The best CD rates in July 2026 reach 4.65% APY on 6-month terms and 4.55% APY on 12-month terms at top online banks. Short-to-medium-term CDs (6–18 months) offered the best value at that point in the year: high guaranteed rates with manageable lock-in periods. Important update: the Federal Reserve raised its target rate range by 0.25 points to 3.75%–4.00% at its September 15–16, 2026 meeting — after this table was last verified — reversing the run of five 2026 holds this article originally described. CD rates typically move in the same direction as Fed policy within days to weeks, so current rates may now be higher than the figures below; confirm directly with each bank before opening a CD.
Quick answer: The top CD rates by term as of the July 4, 2026 snapshot were: 6-month — 4.65% APY (Bread Savings); 12-month — 4.55% APY (Bread Savings); 24-month — 4.20% APY (Bread Savings); 60-month — 3.85% APY (Bread Savings). All figures from FDIC-insured online banks; verify current rates at each bank before opening a CD, especially given the September 16 rate increase noted above.
Rate notice: The rates on this page were last verified July 4, 2026 and have not been re-verified against each bank’s live rate page since. On September 16, 2026, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate 0.25 points to a 3.75%–4.00% target range — a reversal of the rate-cutting narrative this article originally described. Confirm the current APY at each bank before opening a CD; rates shown below should be treated as a historical reference point, not a live quote. Discover status: Discover is no longer accepting new CD applications as of 2026 (existing Discover CDs are converting to Capital One CDs); Discover rows below are left for reference only and should not be treated as open-to-new-customers offers.
Best CD Rates by Term Length
Short-Term CDs (3–12 Months)
| Bank | 3-Month | 6-Month | 9-Month | 12-Month | Min. Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bread Savings | 4.55% | 4.65% | 4.60% | 4.55% | $1,500 |
| Popular Direct | 4.50% | 4.60% | 4.55% | 4.50% | $10,000 |
| Synchrony | 4.30% | 4.55% | 4.45% | 4.40% | $0 |
| Marcus | 4.25% | 4.45% | 4.40% | 4.35% | $500 |
| Ally Bank | 4.20% | 4.30% | 4.25% | 4.20% | $0 |
| Barclays | 4.15% | 4.25% | 4.20% | 4.15% | $0 |
| Discover (not accepting new applications, confirm status) | 4.10% | 4.20% | 4.15% | 4.10% | $2,500 |
| Capital One | 4.00% | 4.05% | 4.05% | 4.00% | $0 |
Medium-Term CDs (18–36 Months)
| Bank | 18-Month | 24-Month | 30-Month | 36-Month | Min. Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bread Savings | 4.40% | 4.20% | 4.10% | 4.05% | $1,500 |
| Popular Direct | 4.35% | 4.15% | 4.05% | 4.00% | $10,000 |
| Synchrony | 4.20% | 4.00% | 3.90% | 3.85% | $0 |
| Marcus | 4.15% | 3.95% | 3.85% | 3.80% | $500 |
| Ally Bank | 4.00% | 3.85% | 3.75% | 3.70% | $0 |
| Discover (not accepting new applications, confirm status) | 3.95% | 3.85% | 3.75% | 3.70% | $2,500 |
| Barclays | 3.95% | 3.80% | 3.70% | 3.65% | $0 |
Long-Term CDs (48–60 Months)
| Bank | 48-Month | 60-Month | Min. Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bread Savings | 3.95% | 3.85% | $1,500 |
| Marcus | 3.80% | 3.75% | $500 |
| Synchrony | 3.75% | 3.70% | $0 |
| Ally Bank | 3.65% | 3.60% | $0 |
| Discover (not accepting new applications, confirm status) | 3.60% | 3.55% | $2,500 |
| Capital One | 3.55% | 3.50% | $0 |
APYs current as of July 4, 2026 — before the Federal Reserve’s September 16, 2026 rate increase (see rate notice above). Rates are fixed for the CD term and are subject to change. Verify current rates at each bank before opening a CD.
