Best CD Rates Today, Oct. 4, 2025: APYs Continue to Inch Down -- Secure up to 4.40% Now
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Thanks to the Fed's rate cut last month, CD rates are starting to dip as we head into October. A few banks have already lowered their yields -- and with another Fed meeting on the calendar for Oct. 28–29, more cuts could follow.
If you've been thinking about opening a CD, now's a smart time to act. Locking in a fixed rate today can help you hold onto one of the better APYs before they drop further.
Take a look at some of the top CD offers still available.
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. 4, 2025
| Bank | Term | APY | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Happen Bank | 11 Months | 4.20% | $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 highlighted here are FDIC-insured, giving you protection on deposits up to $250,000. The right account for you comes down to two simple factors: how much you want to put in and how long you're willing to park it.
For a shorter option, Happen Bank is offering 4.20% APY on an 11 Mo. CD, with only $500 to open. Want something steadier over the long haul? United Fidelity's 5-year CD pays 4.30% APY with a $1,000 minimum deposit. Both deliver solid value depending on your timeline.
Top CD to lock in now: Happen Bank's 11 Mo. CD comes in at 4.20% APY and requires just $500 to start. It offers a balanced term -- long enough to lock in protection against falling rates and inflation, but short enough to keep your money accessible when you need it.
Is now the time to open a CD?
If you've got cash you won't need for a while, a certificate of deposit (CD) could be a simple way to grow it. CDs are best for money you can set aside -- whether for a few months or several years -- without dipping in.
A CD might be the right fit if:
- You already have an emergency fund in a high-yield savings account covering three to six months of expenses.
- Your retirement and other long-term goals are on track with investments like index funds or IRAs.
- You'd rather have steady, guaranteed growth than ride out stock market swings.
With FDIC insurance up to $250,000 and fixed returns, CDs give you both safety and predictability. If you want a low-risk spot for extra savings, now could be the perfect time to lock one in.
Example: Grow $25,000 into $25,728 in 8 months
The appeal of CDs is simple -- certainty. From the moment you open one, you'll know exactly what your balance will be when the term ends.
Take Happen Bank's 8-month CD as an example. A $25,000 deposit would grow to about $25,728 by maturity. That's $728 in guaranteed earnings on a short timeline, with zero effort.
And with interest rates likely to drop again before the year is over, locking in today's higher yield could put you ahead. Read our full Happen Bank CD review to find out more and lock in your rate today.
How to open a CD in 5 easy steps
It doesn't take long to set up a CD -- and once it's open, your money starts earning a fixed return right away. Here's how:
- Compare banks. Look at offers from different places. Online banks often pay more than traditional ones.
- Decide your deposit. Most CDs don't allow extra contributions, and pulling money out early usually means a penalty. Choose an amount you're fine leaving alone.
- Apply online or in person. Have your ID, Social Security number, and funding details ready.
- Fund your CD. Move money from checking or savings. Your rate is locked as soon as the deposit clears.
- Track the maturity date. Set a reminder so you'll know when your CD ends and can decide whether to renew or cash out.
That's all it takes -- five quick steps to lock in a safe, guaranteed return. Want to grab today's best APYs before they drop? Click here to compare the top CD rates.
Boost your savings without losing access
A high-yield savings account (HYSA) lets you earn a strong return while keeping your money within reach. Right now, some of the best HYSAs pay APYs that compete with leading CDs.
The big advantage is flexibility -- you can add or withdraw funds whenever you want, with no fees or delays.
The catch? HYSA rates aren't locked in. They can shift up or down at any time, while CDs guarantee your rate until the term ends.
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 4.20%
Rate info
Earn up to 4.20% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.90% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 9/23/26) 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 12/31/26. 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 +0.90% Boost on Savings APY with direct deposit. Terms apply.
Earn up to 4.20% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.90% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 9/23/26) 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 12/31/26. 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 Barclays Tiered Savings
On Barclays' 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 |
3.50%
Rate info
Balances less than $250,000 earn 3.50%, and balances greater than $250,000 earn 3.65%.
Min. to earn: $0
|
$200 Bonus with qualifying activities. Terms Apply
To earn a $200 bonus, new customers can open a savings account; deposit $25,000 or more within 30 days; and maintain at least that balance for 120 consecutive days. The bonus will be credited to your account within 60 days of meeting these requirements. Offer ends Oct. 31, 2026. Terms apply. |
Open Account for Barclays Tiered Savings
On Barclays' 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. |
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Sources
FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.