The Best CD Rates on the Market Right Now: Lock in up to 4.4% APY for the Rest of the Year

Explore Top Options for 6-Month, 1-Year, and 18-Month Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

In today’s financial climate, finding a secure and rewarding place to park your savings is more important than ever. With inflation, market uncertainty, and fluctuating interest rates, many individuals are seeking low-risk investment options that still offer competitive returns. Enter the Certificate of Deposit (CD)—a time-tested, conservative savings tool that offers a fixed interest rate in exchange for locking up your funds for a set term.

For those unfamiliar, CDs are time-deposit accounts offered by banks and credit unions. They require you to keep your money in the account for a specific period, typically ranging from a few months to several years. In return, you receive a fixed annual percentage yield (APY) that is often higher than what you’d find with regular savings accounts. With interest rates still hovering near multi-year highs, locking in a top CD rate now could be a smart move.

Whether you’re saving for a short-term goal or want a safe place for your emergency fund, we’ve done the research for you. After reviewing more than 300 data points, including APYs, fees, minimum deposit requirements, and customer service ratings, we’ve identified the 10 best CD rates available today for 6-month, 1-year, and 18-month terms.

Let’s break it all down.

Why Choose a CD?

Before we get into the top offers, it’s important to understand why CDs might be a good choice for your savings strategy:

• Guaranteed Returns: Unlike stocks or mutual funds, CDs offer fixed interest rates. You’ll know exactly how much you’ll earn over the term.
• Low Risk: CDs are insured by the FDIC (for banks) or the NCUA (for credit unions) up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution.
• Predictable Growth: Because the interest rate is fixed, CDs offer peace of mind for conservative investors looking for stability.
• Short to Medium-Term Options: With CDs ranging from 3 months to 5 years, you can choose a term that aligns with your financial goals.

That said, CDs do come with some restrictions—most notably, early withdrawal penalties. If you need your money before the term ends, you could lose some or all of the interest you’ve earned.

Top 10 CD Rates Available Right Now

Based on our review of top banks and credit unions, here are the 10 most competitive CD rates currently on the market. These APYs are accurate as of June 2025 and apply to high-yield CDs with terms of 6, 12, or 18 months.

1. CFG Bank – 12-Month CD: 4.40% APY

• Minimum Deposit: $500
• Why it stands out: One of the highest APYs for a 1-year term, CFG Bank is a standout for savers looking for guaranteed growth in the short-term.
• FDIC Insured: Yes

2. Barclays – 12-Month CD: 4.35% APY

• Minimum Deposit: None
• Why it stands out: No minimum balance makes this a great pick for newer savers.
• FDIC Insured: Yes

3. Alliant Credit Union – 6-Month CD: 4.30% APY

• Minimum Deposit: $1,000
• Why it stands out: For short-term savers, this CD offers excellent yield for just a six-month commitment.
• NCUA Insured: Yes

4. PenFed Credit Union – 18-Month CD: 4.25% APY

• Minimum Deposit: $1,000
• Why it stands out: Known for its member-friendly service and competitive rates.
• NCUA Insured: Yes

5. BMO Alto – 12-Month CD: 4.20% APY

• Minimum Deposit: $1,000
• Why it stands out: A strong rate from an online-only bank with a growing national presence.
• FDIC Insured: Yes

6. Synchrony Bank – 12-Month CD: 4.15% APY

• Minimum Deposit: $0
• Why it stands out: A solid, flexible CD option with no minimum opening deposit.
• FDIC Insured: Yes

7. Bread Financial – 1-Year CD: 4.15% APY

• Minimum Deposit: $1,500
• Why it stands out: Known for fast account setup and strong online user experience.
• FDIC Insured: Yes

8. Marcus by Goldman Sachs – 18-Month CD: 4.10% APY

• Minimum Deposit: $500
• Why it stands out: Trusted brand and user-friendly platform.
• FDIC Insured: Yes

9. Discover Bank – 6-Month CD: 4.00% APY

• Minimum Deposit: $2,500
• Why it stands out: Higher minimum, but great for those looking to invest more.
• FDIC Insured: Yes

10. Capital One – 12-Month CD: 4.00% APY

• Minimum Deposit: $0
• Why it stands out: Zero minimum deposit and easy online management.
• FDIC Insured: Yes

Best CD Rates by Term

Let’s take a closer look at the best options depending on your preferred term length.

