We track the highest nationally available CD rates and lay them out side by side, so you can compare 1-year APYs in seconds. Every rate below was hand-checked on the bank’s own official website on October 22, 2026, and we only list FDIC-insured accounts with straightforward terms.
4.60%
Top 1-year CD APY — Popular Direct
Checked October 22, 2026
Top 1-year CD rates — checked October 22, 2026
See our Disclosure page to learn how we verify these rates—and always review the current terms on the bank’s official site before opening an account.
| Bank | Term | APY | Minimum to open | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Popular Direct | 12-month | 4.60% | $10,000 | Visit site |
| E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley Private Bank) | 12-month | 4.55% | $0 | Visit site |
| Sallie Mae | 12-month | 4.50% | $2,500 | Visit site |
| CFG Bank | 12-month | 4.46% | $500 | Visit site |
| Bread Savings | 1-year | 4.45% | $1,500 | Visit site |
Best CD rate by term
6-month
4.35%
Popular Direct
$10,000 minimum
1-year
4.60%
Popular Direct
$10,000 minimum
5-year
5.00%
Popular Direct
$10,000 minimum
CDs vs high-yield savings
- Fixed vs variable rate. A CD locks in your APY for the full term. A high-yield savings account’s APY can move up or down at any time.
- Access and penalties. Savings accounts let you withdraw whenever you need the money. Taking money out of a CD before it matures usually triggers an early-withdrawal penalty.
- When a CD wins. Choose a CD when you have cash you won’t need for a set stretch and you want a guaranteed return.
- When savings wins. Choose a high-yield savings account when you need flexibility, are building an emergency fund, or expect rates to climb. Compare today’s top savings APYs on our homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Are CD rates guaranteed?
Yes. Once your CD is opened and funded, the rate is locked for the entire term—unlike savings account rates, which can change at any time. Your return is guaranteed as long as you keep the money in the CD until it matures.
What happens if I withdraw early?
You will usually pay an early-withdrawal penalty—often 90 to 180 days of interest, depending on the bank and term—which can reduce your earnings. Bread Savings, for example, charges 90 days’ simple interest on terms under 1 year and 180 days’ simple interest on terms of 12 months to 3 years. Only lock up money you are confident you won’t need before maturity.
Are CDs FDIC insured?
Yes, when the CD is held at an FDIC-member bank. Deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, for each ownership category. Every bank in our table is FDIC-insured.
Last updated: October 22, 2026