How CD Rates Are Moving in 2026
The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate six times from September 2024 through December 2025 and held the target range at 3.50%–3.75% through five consecutive 2026 meetings (January–July). That easing cycle pushed short-term CD rates down more sharply than long-term rates, flattening the inverted yield curve that characterised 2023–2024. On September 16, 2026, the Fed reversed course and raised its target range by 0.25 points to 3.75%–4.00%. The table below reflects the rate-cutting period through July 2026 and predates that reversal — treat it as historical context, not a current forecast.
| Period | Best 6-Month CD | Best 12-Month CD | Best 5-Year CD | Fed Funds Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak (late 2023) | 5.50%+ | 5.50%+ | 4.50%+ | 5.25–5.50% |
| Early 2026 | 5.00% | 4.85% | 3.90% | ~4.25% |
| July 2026 | 4.65% | 4.55% | 3.85% | ~3.50%–3.75% |
| September 16, 2026 (after Fed hike) | Confirm current | Confirm current | Confirm current | 3.75%–4.00% |
What this means for savers: Short-term CD rates fell faster than long-term rates during the 2024–2026 easing cycle, but the September 16, 2026 rate increase interrupts that trend. Whether banks pass the higher Fed rate through to CD APYs — and how quickly — was not yet confirmable at the time this page was last verified. For the full rate outlook, see the CD rate forecast.
Should you lock in now? With the Fed’s direction now uncertain after the September 16 increase, confirm current rates directly before assuming the July 2026 figures above still apply — they may understate what’s currently available.
Best No-Penalty CDs
No-penalty CDs provide a fixed rate with the flexibility to withdraw without penalty — a useful middle ground between CDs and high-yield savings accounts.
| Bank | Term | APY | Min. Deposit | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus | 11 months | 4.20% | $500 | Most popular no-penalty CD |
| CIT Bank | 11 months | 4.10% | $1,000 | Competitive rate |
| Ally | 11 months | 3.95% | $0 | No minimum deposit |
| Capital One | 9 months | 3.85% | $0 | Shorter lock-in |
| Discover (not accepting new applications, confirm status) | Various | 3.75% | $2,500 | Multiple term options |
When no-penalty CDs make sense: You want to lock in today’s rate but aren’t certain you won’t need the money. If rates rise, you can withdraw and reinvest. If rates drop, you keep the locked-in rate. For a full comparison, see no-penalty CDs vs. savings accounts.
How Much CDs Earn: Interest by Balance and Term
Use the CD calculator to run custom projections. Representative examples at the July 2026 top rates shown above (confirm current rates before using these for a live decision):
$10,000 CD — Interest Earned by Term
| Term | APY | Interest Earned | Total at Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 4.65% | $229 | $10,229 |
| 12 months | 4.55% | $455 | $10,455 |
| 18 months | 4.40% | $668 | $10,668 |
| 24 months | 4.20% | $858 | $10,858 |
| 36 months | 4.05% | $1,263 | $11,263 |
| 60 months | 3.85% | $2,092 | $12,092 |
$50,000 CD — Interest Earned by Term
| Term | APY | Interest Earned | Total at Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 4.65% | $1,145 | $51,145 |
| 12 months | 4.55% | $2,275 | $52,275 |
| 24 months | 4.20% | $4,291 | $54,291 |
| 36 months | 4.05% | $6,316 | $56,316 |
| 60 months | 3.85% | $10,460 | $60,460 |
$100,000 CD — Interest Earned by Term
| Term | APY | Interest Earned | Total at Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 4.65% | $2,290 | $102,290 |
| 12 months | 4.55% | $4,550 | $104,550 |
| 24 months | 4.20% | $8,582 | $108,582 |
| 60 months | 3.85% | $20,920 | $120,920 |
CD Laddering Strategy
CD laddering splits your savings across multiple CDs with staggered maturity dates, giving you regular access to portions of your money while earning longer-term rates.
Example: $50,000 CD Ladder (July 2026 Rates)
| CD | Amount | Term | APY | Maturity | Interest Earned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CD 1 | $10,000 | 12 months | 4.55% | July 2027 | $455 |
| CD 2 | $10,000 | 24 months | 4.20% | July 2028 | $858 |
| CD 3 | $10,000 | 36 months | 4.05% | July 2029 | $1,263 |
| CD 4 | $10,000 | 48 months | 3.95% | July 2030 | $1,680 |
| CD 5 | $10,000 | 60 months | 3.85% | July 2031 | $2,092 |
| Total | $50,000 | — | 4.12% avg | — | $6,348 |
How it works: When CD 1 matures in 12 months, you either use the money or reinvest in a new 60-month CD. Each year, one CD matures — giving you annual access while most of your money earns longer-term rates. For full detail, see the CD laddering strategy guide.
