Best CD Rates Today, Jan. 1, 2026: Lock In up to 4.27% to Start the Year Strong
Image source: Getty Images
If one of your 2026 goals is to grow your savings safely, a CD could be a smart place to begin. With the Fed's recent rate cuts already pulling yields lower, the number of CDs above 4.00% APY is shrinking fast.
Locking in a fixed rate today can help you get ahead -- and protect your money from future drops.
Here are the best CD offers available to kick off the year.
Featured offers
Western Alliance Bank CD
On Raisin's Secure Website.
Best CD rates today, Jan. 1, 2026
| Bank | Term | APY | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate First Bank | 6 Months | 4.27% | $500 |
| United Fidelity Bank | 6 Months | 4.20% | $1,000 |
| United Fidelity Bank | 10, 60 Months | 4.15% | $1,000 |
| United Fidelity Bank | 24, 36, 48 Months | 4.10% | $1,000 |
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 6 Months | 4.05% | $500 |
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 9, 12, 18 Months | 4.00% | $500 |
Every CD listed here is FDIC-insured, which means your deposits (up to $250,000 per bank) are protected. The best fit depends on two things: how long you're willing to lock up your money, and how much you plan to deposit.
- Looking short-term? Climate First Bank is offering a 6-month CD with a 4.27% APY and just a $500 minimum.
- Thinking long-term? United Fidelity Bank's 5-year CD pays 4.15% APY with a $1,000 deposit.
Looking for an even quicker return? Western Alliance Bank CDs from Raisin currently offer a top-tier APY of 3.60% on a short 3 Mo. term -- perfect to earn steady, guaranteed interest on cash you have plans for in the near term.
Western Alliance Bank CD
On Raisin's Secure Website.
Why opening a CD now could be a smart move
If you've got money sitting in a low-yield savings account, a CD can help you lock in a higher return on your cash as we move into the new year. CDs are ideal for money you won't need right away and reward patience with predictable, guaranteed growth.
You might want to consider a CD if:
- You already have an emergency fund in place.
- Your long-term goals are covered by other investments.
- You prefer a low-risk, fixed return without market volatility.
With yields slipping and another Fed rate cut announced in December, this may be one of the last chances to capture a top-tier rate for the foreseeable future.
Example: Earn $222 in 3 months -- guaranteed
Let's say you put $25,000 into a 3 Mo. Western Alliance Bank CD from Raisin. By the time it matures, your balance would grow to about $25,222 -- that's $222 in guaranteed interest, with zero effort and zero risk.
CDs offer certainty. Your rate is locked from day one, so you'll know exactly what to expect -- even if rates drop again.
Locking in today's stronger yield could make a noticeable difference in your returns over time. See our full Western Alliance Bank CD review to learn more.
Western Alliance Bank CD
On Raisin's Secure Website.
Opening a CD is quick and easy
Here's how to get started in just five steps:
- Compare rates. Online banks often offer better deals than traditional ones.
- Decide how much to deposit. You usually can't add more once it's open.
- Apply. Submit your info online or in person -- ID, SSN, and bank details.
- Transfer your funds. Your rate typically locks when your deposit posts.
- Track your maturity date. Set a reminder so you're ready to withdraw or renew.
Once your CD is funded, your money starts earning right away. Click here to see today's best CD rates.
Prefer flexibility? Consider a high-yield savings account
If you'd rather keep your cash more accessible, a high-yield savings account (HYSA) could be a better fit. Many of the top HYSAs are still offering APYs close to top CD rates -- without locking up your money.
- The upside: You can move money in or out anytime without penalties.
- The tradeoff: HYSA rates can change at any time, while CD rates are fixed.
Featured HYSA pick: The Axos ONE® combo checking and savings account currently pays up to 4.31% APY on savings balances when you meet account requirements -- higher than even the top short-term CDs and with full access to your funds. Read our full review to learn more.
On Axos Bank's Secure Website.
Member FDIC.
Axos ONE®
On Axos Bank's Secure Website.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= PoorOn Axos Bank's Secure Website.
- Earn a competitive APY on checking and savings
- Pay no monthly maintenance or account fees
- No cap on how much you can save
- Access to fee-free ATM network
- Extra conditions required to earn the advertised rate
- No physical branches for in-person help
The Axos ONE® bundle makes your money work overtime – all under one roof. Meet the direct deposit and balance requirements, and you’ll earn up to 4.31% APY on savings and up to 0.51% APY on checking, some of the highest rates we’ve seen lately. There are no physical branches, but you can still access cash easily through a network of over 95,000 fee-free ATMs. It’s a simple, high-reward setup that actually pays off.
The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 12/2/2025. The base and promotional interest rate and corresponding APY for Axos ONE® Checking is variable and is set at our discretion. The base and promotional interest rate and corresponding APY for Axos ONE® Savings is variable and is set at our discretion. Axos ONE® Savings is a tiered variable rate account. Axos ONE® Checking is a non-tiered variable rate account. Interest rates may change as often as daily without prior notice. Fees may reduce earnings.
Promotional terms and conditions are subject to change or removal without notice. Incentive may be taxable and reported on IRS Form 1099-MISC. Consult your tax advisor. After the accounts are opened, the amount of incentive earned will depend on meeting the additional requirements outlined below.
The Axos ONE® Checking account will earn a base rate of 0.00% APY. The Axos ONE® Savings account will earn a base rate of up to 1.00% APY.
