One of the top perks of a certificate of deposit is a fixed rate. Your annual percentage yield, or APY, is locked in when you open a CD, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll enjoy guaranteed earnings regardless of where rates go in the future. In an economy as uncertain as today’s, that predictability can be invaluable.

“Interest rates are jumping around with no end in sight. Stocks are sensitive to any hint of tariffs and political posturing, which could last for years. If you need to sleep well and earn a reasonable return, CDs could be a great option,” said Noah Damsky, CFA, principal of Marina Wealth Advisors.

Today’s best CDs offer annual percentage yields (APYs) as high as 4.50% — more than three times the national average for some terms. If you’re ready to add some security to your investment portfolio, read on to see some of the top CD rates available now and how much you could earn by depositing different amounts.

Experts recommend comparing rates before opening a CD account to get the best APY possible. Enter your information below to get CNET’s partners’ best rate for your area.

Here’s what you’ll get by opening a CD today

CDs offer a number of benefits, including:

• Low risk: CDs held by an FDIC-insured bank or NCUA-insured credit union are protected for up to $250,000 per depositor, institution and account category. That means that if your bank fails, your money is safe. Other investments, like stocks, may potentially yield higher returns over the long term, but they’re also volatile, which means you could lose money at any time.
• Guaranteed returns: Your APY is locked in when you open a CD, unlike with savings accounts, where interest rates can vary at any time. A CD’s fixed rate makes it easy to calculate how much interest you’ll earn over time and protects your funds from rate drops after you open your account.
• Competitive rates: Traditional savings accounts offer minimal APYs, sometimes as low as 0.01%. Today’s top-yielding CDs have APYs of 4.50% or more, which can make a difference in your interest earnings and help your money keep pace with inflation.
• Barrier to access: You can withdraw money in a savings account at any time, free of charge (as long as you mind any monthly withdrawal limits). Many CDs, however, charge an early withdrawal penalty if you take your money out before the term is up. This can help you resist the urge to dip into your funds before you need them.

Another smart option: high-yield savings accounts

CDs have plenty of perks, but they’re not always the best option. “It really depends on your goals,” said Taylor Kovar, certified financial planner and CEO of 11 Financial.

To determine if a CD is the right choice for your money, ask yourself the following questions:

• When will you need your funds? CDs are great for savings goals with a set timeline, and they come in a range of terms, from as short as three months to several years. If you know you want to buy a home down the road, for example, a five-year CD can be a great way to grow your down payment. If you need instant access to your money with an emergency fund, however, a high-yield savings account is a better fit.
• How much do you have to deposit? Some CDs require a minimum deposit to open an account, typically $500 to $1,000. If you can’t find an account with an attractive APY for the amount you want to deposit, try looking into a high-yield savings account with a low or no minimum deposit.
• Do you want to add money over time? Most CDs (though not all) only allow a one-time deposit. If you’d like to regularly add money to your savings over time, consider a high-yield savings account.
• Do you need some discipline? If you’re worried you’ll be tempted to tap into your savings before you need it, a CD imposes an early withdrawal penalty, which can help give you pause.

💰You can earn up to 5% APY on today’s best high-yield savings accounts. Check out top savings rates now.

Methodology

CNET reviews CD rates based on the latest APY information from issuer websites. We evaluated CD rates from more than 50 banks, credit unions and financial companies. We evaluate CDs based on APYs, product offerings, accessibility and customer service.

The current banks included in CNET’s weekly CD averages include Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, American Express National Bank, Barclays, Bask Bank, Bread Savings, Capital One, CFG Bank, CIT, Fulbright, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, MYSB Direct, Quontic, Rising Bank, Synchrony, EverBank, Popular Bank, First Internet Bank of Indiana, America First Federal Credit Union, CommunityWide Federal Credit Union, Discover, Bethpage, BMO Alto, Limelight Bank, First National Bank of America and Connexus Credit Union.

*APYs as of March 31, 2025, based on the banks we track at CNET. Earnings are based on APYs and assume interest is compounded annually.