The Best CD Rates Today, March 26, 2025: Up to 4.65% APY
You can snag a short-term CD today with an annual percentage yield (APY) as high as 4.65%. Short-term CDs are those with terms of 12 months or less.
When the Federal Reserve made the decision a week ago today to hold rates steady, they all but guaranteed that CD rates will remain competitive, at least for the time being. As such, now could be a great time to lock in a high CD rate while they're still available.
Below, we've gathered a selection of the highest CD rates we could find.
| Bank | APY | Term | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| OMB | 4.65% | 7 months | $1,000 |
| DR Bank | 4.65% | 6 months | $500 |
| MutualOne Bank | 4.59% | 6 months | $500 |
| Brilliant Bank | 4.55% | 9 months | $1,000 |
| NBKC Bank | 4.50% | 7 months | $1,000 |
Why these CDs made our list
The CDs we highlight above stand out to us for a handful of reasons. Perhaps most importantly, they offer extremely competitive rates. While there are CDs with marginally higher rates to be found, those often come with certain conditions that could limit accessibility or benefits.
Additionally, these CDs feature attainable minimum deposit requirements. Unlike other options that demand a $5,000 or more initial deposit, these CDs allow you to start with as little as $500. They are also accessible nationwide, unlike certain high-yield CDs offered by regional credit unions with membership restrictions. The CDs we selected are from banks that welcome membership from anyone in the U.S. without prerequisites pertaining to where you work or live.
The Best CD Rates From Our Partners Today
On Synchrony Bank's Secure Website.
On LendingClub's Secure Website.
On Discover Bank's Secure Website.
Want to find the best CD for your timeline and goals? Explore top rates by term:
- Best CD Rates -- Our expert picks for the top accounts available today
- Best 6-Month CD Rates -- Short-term savings with fast access
- Best 12-Month CD Rates -- Solid returns with just a 1-year commitment
- Best 5-Year CD Rates -- Maximize earnings over the long haul
Unlike other banking products we evaluate, certificates of deposit (CDs) do not receive a star rating from us. This approach is due to the frequent updates in interest rates and terms associated with CDs. Instead, we highlight CDs on our best-of list pages based on their annual percentage yield (APY) and the fees associated with early withdrawals. Our top CD selections typically offer competitive APYs without complex qualification tiers, low early withdrawal penalties, reliable strong brand reliability, and user-friendly features.
Motley Fool Money focuses exclusively on standard CDs and does not review IRA CDs, bump-up CDs, callable CDs, or other specialized CD accounts.
Our aim is to maintain a balanced list featuring top-scoring products from reputable brands offering competitive APYs and standout features. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates bank accounts.
Unlike other banking products we evaluate, certificates of deposit (CDs) do not receive a star rating from us. This approach is due to the frequent updates in interest rates and terms associated with CDs. Instead, we highlight CDs on our best-of list pages based on their annual percentage yield (APY) and the fees associated with early withdrawals. Our top CD selections typically offer competitive APYs without complex qualification tiers, low early withdrawal penalties, reliable strong brand reliability, and user-friendly features.
Motley Fool Money focuses exclusively on standard CDs and does not review IRA CDs, bump-up CDs, callable CDs, or other specialized CD accounts.
Our aim is to maintain a balanced list featuring top-scoring products from reputable brands offering competitive APYs and standout features. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates bank accounts.
Is it a good time to open a CD?
Despite a decline since mid-2024, CD rates remain elevated. Although the Federal Reserve has currently opted to maintain the current federal funds rate, experts widely predict that rate reductions are probable later in 2025.
Now could be a great time to lock in a CD if:
- You want safe, guaranteed returns
- You want to protect your savings from near-term interest rate cuts
- You have cash that you can leave untouched for the full CD term
The best CDs come with FDIC insurance, ensuring that deposits of up to $250,000 per individual, per institution, are secure. While investing in CDs carries almost no risk, alternative options such as the stock market may offer the potential for greater returns.
How to open a certificate of deposit
Once you're ready to open a CD, the process is quick and easy to complete:
- Shop around with different financial institutions to find the highest APY for the term you want.
- Read the fine print and make sure you can meet the minimum deposit, if there is one, and ensure that you understand any early withdrawal penalties.
- Apply for a new account on the bank's website, mobile app, or over the phone. You'll likely be approved and ready to invest in minutes.
- Link an existing bank account to transfer funds to your new CD. Remember that you can only make one deposit per CD, so have your full investment ready to transfer.
Click here to explore the best CD rates and open a high-yield CD today.
Once you've opened your CD, make a note of its maturity date. Upon maturity, the bank generally follows one of two courses unless instructed otherwise: it either disburses your initial deposit along with the accrued earnings as cash, or it reinvests your funds into a new CD with the same term, which may feature a different APY.
Most banks offer a grace period of between seven and 10 days after the CD's maturity date for you to make a decision about your next steps.
Earn up to 4.10% APY and keep your funds flexible
If you want to earn a high APY with more flexibility and less commitment than a CD provides, then look into a high-yield savings account.
The best high-yield savings accounts will allow you to do the following:
- Deposit and withdraw money whenever you want.
- Transfer money to other accounts quickly and easily.
- Simply deposit cash and leave it as long as you'd like.
Savings account rates are variable, meaning you don't get the guarantee that you do with a CD. But right now, high-yield savings accounts are nearly on par with the best CDs, making them a great choice if you're not ready to lock up your money and risk having to pay a penalty to withdraw it early.
If you want to earn a competitive APY without committing your cash for a minimum of several months, check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts.
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.
|
up to 4.30%
Rate info
Earn up to 4.30% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.60% APY as of 11/12/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account and enroll in SoFi Plus 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 up to $300 and +0.70% Boost on Savings APY with direct deposit. Terms apply.
Earn up to 4.30% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.60% APY as of 11/12/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account and enroll in SoFi Plus 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.
|
3.85%
Rate info
3.85% 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.
|
4.05%
Rate info
The annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of November 6, 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. |
The annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of November 6, 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 October 20, 2025. See the website for more information.
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 September 23, 2025: 0.25% APY on balances of $0.01 to $4,999.99; 3.85% 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 September 15, 2025.
For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures.
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