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Best CD Accounts of September 2026

Compare FDIC-insured CDs with top rates and flexible terms to safely maximize your savings.

E*TRADE Certificate of Deposit

MoneyAtlas

Rating

Lock in up to 4.40% APY

With an E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley CD, your APY* is fixed for the entire term - so you know exactly how much you'll earn no matter what happens in the market. Simply choose the timeframe that fits your goals¹
24/7 account access online and via mobile app
View Rates
on E*TRADE's site

Quorum Term Savings

MoneyAtlas

Rating

Earn up to 4.35% APY with 12-month Term Savings

$100 minimum deposit
7- and 11-month terms
View Rates
on Quorum's site

Quontic

MoneyAtlas

Rating

High yield. Guaranteed return

FDIC Insured to the maximum legal limits
Open your account in 3 minutes or less
View Rates
on Quontic's site

Review Our Top CD Accounts

Learn more about why we chose these CD accounts

E*TRADE Certificate of Deposit

E*TRADE Certificate of Deposit

Lock in up to 4.40% APY

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In a Nutshell

E*TRADE certificates of deposit are issued by Morgan Stanley Private Bank and run from six months to five years, with yields reaching 4.40% APY on the 18-month term as of September 18, 2026. There is no minimum deposit or monthly fee, interest compounds daily, and funding within 10 days locks in the better of the opening or settlement rate. The structure is rigid, though: you fund once, partial withdrawals are never allowed, and the grace period at maturity is only seven days.

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Why we rate it 5.0/5

Cost5.0

No minimum to open, no monthly fee, and the published yield applies from the first dollar rather than a balance tier.

Account options4.9

Seven terms from 6 to 60 months, but a single one-time funding window and no add-on deposits once it closes.

Customer experience4.9

Standard brokerage-grade phone support, though redeeming at maturity requires a phone call inside a seven-day window.

Digital tools5.0

The CD sits inside E*TRADE's full banking and brokerage platform, which is stronger than most standalone CD issuers offer.

Branch access3.9

Effectively a digital account; Morgan Stanley's wealth offices are not retail branches for E*TRADE deposit customers.

Pros

  • Up to 4.40% APY: The 18-month term pays 4.40% APY as of September 18, 2026, and the rate is fixed for the full term.

  • No minimum deposit or monthly fee: You can open a CD with any amount, and no maintenance charge reduces what you earn.

  • 10-day rate guarantee: If your deposit settles within 10 calendar days of opening, you get the higher of the rate at opening or the rate at settlement.

Cons

  • One-time funding only: You must fund the account within 90 days of opening, and no additional deposits are permitted after that window closes.

  • No partial withdrawals: Taking any money out before maturity means closing the entire CD and paying the early withdrawal penalty.

  • Seven-day grace period: The window to redeem penalty-free after maturity is short, and an unattended CD renews automatically at whatever rate is current.

Quorum Term Savings

Quorum Term Savings

Earn up to 4.35% APY with 12-month Term Savings

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Rating

Read Review

In a Nutshell

A Quorum Term Savings account is a credit union's version of a certificate of deposit: your funds are held for a fixed term at a fixed dividend rate, giving you a predictable, guaranteed return no matter what the market does. Quorum Federal Credit Union is a digital-first, not-for-profit credit union, and deposits are federally insured by the NCUA up to $250,000. With a $100 minimum deposit and dividends compounded and paid monthly, it's a low-risk option for savers who value stability — membership is open nationwide through the American Consumer Council or a Select Employer Group.

