Here's How Much $10,000 in a 6-Month CD Would Earn You Now
KEY POINTS
- At today's top rates, you'd earn about $225 by depositing $10,000 in a 6-month CD.
- Some banks are offering rates above 4.50% APY for short-term CDs.
- A high-yield savings account can earn similar returns, with no lock-in requirement.
Putting $10,000 into a 6-month CD will earn you about $225 at today's top rates. Some banks are still paying just over 4.50% APY for short-term CDs.
Sure, it's not life-changing money. But it's way better than letting your cash sit idle.
Another option for short-term cash storage is a high-yield savings account (HYSA). Although the interest rate may change at any time, today's APYs are very similar to what CDs offer.
Earnings on $10,000 with a 6-month CD
Some of the top CD rates today are around 4.50% APY -- a far cry from the national average of just 1.58% APY for 6-month terms.
Here's what $10,000 can earn with a 6-month CD, comparing the national average and a top CD rate:
| CD APY | Interest Earned (6 Months) | Final Balance |
|---|---|---|
| 1.58% | $79 | $10,079 |
| 4.50% | $225 | $10,225 |
The difference between 1.58% and 4.50% APY might not seem huge. But that's $146 more for doing nothing extra except shopping around. Compare today's best CD rates here so you can earn maximum interest.
Is a 6-month CD right for you?
If you're looking for short-term stability and guaranteed returns, a 6-month CD is a great option. You can lock away your money for the rest of 2025 and know exactly how much you're going to make.
Here are a couple scenarios when a 6-month CD makes sense:
- You want to lock in rates, but don't want to commit to a multi-year term.
- You like predictability. CD rates are fixed, so you'll know exactly what you're earning.
- You won't need to touch the money early. Withdrawing before the CD matures usually comes with a penalty.
But if flexibility is more important, you'll want to keep your cash in a more liquid option. That's where a high-yield savings account or no-penalty CD could be a better fit.
A flexible alternative: High-yield savings accounts
If you like the idea of earning maximum interest on your cash, but don't love the idea of locking it up, a high-yield savings account might be the better play.
The top HYSAs currently offer APYs close to 4.00% right now. And unlike CDs, you can withdraw your money anytime without penalties or fees.
This means you'd earn about $200 in interest on a $10,000 deposit, assuming rates held steady for six months. That's slightly less interest than a 6-month CD, but in return, you gain flexibility.
One of my favorite accounts now offers 4.10% APY for balances of $5,000 or more. Check out the CIT Platinum Savings account -- a perfect parking spot for a liquid $10,000.
Start earning more interest today
Whether you get a 6-month CD or open a high-yield savings account, either one beats earning pennies in a low-rate account.
Make the switch to keep your cash safe, while earning the most interest you can while rates are still this high.
Our Research Expert
Joel is a full-time writer at Motley Fool Money, known for his clear, approachable voice on topics like credit cards, savings hacks, and side hustles. He’s been writing about money since 2018 and previously managed editorial content for the How To Money podcast.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Motley Fool Money is 100% owned and operated by The Motley Fool. Our knowledgeable team of personal finance editors and analysts are employed by The Motley Fool and held to the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page. APYs are subject to change at any time without notice.