Axos ONE® accounts are eligible to receive a promotional APY for each statement cycle where the promotional criteria are met during the Qualification Period. To receive the promotional APY on both Axos ONE® Checking and Axos ONE® Savings, the Axos ONE® Checking account must meet both of the requirements in either Option 1 or Option 2 below during the Qualification Period:
Option 1
- Your Axos ONE® Checking account has received monthly qualifying direct deposits of at least $1,500 in total.
- The average daily balance of your Axos ONE® Checking account is at least $1,500.
Option 2
- Your Axos ONE® Checking account has received monthly qualifying deposits of at least $5,000 in total.
- The average daily balance of your Axos ONE® Checking account is at least $5,000.
If both of the requirements in either Option 1 or Option 2 above are met during the Qualification Period:
- The Axos ONE® Checking account will earn a promotional rate of 0.51% APY for the statement cycle in which the requirements are met.
- The Axos ONE® Savings account will earn a promotional rate of up to 4.31% APY for the statement cycle in which the requirements are met.
The Qualification Period begins on the first business day of the month and runs through the 25th of the month. If the 25th of the month is followed by a non-business day, the average daily balance will be calculated including the following non-business day(s). Any qualifying deposits or qualifying direct deposits received after the 25th of the month will count toward the next Qualification Period. The Qualification Period for new accounts will begin on the day the account is approved. New accounts opened on or after the 25th of the month will be eligible to earn the promotional APY starting in the following month.
A direct deposit is an electronic deposit of your paycheck or government benefits, such as Social Security, Disability, etc. International paychecks, international government benefits, other deposits (i.e., online banking transfers, ATM and mobile check deposits, etc.), or person-to-person payments are not considered a direct deposit.
Qualifying deposits only include deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers from external accounts, (ii) inbound wire transfers from external accounts, (iii) check deposits. Qualifying deposits do not include: (i) transfers internal to the bank (i.e., transfers between an account holder's Checking and/or Savings account), (ii) interest payments, (iii) promotional bonuses, (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds.
Both accounts must be in an open and active status on the 25th of the month and on the date the interest is paid to receive the promotional APY for that statement cycle. If either account closes during the Qualification Period, neither account will be eligible to earn the promotional APY for that statement cycle. Account transactions may take one or more business days from the transaction date to post to the account.
Our Picks for the Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2025
| Account | APY | Bonus | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings
On SoFi's Secure Website.
4.90/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor |
up to 4.00%
Rate info
Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Min. to earn: $0
|
Earn $50 or $300 and +0.70% Boost on Savings APY with direct deposit. Terms apply.
Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. |
Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings
On SoFi's Secure Website. |
Open Account for CIT Platinum Savings
On CIT's Secure Website.
4.60/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor |
3.75%
Rate info
3.75% APY for balances of $5,000 or more; otherwise, 0.25% APY
Min. to earn: $5,000
|
Earn a bonus of up to $300 after a one-time deposit of $25,000+
This limited-time offer to qualify for a $225 cash bonus with a minimum deposit of $25,000 or a $300 bonus with a minimum deposit of $50,000 is available to New and Existing Customers who meet the Platinum Savings promotion criteria. The Promotion begins on September 23, 2025, and can end at any time without notice. Customers will receive a $225 or a $300 bonus provided that the program requirements are met. Click here to see promotion details and terms: https://www.cit.com/cit-bank/platinum-savings/PS2025 |
Open Account for CIT Platinum Savings
On CIT's Secure Website. |
Open Account for Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier
On Western Alliance Bank's Secure Website.
4.40/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor |
3.90%
Rate info
The annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of December 2, 2025 and subject to change at the Bank’s discretion. Refer to product’s website for latest APY rate. Minimum deposit required to open an account is $500 and a minimum balance of $0.01 is required to earn the advertised APY.
Min. to earn: $500 to open, $0.01 for max APY
|
N/A
|
Open Account for Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier
On Western Alliance Bank's Secure Website. |
Platinum Savings is a tiered interest rate account. Interest is paid on the entire account balance based on the interest rate and APY in effect that day for the balance tier associated with the end-of-day account balance. APYs — Annual Percentage Yields are accurate as of November 20, 2025: 0.25% APY on balances of $0.01 to $4,999.99; 3.75% APY on balances of $5,000.00 or more. Interest Rates for the Platinum Savings account are variable and may change at any time without notice. The minimum to open a Platinum Savings account is $100.
Based on comparison to the national average Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on savings accounts as published in the FDIC National Rates and Rate Caps, accurate as of December 15, 2025.
For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures.
The annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of December 2, 2025 and subject to change at the Bank’s discretion. Refer to product’s website for latest APY rate. Minimum deposit required to open an account is $500 and a minimum balance of $0.01 is required to earn the advertised APY.
Accurate as of the time of publication. The national average rate referenced is from the FDIC’s published National Rates and Rate Caps for Savings deposit products, accurate as of December 15, 2025. See the FDIC website for more information.
-
Sources
FAQs
-
Yes. Once your CD is opened and funded, the APY is locked in for the entire term, even if market rates drop.
-
Yes -- especially while APYs are still holding above 4.00%. Locking in a CD today could mean earning more than you would a few months from now.
-
You'll usually pay an early withdrawal penalty, which could reduce or cancel out your earned interest. That's why it's important to choose a term that fits your timeline.
Our Research Expert
James McClenathen is a full-time Managing Editor and Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, overseeing the production and quality of editorial content while also writing about credit cards, investing, and everyday money management. He has worked at The Motley Fool since 2012 and brings extensive experience as an editor, reporter, and finance expert. A graduate of the University of Michigan, James has spent more than a decade of his career helping readers make smarter financial decisions.