Today’s interest rates on certificates of deposit (CD) are some of the highest we’ve seen in more than a decade thanks to several interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve. However, the Fed finally cut its interest rate target in September, so now may be your last chance to lock in a competitive rate.
CD rates vary widely across financial institutions, so it’s important to make sure you get the best possible rate when shopping for a CD. Here’s a breakdown of today’s CD prices and where to find the best deals.
Historically, long-term CDs have offered higher interest rates than short-term CDs. Generally, this is because banks will pay better interest rates to encourage savers to keep their money in deposits for longer. But in today’s economic climate, the opposite is true.
See our picks for the best CD accounts available today >>
As of December 15, 2024, CD rates remain high by historical standards. However, the highest CD rates can be found for shorter periods of around one year or less.
Today, Marcus is offering the highest CD rate ever offered by Goldman Sachs on his one-year CD. Account holders can earn 4.25% APY with a minimum opening deposit of $500.
Here’s a look at some of the best CD prices available today from our certified partners:
The amount of interest you can earn from a CD depends on the annual percentage rate (APY). This is a measure of your total earnings after one year when considering the prime interest rate and how often interest compounds (CD interest typically accrues daily or monthly).
Let’s say you invest $1,000 in a one-year CD with an interest rate of 1.88%. At the end of that year, your balance will grow to $1,018.96 – your initial deposit of $1,000, plus $18.96 in interest.
Now let’s say you opt for a one-year CD offering 5% APY instead. In this case, your balance would grow to $1,051.16 over the same period, which includes $51.16 in interest.
The more you deposit into the CD, the more you gain. If we take our same example as a one-year CD with 5% APY, but you deposit $10,000, your total balance when the CD matures will be $10,511.62, which means you will earn $511.62 in interest.
Read more: What is a good CD rate?
When choosing a CD, the interest rate is usually at the top of your mind. However, price is not the only factor you should consider. There are several types of CDs that offer different benefits, although you may need to accept a slightly lower interest rate in exchange for more flexibility. Here’s a look at some common types of CDs you can consider beyond traditional CDs:
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Bump CD: This type of CD allows you to request a higher interest rate if your bank’s rates rise during the life of the account. However, you are usually only allowed to “raise” your price once.
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CD without penalty: Also known as a liquid CD, the CD type gives you the option to withdraw your funds before the due date without paying a penalty.
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Jumbo CD: These CDs require a higher minimum deposit (usually $100,000 or more), and often offer a higher interest rate in return. However, in today’s CD price environment, the difference between traditional and mass CD prices may not be that great.
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CD mediated: As the name suggests, these CDs are purchased through a brokerage firm and not directly from a bank. Brokered CDs can sometimes offer higher rates or more flexible terms, but they also carry more risk and may not be FDIC insured.