Key takeaways
- You can earn up to 4.75% APY with today’s best CDs
- APYs are falling fast, and experts expect they’ll continue to drop in the coming months
- By opening a CD now, you can lock in a high APY and shield your returns from additional rate cuts
Time is of the essence if you want to maximize your savings with a certificate of deposit. CD rates have been falling fast since the Federal Reserve cut interest rates in September, and this trend is likely to continue as experts expect two more cuts before the year is out.
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You can get an annual percentage yield, or APY, up to 4.75% with today’s best CDs. And since your rate is locked in when you open a CD, you’ll enjoy the same returns for the life of the CD, regardless of future rate cuts. But the sooner you act, the better. You may not be able to find APYs this high tomorrow.
APYs as of Oct. 16, 2024, based on the banks we track at CNET. Earnings are based on APYs and assume interest is compounded annually.
Experts recommend comparing rates before opening a CD account to get the best APY possible. Enter your information below to get CNET’s partners’ best rate for your area.
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Why you should open a CD today
Last month, the Fed cut the federal funds rate for the first time since 2020, and CD rates have plummeted as a result.
The Fed regularly adjusts the federal funds rate to keep the US economy in check. When inflation is high, it raises this rate to discourage borrowing, lower consumer spending and drive prices down. This rate determines how much it costs banks to borrow and lend money to each other. So, when the Fed raises this rate, banks typically raise APYs on consumer products like CDs and savings accounts to attract new customers and boost their cash flow. When it lowers this rate, banks lower their APYs, too.
Beginning in March 2022, the central bank raised the federal funds rate 11 times to combat record inflation, and CD rates took off — reaching as high as 5.65% APY for the top CDs we track at CNET. As inflation began cooling, the Fed held rates steady eight times in a row starting in September 2023, and APYs largely held steady, too.
As inflation continued to cool and banks anticipated a Fed rate cut, they started dropping APYs across terms. APYs fell slowly at first, but the pace has picked up since the Fed’s September rate cut.
Here’s where CD rates stood at the start of this week compared to the start of last week:
APYs and FDIC average as of Oct. 16, 2024. Based on the banks we track at CNET. Weekly percentage increase/decrease from Oct. 7, 2024, to Oct. 14, 2024.
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All signs point to the downward trend continuing.
“By the end of the year, we may see an additional 50 basis points in cuts, likely split between a quarter-point reduction in both November and December,” said Faron Daugs, CFP, founder and CEO at Harrison Wallace Financial Group. “With these declines in interest rates, CD and money market rates will also continue to fall.”
If you were considering opening a CD, now’s the time to lock in a high rate before APYs fall further.
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What to consider when comparing CDs
A competitive APY is important when comparing CD accounts, but it’s not the only thing you should look at. To find the right account for you, consider these things too:
- When you’ll need your money: Early withdrawal penalties can eat into your interest earnings. So be sure to choose a term that fits your savings timeline. Alternatively, you can select a no-penalty CD, although the APY may not be as high as you’d get with a traditional CD of the same term.
- Minimum deposit requirement: Some CDs require a minimum amount to open an account — typically, $500 to $1,000. Others do not. How much money you have to set aside can help you narrow down your options.
- Fees: Maintenance and other fees can eat into your earnings. Many online banks don’t charge fees because they have lower overhead costs than banks with physical branches. Still, read the fine print for any account you’re evaluating.
- Federal deposit insurance: Make sure any bank or credit union you’re considering is an FDIC or NCUA member so your money is protected if the bank fails.
- Customer ratings and reviews: Visit sites like Trustpilot to see what customers are saying about the bank. You want a bank that’s responsive, professional and easy to work with.
