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Best 3-Year CD Rates of 2026

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.

A 3-year CD is a happy medium -- long enough to earn solid interest, but not so long you’ll feel like you’re waiting forever to touch your money again.

And timing matters right now. The Fed has already started lowering rates, and more cuts are expected later this year. As those changes ripple through the economy, CD yields are likely to fall too. Opening a 3-year CD today could help you hold onto one of the stronger fixed rates before they slip further.

If you’ve got a solid emergency fund in place, this kind of midterm CD can be a smart, low-maintenance way to keep your extra cash working while rates head lower.

  • 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 the top 3-year CDs

Rates as of Jan. 13, 2026
Quontic CD

Quontic CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
3.25%
Term:
3 Year
Min. Deposit:
$500
Open Account for

On Quontic's Secure Website.

Synchrony Online CD

Synchrony Online CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
3.60%
Term:
3 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 3-year CDs

Quontic CD

Rates as of Jan. 13, 2026

APY = Annual Percentage Yield

Offer image for Quontic CD
Quontic CD
Bottom Line

Quontic Bank offers CDs with terms ranging from six months to five years. It offers most of the terms one would expect, though it is missing a 4-year CD, so it may not be ideal for those hoping to build a CD ladder. Its rates are competitive, especially on its longer term CDs, and its minimum deposit is more affordable than what you see with some other top banks.

MINIMUM DEPOSIT $500
Open Account for Quontic CD

On Quontic's Secure Website.

6 Mo. APY 1 Yr. APY 2 Yr. APY 3 Yr. APY 5 Yr. APY
3.75% 3.00% 3.35% 3.25% 3.00%

Why I like it:
Quontic CD keeps things simple with a clear rate and approachable $500 minimum. I like it for its no-frills, reliable return over a mid-length term.

Read more about Quontic CDs.

Rates as of Jan. 13, 2026

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.

1 Yr. APY 14 Mo. APY 1.5 Yr. APY 2 Yr. APY 3 Yr. APY 4 Yr. APY 5 Yr. APY
3.80% 4.00% 3.70% 3.50% 3.60% 3.50% 3.75%

Why I like it:
Synchrony Online CD is built for steady savers — no minimum to open, a fixed rate that holds firm for three years, and a fully online setup that makes it easy to let your balance grow in peace.

Read more about Synchrony Online CDs.

How to choose a 3-year CD

Picking a 3-year CD comes down to how much you want to lock in, how soon you’ll need access, and whether you’re optimizing for returns or flexibility. Here are a few quick tips:

  • Timeline matters: You’ll need to leave the money untouched for three years -- otherwise, you’ll likely face early withdrawal penalties.
  • Check minimum deposits: Some banks ask for $500 or more, others let you start with any amount.
  • Bank quality: A competitive rate is great, but customer experience and easy account management also matter when your money is parked for multiple years.
  • Future rate trends: If you believe rates will drop in the near future, locking in now could protect your returns.

Is now a good time to get a 3-year CD?

If you have cash you won’t need for the next few years, now is a good time to lock in a 3-year CD. Rates are still relatively strong, and there’s a good chance we’ll see cuts from the Fed later in 2025. Locking in today helps you hedge against lower future yields and guarantees a steady return without risk.

But flexibility still counts. If there’s a chance you’ll need to dip into those funds early, a high-yield savings account gives you access to your money and still earns competitive interest. See the best high-yield savings rates today.

FAQs

  • No, most CDs don’t let you add funds once the account is opened. If you plan to save more, consider a high-yield savings account or staggered CD ladder.

  • Your CD will “mature,” and the bank will usually notify you. You’ll have a short grace period to withdraw your money or roll it into a new CD. If you don’t act, it may auto-renew.

  • Yes, once you lock in your CD, your rate stays the same for the full term. That’s part of what makes CDs a low-risk savings tool.