Terms and conditions apply.
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Qualifications Required: Checking and Savings account; Debit card; must currently have Direct Deposit; Money must be new to MWFFCU.
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Bonus Rate: 5.00%; Early Withdrawal Penalty: 90 Days Interest
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12 Month CD Rates
The national average 12-month CD rate is 2.90% APY as of September 14, 2026, based on MonitorBankRates data collected from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
Age: 19
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Balance Range: $50 - $5,000
Age: 13-17
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Rate accurate as of 09/01/2026 and may change at any time. Restrictions apply.
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$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.
Time deposit account interest compounds quarterly. The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) assumes interest is deposited into the Certificate of Deposit quarterly, and not withdrawn. Fees may reduce earnings. A penalty will be charged if you make an early withdrawal of the principle balance.
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Maximum $10,000 (Automatic Renewal)
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Maximum $10,000.00. Eligible through age 22.
Rates Effective: January 1, 2026. Only the funds that comprise each tier will earn the rate for that tier. Fees may reduce earnings. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Must be eligible for membership and maintain at least $5.00 in a Membership Savings account.
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 90 days interest
18 Month CD Rates
The national average 18-month CD rate is 2.77% APY as of September 14, 2026, based on MonitorBankRates data collected from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
See Fair Special options; Preferred Rate with any checking account
Time deposit account interest compounds quarterly. The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) assumes interest is deposited into the Certificate of Deposit quarterly, and not withdrawn. Fees may reduce earnings. A penalty will be charged if you make an early withdrawal of the principle balance.
Annual percentage yield is accurate as of May 1, 2025. Rates and other terms may change at any time without prior notice. A penalty is imposed for early withdrawal. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. Dividends will be compounded quarterly and will be credited quarterly. If you close your share account before dividends are paid, you will not receive the accrued dividends.
Fees may reduce earnings. For all accounts, the amount of the early withdrawal penalty for your accounts is based on the term of your account. The penalty schedule is as follows: 6 month terms = 90 day's dividends; 12/24 month term = 180 days' dividends; 36/48 month terms = 360 days' dividends
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Interest Will Be Credited: Quarterly
Dividend Rate: 4.52%, APY: 4.60%
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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
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10-Day CD Rate Guarantee
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Compounding: Quarterly; Availability: Open Online
Interest is compounded daily and there is a penalty for early withdrawal. Fees can reduce the earnings on any of the above accounts.
24 Month CD Rates
The national average 24-month CD rate is 2.82% APY as of September 14, 2026, based on MonitorBankRates data collected from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
This is a variable rate account; the dividend rate is subject to change monthly after the account is opened based on the Federal Funds Rate ("index") as of the last business day of the month. Advertised APY is accurate as of the date above and is based on Federal Funds Rate in effect on 8/31/2026. The advertised APY assumes dividends will remain in the share certificate account for the entire 24-month term. Fees may reduce earnings. Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. IRA certificate accounts cannot be opened online and are subject to legal requirements and limitations; consult with your tax advisor for specific details. The dividend rate will never be less than 2.50% (minimum APY of 2.53%) and will never exceed 5.50% (maximum APY 5.64%). APY calculations are based on the minimum and maximum dividend rates being in effect for the entire 24-Month term.
New Money must come from another financial institution.
Balance Range: $50 - $5,000
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Fees may reduce earnings.
Fees may reduce earnings. Early withdrawal penalty: A penalty will be imposed for withdrawal of funds before maturity. For certificates with original maturity of less than 2 years, the penalty is equal to 90 days' of dividends.
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Qualified Military Members receive a 1% rate increase on all CDs, excluding iSave. Eligible members include Active Duty, Veterans, and Retirees. To qualify, military members must establish a full direct deposit in their name into their checking account. Any direct deposits less than $2,000 will not be eligible for the rate increase. Offer is subject to qualification and can change without notice. Military Status Verification: Verification of military status is required. Acceptable proof includes Military ID, Retirement ID, or DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). Terms and conditions apply.
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IRA CD
Checking Relationship APY
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3Guaranteed rate for the duration of the CD term. Rates may change prior to account opening. 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.
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36 Month CD Rates
The national average 36-month CD rate is 2.73% APY as of September 14, 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.
Fees may reduce earnings.
Balance: $1M+
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New Money must come from another financial institution.
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Rates as high as 4.49% APY; $10 minimum at 36 months and requires a monthly deposit between $10 & $500
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Opening Balance: $10,000 or above; Interest Will Be Credited: Monthly
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Jumbo
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Interest paid quarterly
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48 Month CD Rates
The national average 48-month CD rate is 2.74% APY as of September 14, 2026, based on MonitorBankRates data collected from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
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Penalty for early withdrawal: Terms less than 12 months - 90 days dividends; 12 to less than 24 months - 180 days dividends; 24 to less than 48 months - 360 days dividends; 48 months or greater - 540 days dividends.
Fees may reduce earnings.
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Interest paid quarterly
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60 Month CD Rates
The national average 60-month CD rate is 2.85% APY as of September 14, 2026, based on MonitorBankRates data collected from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
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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.
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Opening Balance: $10,000 or above; Interest Will Be Credited: Monthly
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5 Yr Certificate - $100k: 78% is the difference between the percent earned in interest between Advancial Federal Credit Union's rate at 4.49% APY compared to 2.52% APY for the Anchorage/Mat-Su Area market average over the life of a 5 year share certificate at $100,000.
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Dividends Paid: Quarterly
Jumbo
Preferred Rate with any checking account
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 0.037 points this week to 2.904%, up from 2.867% last week.
National 6-month CD rates rose 0.037 points this week to 2.727%, up from 2.690% last week.
CD Rate Averages by Term
National average CD rates as of September 14, 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 | 2.03% | ▲ 0.04% | |
| 6-Month CD | 2.73% | ▲ 0.04% | |
| 12-Month CD | 2.90% | ▲ 0.04% | |
| 18-Month CD | 2.77% | ▲ 0.05% | |
| 24-Month CD | 2.82% | ▲ 0.06% | |
| 36-Month CD | 2.73% | ▲ 0.05% | |
| 48-Month CD | 2.74% | ▲ 0.06% | |
| 60-Month CD | 2.85% | ▲ 0.06% |
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 | 2.026% | $101.31 | $202.61 | $506.53 | $1,013.05 |
| 6-Month CD | 2.727% | $136.37 | $272.74 | $681.85 | $1,363.70 |
| 12-Month CD | 2.904% | $145.19 | $290.37 | $725.93 | $1,451.85 |
| 18-Month CD | 2.775% | $138.75 | $277.49 | $693.73 | $1,387.45 |
| 24-Month CD | 2.815% | $140.76 | $281.51 | $703.78 | $1,407.55 |
| 36-Month CD | 2.734% | $136.68 | $273.36 | $683.40 | $1,366.80 |
| 48-Month CD | 2.743% | $137.17 | $274.33 | $685.82 | $1,371.65 |
| 60-Month CD | 2.847% | $142.37 | $284.74 | $711.85 | $1,423.70 |
| 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 14, 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 | 2.026% | $101.31 |
| 2 | 6-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.727% | $136.37 |
| 3 | 12-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.904% | $145.19 |
| 4 | 24-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.815% | $140.76 |
| 5 | 36-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.734% | $136.68 |
| Total ($25,000 invested) | $25,000 | 2.641% blended | $660.31/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 2.904% , 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 2.904%, saving 10% of the U.S. median salary ($4,734/year) and putting it in a CD would earn an additional $137 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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