CDs
Research-based CD comparisons built from banks’ published rate and early-withdrawal-penalty terms, FDIC data and TreasuryDirect, with the day each rate was checked.
Comparison guides
Best no-penalty CDs
A no-penalty CD fixes your rate for the term but lets you take your money out early without an early withdrawal penalty, usually after a short wait. We read each bank’s page on Nov 10, 2026.
Buying guideBest CD rates
A CD locks an APY for a set term in exchange for a penalty if you withdraw early. On Nov 10, 2026, the best rates we found were 5.00% APY for 5 years and 4.60% for 1 year at Sallie Mae, and 4.20% for 6 months at Synchrony.
Buying guideBest 1-year CD rates
On Nov 10, 2026, the best 12-month CD rates we found were 4.60% APY at Sallie Mae and Popular Direct, both with minimums. Capital One paid 4.45% with no minimum. The FDIC’s national average was 1.76%.
Explainers
Treasury bills vs CDs
Treasury bills are short-term U.S. government securities that are exempt from state and local income tax. CDs are FDIC-insured bank deposits with a fixed APY and an early withdrawal penalty. Near-identical yields can come out differently after tax.
GuideCD vs high-yield savings account
A CD trades access for a fixed rate; a high-yield savings account keeps your money available at a rate that can change any time. On Nov 10, 2026, 12-month CDs paid 0.60 to 1.25 points more than the same banks’ savings accounts.