Arkansas Best CD Rates September 2026
Brian McKay
Brian McKay
Founder & Data Architect- Automated Online Rate Data Aggregation
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Current Arkansas CD rates include Telcoe Federal Credit UnionTelcoe Federal Credit Union820 Louisiana St, Little Rock, AR 72201 4692A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.13%Real return: +1.45%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 12 Month Certificate at 4.25% APY, First Service BankFirst Service Bank134 S Broadview St, Greenbrier, AR 72058A5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 6.23%Real return: +1.35%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 6-Month CD at 4.15% APY, Mercy Credit UnionMercy Credit Union7301 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72903A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.60%Real return: +1.20%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 18 Month Certificate at 4.00% APY, McGehee BankMcGehee Bank301 N 2nd St, Mcgehee, AR 71654A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.00%Real return: +1.20%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 12-month CD at 4.00% APY, and FNB Lawrence County at Walnut RidgeFNB Lawrence County at Walnut Ridge206 W Main St, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.00%Real return: +1.11%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 3 month (13 wk) at 3.91% APY. CD rates as of September 9, 2026 according to verified data from MonitorBankRates.
Use the tables below to compare CD rates across all terms in Arkansas side-by-side. Arkansas CD rates currently reach as high as 4.25% APY from Telcoe Federal Credit Union at 820 Louisiana St, Little Rock, AR 72201 4692. Rates are continually updated, so we recommend checking back frequently.
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 9, 2026
Compare Best CD Rates in Arkansas
Arkansas 3 Month CD Rates
The national average 3-month CD rate is 1.99% APY as of September 10, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings on the account.
Arkansas 6 Month CD Rates
The national average 6-month CD rate is 2.67% APY as of September 10, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
RATE range: 3.37% - Dividend
*
Fixed rate for the term of the Certificate, Certificate does not automatically renew.
FDIC insured up to maximum amount allowed.
A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings on the account.
Arkansas 12 Month CD Rates
The national average 12-month CD rate is 2.84% APY as of September 10, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
RATE range: 3.70% - Dividend
Rates for the 12 Month Bump CD can be raised once anytime and renewed for another 12 months.
*
FDIC insured up to maximum amount allowed.
APY with Bonus Rate: 1.70%. Bonus rate of 0.10% APY when the owner of this account who will receive the tax statement (the "Tax Reported Owner") is the Tax Reported Owner of an Ultra Checking account with an average monthly balance of at least $1.00. A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Rates may change after account is opened. Fees may reduce earnings on the account.
A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings on the account.
As low as
Arkansas 18 Month CD Rates
The national average 18-month CD rate is 2.67% APY as of September 10, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
*
IRA
FDIC insured up to maximum amount allowed.
A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings on the account.
Arkansas 24 Month CD Rates
The national average 24-month CD rate is 2.71% APY as of September 10, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
*
Fixed rate, quarterly dividends. Dividends may compound, may receive quarterly dividend check or have dividends posted to savings or checking. Does not automatically renew.
Early withdrawal penalty 120 days
RATE range: 2.00% - Dividend
A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings on the account.
Arkansas 36 Month CD Rates
The national average 36-month CD rate is 2.64% APY as of September 10, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
*
Early withdrawal penalty 182 days
RATE range: 2.50% - Dividend
A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings on the account.
APY with Bonus Rate: 2.10%. Bonus rate of 0.10% APY when the owner of this account who will receive the tax statement (the "Tax Reported Owner") is the Tax Reported Owner of an Ultra Checking account with an average monthly balance of at least $1.00. A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Rates may change after account is opened. Fees may reduce earnings on the account.
Arkansas 48 Month CD Rates
The national average 48-month CD rate is 2.65% APY as of September 10, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings on the account.
Arkansas 60 Month CD Rates
The national average 60-month CD rate is 2.75% APY as of September 10, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
*
Rates for the 60 Month Bump CD can be raised 3 times during the 5-year term.
A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings on the account.
Banks and Credit Unions: If you identify an incorrect rate or wish to request removal from MonitorBankRates.com, please contact us here.
