Compare CD rates — 2026
A certificate of deposit locks your rate for the whole term. That is the right trade when you know the date you need the money and rates look likely to fall.
1-year Treasury benchmark
4.39%
U.S. Treasury via FRED • 2026-09-15
The 1-year Treasury is the reference point 1-year CD pricing tracks. Bank APYs are set individually and change without notice — confirm on the bank's own site before depositing.
Pick the term around the money, not the rate
The highest APY on the board is worthless if you break the CD in month four and hand back six months of interest. Match the term to a date you already know: a tax bill, a house deposit, a car replacement.
If you are unsure, a ladder solves it. Splitting across several terms gives you an annual maturity date while most of the balance still earns the longer-term rate.
Read the renewal terms
Most CDs roll over automatically into a new term at whatever rate applies that day, which is often far below what you originally locked. Diary the maturity date the moment you open it.
Check the grace period — usually seven to ten days after maturity — during which you can withdraw or move the money without penalty.
Where to check your own rate
Editorial disclosure — Some companies listed here are commercial brands. We select them editorially from public regulatory data and are never paid for placement or ranking. Read our full disclosure.
Ranked on published product terms only: yield observed on the company's own rate page inside the past seven days, monthly fee, minimum opening deposit, deposit insurance and CFPB complaints per $1bn of deposits. Partner status and any payment we receive are held in a separate system and cannot enter this calculation.
Ally Bank
Best for: high-yield savings, no fees
4.00% APY (1-yr)
Read from Ally Bank's own rate page on 16 Sept 2026
National average: 4.39% (FRED)
Editorial score 85/100 on published terms
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Best for: high-yield savings with no fees
3.90% APY (1-yr)
Read from Marcus by Goldman Sachs's own rate page on 17 Sept 2026
National average: 4.39% (FRED)
Editorial score 84/100 on published terms
Barclays
4.25% APY (1-yr)
Read from Barclays's own rate page on 17 Sept 2026
National average: 4.39% (FRED)
Editorial score 71.5/100 on published terms
Popular Direct
4.25% APY (1-yr)
Read from Popular Direct's own rate page on 17 Sept 2026
National average: 4.39% (FRED)
Editorial score 71.5/100 on published terms
Sallie Mae Bank
4.20% APY (1-yr)
Read from Sallie Mae Bank's own rate page on 17 Sept 2026
National average: 4.39% (FRED)
Editorial score 71/100 on published terms
Live Oak Bank
4.15% APY (1-yr)
Read from Live Oak Bank's own rate page on 17 Sept 2026
National average: 4.39% (FRED)
Editorial score 70.5/100 on published terms
Rates shown are indicative or national averages. Your actual rate will depend on your credit score, income, loan amount and the provider’s current pricing. Think Bigger Today is not a lender, bank or insurer. The buttons above open each company’s official website in a new tab, or a partner link where one exists and is labelled as such. Whether a company pays us has no bearing on its data, its score or its position in the ranking above.
Frequently asked questions
Is a CD better than a savings account?
A CD locks the rate for the full term, which wins when rates are falling. A savings account stays liquid and follows rates up. Many people split: emergency cash in savings, money with a known date in a CD.
What happens if I withdraw early?
You pay an early-withdrawal penalty, commonly 60 to 180 days of interest depending on the term. Never put money you might need in a CD without checking that penalty first.
What is a CD ladder?
You split the money across several terms — say 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years — so one CD matures every year. You keep access to part of the cash annually while still earning longer-term rates.
Are CDs insured?
Yes, up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per ownership category. Credit union certificates carry equivalent NCUA coverage.
Source: U.S. Treasury via FRED • 2026-09-15.
Other comparisons
Think Bigger Today keeps its editorial standards independent of commercial relationships. This review was written by our team using publicly available information, including regulatory filings and published rate sheets. the named company did not review, approve or endorse it, and is not responsible for its accuracy. Companies that work with us commercially get no preferential coverage, scoring or placement. This page may link to our free matching service, for which we can be paid a referral fee — that fee never decides what we publish, and you may or may not be matched with the named company. Figures can change without notice; always confirm the current terms with the provider. Nothing here is financial, legal or tax advice.