
Historical CD Rates 1980-2026: Highs, Lows and the Stories Behind Them
CD rates continue to slowly drop in 2026. Rates remain relatively high.


CD rates continue to slowly drop in 2026. Rates remain relatively high.


Banks may offer promotional CD rates as their most competitive yields, but the CD terms tend to be less common.


For a fixed rate, go with a no-penalty CD. For more access to funds, consider a savings account.


Certificates of deposit are federally insured, which makes them a safe way to save money.


Once a certificate of deposit matures, you enter into what’s called the grace period. You can withdraw funds or let your CD renew.




Not all CDs are alike — they differ in terms, interest and other features.


One CD can earn you dollars while another earns you cents. The best are high-yield CDs.



Determine your target savings goal and then save consistently until you get there.



Save more than $1,000 in a year. Save $1 your first week, $2 your second week and so on.


See our CD penalty calculator and a list of banks’ penalties to find out what an early withdrawal costs.


Learning how to use Cash App is straightforward, and using it can make sending payments quick and convenient.


Zelle is a money transfer service that is integrated into the apps and websites of most major banks and credit unions.


Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers high-yield CDs with a low opening minimum, as well as no-penalty and bump-up CDs.


Fidelity’s brokered CDs can have competitive rates, but bear in mind they fluctuate more than CDs at banks do.


The credit card issuer Discover has high-yield CDs with no opening minimum.


Your bank or credit union, not an airport kiosk, is likely the best place to exchange currency.