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Pros

  • Guaranteed Dividend Rate: Lock in a fixed dividend rate for the entire term — no market guesswork or rate chasing

  • Low $100 Minimum: Open an account with just $100, below the minimums at many competing banks

  • Federally Insured: Deposits are federally insured by the NCUA up to $250,000

Cons

  • Membership Required: You must join Quorum Federal Credit Union through a Select Employer Group or the American Consumer Council before opening an account

  • Limited Term Selection: Only 7- and 11-month terms are offered, and both automatically roll over into a 12-month term at maturity

  • Locked-In Funds: A penalty applies if funds are withdrawn before the maturity date

Quontic

Quontic

High yield. Guaranteed return

MoneyAtlas

Rating

Read Review

In a Nutshell

Quontic Bank offers competitive Certificate of Deposit (CD) accounts with terms ranging from six months to five years. These CDs stand out for their high yields, with rates significantly above the national average. The minimum deposit requirement of $500 is relatively low compared to other online banks, making them accessible to a broader range of savers. Quontic's CDs feature daily interest compounding and are credited monthly. While they offer most standard terms, they notably lack a 4-year CD option. As an online bank, Quontic combines these attractive CD rates with digital banking services to provide a modern banking experience.

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Pros

  • Low minimum deposit requirement: Quontic CDs can be opened with just $500

  • Competitive APY: Quontic offers a 3.75% APY on its 6-month CD

  • FDIC insurance up to $250,000: Quontic CD accounts are FDIC-insured

Cons

  • Strict early withdrawal penalties: Quontic imposes hefty penalties for early withdrawals

  • Limited CD term options: Quontic notably lacks a 4-year CD option

  • Entirely online banking experience: As a primarily digital bank, Quontic has no physical branches for in-person service

CDs in a Nutshell

Certificates of Deposit (CDs) let you lock in a guaranteed rate for a set term—from a few months to five years or more. Because the rate is fixed, a CD can be a smart place for cash you won’t need right away but still want fully protected by FDIC or NCUA insurance.

Key Points at a Glance

What to Compare Why It Matters
Term Longer terms usually pay higher rates, but your money is tied up until maturity.
Early-withdrawal penalty Cashing out early can cost several months of interest—know the rule before you lock in.
Minimum deposit Some CDs open with as little as $500; others require $5,000 or more.
Renewal policy CDs often auto-renew into a new term at the then-current rate unless you act during a short grace period.

Quick “Is This CD Worth It?” Checklist

  1. Compare the APY to a high-yield savings account for the same time horizon.
  2. Match the term to when you’ll need the money—never guess.
  3. Check the penalty—is it two months of interest or a full year?
  4. Confirm insurance—the issuing bank or credit union must be FDIC- or NCUA-insured.

How to Open a CD in 3 Steps

  1. Pick your term and amount based on your timeline.
  2. Apply online or in branch—have your government ID and funding account ready.
  3. Note the maturity date and set a calendar reminder a week early to decide whether to withdraw or roll over.

Smart CD Strategies

  • Build a ladder: Split your cash into several CDs with staggered maturities (e.g., 1-, 2-, 3-year). You’ll lock in longer rates yet gain regular access to funds.
  • Barbell your cash: Keep part in a short CD (or savings) for flexibility and part in a long CD for a higher rate.
  • Watch for no-penalty CDs: Some banks let you pull funds early once without losing interest—handy if rates jump.
  • Re-shop at maturity: Don’t let a CD auto-renew into a lower rate; compare offers each time.

Best CD Rates by Bank and Term

The best CD rates usually come from online banks, credit unions, and brokered CDs sold through investment platforms, since they carry less overhead than big national banks. Rates vary by term, and the highest yield is not always the longest one. When short-term rates are high, a 6-month or 1-year CD can pay about as much as a multi-year CD while keeping your money accessible sooner. Compare the APY for the exact term you need against a high-yield savings account, check the early-withdrawal penalty, and confirm the issuer is FDIC or NCUA insured before you lock in. The listings above show current top rates by term.

4

Scoring Factors

$250K

FDIC Coverage

3mo–5yr

Term Range

Our Methodology

How we pick the best CDs

CDs are scored on the rate you actually lock in, how much flexibility you keep, and the cost of getting out early.

APY & Term

The annual percentage yield across terms, and how it compares to high-yield savings and brokered CDs for the same time horizon.

Early-Withdrawal Penalty

How many months of interest you forfeit for cashing out early, and whether a no-penalty option exists.

Minimums & Terms

The minimum deposit to open, the range of terms offered, and whether promotional or odd-term CDs are available.

Safety & Renewal

FDIC or NCUA insurance, plus a clear and fair auto-renewal and grace-period policy.

FAQs