Certificate of deposit (CD) rates remain well above the national average. The Federal Reserve cut its target interest rate three times in 2025 and has held rates steady so far in 2026. That trajectory has rippled through deposit account rates, making the current environment an opportunity to lock in elevated rates with a CD. Unlike high-yield savings accounts, whose rates typically fall when the Fed cuts, a CD's APY is fixed for the full term, which is why locking in a rate now can preserve today's elevated yields even if benchmark rates decline further. The trade-off is liquidity: funds in a CD are generally inaccessible until maturity without triggering an early withdrawal penalty. Here is a look at today's best CD rates and where to find the top offers.

Best CD rates today, Monday, September 7, 2026

As of Monday, September 7, 2026, the highest CD rate available is 4.35% APY, offered by Marcus by Goldman Sachs on its 18-month CD.

National average CD rates

The rates available today are among the highest on the market, particularly compared with the national average, which is significantly lower. Online banks and credit unions generally offer more competitive rates than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.

According to the FDIC, the highest national average interest rate for CDs stands at 1.71% for a 1-year term. That means the top advertised offer of 4.35% APY is more than double the national average for a 1-year term, underscoring how much yield shoppers can gain by comparing institutions rather than defaulting to their primary bank. Today's average CD rates are nonetheless among the highest in nearly two decades, largely a result of the Federal Reserve's efforts to combat inflation by keeping interest rates elevated.

How to find the best CD rates

When opening a CD, it's important to choose an account with a high APY and a term length that matches your financial goals. A common approach is laddering — splitting a deposit across multiple CD terms so that portions mature at regular intervals, balancing access to cash with locked-in rates. The following tips can help you find the best CD rates and accounts for your needs:

• Shop around: Evaluate CD rates from a variety of financial institutions and compare your options before settling on an account. CD rates can be compared easily online.
• Consider online banks: Online banks tend to have lower overhead costs, which allows them to offer higher interest rates on CDs. Online banks often have the most competitive rates available.
• Check minimum deposit requirements: Higher CD rates might come with higher minimum deposit requirements, so make sure the amount you plan to deposit aligns with what's needed to qualify for the best rate.
• Review account terms and conditions: Beyond the rate itself, look at early withdrawal penalties and auto-renewal policies. Some CDs offer greater flexibility, such as no-penalty CDs, which allow you to withdraw funds without a fee before the maturity date.

Related reading

• The best CD rates for September 2026: Earn up to 4.35% APY — top picks across 6-month, 1-year, 18-month, and 2-year terms, identified based on interest rates, fees, and more.
• Best 1-year CD rates for September 2026: Lock in up to 4.15% APY — a comparison of today's best 1-year CD rates and which banks offer the highest yields.
• Best 18-month CD rates for September 2026: Earn up to 4.35% APY — 18-month CDs balance solid returns with flexibility; find out which banks and credit unions offer the top rates.
• Best 2-year CD rates for September 2026: Lock in up to 4.3% through 2028 — a 2-year CD lets you lock in a guaranteed rate on your savings for the next 24 months.
• CD rates are going up: Here's why — and how to find the best rates, including what experts think about where CD rates are headed in 2026.
• Best 6-month CD rates for September 2026: Earn up to 4.15% APY — a 6-month CD locks in a guaranteed rate without tying up your money for an extended period.

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