Best CD Rates Today, May 18, 2025: Up to 4.55% APY
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KEY POINTS
- The top CD rate available today: 4.55% APY.
- If the Fed cuts rates in the coming months, CD rates will also decrease.
- High-yield savings accounts are a great alternative to safely store your savings and maximize your interest earnings.
Interest rates have remained unchanged so far this year, as the Federal Reserve has opted to hold things steady. Interest rate cuts are still widely expected in the second half of the year, however.
As a result, now is a good time to open a CD and lock in a high APY for six months or more.
Here are some top CDs now, with APYs up to 4.55% and starting deposits as low as $500.
The best CD rates today, May 18, are above 4.00%. Top offers include:
- United Fidelity Bank, 6 months: 4.55% APY
- United Fidelity Bank, 10 months: 4.50% APY
- OMB, 9 months: 4.50% APY
- Presidential Bank, 7 months: 4.50% APY
- ableBanking, 6 months: 4.50% APY
Special pick: Now could be one of the last chances to lock in a yield this high before rates start to fall. LendingClub's 14-month CD currently offers 4.10% APY with just a $500 minimum deposit. Check out LendingClub's 14-month CD here.
Data source: Issuing banks. Rates are accurate as of May 16, 2025.
Best CD Rates at Top Banks in May 2025
| Bank & CD Offer | APY | Term | Min. Deposit | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
APY:
4.10%
|
Term:
14 Months
|
Min. Deposit:
$500
|
Open Account for
On LendingClub's Secure Website. |
|
Discover® Bank CD
Member FDIC.
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD
On Discover Bank's Secure Website. |
APY:
4.00%
|
Term:
1 Year
|
Min. Deposit:
$0
|
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD
On Discover Bank's Secure Website. |
|
APY:
4.00%
|
Term:
6 Months
|
Min. Deposit:
$1
|
Open Account for
On Raisin's Secure Website. |
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.
Should you open a CD now?
Many banks have begun to gradually lower their top CD offerings in anticipation of eventual Fed rate cuts. That means now is an excellent opportunity to lock in a still-high rate before rate cuts arrive later this year and today's rates are no longer available.
CDs offer peace of mind with FDIC protection, covering up to $250,000 per person, per bank in the event of bank failure. While CDs offer low-risk and steady returns, those with a longer investment timeline or more risk tolerance may want to consider investing in the stock market for more growth.
How a $10,000 CD deposit could earn you $480
Your potential return on a CD depends on three factors: the APY, your deposit amount, and the term length.
For example, a $10,000 deposit into a 14-month CD with a 4.10% APY would earn roughly $480 in interest by the time it matures -- with no risk of losing your principal.
Compare that to a traditional savings account, where rates are often much lower and can fluctuate over time. Locking in a top CD rate today, like LendingClub's 14-month CD, can help you maximize your returns before rates drop. See LendingClub's 14-month CD details here.
How to open a certificate of deposit
When you're ready, you can open a CD in just a few simple steps:
- Shop around 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.
- Apply for a new account on the bank's website or 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 a new CD.
- Make note of your maturity date. When your CD matures, you'll have to decide whether to withdraw your cash or reinvest in a new CD.
Remember, each CD allows only one deposit. Plan your amount wisely. When you're ready, click here to explore the best CD rates and open a high-yield CD today.
High-yield savings accounts vs. CDs: Earn a high APY without locking up your money
If you want to earn a high APY with more flexibility and less commitment, then look into a high-yield savings account.
- You can deposit and withdraw money whenever you want.
- You can quickly transfer money to other accounts.
- You can simply deposit cash and leave it, while CDs require some work and decision-making when they mature.
Savings account rates are variable and can change at any time. However, high-yield savings accounts currently have APYs that rival the best CDs.
One standout right now is SoFi Checking and Savings (Member FDIC). This top-rated account offers up to 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings with qualifying direct deposits. Even better: New customers can earn up to a $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposits! It's an easy way to boost your savings without locking up your cash. Click here to learn more.
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Sources
FAQs
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Experts currently expect the Federal Reserve to cut rates later this year, which could result in lower CD rates. However, if inflation climbs and the Fed raises rates instead, CD rates could increase. Rate movements aren't certain, and timing is unclear.
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The biggest downside of a certificate of deposit is the lack of liquidity. When you invest in a CD, your money is locked in for a fixed term, and withdrawing it early can result in loss of interest. This means you have less flexibility to access your funds if you need them before the CD matures.
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CD rates can be found up to 4.55% today. The highest CD rates are on short-term CDs. Right now, that includes CDs with terms of 10 months or less. Shop around and compare rates to find the most competitive rate for the term you want.
Our Research Expert
Managing editor for Motley Fool Money. James has worked full-time for The Motley Fool since 2012. A longtime editor and former reporter, James oversees the production and quality of Motley Fool Money's editorial content.
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.