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Best CD Accounts of

June 2026

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

Quontic

High yield. Guaranteed return

5.0

MoneyAtlas

Rating

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

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