What is the best 1-month CD rate available?

As of May 2026, the best 1-month CD rates range from approximately 4.00% to 4.50% APY at online banks and credit unions. Traditional big banks pay much less — often 0.01%–0.10% APY on 30-day CDs. Because 1-month terms are so short, the practical difference in interest earned on a typical deposit amount is small, and alternatives like money market accounts or T-bills may be simpler.

Who offers 1-month or 30-day CDs?

Not all banks offer 1-month or 30-day CDs — it's a less common term. Banks that sometimes offer short-term CDs of 30 days or similar include US Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Synchrony Bank, and some credit unions. Brokered CD platforms (like Fidelity or Schwab) typically have access to very short-term CDs from multiple institutions. Rates and availability change — verify with your institution.

How much interest does a 1-month CD earn?

On a $10,000 deposit at 4.25% APY for 30 days, a 1-month CD earns approximately $35. On $50,000, that's about $175. The short term limits total interest earnings significantly. For larger amounts parked for exactly 30 days, a 1-month CD provides a fixed guaranteed rate — an advantage over a money market account where the rate can change daily.

Is a 1-month CD better than a money market account?

It depends on your priority. A 1-month CD locks in a fixed rate for 30 days — useful if you're concerned rates may fall slightly. A money market account has a variable rate that can change daily but offers immediate access to funds without any lockup period. If you have complete certainty you won't need the money for 30 days, a CD's guaranteed rate is a minor advantage. If there's any chance you'll need it sooner, a money market or HYSA is safer.

What is the early withdrawal penalty on a 1-month CD?

Early withdrawal penalties on 1-month CDs vary by institution but typically equal 30–90 days of interest. Given that the entire CD term is 30 days, breaking a 1-month CD early could easily eliminate all interest earned and in some cases require paying a portion from principal. Ensure you're completely certain about your 30-day timeline before opening.

Best 1-Month CD Rates 2026 — Is a 30-Day CD Worth It?

The best 1-month CD rates reach approximately 4.00%–4.50% APY in May 2026, tracking closely with the federal funds rate. But a 30-day CD is a niche product — not all banks offer it, the interest earned is modest, and strong alternatives exist. Here’s what to know before you search for one.

Rates shown are as of May 2026 and change frequently. Verify the current rate directly with the institution before opening.

Best 1-Month CD Rates (May 2026)

Institution Type	Approximate 1-Month APY
Online banks (top offers)	4.00%–4.50%
Credit unions	3.50%–4.25%
Brokered CDs (Fidelity, Schwab)	4.00%–4.40%
Traditional big banks	0.01%–0.25%

Not all banks offer 1-month CDs. Banks that typically have short-term CD options include Synchrony Bank, US Bank, Fifth Third, and some regional banks. Brokered CD platforms aggregate short-term CDs from multiple institutions and are often the best source for 30-day terms.

How Much Does a 1-Month CD Actually Earn?

Deposit	APY	Interest Earned (30 days)
$5,000	4.25%	~$18
$10,000	4.25%	~$35
$25,000	4.25%	~$87
$50,000	4.25%	~$175
$100,000	4.25%	~$350

The absolute interest amounts are small at typical deposit levels. The value of a 1-month CD is less about the dollar amount earned and more about locking in a guaranteed rate when you know exactly how long you’re parking money.

1-Month CD vs. Money Market Account vs. 4-Week T-Bill

	1-Month CD	Money Market Account	4-Week T-Bill
Rate (May 2026)	4.00–4.50% APY	4.25–4.75% APY (variable)	~4.25–4.50% APY
Rate fixed?	Yes — for 30 days	No — changes daily	Yes — set at auction
Federal taxes?	Yes	Yes	Yes
State taxes?	Yes	Yes	No
Access to funds	At maturity only	Any time	At maturity (28 days)
Minimum	Varies ($0–$1,000)	$0 at most online banks	$100

The 4-week Treasury bill is a strong competitor for 30-day money — it pays a similar yield, has no state income tax on interest (valuable in high-tax states like California and New York), and can be purchased directly at TreasuryDirect.gov. For amounts of $10,000+, the T-bill’s state tax exemption often makes it a better deal than a 1-month CD.

When Does a 1-Month CD Make Sense?

A 1-month CD is worth considering when:

You have a specific date in 30 days when you’ll need the money (closing on a home, tax payment, tuition)
A competitive rate is available and you want to lock in the guaranteed APY
You prefer an FDIC-insured product over T-bills for simplicity
You’re using a brokered CD platform that offers easy access to short-term terms

It’s less useful when:

You don’t have certainty you’ll hold to the 30-day maturity (the early withdrawal penalty risk)
A money market account at the same institution pays a comparable rate with no lockup
You’re in a high-tax state where the T-bill’s state tax exemption is meaningful

3-Month vs. 1-Month CDs

If you’re uncertain about your exact timeline, a 3-month CD is almost always a better fit than a 1-month CD:

Rates are similar or slightly higher (3 months typically pay 4.00%–4.50%)
You earn more total interest over the longer term
More banks offer 3-month CDs than 1-month CDs, giving you better rate options

The 1-month term is the right choice only when you have a genuine 30-day timeline and a competitive rate available.

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.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy