Best CD Rates Today, Sept. 25, 2025: Lock In up to 4.45% APY Now Before Rates Slide
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The Fed cut rates last week on Sept. 17, and we're already starting to see CD yields dip. Several banks have lowered their rates this week -- and more could follow.
If you've been considering a CD, now's the time to lock one in. A fixed rate lets you earn more while shielding your savings from further drops.
Below are some of the best CD deals you can still grab today.
Featured offers
EverBank CD Raisin
On Raisin's Secure Website.
CIT Bank No-Penalty CD
On CIT's Secure Website.
Best CD rates today, Sept. 25, 2025
| Bank | Term | APY | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Happen Bank | 8 Months | 4.15% | $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 |
All the CDs featured here are from FDIC-insured banks, which means your deposits are safe up to $250,000. The right choice comes down to two things: how much you want to put in and how long you're comfortable keeping it there.
Looking for a shorter term? Happen Bank pays 4.15% APY on an 8 Mo. CD, with only $500 needed to open. Prefer to lock in a steady rate for years? United Fidelity is offering 4.30% APY on a 5-year CD with a $1,000 minimum deposit.
Featured CD: Happen Bank's 8 Mo. CD pays 4.15% APY and has a $500 minimum deposit. It's long enough to protect your savings from inflation and potential rate cuts, yet short enough to keep your cash within reach.
Is now the right time to open a CD?
Have cash you won't need anytime soon? A certificate of deposit (CD) could be a simple way to grow it. CDs work best for money you can leave alone -- whether that's a few months or several years.
A CD might be a good fit if:
- You already have an emergency fund in a high-yield savings account with three to six months of expenses.
- Your retirement and other long-term goals are on track with investments like index funds or IRAs.
- You prefer guaranteed growth instead of riding out market ups and downs.
With FDIC insurance up to $250,000 and fixed returns, CDs offer both safety and certainty. If you're looking for a low-risk spot for extra savings, now could be a smart time to lock one in.
Example: Grow $25,000 into $25,736 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 $25,736 by maturity. That's $736 in guaranteed earnings on a short timeline, with zero effort.
And with interest rates likely to drop again before the end of next year, 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 simple steps
Opening a CD doesn't take much time -- and once it's set up, your money starts earning a steady return right away. Here's how to do it:
- Compare rates. Check offers from multiple banks. Online banks often pay more than traditional ones.
- Decide your deposit. You usually can't add funds later, and early withdrawals come with penalties. Choose an amount you're comfortable leaving alone.
- Apply. You can open a CD online or at a branch. Have your ID, Social Security number, and funding account details ready.
- Transfer funds. Move money from checking or savings into the CD. Your rate locks in once the deposit clears.
- Note the maturity date. Mark your calendar so you'll know when the term ends and be ready to cash out or renew.
That's all it takes -- five quick steps to lock in a safe, fixed return. Want to grab today's top APYs before they slip? Click here to compare the best CD rates.
Earn more without locking away your cash
A high-yield savings account (HYSA) lets you grow your money while still keeping it within reach. Many of today's top accounts pay APYs that stack up well against CDs.
The big benefit is flexibility -- you can deposit or withdraw whenever you want, with no penalties or delays.
The downside? HYSA rates aren't guaranteed. They can move up or down at any time, unlike CDs, which lock in your return for the full term.
One clear standout now is Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier. This account pays a top-tier 3.80% APY, which is right up there with the best CD rates.
On Western Alliance Bank's Secure Website.
Member FDIC.
Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier
On Western Alliance Bank's Secure Website.
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- Competitive APY
- No monthly account fee
- Unlimited number of external transfers (up to daily transaction limits)
- FDIC insured
- Can open an individual or joint account
- Deposits and withdrawals can only be conducted via ACH transfer to/from an external bank account (limit to one linked account)
- No ATM access
- No wire transfers (inbound and outbound)
- No branch access; online only
Western Alliance Bank offers a higher APY than most high-yield savings accounts. Plus, it's FDIC insured; therefore, deposits are perfectly safe up to applicable legal limits. The main drawback is that accounts don't have many features. For example, you can only deposit and withdraw funds via ACH transfer to/from an external bank account. This account is solid for those who want a sky-high APY, but don't mind a bare-bones banking experience.
The annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of January 8, 2026 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 March 16, 2026. See the FDIC website for more information.
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 3.80%
Rate info
Earn up to 3.80% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.10% APY as of 5/28/26) 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#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Min. to earn: $0
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Earn $50 or $400 and +0.70% Boost on Savings APY with direct deposit. Terms apply.
Earn up to 3.80% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.10% APY as of 5/28/26) 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#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. |
Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings
On SoFi's Secure Website. |
Open Account for EverBank Bank High-Yield Savings Account from Raisin
On Raisin's Secure Website. |
4.15%
Rate info
Earn a guaranteed 4.15% APY for 90 days. After that, your savings keep growing at a competitive standard rate -- currently 3.95% APY (subject to change). No minimum account balance required. Deposit or withdraw at any time with no additional fees.
Min. to earn: $1
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Earn up to $1,200 when you sign up and fund your account using code SUMMER26.¹
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Open Account for EverBank Bank High-Yield Savings Account from Raisin
On Raisin's Secure Website. |
Open Account for CIT Platinum Savings
On CIT'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 |
up to 4.10%*
Rate info
4.10%* APY for balances of $5,000 or more; otherwise, 0.60%* APY
Min. to earn: $5,000
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Earn up to 4.10% APY with promo code CITBoost
With the 6 month Boost limited-time offer, you earn 4.10%* APY on balances over $5,000 (balances less than $5,000 earn 0.60%* APY). After the boost is complete you will continue to earn standard rates -- 3.75% APY for balances over $5,000 (balances less than $5,000 earn 0.25% APY). The minimum to open a Platinum Savings account is $100. Member FDIC. No monthly service fees. |
Open Account for CIT Platinum Savings
On CIT's Secure Website. |
¹New customers only. Earn a cash bonus when you deposit and maintain funds with partner banks on the Raisin platform. Customers can earn up to $60 for depositing between $10,000 and $24,999 ($50 welcome bonus + $10 bonus boost when you set up two recurring deposits or more totaling $100), up to $150 for depositing between $25,000 and $49,999 ($125 welcome bonus + $25 bonus boost when you set up two recurring deposits or more totaling $250), up to $300 for depositing between $50,000 and $99,999 ($250 welcome bonus + $50 bonus boost when you set up two recurring deposits or more totaling $500), up to $600 for depositing between $100,000 and $199,999 ($500 welcome bonus + $100 bonus boost when you set up two recurring deposits or more totaling $1,000), and up to $1,200 for depositing $200,000 or more ($1,000 welcome bonus + $200 bonus boost when you set up two recurring deposits or more totaling $2,000).
To qualify for the bonus, you must be a new Raisin customer who signs up between June 1, 2026, and July 31, 2026, and the promo code SUMMER26 must be entered at the time of sign-up. Deposit at least $10,000 within 14 days of your first deposit. You can make one or multiple deposits during this window, and your total deposited amount determines your bonus tier. You may add more funds during the 14-day window to reach a higher bonus tier. Satisfying these base requirements is mandatory to unlock and earn the optional recurring deposit boost. You can add this boost during your 14-day window by setting up an automated schedule that posts at least twice during the 90-day holding period. The recurring deposit boost is an extra cash reward earned by setting up an automated savings schedule within your first 14 days that posts at least twice during the 90-day holding period. Your base welcome bonus tier sets the maximum cap for this extra reward. If you choose to skip it, you will still earn your base welcome bonus by meeting the standard qualifying terms. However, you cannot earn the recurring boost on its own; satisfying the base welcome bonus requirements is mandatory to unlock it.
Once the deposit window closes, your balance must remain at or above your qualifying bonus tier for 90 days. If your balance drops below that amount during the 90-day period, you may no longer be eligible for that bonus. Only funds deposited within 14 days of the initial deposit date and maintained with partner banks on the Raisin platform for 90 days will be eligible for this bonus.
Bonus cash will be deposited by Raisin into the customer’s Cash Account within 30 days of meeting all qualifying terms. This offer is available to new customers only and may not be combined with any other bonus offers. Raisin reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time.
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 January 9, 2026: 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 February 17, 2026.
* Platinum Savings APY Boost Promotion Terms and Conditions
This is a limited time offer available to New and Existing customers who meet the Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion criteria.
Accounts enrolled in the Platinum Savings Annual Percentage Yield (APY) Boost promotion will receive a 0.35% APY boost on the Platinum Savings current standard APY tiers for 6 months following the opening of a new account or when an existing Platinum Savings account is enrolled in the promotion. The Platinum Savings APY boost will be applied on account balances up to $9,999,999.00. Account balances above $9,999,999.00 will earn the standard APY. If the standard-published APY should change during the promotion period, the APY boost will move with it, offering an account APY above the standard rate.
The Promotion begins on February 13, 2026, and ends August 31, 2026. Customers enrolled in the promotion prior to the end date will receive the APY boost for the 6-month period outlined in the terms and conditions.
The promotion can end at any time without notice.
For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures.
CIT General Disclosure
For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures. https://www.cit.com/cit-bank/resources/forms
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FAQs
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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.
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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 week as expected, so CD rates are likely to start 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.
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 Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.