✅ Best 6-Month CD: Alliant Credit Union (4.30% APY)

This is an excellent rate for such a short term, giving you great yield without locking your money away for too long. Alliant Credit Union also has excellent customer support and a simple online platform.

✅ Best 1-Year CD: CFG Bank (4.40% APY)

If you want a top-tier yield over a modest term, CFG Bank offers unbeatable returns for a 12-month CD.

✅ Best 18-Month CD: PenFed Credit Union (4.25% APY)

Perfect for those looking to strike a balance between term length and return, PenFed’s 18-month CD delivers both.

What to Look For When Choosing a CD

When comparing CD offers, APY isn’t the only thing that matters. Here are a few additional factors to consider:

1. Minimum Deposit Requirements

Some CDs have no minimum deposit, making them accessible to anyone. Others may require $1,000 or more to open. Always double-check this detail.

2. Early Withdrawal Penalties

Most CDs charge a penalty if you take your money out before the maturity date. This can be anywhere from 3 months’ to 12 months’ worth of interest, depending on the term.

3. Renewal Terms

Some CDs automatically roll over into a new term at maturity. Be sure to understand what happens once your CD matures and how to avoid unwanted automatic renewals.

4. Interest Payment Frequency

Some CDs pay out interest monthly, quarterly, or at maturity. If you need income during the term, this could influence your choice.

5. Access and Management Tools

Online banks often offer easier access and better mobile banking tools than traditional institutions. Make sure the platform fits your needs.

CD vs. Other Savings Options

If you’re still wondering whether a CD is right for you, here’s how it compares to other common savings products:

Product	Risk	Liquidity	Return	Ideal For
CD	Low	Low (funds locked until maturity)	High (relative to savings accounts)	Short-to-medium term goals
High-Yield Savings Account	Low	High	Moderate	Emergency funds
Money Market Account	Low	Moderate	Moderate	Larger balances, occasional withdrawals
Treasury Bonds/Bills	Very Low	Moderate	Varies	Long-term, ultra-safe savings
Stock Market	High	High	Potentially High	Long-term wealth growth

Tips for Maximizing Your CD Returns

If you’re planning to invest in CDs, here are a few strategies to help you make the most of your money:

Laddering

Instead of putting all your money into one long-term CD, consider a CD ladder. This involves splitting your investment across multiple CDs with different maturity dates (e.g., 6-month, 1-year, 18-month). This way, you get access to your money at intervals while still locking in strong rates.

Stay Informed

CD rates can change based on macroeconomic conditions. Keep an eye on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions, as these directly affect CD yields.

Choose FDIC-Insured Banks or NCUA-Insured Credit Unions

Always confirm your financial institution is insured. This guarantees your money (up to $250,000 per depositor) is protected, even if the institution fails.

Final Thoughts

Certificates of Deposit are a smart, low-risk way to earn a reliable return on your money—especially in a high-rate environment like we have in 2025. Whether you’re planning for a vacation, saving for a down payment, or just want to park your emergency fund in a secure place, the current market offers some of the best CD rates in years.

By choosing the right term, locking in one of the top APYs mentioned in this article, and understanding the terms and conditions, you can put your savings to work and enjoy peace of mind knowing your money is both safe and growing.

Ready to Lock In a Rate?

Act fast—rates can shift with market conditions. The best time to secure a high-yield CD is often now, especially if you’re looking to avoid future rate drops. Whether you’re a first-time CD investor or a seasoned saver, these top 10 CD options provide something for everyone.

Conclusion

In an era of economic uncertainty and fluctuating interest rates, locking in a high-yield Certificate of Deposit (CD) offers a smart, low-risk way to grow your savings. Whether you’re aiming for a short-term goal or simply want your money to work harder in the background, the current market is offering some of the best CD rates in years—up to 4.4% APY. By choosing the right term length, understanding the fine print, and selecting a trusted bank or credit union, you can enjoy guaranteed returns and financial peace of mind.

Remember, rates won’t stay this high forever. So if you’re ready to commit to a secure savings vehicle with competitive yields, now is the perfect time to act. Whether it’s a 6-month, 12-month, or 18-month CD, the options highlighted here can help you lock in a strong return while protecting your principal.

Make your savings count—lock in a top CD rate today.

globanow.com brings you this expert guide to help you make smarter decisions with your money in 2025 and beyond.