Quick Answer
Quick Answer: The best CD rates in September 2026 range from about 4.10% to 4.50% APY depending on the term length. A $10,000 deposit in a top 1-year CD at 4.45% APY earns $445 in interest, compared to about $37 at the FDIC national average savings rate of 0.37% APY. The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate three times in Sep/Oct/Dec 2025, then raised it by a quarter point on September 16, 2026.
Key Comparison: The gap between a top CD and an average one is the whole story. The FDIC national average for a 12-month CD is just 1.73% APY (effective September 21, 2026), while the top ten 1-year CDs on Bankrate pay 4.20%-4.45% — a difference of roughly $247 to $272 a year on a $10,000 deposit.
Key Takeaways
- Best 1-year CD rates in September 2026 reach 4.20%-4.45% APY (BTG Pactual Bank 4.45%; E*TRADE, CIBC Bank USA and Bask Bank 4.35%), earning ~$420-$445 on $10,000
- Online banks and credit unions offer rates well above the 1.73% FDIC national 12-month average
- A CD ladder strategy provides regular liquidity while capturing higher long-term yields
- All recommended CDs are FDIC or NCUA insured up to $250,000 per depositor
- Early withdrawal penalties typically range from 3-12 months' interest depending on CD term
Current CD Rate Landscape in 2026
Certificate of deposit (CD) rates in 2026 remain attractive compared to historical averages, offering savers a reliable way to earn guaranteed returns. After the Federal Reserve's rate adjustments throughout 2024 and 2025, CD rates have stabilized at levels that make them a compelling option for conservative investors. Keep in mind that inflation erodes purchasing power -- use our inflation calculator to check whether your CD's real return stays positive. Understanding the difference between APR and APY is also important when comparing CD offers.
Average CD Rates by Term (September 2026)
The two columns below measure different things and should not be blended. The national average is the FDIC's national deposit rate — the deposit-weighted average across every insured bank and credit union in the country, including the large national banks that pay very little. The top rate range is what the most competitive online banks and credit unions actually advertise. Almost no saver has to accept the average.
| CD Term | National Average APY (FDIC) | Top Rate Available | $10,000 at the Top Rate | $10,000 at the Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Month | 1.13% | 4.10% (Bask Bank) | $103 | $28 |
| 6-Month | 1.41% | 4.20% (Happen Bank) | $210 | $71 |
| 1-Year | 1.73% | 4.45% (BTG Pactual Bank) | $445 | $173 |
| 2-Year | 1.61% | 4.47% (BTG Pactual Bank) | $914 | $325 |
| 3-Year | 1.36% | 4.50% (Popular Direct) | $1,412 | $414 |
| 5-Year | 1.38% | 4.50% (BTG Pactual Bank) | $2,462 | $709 |
Top rates are the highest nationally available APYs listed by Bankrate for September 19-25, 2026 (retrieved September 26, 2026); national averages are the FDIC national deposit rates effective September 21, 2026. Earnings compound annually, assume the CD is held to term, and are rounded to the dollar; terms under one year are shown pro-rata. The curve is nearly flat past one year: 4.45% at 1 year, 4.47% at 2 years, and 4.50% at 3, 4 and 5 years, so a longer lock-in buys rate certainty with a rate pickup of only about 0.05 percentage points.
The 1-year national average in the table above (1.73%, effective September 21, 2026) is a fixed snapshot. Here is the live 12-month CD series it is drawn from:
As of September 1, 2026, the average national 12-month CD deposit rate (APY), non-jumbo tier was 1.73%. Source: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, National Rate: 12 Month CD <100M [NDR12MCD], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (opens in new tab).
Rate Alert: CD rates change frequently based on Federal Reserve policy and market conditions. National averages are FDIC national deposit rates effective September 21, 2026 (fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps); top rate ranges reflect Bankrate's national listings updated September 19-25, 2026. Note that aggregators such as Bankrate also publish their own averages, on different methodologies from the FDIC's, so compare like with like before concluding that two sources disagree. Always verify current rates with individual institutions before opening a CD.