Arkansas CD Rate Trends
Compare local Arkansas CD rate quotes against the statewide average
Daily CD rate averages tracked across our database of 8,500+ banks and credit unions, updated every evening.
Arkansas 12-month CD rates rose 0.328 points over the past 7 days to 2.840% APY.
Arkansas 6-month CD rates fell 0.439 points over the past 7 days to 2.669% APY.
AR CD Rate Forecast, Next 12 Months
Where are Arkansas CD rates headed through September 2027?
Projections based on Fed funds rate futures and historical CD-to-fed-funds spread model. Not financial advice.
What Your Savings Earn at AR CD Rates Today
Annual interest earnings at today’s Arkansas average APYs. State average used where available; national average as fallback.
| CD Term | AR Avg APY | $5,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Month CD | 1.993% | $99.65 | $199.29 | $498.22 | $996.45 |
| 6-Month CD | 2.669% | $133.45 | $266.90 | $667.25 | $1,334.50 |
| 12-Month CD | 2.840% | $142.01 | $284.02 | $710.05 | $1,420.10 |
| 18-Month CD | 2.673% | $133.67 | $267.34 | $668.35 | $1,336.70 |
| 24-Month CD | 2.712% | $135.61 | $271.23 | $678.07 | $1,356.15 |
| 36-Month CD | 2.640% | $132.02 | $264.03 | $660.07 | $1,320.15 |
| 48-Month CD | 2.652% | $132.61 | $265.23 | $663.07 | $1,326.15 |
| 60-Month CD | 2.747% | $137.35 | $274.69 | $686.73 | $1,373.45 |
| Earnings shown are annualized (APY basis). Actual earnings for sub-12-month terms will be proportionally lower at maturity. Rates as of September 9, 2026. | |||||
Sample CD Ladder for Arkansas Savers
$25,000 split equally across 5 terms using today’s Arkansas average rates. As each CD matures, reinvest at the 36-month rung.
| Rung | Term | Deposit | AR Avg APY | Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3-Month CD | $5,000 | 1.993% | $99.65 |
| 2 | 6-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.669% | $133.45 |
| 3 | 12-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.840% | $142.01 |
| 4 | 24-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.712% | $135.61 |
| 5 | 36-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.640% | $132.02 |
| Total ($25,000 invested) | $25,000 | 2.571% blended | $642.74/yr | |
Ladder example uses equal $5,000 rungs and Arkansas average APYs. Actual earnings depend on the specific institution and product chosen. Use the calculator above to model your exact deposit amounts.
Tracked in Arkansas
About Our Arkansas CD Rate Database
MonitorBankRates tracks 106 CD rates from 10 banks and 13 credit unions with locations in Arkansas, plus national online institutions available to Arkansas residents. 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: Telcoe Federal Credit Union offers a CD at 4.25% APY with a minimum deposit of $0. Use the rate table above to compare all current offers in Arkansas.
How to Find the Best CD Rates in Arkansas
What to compare when shopping for a CD in Arkansas
To find the best APYs in Arkansas, start with credit unions and online-only banks: Arkansas has 13 credit unions in our database, and they consistently offer some of the highest yields because they have lower overhead than traditional 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.
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 in Arkansas
- 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 prefer banking with an institution that has a local branch in Arkansas: 23 institutions here report CD rates
Consider an Alternative If…
- You may need the funds within 30 days. Compare Arkansas 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 Arkansas money market rates
Arkansas Financial Snapshot
Local demographics and economic context for CD savers. Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024
17.6% of residents are 65 or older, in line with the national average of 17.3%. At today’s AR 12-month CD average of 2.840%, saving 10% of the local median salary ($3,942/year) and putting it in a CD would earn an additional $112 annually in interest.
Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2024. Median earnings from ACS 2023 place-level estimates.
CD Rates vs. Other Savings Options in Arkansas
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 |
How Certificates of Deposit Work in Arkansas
A certificate of deposit (CD) is a deposit account that holds a fixed sum of money for a fixed term, commonly three months to five years, in exchange for a guaranteed interest rate. In return for leaving the money untouched until the term ends, a saver in Arkansas typically earns a higher rate than a standard savings account pays. CDs from banks are insured by the FDIC and those from credit unions by the NCUA, in Arkansas as everywhere in the U.S.
