What is the best 9-month CD rate?

As of May 2026, the best 9-month CD rates are approximately 4.40%–4.70% APY at top online banks and credit unions. The 9-month term is less common than 6-month or 12-month CDs, so fewer institutions offer it — but those that do often price it competitively between the 6 and 12-month rates. Verify current availability and rates directly with institutions before opening.

Who offers 9-month CDs?

Banks and credit unions that commonly offer 9-month or similar term CDs include Discover Bank (which offers a 9-month term), Synchrony Bank, Barclays, and various credit unions. Brokered CD platforms like Fidelity and Schwab typically provide access to 9-month CDs from multiple institutions. Not all banks offer this exact term — some may offer 8-month or 10-month terms instead.

How do 9-month CD rates compare to 6-month and 12-month rates?

In the current inverted yield curve environment (May 2026), 9-month CD rates are typically between 6-month and 12-month rates: 6-month CDs pay approximately 4.25–4.50% APY, 9-month CDs pay approximately 4.40–4.70% APY, and 12-month CDs pay approximately 4.50–4.80% APY. The differences between terms are relatively small, so the right choice depends more on your timeline than rate optimization.

How much does a 9-month CD earn on $10,000?

At 4.55% APY for 9 months (270 days), a $10,000 deposit earns approximately $337 in interest. At $25,000, that's approximately $841. At a big bank standard rate of 0.25% APY, the same $10,000 would earn only about $19 over 9 months — a difference of $318.

What is the early withdrawal penalty on a 9-month CD?

Early withdrawal penalties on 9-month CDs vary by institution. Commonly, you'll see penalties of 60–90 days of interest for CDs under 12 months. At 4.55% APY on $10,000, 90 days of interest is approximately $113. Breaking a 9-month CD more than halfway through typically still leaves you with some net interest, but verify the specific penalty at your institution.

Best 9-Month CD Rates 2026 — Top APYs for a 270-Day Term

The best 9-month CD rates reach approximately 4.40%–4.70% APY in May 2026, slotting neatly between 6-month and 12-month rates. The 9-month term is less common — not every bank offers it — but it can be a useful middle ground when your timeline falls between the two more standard options.

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

Best 9-Month CD Rates (May 2026)

Institution Type	Approximate 9-Month APY
Online banks (top offers)	4.40%–4.70%
Credit unions	4.25%–4.60%
Brokered CDs (Fidelity, Schwab)	4.35%–4.65%
Traditional big banks	0.01%–1.00%

Discover Bank is one of the most well-known online banks to offer a standard 9-month CD. Brokered CD platforms aggregate 9-month offerings from multiple banks and are worth comparing when hunting this specific term.

How Much Does a 9-Month CD Earn?

Deposit	APY	Interest Earned (9 months)
$5,000	4.50%	~$169
$10,000	4.50%	~$337
$25,000	4.50%	~$843
$50,000	4.50%	~$1,687

9-Month CD vs. 6-Month and 12-Month CDs

Term	Typical Top APY	Interest on $10,000
6 months	4.35%	~$217
9 months	4.50%	~$337
12 months	4.65%	~$465

The rate difference between terms is typically 0.10–0.25 percentage points. On $10,000, the difference between a 6-month and 9-month CD is roughly $120 in additional interest. The practical question is simpler: how long can you confidently leave the money locked up?

When to Choose a 9-Month CD

A 9-month CD makes sense when:

You have a specific cash need in approximately 9 months (a payment due, a renovation planned, a purchase scheduled)
The 9-month rate at your target institution is meaningfully better than its 6-month rate
You’re building a CD ladder and need a rung at this exact maturity date
You want to avoid locking in for a full 12 months in case rates rise in the next year

A 9-month CD is less useful when:

You find 6-month or 12-month rates at other institutions that exceed the 9-month rate you’re evaluating
Your timeline is flexible — in which case the more liquid 12-month term at a top online bank is typically better

9-Month CD vs. High-Yield Savings Account

At online banks in May 2026, high-yield savings accounts pay approximately 4.25%–4.75% APY on a variable basis. A 9-month CD at 4.50% APY is comparable — but the CD locks in that rate, while a HYSA rate can change at any time.

If you think interest rates will fall over the next 9 months, a CD locks in today’s rate and protects you from that decline. If you think rates will rise, a HYSA or the 6-month CD gives you more flexibility to reinvest at higher rates sooner.

Early Withdrawal Penalty

Typical 9-month CD early withdrawal penalty: 60–90 days of interest.

On a $10,000 CD at 4.50% APY, 90 days of interest = approximately $113. If you open a 9-month CD and need funds after 3 months, you would receive your $10,000 back plus the 3 months of interest you earned minus the 90-day penalty — netting approximately zero interest income. This underscores the importance of knowing your timeline before opening.

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