10-Year CD Rates 2026 — Best Long-Term Certificate of Deposit APYs and Alternatives

10-year CD rates in September 2026 top out around 3.70%–3.90% APY at the institutions that offer them — and that’s the first challenge: far fewer banks offer a 10-year CD than shorter terms. Notably, top 10-year rates are now below top 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year rates (all around 4.30%–4.50%), making the case for a 10-year lockup weaker than for shorter terms.

Rates shown are as of September 2026 and change frequently. Not all institutions offer 10-year CDs — verify availability and the current rate directly with the institution.

Who Offers 10-Year CDs?

Most major online banks and traditional banks offer CD terms up to 5 years. Institutions that offer 10-year CDs include some credit unions and certain community banks. Options are more limited than for 1, 2, 3, or 5-year terms.

Before searching for a 10-year CD, consider whether a 5-year CD ladder (which effectively covers a decade while providing annual liquidity and, currently, a higher rate) better serves your goals.

What a $10,000 10-Year CD Earns

Figures use A = P(1+APY)^10, consistent with the APY convention. Actual amounts vary by institution.

Example: Robert has $25,000 he’s earmarked for a grandchild’s college fund in 10 years. A 10-year CD at 3.75% APY earns approximately $11,190 in interest over the decade, bringing the total to $36,190. However, had he invested in a 529 plan with moderate long-term average returns (equity markets have historically averaged roughly 6-10% annually over long periods, though returns are not guaranteed and involve risk), the outcome could differ substantially in either direction — highlighting the trade-off between CD certainty and market-linked growth.

10-Year CD Rates vs. Better Alternatives

This is where honest analysis matters: for a 10-year time horizon, a 10-year CD is rarely the optimal choice.

A 5-year CD ladder is a direct, currently more attractive comparison — top 5-year CD rates (4.30%–4.50%) exceed top 10-year CD rates (3.70%–3.90%) by roughly half a percentage point, while a ladder also provides annual liquidity that a single 10-year CD does not. Also check the 10-year US Treasury bond yield at TreasuryDirect.gov, since Treasuries are exempt from state income tax and can be sold on the secondary market if you need early access.

Why 10-Year CD Rates Are the Lowest Across Terms

As of September 2026, 10-year CD rates (~3.70%–3.90%) are lower than:

• 1-year CD rates (4.30%–4.44%)
• 3-year CD rates (4.30%–4.50%)
• 5-year CD rates (4.30%–4.50%)

This is somewhat unusual relative to a normal yield curve and reflects the limited number of institutions competing for 10-year deposits — with fewer banks offering the term, there’s less competitive pressure to raise 10-year rates compared to the actively contested 1-to-5-year market.

The Case For and Against a 10-Year CD

Arguments for a 10-year CD:

• Absolute certainty: guaranteed rate, FDIC-insured, no investment decisions for a decade
• Suitable for risk-averse savers who cannot tolerate any principal risk, including bond market fluctuations
• No management required — set it and forget it for 10 years

Arguments against:

• Rate is currently lower than shorter-term CDs (1, 3, and 5-year), Treasury bonds, and most investment alternatives
• Locking money for 10 years exposes you to significant opportunity cost if better options emerge
• Severe early withdrawal penalties (up to 2 years of interest) eliminate flexibility
• Inflation risk: check the current CPI release from bls.gov to gauge whether a ~3.70%-3.90% APY keeps pace with inflation over a decade

Our assessment: For most savers, a 5-year CD ladder or 10-year Treasury bond is a better choice than a 10-year CD in September 2026, given the ladder’s higher current rate and the Treasury’s state tax advantage.

A Better Strategy: The 5-Year CD Ladder

Instead of locking $50,000 in a single 10-year CD at 3.70% APY, consider this ladder, using representative top rates available in September 2026 (confirm current rates before opening):

Each year from 2027 onward, one CD matures. You roll it into a new 5-year CD, keeping the ladder active. Blended average rate on this illustrative ladder: approximately 4.40% APY — notably better than the current top 10-year CD rate, with annual access to 20% of your funds.

See the CD laddering strategy guide for full instructions.

Related Articles

• Best CD Rates of 2026
• 5-Year CD Rates 2026
• 3-Year CD Rates 2026
• CD Laddering Strategy
• CDs vs. Treasury Bills

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.