Choosing a CD Term in Arkansas
The term is the length of time the money is committed before the CD matures. Shorter terms such as three or six months give Arkansas savers easier access to their funds. For example, First Service Bank is offering its 6-Month CD at 4.15% APY. Longer terms such as three or five years usually pay higher rates. On the longer end, FNB Lawrence County at Walnut Ridge is offering its 60 month CD at 3.55% APY. When a CD matures, the depositor can withdraw the principal and interest or roll the balance into a new term, so it helps to match the term to when the money will actually be needed.
CD Risk and Safety for Arkansas Savers
CDs are among the lowest-risk savings products available because the rate is fixed for the full term and the balance is federally insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category. For a Arkansas saver, the main trade-off is liquidity: withdrawing funds before maturity usually triggers an early-withdrawal penalty, often 30 to 180 days of interest depending on the term.
How CD Interest Is Paid in Arkansas
Interest on a CD is calculated using the annual percentage yield (APY), which reflects the effect of compounding over a year. Depending on the institution, interest may be credited monthly, quarterly, or at maturity, and can be paid out to a linked account or added back to the CD to compound. When comparing the Arkansas CDs listed above, a saver gets the truest picture of total earnings by looking at APY rather than the nominal rate.
Fixed vs. Variable CD Rates in Arkansas
Most CDs carry a fixed rate that is locked for the entire term, protecting a Arkansas depositor if market rates fall after the account is opened. Some institutions offer variable-rate or bump-up CDs whose rate can change during the term; these may start lower but allow the rate to rise if conditions improve. Which is better depends on the direction a saver expects rates to move.
Frequently Asked Questions about CD Rates in Arkansas
Are CD rates in Arkansas FDIC insured?
Do I have to pay state taxes on CD interest in Arkansas?
Can I withdraw my money early from a CD?
What is the difference between a Jumbo CD and a regular CD?
Are fixed-rate CDs better than variable-rate CDs?
What is a CD ladder?
Best CD rates in Arkansas?
- Telcoe Federal Credit Union: 4.25% APY (12 Month Certificate)
- First Service Bank: 4.15% APY (6-Month CD)
- Mercy Credit Union: 4.00% APY (18 Month Certificate)
- McGehee Bank: 4.00% APY (12-month CD)
- FNB Lawrence County at Walnut Ridge: 3.91% APY (3 month (13 wk))
- Success Federal Credit Union: 3.85% APY (IRA Share 12 Months)
- First National Bank of Eastern Arkansas: 3.80% APY (6 Month CD)
- Arkansas Best Federal Credit Union: 3.56% APY (12 Month Certificate)
- Eaton Family Credit Union: 3.55% APY (18 month Certificate of Deposit)
- Bank of Little Rock: 3.50% APY (6 Month)
Arkansas 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 Arkansas 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.
CD Calculators for Arkansas
At today’s AR top rate of 4.25% APY, a $10,000 deposit earns $425 in the first year. Enter your amount to see your exact return.
Arkansas CD LadderAR CD rates currently range from 1.993% (3-month) to 2.640% (36-month). Model a ladder with local rates to keep cash accessible while maximizing yield.
Early Withdrawal PenaltyBefore locking into a Arkansas CD at 4.25% APY, know your exit cost. Most institutions charge 90–180 days of interest. Calculate your real net return if you need early access.
CD vs. High-Yield SavingsArkansas’s average 12-month CD is 2.840% APY. Compare locking in that rate against a flexible high-yield savings account to see which earns more for your deposit and timeline.
Methodology & Data Sources
Independent, Free, and Unbiased Rate Comparisons: MonitorBankRates.com is an independent rate comparison service. Our Arkansas 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 for Arkansas 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 in Arkansas. We feature a comprehensive mix of institutions, from neighborhood credit unions and competitive regional banks to high-yield CDs from large national institutions available to savers in AR.
Daily Updates & Time-Stamped Accuracy: Our rate updaters verify and update CD rates daily. Because yields can fluctuate rapidly, every CD product listed features its own specific “last updated” date for full transparency.
Cities in Arkansas