Best CD Rates by Bank in 2026
Finding the best CD rates requires comparing offers across online banks, credit unions, and traditional banks. Here are the top CD rate categories based on September 2026 data:
Top Online Banks for CD Rates
Online banks consistently offer the best CD rates due to lower overhead costs. These FDIC-insured institutions typically offer 1-year APYs about 2.5 percentage points above the 1.73% FDIC national average:
| Bank Type | 1-Year CD APY | 5-Year CD APY | Minimum Deposit | FDIC Insured |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Online Banks | 4.20% - 4.45% | 4.35% - 4.50% | $0 - $10,000 | Yes |
| Credit Unions | 3.70% - 4.35% | 3.65% - 4.30% | $100 - $1,000 | NCUA Insured |
| Regional Banks | 3.50% - 3.95% | 3.25% - 3.75% | $500 - $2,500 | Yes |
| National Banks | 1.50% - 3.50% | 2.50% - 3.50% | $1,000 - $10,000 | Yes |
The top two rows come from Bankrate listings retrieved September 26, 2026: online banks are the top ten 1-year CDs and top five 5-year CDs updated September 19-25 (BTG Pactual Bank leads at 4.45% for 1 year and 4.50% for 5 years); credit unions are the range across the credit unions in Bankrate's credit union CD round-up, mostly updated September 22, 2026 (Quorum Federal Credit Union 4.35% at 1 year, America First Credit Union 4.30% at 5 years). The regional and national bank rows are illustrative category ranges, not quotes from named institutions — rates at those banks vary widely by branch footprint and promotion.
Best CD Rates 2026 Tip: The highest 1-year CD rates in September 2026 reach 4.45% APY from top online banks (BTG Pactual Bank leads at 4.45%; E*TRADE, CIBC Bank USA and Bask Bank follow at 4.35%). On a $10,000 deposit, that earns $445 in one year compared to about $37 at the FDIC national average savings rate (0.37% APY).
CD Ladder Strategy: The Best of Both Worlds
A CD ladder is one of the smartest strategies for maximizing CD returns while maintaining liquidity. Instead of putting all your money into a single CD, you spread it across multiple CDs with staggered maturity dates.
How to Build a 5-Year CD Ladder
Here's how to create a classic 5-year CD ladder with $25,000:
| Year | Initial Investment | CD Term | Example APY | Maturity Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $5,000 | 1-Year CD | 4.45% | $5,223 |
| Year 2 | $5,000 | 2-Year CD | 4.47% | $5,457 |
| Year 3 | $5,000 | 3-Year CD | 4.50% | $5,706 |
| Year 4 | $5,000 | 4-Year CD | 4.50% | $5,963 |
| Year 5 | $5,000 | 5-Year CD | 4.50% | $6,231 |
Example APYs are the top nationally available rate at each term listed by Bankrate for September 19-25, 2026, compounded annually (1, 2, 4 and 5 years: BTG Pactual Bank; 3 years: Popular Direct). $25,000 invested this way matures to about $28,579 if every rung is held to term.
"A CD ladder provides the best of both worlds: the higher yields of long-term CDs with the flexibility of regular access to your money."
- Financial Planning Principles
Benefits of CD Laddering
- Regular liquidity: A portion of your money becomes available at regular intervals
- Higher average yield: Longer-term CDs typically earn more than short-term. Use our compound interest calculator to see the difference compounding makes over multiple years
- Interest rate flexibility: If rates rise, you can reinvest maturing CDs at higher rates
- Reduced risk: Avoids locking all funds at one rate that may become unfavorable
CDs vs. Other Savings Options
CDs are not the only option for safe, interest-earning savings. Before deciding, consider how much you need in liquid reserves. Our emergency fund calculator can help you determine how much to keep accessible. You may also want to compare today's best savings account rates for funds you need on shorter notice. Here is how CDs compare to alternatives:
| Option | Typical APY (2026) | Liquidity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDs | 4.10% - 4.50% | Low (penalties apply) | Known timeline, rate certainty |
| High-Yield Savings | 3.75% - 4.20% | High (instant access) | Emergency fund, uncertain timeline |
| Money Market | 3.50% - 4.10% | High (check-writing) | Frequent access with good rates |
| Treasury Bills | 3.80% - 4.30% | Medium (can sell early) | State tax-free income |
| I-Bonds | Varies (inflation-indexed) | Low (1-year minimum) | Inflation protection |
Compare CD Rates
Use the table below to compare current CD offerings side by side. We evaluate each product based on APY, minimum deposit requirements, term flexibility, and overall value to help you find the right CD for your savings goals.
We may earn a commission when you click on product links. This does not influence our evaluations or recommendations. We compare products objectively based on rates, fees, and features. Learn more.
