Best CD Rates Today, Oct. 3, 2025: Up to 4.45% APY Still Available -- Lock In Before High Rates Disappear
Image source: Getty Images
CD rates are starting to slip as October gets underway, following the Fed's rate cut in September. Several banks have already lowered their yields -- and with another Fed meeting set for Oct. 28–29, more cuts could be coming soon.
If you're thinking about locking in a solid return, now's the time to move. A fixed-rate CD lets you secure today's higher APYs before they fade.
Here are some of the best CD deals still available right now.
Featured offers
EverBank CD Raisin
On Raisin's Secure Website.
CIT Bank No-Penalty CD
On CIT's Secure Website.
Best CD rates today, Oct. 3, 2025
| Bank | Term | APY | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Happen Bank | 11 Months | 4.40% | $500 |
| United Fidelity Bank | 6 Months | 4.35% | $1,000 |
| Climate First Bank | 6 Months | 4.34% | $500 |
| United Fidelity Bank | 60 Months | 4.30% | $1,000 |
| United Fidelity Bank | 48 Months | 4.25% | $1,000 |
All the CDs listed here are backed by FDIC insurance, which means your deposits are protected up to $250,000. The right choice depends on two things: how much you plan to invest and how long you're comfortable leaving it untouched.
If you'd prefer a shorter term, Happen Bank is paying 4.40% APY on an 11 Mo. CD, with just $500 to open. Looking for something more long-term? United Fidelity offers a 5-year CD at 4.30% APY with a $1,000 minimum. Both are strong options depending on your goals.
Top pick: Happen Bank's 11 Mo. CD pays 4.40% APY and only requires $500 to open. The term hits a sweet spot -- long enough to guard your savings against inflation and rate cuts, but short enough to keep your money within reach.
Is now an ideal time to open a CD?
Got extra cash you won't need for a while? A certificate of deposit (CD) could be a simple way to make it grow. CDs are built for money you can set aside -- whether that's for a few months or several years -- without touching it.
A CD could be a smart move if:
- You already have an emergency fund in a high-yield savings account that covers three to six months of expenses.
- Your retirement and other long-term goals are on track with investments like index funds or IRAs.
- You want steady, guaranteed growth instead of dealing with market ups and downs.
With fixed returns and FDIC protection up to $250,000, CDs offer safety and predictability. If you're looking for a low-risk place to park extra savings, now may be a good time to lock one in.
Example: Just 8 months to earn $736 in interest
The biggest perk of CDs is certainty -- you'll know from day one exactly what your balance will be when the term ends.
For instance, a $25,000 deposit in Happen Bank's 8-month CD would grow to about $25,736. That's $736 in guaranteed earnings in less than a year, with no effort required.
And since rates are expected to fall again before year's end, locking in today's higher yield could give you an edge. Read our full Happen Bank CD review to find out more and lock in your rate today.
Open a CD in 5 simple steps
Getting started with a CD is quick -- and once it's funded, your money begins earning a fixed return right away. Here's the process:
- Shop around. Compare rates from several banks. Online banks often have higher yields than traditional ones.
- Choose your deposit. Most CDs don't let you add money later, and early withdrawals come with penalties. Pick an amount you can leave alone.
- Apply. You can open a CD online or in person. Have your ID, Social Security number, and funding account info handy.
- Fund the account. Transfer money from checking or savings. Your rate locks in once the deposit goes through.
- Mark your calendar. Note the maturity date so you'll know when it's time to withdraw or roll it over.
That's it -- five simple steps to secure a safe, guaranteed return. Want to lock in today's best APYs before they fall? Click here to see the top CD rates available now.
Earn a top-tier APY while keeping your cash flexible
A high-yield savings account (HYSA) is a great way to earn more without giving up access to your money. Some of the best options today pay APYs that rival even top CD rates.
The main perk is flexibility -- you can move money in or out anytime, with no fees or waiting around.
The trade-off is that HYSA rates can change at any time. CDs, on the other hand, guarantee your rate for the entire term.
One standout right now is the Axos ONE® savings and checking bundle, which pays a jaw-dropping rate of up to 5.00% APY on savings balances when account requirements are met. This APY tops the best CD rates available now. Learn more in our full review and open an account today.
