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Best 18-Month CD Rates of 2025

Updated
Brooklyn Sprunger
Author: Brooklyn Sprunger
Brooklyn Sprunger
Brooklyn Sprunger
Content Manager

Brooklyn Sprunger is a full-time Content Manager and Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, where she oversees product reviews and ratings while also writing about credit cards, bank accounts, investing, auto insurance, and other personal finance topics. She has worked in financial content since 2018, including more than four years at The Motley Fool. When she’s not writing or editing, Brooklyn is likely hiking and watching the Tennessee Vols.

See Full Bio

Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation. APY = Annual Percentage Yield.

If you’re ready to lock away your money a bit longer than a year but don’t want to commit to the typical 3-year terms, an 18-month CD is a solid sweet spot. It generally offers higher rates than 12-month CDs while still giving you access to your money sooner than longer-term options.

With the Fed expected to continue cutting rates later this year, CD yields could continue sliding soon. That makes now a great time to secure one of today’s stronger 18-month offers before returns begin to fall.

We’ve highlighted the top 18-month CDs for rates, reliability, and flexibility. Compare accounts and lock in your earnings while they’re still high.

  • Our team of experts assessed 100+ banking institutions
  • We evaluate all banking institutions across the same 4 key criteria: annual percentage yield (APY), brand reputation, fees and minimum requirements, and additional perks
  • Our bank ratings are never influenced by our advertising partners
  • We strictly feature products that offer federal insurance and high customer satisfaction, keeping our recommendations unbiased

Compare our 18-month CD rates

Rates as of Oct. 8, 2025
Discover® Bank CD

Discover® Bank CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
3.80%
Term:
1.5 Year
Min. Deposit:
$0
Open Account for

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

LendingClub CD

LendingClub CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
3.50%
Term:
1.5 Year
Min. Deposit:
$500
Open Account for

On LendingClub's Secure Website.

Synchrony Online CD

Synchrony Online CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
3.80%
Term:
1.5 Year
Min. Deposit:
$0
Open Account for Synchrony Online CD

On Synchrony Bank'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.

Why I like these 18-month CDs

Discover® Bank CD

Rates as of Oct. 8, 2025

APY = Annual Percentage Yield

Offer image for Discover® Bank CD
Discover® Bank CD
Bottom Line

Discover offers competitive CD rates, particularly when compared to traditional brick-and-mortar banks. It provides a range of unique term lengths, with CDs available for as short as three months and as long as 10 years. This flexibility makes Discover an excellent choice for individuals looking to secure a rate for either a short-term or an extended period.

MINIMUM DEPOSIT $0
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

3 Mo. APY 6 Mo. APY 9 Mo. APY 1 Yr. APY 1.5 Yr. APY 2 Yr. APY 30 Mo. APY 3 Yr. APY 4 Yr. APY 5 Yr. APY 7 Yr. APY 10 Yr. APY
2.00% 3.50% 3.50% 4.00% 3.80% 3.60% 3.60% 3.60% 3.60% 3.60% 3.50% 3.50%

Why I like it:
Discover® Bank CD brings a higher-tier APY with zero minimum deposit ($0), making it accessible for anyone looking to get started with an 18-month CD. Plus, Discover’s solid reputation for customer service is a nice bonus.

Read more about Discover® Bank CDs.

LendingClub CD

Rates as of Oct. 8, 2025

APY = Annual Percentage Yield

Offer image for LendingClub CD
LendingClub CD
Bottom Line

LendingClub CDs don't skimp on interest, offering competitive APYs for all seven of its CD terms, from six months to five years. They're also FDIC insured, ensuring that deposits up to $250,000 are safe and secure.

MINIMUM DEPOSIT $500
Open Account for LendingClub CD

On LendingClub's Secure Website.

6 Mo. APY 8 Mo. APY 1 Yr. APY 1.5 Yr. APY 2 Yr. APY 5 Yr. APY
3.90% 4.25% 3.75% 3.50% 3.50% 3.40%

Why I like it:
LendingClub CD hits a nice middle ground — longer than a 1-year, but not locked away for ages. You’ll need just $500 to open, and LendingClub’s online dashboard makes it easy to keep tabs as it earns.

Read more about LendingClub CDs.

Synchrony Online CD

Rates as of Oct. 8, 2025

APY = Annual Percentage Yield

Offer image for Synchrony Online CD
Synchrony Online CD
Bottom Line

Perhaps one of the lesser-known names on the list, Synchrony (Member FDIC) is a full-line bank with a 90-year history. Synchrony's CDs are notable for competitive rates at most term lengths, plus low or no minimum deposits.

MINIMUM DEPOSIT $0
Open Account for Synchrony Online CD

On Synchrony Bank's Secure Website.

6 Mo. APY 9 Mo. APY 1 Yr. APY 1.5 Yr. APY 2 Yr. APY 3 Yr. APY 4 Yr. APY 5 Yr. APY
4.10% 4.00% 4.00% 3.80% 3.50% 3.75% 3.50% 4.00%

Why I like it:
With no minimum deposit and a steady fixed rate, Synchrony Online CD is a quiet performer for savers who want a little more yield without stretching to multi-year terms. It’s the kind of CD you can open and let run on autopilot.

Read more about Synchrony Online CDs.

How to choose an 18-month CD

Choosing the right 18-month CD is about more than just chasing the highest rate. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Minimum deposit: Make sure the minimum deposit fits your budget. Some banks let you start with nothing or just a few hundred dollars, while others might require a larger sum.
  • Early withdrawal penalties: CDs lock your money in. Check how much you’ll lose if you need to withdraw early -- it can sometimes wipe out your interest or more.
  • Bank reputation and FDIC insurance: Stick with FDIC-insured banks to keep your money safe, and pick one with easy online access and good customer support.
  • Your timeline: If you think you might need access to your cash before 18 months, a CD might not be your best bet -- a high-yield savings account could be a better fit.

Is it a good time to get an 18-month CD?

Yes — if you don’t need access to your money for the next year and a half, now is a smart time to lock in a rate. Here’s why:

  • Interest rates on CDs are expected to drop later in 2025 as the Fed likely cuts rates.
  • Locking in an 18-month CD now means you get a higher guaranteed rate before the drop.
  • If you need more flexibility or might use the money sooner, consider a high-yield savings account instead. See our best high-yield savings rates today.

FAQs

  • Usually not. Most CDs charge an early withdrawal penalty that can cost you interest and even part of your principal. Always check the penalty before opening the CD.

  • Interest is typically compounded daily or monthly and paid at maturity, but it varies by bank.

  • At maturity, your CD will either automatically renew at the current rate or you can withdraw the money or roll it into a new CD.

  • Choose an 18-month CD if you want a guaranteed higher rate and won’t need the money during that time. Pick a high-yield savings account if you want more flexibility and easy access.