CD Ladder vs. Single CD vs. HYSA
| Strategy | Amount | 5-Year Approx. Interest | Liquidity | Rate Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-rung CD ladder | $50,000 | ~$6,348 | Annual access to $10K | Moderate protection |
| Single 60-month CD | $50,000 | ~$10,460 | None without penalty | Full protection |
| Single 12-month (renewed) | $50,000 | Varies | Annual access to all | None |
| High-yield savings at 4.00% | $50,000 | ~$10,830 (if rate holds) | Full access anytime | No rate lock |
Early Withdrawal Penalties by Bank
| Bank | 3–11 Month CD | 12–23 Month CD | 24–35 Month CD | 36–47 Month CD | 48–60 Month CD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ally | 60 days interest | 60 days | 90 days | 120 days | 150 days |
| Marcus | 90 days interest | 90 days | 270 days | 270 days | 365 days |
| Capital One (absorbed Discover’s CD business in 2025) | 3 months interest | 6 months | 6 months | 6 months | 6 months |
| Bread Savings | 90 days interest | 180 days | 180 days | 365 days | 365 days |
Ally has the lowest penalties across most terms, making it the best choice if there’s any chance you might need access to funds before maturity.
Corrected September 19, 2026: this table previously listed “Discover” as a separate active CD provider with its own penalty schedule (3 months / 6 months / 9 months / 18 months / 18 months) and showed an incorrect, outdated Capital One schedule (3 months / 6 months / 6 months / 12 months / 12 months) — neither figure matched Capital One’s actual current terms. Discover’s CD business was absorbed into Capital One after Discover’s 2025 merger into Capital One and is no longer offered separately, so the Discover row has been removed. Capital One’s own published disclosure (capitalone.com/bank/disclosures/cds/online-cds/, verified September 19, 2026) states the penalty is 3 months of interest for terms of 12 months or less and 6 months of interest for terms longer than 12 months — the figures above have been corrected to match. Note the exact 12-month boundary: a CD of exactly 12 months qualifies for the 3-month penalty tier even though it falls in the “12–23 Month” column here; confirm the exact cutoff with Capital One for a term near that boundary.
CD vs. High-Yield Savings: When Each Wins
| Scenario | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You won’t touch money for 12+ months | CD | Lock in today’s rate for certainty |
| Fed is expected to cut rates | CD | Rate protected; HYSA rate drops |
| Fed may raise rates | HYSA | Rate rises with Fed; CD stays flat |
| Emergency fund | HYSA | Full liquidity; no penalty |
| Known future expense (wedding, tuition) | CD | Match CD term to date |
| Unsure if you’ll need funds | No-penalty CD | Rate locked + withdrawal flexibility |
For a full side-by-side analysis, see CD vs. high-yield savings account. For a three-way comparison, see HYSA vs. CD vs. money market.
Jumbo CD Rates
Jumbo CDs ($100,000+ minimum) once commanded a significant rate premium. In the current environment, the spread has narrowed to 0.05–0.10% for banks that offer a distinct jumbo tier — often not worth sacrificing flexibility if you could split deposits across multiple institutions for higher FDIC coverage.
| Bank | 12-Month Jumbo | 24-Month Jumbo | 60-Month Jumbo | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bread Savings | 4.60% | 4.25% | 3.90% | $100,000 |
| Discover (not accepting new applications, confirm status) | 4.15% | 3.90% | 3.60% | $100,000 |
EverBank has been removed from this jumbo table: EverBank’s own rate page (everbank.com/banking/cd, verified Sept. 16, 2026) shows a single $1,000 minimum deposit across all CD terms (3 months to 60 months) with no distinct jumbo-tier product or premium rate — it does not belong in a $100,000+ minimum comparison. EverBank’s current standard CD rates ranged from 3.40% to 4.10% APY as of September 11, 2026 (7-month term at 4.10% was the highest rate offered); confirm current rates directly at everbank.com before opening. Bread Savings’ and Discover’s jumbo-tier minimums and rates above were not independently re-verified this session — confirm directly with each bank.
