Editor’s Note: Investopedia did not publish daily CD rate news on Monday, Feb. 17, in observance of Washington’s Birthday. We are therefore reporting today’s rates in comparison to those of Friday, Feb. 14.
Key Takeaways
- After the nation’s top CD rate fell to 4.73% recently, Friday brought the nice surprise of a lift back to 5.00% returns, when Mountain America Credit Union unveiled a new 18-month CD paying that stellar rate.
- Alternatively, 10 other offers are guaranteeing 4.60% to 4.73% on terms of 3 to 13 months.
- Rates of 4.35% or better are available in every CD term, including top APYs of 4.40% to 4.45% in the 2–3 year term from Credit Human.
- CD shoppers who want a longer rate lock can consider Transportation Federal Credit Union’s offers guaranteeing 4.35% for 4 years and 4.40% for 5 years.
- The Fed held interest rates steady in January, but one or more rate cuts could be on the table later this year. So if you’re shopping today’s best CDs, it’s a smart time to consider locking in.
Below you’ll find featured rates available from our partners, followed by details from our ranking of the best CDs available nationwide.
Lock In the Leading Rate of 5% Until August 2026
On Friday, the top CD rate in the country bumped up from 4.73% on a 7-month term to 5.00% for 18 months. That new offer arrived on the scene from Mountain America Credit Union, and it would let you secure a 5% return until late summer of next year.
If you’d like a shorter commitment, 10 other offers provide rate locks of 4.60% or better for as little as 3 months. The runner-up certificate, which is available from Genisys Credit Union, still guarantees its 4.73% APY for 7 months, taking you to September. Other options include Vibrant Credit Union’s 13-month CD paying 4.60%, offering a rate lock until spring 2026.
All Federally Insured Institutions Are Equally Protected
Your deposits at any FDIC bank or NCUA credit union are federally insured, meaning you’re protected by the U.S. government in the unlikely case that the institution fails. Not only that, but the coverage is identical—deposits are insured up to $250,000, per person and per institution—no matter the size of the bank or credit union.
Consider Longer-Term CDs to Secure Your Rate Further Down the Road
Among CDs that will lock your return as far as 2027, the top APYs on 2- and 3-year certificates promise 4.45% and 4.40%, respectively. The leading 2- and 3-year rates are both available from Credit Human. And for anyone who wants an even longer rate lock, the leading 4- to 5-year rates are available from Transportation Federal Credit Union, which is paying 4.35% for 4 years or 4.40% for 5 years. That would ensure you’re earning well above 4% all the way until 2030.
Mid- to long-term CDs are likely smart right now, given the possibility of Fed rate cuts in 2025 and 2026. The central bank has so far lowered the federal funds rate by a full percentage point, and this year could see another cut or two. While any interest-rate reductions from the Fed will push bank APYs lower, a CD rate you secure now will be yours to enjoy until it matures.
Today’s Best CDs Still Pay Historically High Returns
It’s true that CD rates are no longer at their peak. But despite the pullback, the best CDs still offer a stellar return. October 2023 saw the best CD rates push above 6%, while the leading rate is currently down to 5%. Compare that to early 2022, before the Federal Reserve embarked on its fast-and-furious rate-hike campaign. The most you could earn from the very best CDs in the country ranged from just 0.50% to 1.70% APY, depending on the term.
Jumbo CDs Lose Against Standard CDs in Every Term
Jumbo CDs require much larger deposits and sometimes pay premium rates—but not always. In fact, the best jumbo CD rates right now are lower than the best standard CD rates in every single term we track. That means you’re better off checking both types of offerings when CD shopping, and if your best rate option is a standard CD, simply open it with a jumbo-sized deposit.
| CD Term | Today’s Top National Bank Rate | Today’s Top National Credit Union Rate | Today’s Top National Jumbo Rate |
| 3 months | 4.60%* | 4.50% | 4.11% |
| 6 months | 4.65% | 4.73%* | 4.55% |
| 1 year | 4.50% | 4.60%* | 4.52% |
| 18 months | 4.45% | 5.00%* | 4.50% |
| 2 years | 4.35% | 4.45%* | 4.25% |
| 3 years | 4.30% | 4.40%* | 4.34% |
| 4 years | 4.30% | 4.35%* | 4.30% |
| 5 years | 4.30% | 4.40%* | 4.33% |
Where Are CD Rates Headed in 2025?
In December, the Federal Reserve announced a third rate cut to the federal funds rate in as many meetings, reducing it a full percentage point since September. But on Jan. 29, the central bankers announced a rate pause, keeping their benchmark rate where it is until at least their March meeting.
The Fed’s three 2024 rate cuts represent a pivot from the central bank’s historic 2022–2023 rate-hike campaign, in which the committee aggressively raised interest rates to combat decades-high inflation. At its 2023 peak, the federal funds rate climbed to its highest level since 2001—and remained there for 14 months.
Inflation was higher than expected in January, and it’s expected the Fed will moderate its pace in lowering interest rates. According to the CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, interest rate futures traders are currently pricing in more than a 95% probability that the Fed will hold interest rates at its next meeting.
Fed rate moves are significant to savers, as reductions to the fed funds rate push down the rates banks and credit unions are willing to pay consumers for their deposits. Both CD rates and savings account rates reflect changes to the fed funds rate.
Time will tell what exactly will happen to the federal funds rate in 2025 and 2026—and economic policies suggested by the new Trump administration have the potential to alter the Fed’s course. But with three Fed rate cuts already in the books, today’s CD rates could be the best you’ll see for some time. That makes now a smart time to lock in the best rate that suits your financial timeline.
Daily Rankings of the Best CDs and Savings Accounts
Note that the “top rates” quoted here are the highest nationally available rates Investopedia has identified in its daily rate research on hundreds of banks and credit unions. This is much different than the national average, which includes all banks offering a CD with that term, including many large banks that pay a pittance in interest. Thus, the national averages are always quite low, while the top rates you can unearth by shopping around are often 5, 10, or even 15 times higher.
How We Find the Best CD Rates
Every business day, Investopedia tracks the rate data of more than 200 banks and credit unions that offer CDs to customers nationwide and determines daily rankings of the top-paying certificates in every major term. To qualify for our lists, the institution must be federally insured (FDIC for banks, NCUA for credit unions), the CD’s minimum initial deposit must not exceed $25,000, and any specified maximum deposit cannot be under $5,000.
Banks must be available in at least 40 states. And while some credit unions require you to donate to a specific charity or association to become a member if you don’t meet other eligibility criteria (e.g., you don’t live in a certain area or work in a certain kind of job), we exclude credit unions whose donation requirement is $40 or more. For more about how we choose the best rates, read our full methodology.