Lock in a guaranteed return with today's best certificate of deposit rates. We compared 24 CDs across 3-month to 5-year terms to find the highest rates available right now.
Last reviewed: April 2026 | How we rank →
| Bank / Institution | Term | APY | Min. Deposit | Early Withdrawal Penalty | WiseIQ Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs TOP PICK | 1 Year | 5.00% APY | $500 | 270 days interest | 9.5/10 |
| Ally Bank | 1 Year | 4.90% APY | $0 | 150 days interest | 9.2/10 |
| Discover Bank | 1 Year | 4.80% APY | $2,500 | 6 months interest | 9.0/10 |
| Synchrony Bank | 1 Year | 4.85% APY | $0 | 365 days interest | 8.9/10 |
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 2 Year | 4.75% APY | $500 | 270 days interest | 9.3/10 |
| Ally Bank (No-Penalty CD) | 11 Month | 4.55% APY | $0 | None | 9.1/10 |
APYs verified April 2026. Rates subject to change. All accounts FDIC-insured up to $250,000. Source: Individual bank websites.
With the Federal Reserve holding rates steady in early 2026, CD rates remain historically attractive. A 1-year CD at 5.00% APY from Marcus guarantees that return regardless of what happens to interest rates over the next 12 months. Compare that to a high-yield savings account at 4.35% APY — the CD pays more, but you give up the ability to withdraw your money without a penalty.
The right choice depends on your liquidity needs. If you have an emergency fund already in place and won't need this money for 12+ months, a CD is likely the better choice. If there's any chance you'll need the money before the term ends, consider a no-penalty CD (like Ally's 11-month option) or a high-yield savings account instead.
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As of April 2026, a good CD rate is 4.50% APY or higher for a 1-year term. The best 1-year CD rates from online banks range from 4.80% to 5.00% APY.
Early withdrawal from a CD typically results in a penalty of 3–12 months of interest, depending on the term. Some banks offer no-penalty CDs that allow early withdrawal without a fee — Ally's 11-month no-penalty CD is the most popular option.
Yes. CDs at FDIC-insured banks are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution. All banks in our comparison are FDIC-insured.
Sources: Individual bank websites (Marcus, Ally, Discover, Synchrony) · FDIC (fdic.gov) · Federal Reserve (federalreserve.gov) · Last reviewed: April 2026