Top CD Rates
Rates checked against Bankrate listings updated September 19-25, 2026.
| Product | APY | Min. Deposit | Rating | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-Month CD Editor's Pick CFG Bank |
4.30% APY | $500 | 4.5 | 12 months |
| 12-Month CD Runner-Up Popular Direct |
4.25% APY | $10,000 | 4.0 | 12 months |
| 12-Month CD No Minimum E*TRADE |
4.35% APY | $0 | 4.0 | 12 months |
| 3-Year CD Best Long-Term Popular Direct |
4.50% APY | $10,000 | 4.5 | 36 months |
| No-Penalty CD CIT Bank |
3.75% APY | $1,000 | 3.5 | 11 months |
Rates shown are representative and for illustration purposes only. APYs are variable, subject to change, and may differ from current offers. Verify rates directly with each institution before opening an account. All institutions listed are FDIC-insured. Use our CD Calculator to estimate your earnings based on current rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
A good CD rate in September 2026 is 4.25% APY or higher for 1-year terms and 4.35% or higher for 5-year terms. Top online banks and credit unions typically offer the best rates, often more than 2.5 percentage points above the FDIC national 12-month average of 1.73% (effective September 21, 2026). After three Federal Reserve rate cuts in September, October, and December 2025, the Fed raised its target range by a quarter point to 3.75-4.00% on September 16, 2026.
Whether to lock in a CD rate depends on your interest rate outlook. If rates are expected to fall, locking in now preserves your yield. If rates may rise, shorter terms or a CD ladder strategy provides flexibility. The Federal Reserve raised the federal funds target range by a quarter point to 3.75-4.00% at its September 16, 2026 meeting(opens in new tab), after holding it at 3.50-3.75% since December 2025. When we last verified CD rates (Bankrate listings updated September 19-25, 2026), top CDs paid roughly 4.10-4.50% APY depending on term. The curve past one year is nearly flat — the 1-year tops out at 4.45%, the 2-year at 4.47%, and the 3-, 4- and 5-year terms at 4.50% — so a longer lock-in mostly buys rate certainty, with a rate pickup of only about 0.05 percentage points.
A CD ladder is a strategy where you divide your savings across multiple CDs with staggered maturity dates. For example, invest equal amounts in 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year CDs. As each matures, reinvest in a new 5-year CD. This provides both liquidity and higher long-term yields.
Yes, online bank CDs are safe as long as the bank is FDIC-insured. The FDIC insures deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank. Online banks often offer higher CD rates because they have lower overhead costs than traditional banks.
Early withdrawal from a CD typically incurs a penalty, usually expressed as a number of months' interest. For example, a 6-month penalty on a 1-year CD means you'd lose half your earnings. Some banks offer no-penalty CDs with slightly lower rates that allow early withdrawal without fees.
Calculate Your CD Earnings
Calculate Your CD Earnings
Use our free CD calculator to see exactly how much your CDs will earn at different rates and terms. It applies the same formula behind every rate in this guide: maturity value equals your deposit multiplied by (1 + APY) raised to the term in years, with interest earned being the difference between that maturity value and your original deposit.
Sources
- FDIC - Weekly National Rates and Rate Caps(opens in new tab)
- Federal Reserve - Monetary Policy(opens in new tab)
- Federal Reserve - FOMC Statement, September 16, 2026 (target range raised to 3.75-4.00%)(opens in new tab)
- FDIC - Deposit Insurance Coverage(opens in new tab)
- CFPB - Bank Accounts and Services(opens in new tab)
- Bankrate - Best 1-Year CD Rates (rates updated September 19-25, 2026)(opens in new tab)
- Bankrate - Best 5-Year CD Rates (rates updated September 19-25, 2026; Bankrate's 3-month, 6-month, 2-, 3- and 4-year and no-penalty CD pages were checked for the same week)(opens in new tab)
- Bankrate - Credit Union CD Rates (updated September 22, 2026)(opens in new tab)
Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. CD rates change frequently based on market conditions and Federal Reserve policy. Always verify current rates with individual financial institutions before opening a CD. Consult with a qualified financial advisor for personalized guidance. Data current as of September 26, 2026. National averages are FDIC national deposit rates effective September 21, 2026, confirmed against fdic.gov; top available rates are Bankrate listings updated September 19-25, 2026, retrieved September 26, 2026.
Content reviewed by Mark at Markco Labs. Learn more about our accuracy standards.