Axos ONE®
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor- 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 5.00% 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 10/2/2026. 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 4.21% APY on the first $249,999.99 and 3.50% APY on any additional balance for the statement cycle in which the requirements are met.
A limited-time APY Boost is available to new customers who open a new Axos ONE® bundle, meet both requirements in either Option 1 or Option 2 during the Qualification Period, and maintain an average daily balance of $249,999.99 or less in their Axos ONE® Savings account. The APY Boost can be earned for the first six (6) statement cycles including the cycle in which the account is opened and will be paid monthly as part of the monthly interest payment. Qualifying Axos ONE® Savings accounts will earn a 0.79% APY Boost which based on today’s rate results in a total of 5.00% APY on the first $49,999.99, and 4.21% APY on balances $50,000.00 or more for the statement cycle in which the requirements are met; rates are variable and subject to change. Customers who have previously held any account with Axos Bank or UFB Direct are not eligible, including but not limited to deposit accounts, loans, and investments. Axos Bank reserves the right to limit each primary account holder to one (1) APY Boost promotional offer under this or any other APY Boost promotion per 12-month period. In order to qualify, the account must be created from October 1, 2026 through October 31, 2026.
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 ACH deposit of your paycheck or government benefits, such as Social Security, Disability, etc. International paychecks, international government benefits, other deposits (i.e., real time payments, 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) mobile check deposits, (iv) real time payments. 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, (v) ATM deposits.
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 2026
| 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 4.40%
Rate info
Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#4. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Min. to earn: $0
|
Earn $50 or $400 and +1.10% Boost on Savings APY with direct deposit. Terms apply.
Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#4. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. |
Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings
On SoFi's Secure Website. |
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings Account
On American Express's Secure Website.
4.80/5
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 |
3.20%¹
Rate info
3.20%¹ annual percentage yield as of . Terms apply.
Min. to earn: $0²
|
N/A
|
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings Account
On American Express's Secure Website. |
Open Account for Happen Bank LevelUp Savings
On Happen Bank's Secure Website.
4.70/5
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 |
4.20% APY with $250+ in monthly deposits
Rate info
*LevelUp Rate of 4.20% APY applied to full balance with $250+ in deposits in Evaluation Period. Otherwise, accounts earn Standard Rate of 3.00% APY. LevelUp Rate applies to first two statement cycles. Rates variable & subject to change at any time. See terms: https://www.happen.com/legal/deposits/levelup-savings-t-and-cs
Min. to earn:
|
N/A
|
Open Account for Happen Bank LevelUp Savings
On Happen Bank's Secure Website. |
¹The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as advertised is accurate as of . Interest rate and APY are subject to change at any time without notice before and after a High Yield Savings Account is opened. Interest Rate and APY of a Certificate of Deposit account is fixed once the account is funded.
²There is no minimum balance required to open your Account, to avoid being charged a fee, or to obtain the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) disclosed to you.
³For purposes of transferring funds to or from an external bank, business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Transfers can be initiated 24/7 digitally or may be made by phone (transfers are not available by phone between 7:00 PM and 11:59 PM), but any transfers initiated after 7:00 PM Eastern Time or on non-business days will begin processing on the next business day. Funds deposited into your account may be subject to holds. See the Funds Availability section of your Consumer Deposit Account Agreement and Savings Schedules for more information
-
Sources
FAQs
-
Yes. Certificates of deposit are one of the safest places to keep your money. Your deposits are insured by the FDIC (or NCUA if you use a credit union) up to $250,000 per person, per bank. That means even if the bank fails, your money is protected.
-
Rates are still among the best we've seen in years, but they may not stay this high for long. The Fed cut rates last month as expected, and additional cuts are a possibility before the year is over. CD rates are likely to continue trending downward as a result. Locking in now means you keep today's return all the way through your CD's term.
-
You can, but there's usually a penalty. When you open a CD, you agree to leave your money in for a set time -- like 6 months, a year, or even multiple years. If you need it before then, the bank will likely charge you some of the interest you've earned. Early withdrawal penalties vary by bank. That's why CDs are best for money you don't plan to touch right away.
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.
Motley Fool Stock Disclosures
Synchrony Financial is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. James McClenathen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Axos Financial and Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.