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. Rates have eased modestly since early 2026 as the Federal Reserve continued its rate-cutting cycle — but they remain well above the historical average. Short-to-medium-term CDs (6–18 months) currently offer the best value: high guaranteed rates with manageable lock-in periods.
Quick answer: The top CD rates by term in July 2026 are: 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.
Rate notice: CD rates are updated monthly. The rates on this page are current as of July 4, 2026. Rates are subject to change — confirm the current APY at each bank before opening a CD.
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% | ,500 |
| Popular Direct | 4.50% | 4.60% | 4.55% | 4.50% | 0,000 |
| Synchrony | 4.30% | 4.55% | 4.45% | 4.40% | /usr/bin/bash |
| Marcus | 4.25% | 4.45% | 4.40% | 4.35% | 00 |
| Ally Bank | 4.20% | 4.30% | 4.25% | 4.20% | /usr/bin/bash |
| Barclays | 4.15% | 4.25% | 4.20% | 4.15% | /usr/bin/bash |
| Discover | 4.10% | 4.20% | 4.15% | 4.10% | ,500 |
| Capital One | 4.00% | 4.05% | 4.05% | 4.00% | /usr/bin/bash |
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% | ,500 |
| Popular Direct | 4.35% | 4.15% | 4.05% | 4.00% | 0,000 |
| Synchrony | 4.20% | 4.00% | 3.90% | 3.85% | /usr/bin/bash |
| Marcus | 4.15% | 3.95% | 3.85% | 3.80% | 00 |
| Ally Bank | 4.00% | 3.85% | 3.75% | 3.70% | /usr/bin/bash |
| Discover | 3.95% | 3.85% | 3.75% | 3.70% | ,500 |
| Barclays | 3.95% | 3.80% | 3.70% | 3.65% | /usr/bin/bash |
Long-Term CDs (48–60 Months)
| Bank | 48-Month | 60-Month | Min. Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bread Savings | 3.95% | 3.85% | ,500 |
| Marcus | 3.80% | 3.75% | 00 |
| Synchrony | 3.75% | 3.70% | /usr/bin/bash |
| Ally Bank | 3.65% | 3.60% | /usr/bin/bash |
| Discover | 3.60% | 3.55% | ,500 |
| Capital One | 3.55% | 3.50% | /usr/bin/bash |
APYs current as of July 4, 2026. 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 began cutting its benchmark rate in late 2024 and has continued easing into 2026. This has pushed short-term CD rates down more sharply than long-term rates, flattening the inverted yield curve that characterised 2023–2024.
| 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% |
What this means for savers: Short-term CD rates have fallen faster than long-term rates. If the Fed continues to cut, this trend will continue — making longer-term CDs increasingly attractive for savers who can lock in. For the full rate outlook, see the CD rate forecast.
Should you lock in now? If you believe the Fed will cut further, a 24–36 month CD at 4.05–4.20% may be more valuable than it appears today — it locks in a rate well above where savings accounts could be in 12–24 months.
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% | 00 | Most popular no-penalty CD |
| CIT Bank | 11 months | 4.10% | ,000 | Competitive rate |
| Ally | 11 months | 3.95% | /usr/bin/bash | No minimum deposit |
| Capital One | 9 months | 3.85% | /usr/bin/bash | Shorter lock-in |
| Discover | Various | 3.75% | ,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 July 2026 top rates:
0,000 CD — Interest Earned by Term
| Term | APY | Interest Earned | Total at Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 4.65% | 29 | 0,229 |
| 12 months | 4.55% | 55 | 0,455 |
| 18 months | 4.40% | 68 | 0,668 |
| 24 months | 4.20% | 58 | 0,858 |
| 36 months | 4.05% | ,263 | 1,263 |
| 60 months | 3.85% | ,092 | 2,092 |
0,000 CD — Interest Earned by Term
| Term | APY | Interest Earned | Total at Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 4.65% | ,145 | 1,145 |
| 12 months | 4.55% | ,275 | 2,275 |
| 24 months | 4.20% | ,291 | 4,291 |
| 36 months | 4.05% | ,316 | 6,316 |
| 60 months | 3.85% | 0,460 | 0,460 |
00,000 CD — Interest Earned by Term
| Term | APY | Interest Earned | Total at Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 4.65% | ,290 | 02,290 |
| 12 months | 4.55% | ,550 | 04,550 |
| 24 months | 4.20% | ,582 | 08,582 |
| 60 months | 3.85% | 0,920 | 20,920 |
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: 0,000 CD Ladder (July 2026 Rates)
| CD | Amount | Term | APY | Maturity | Interest Earned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CD 1 | 0,000 | 12 months | 4.55% | July 2027 | 55 |
| CD 2 | 0,000 | 24 months | 4.20% | July 2028 | 58 |
| CD 3 | 0,000 | 36 months | 4.05% | July 2029 | ,263 |
| CD 4 | 0,000 | 48 months | 3.95% | July 2030 | ,680 |
| CD 5 | 0,000 | 60 months | 3.85% | July 2031 | ,092 |
| Total | 0,000 | — | 4.12% avg | — | ,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 | 0,000 | ~,348 | Annual access to 0K | Moderate protection |
| Single 60-month CD | 0,000 | ~0,460 | None without penalty | Full protection |
| Single 12-month (renewed) | 0,000 | Varies | Annual access to all | None |
| High-yield savings at 4.00% | 0,000 | ~0,830 (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 |
| Discover | 3 months interest | 6 months | 9 months | 18 months | 18 months |
| Capital One | 3 months interest | 6 months | 6 months | 12 months | 12 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.
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 before cuts |
| 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 (00,000+ minimum) once commanded a significant rate premium. In the current environment, the spread has narrowed to 0.05–0.10% — 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% | 00,000 |
| EverBank | 4.55% | 4.20% | 3.85% | 00,000 |
| Discover | 4.15% | 3.90% | 3.60% | 00,000 |
FDIC note: Jumbo CDs above 50,000 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 5,000, 12-Month CD at 4.55% APY
| Tax Bracket | Federal Rate | Interest Earned | Federal Tax | After-Tax Return | Effective APY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | 10% | ,138 | 14 | ,024 | 4.10% |
| 12% | 12% | ,138 | 37 | ,001 | 4.00% |
| 22% | 22% | ,138 | 50 | 88 | 3.55% |
| 24% | 24% | ,138 | 73 | 65 | 3.46% |
| 32% | 32% | ,138 | 64 | 74 | 3.10% |
| 35% | 35% | ,138 | 98 | 40 | 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 50,000 per depositor, per bank, per account ownership category. This means:
- A single account at one bank: up to 50,000 covered
- A joint account: up to 00,000 covered (two account holders × 50,000)
- Balances above 50,000 at a single bank: not covered
For large deposits: Split CDs across multiple FDIC-insured banks to ensure full coverage. Balances above the 50,000 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 | /usr/bin/bash–0,000 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