FDIC note: Jumbo CDs above $250,000 from a single bank exceed standard FDIC insurance coverage. Laddering across multiple FDIC-insured institutions protects your full balance.
Taxes on CD Interest
CD interest is taxed as ordinary income in the year it accrues — even if the CD hasn’t matured yet (for multi-year CDs). Your bank will issue a 1099-INT each year.
Tax Impact on a $25,000, 12-Month CD at 4.55% APY
| Tax Bracket | Federal Rate | Interest Earned | Federal Tax | After-Tax Return | Effective APY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | 10% | $1,138 | $114 | $1,024 | 4.10% |
| 12% | 12% | $1,138 | $137 | $1,001 | 4.00% |
| 22% | 22% | $1,138 | $250 | $888 | 3.55% |
| 24% | 24% | $1,138 | $273 | $865 | 3.46% |
| 32% | 32% | $1,138 | $364 | $774 | 3.10% |
| 35% | 35% | $1,138 | $398 | $740 | 2.96% |
If you’re in the 22%+ bracket and live in a high-tax state, compare CDs against Treasury bills — T-bill interest is exempt from state income tax, which can make the after-tax return more competitive. For full tax guidance, see paying tax on CD interest.
FDIC Insurance: Are CDs Safe?
All banks in this comparison are FDIC-insured. The FDIC insures up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per account ownership category. This means:
- A single account at one bank: up to $250,000 covered
- A joint account: up to $500,000 covered (two account holders × $250,000)
- Balances above $250,000 at a single bank: not covered
For large deposits: Split CDs across multiple FDIC-insured banks to ensure full coverage. Balances above the $250,000 limit are at risk if the bank fails, which is extremely rare but has occurred. For a full explanation, see are CDs safe?
How to Open a CD
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose term based on when you’ll need the money | Match term to your timeline |
| 2 | Compare rates from the tables above | Verify current rate at the bank |
| 3 | Check minimum deposit requirements | $0–$10,000 depending on bank |
| 4 | Apply online (5–10 minutes) | Name, address, SSN, ID required |
| 5 | Fund via ACH transfer | 1–3 business days to settle |
| 6 | Set a calendar reminder for maturity date | Avoid unwanted auto-renewal |
Auto-renewal warning: Most CDs automatically renew at maturity — often at a lower rate. You typically have a 7–10 day grace period after maturity to withdraw or change terms without penalty. Set a reminder so you actively choose what to do with the money.
How We Select These Rates
WealthVieu’s CD rate comparisons are updated monthly using publicly available rate data from each bank’s website. We include only:
- FDIC-insured depository institutions (no crypto platforms or uninsured products)
- APY (Annual Percentage Yield), not APR — APY accounts for compounding and is the correct comparison metric
- Banks with broad national availability (not credit unions with restricted membership)
- Rates available to new customers with standard deposits
We do not accept compensation from banks in exchange for placement in our rate tables. Rankings reflect the highest APY for each term at the time of our monthly update. Inclusion in these tables is not an endorsement or recommendation to open any particular CD. Rates are subject to change — always verify the current APY directly with the bank before opening an account.
What’s Next
- CD Calculator — Calculate exact interest earned for your balance, term, and rate
- CD Rate Forecast 2026 — Where CD rates are headed as the Fed continues to ease
- CD vs. High-Yield Savings Account — Full comparison to help you decide where to put your cash
- HYSA vs. CD vs. Money Market — Three-way comparison for cash savers
- CD Laddering Strategy — How to build a ladder for regular liquidity and long-term rates
- Best Rates by Term — Dedicated rate pages for each term length
- CDs vs. Treasury Bills — When T-bills beat CDs on after-tax return
- IRA vs. CD — Using CDs inside a retirement account
- Are CDs Safe? — FDIC limits, bank failure risk, and how to protect large deposits
- CD Hub — Full Guide — Everything about CDs in one place
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