Current CD Rates: May 2024
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The best CD rates remain around 5% annual percentage yields, particularly for six-month through one-year terms. But more short-term rates have dropped below 5% in the past few months, according to a NerdWallet analysis. The best CD rates for terms of three years or longer tend to be closer to 4% APY. Skip down to see current CD rates.
» COMPARE: Check out our best CD rates
Online-only banks and credit unions continue to have the most competitive interest rates on certificates of deposit, but these high-yield CD rates have mostly started to drop as the Federal Reserve keeps the federal funds rate steady. The last Fed rate increase was July 2023. See where rates are going on on our CD rate forecast.
High CD rates for now
CD rates have started to dip and may continue to fall, especially if the Fed decides to drop its rate. Now might be a good time to get high CD rates, if they work for your savings goals.
» Learn more: how Fed rate increases affect CDs
National average CD rates have also been higher than they’ve been for most of the past decade, though they remain far lower than CDs at online institutions. The gradual rise of online high-yield CD rates started in July 2021, after a relatively low-rate environment in 2020 and early 2021. If the Fed starts to cut its rate this year, as expected, CD rates may drop even more. (See more details about historical CD rates to see more context.)
High-yield CD rates today can be several times the national average of 1.39% APY for five-year terms and the national average of 1.81% APY for one-year terms. Unlike regular savings accounts, most CDs have fixed rates, so you can lock in a higher rate while it lasts.
Here's a look at current CD rates at some online banks and credit unions.
CD rate trends 2024: Higher short-term CDs
The current trend of shorter-term CD rates being higher than longer-term CD rates continues, both for national averages and among high-yield CDs. While seeing CD rates around 5% can be exciting, the term length is also important. You earn less interest with a six-month CD than a one-year CD with the same rate.
Current promotional CD rates
The following promotional CD rates stand out based on NerdWallet’s data analysis in April 2024. Expiration dates for a promo are shown when available.
In general, promotional rates tend to be for irregular CD terms and featured on banking websites as a “promotional rate” or “CD special.” (For more details, see how promotional CD rates work.)
Name (click to see our review) | CD rate (or certificate rate) |
---|---|
Bank of America: 7-month CD | 4.75% APY. |
U.S. Bank: 7-month CD | Up to 4.75% APY (Varies by location). |
Wells Fargo: 7-month CD | 4.75% APY. |
NASA Federal Credit Union: 9-month Certificate | 5.40% APY. |
TAB Bank: 9-month CD | 5.27% APY. |
Synchrony Bank: 9-month CD | 5.25% APY. |
CIBC U.S.: 9-month CD | 5.11% APY. |
EverBank (formerly TIAA Bank): 9-month CD | 5.05% APY. |
Capital One: 10-month CD | 5.10% APY. |
NBKC Bank: 11-month CD | 5.00% APY. |
BMO: 13-month CD | 4.90% APY. |
Ally Bank: 14-month CD | 4.55% APY (expires 6/19/24). |
Service Credit Union: 15-month Certificate | 4.75% APY. |
NASA Federal Credit Union: 49-month Certificate | 4.45% APY. |
Current CD rates: high-yield and national averages by term
Here’s a sample of three high-yield CD rates per term, compared to the national average, at various online banks and credit unions.
CURRENT CD RATES: 3-month | |
Popular Direct | 5.30% APY. |
Alliant Credit Union | 4.25% APY. |
EverBank (formerly TIAA Bank) | 3.95% APY. |
National average for 3-month CD | 1.65%. |
» See more best 3-month CD rates | |
CURRENT CD RATES: 6-month | |
Popular Direct | 5.30% APY. |
BMO Alto | 5.15% APY. |
Alliant Credit Union | 5.00% APY. |
National average for 6-month CD | 1.57%. |
» See more best 6-month CD rates | |
CURRENT CD RATES: 1-year | |
Popular Direct | 5.15% APY. |
BMO Alto | 5.05% APY. |
Bread Savings™ | 5.25% APY*. |
National average for 1-year CD | 1.81%. |
» See more best 1-year CD rates | |
CURRENT CD RATES: 3-year | |
Popular Direct | 4.55% APY. |
BMO Alto | 4.50% APY. |
Bread Savings™ | 4.25% APY*. |
National average for 3-year CD | 1.41%. |
» See more best 3-year CD rates | |
CURRENT CD RATES: 5-year | |
Popular Direct | 4.30% APY. |
BMO Alto | 4.50% APY. |
Bread Savings™ | 4.15% APY*. |
National average for 5-year CD | 1.39%. |
» See more best 5-year CD rates | |
“National average” refers to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. national averages. *Bread Savings disclosure |
Member FDIC
Marcus by Goldman Sachs High-Yield CD
5.00%
1 year
Member FDIC
Discover® CD
4.70%
1 year
» Want to see a wider pool of high rates? See our list of the best high-interest accounts
See CD rates by term and type
Compare the best rates for various CD terms and types:
How do CDs work?
Learn more about choosing CDs, understanding CD rates, and opening and closing CDs.
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» Want to take a quiz? See what bank is best for you below (or read full quiz instructions here)
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