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Best 6-Month CD Rates of 2025

Updated
Brooklyn Sprunger
Author: Brooklyn Sprunger
Brooklyn Sprunger
Brooklyn Sprunger

Brooklyn leads the content team behind product reviews and ratings at Motley Fool Money, ensuring readers get well-researched, expert-backed insights to make smarter financial decisions. With nearly seven years working full-time in financial content -- four of them at The Motley Fool -- she has developed a deep passion for personal finance, from investing strategies to everyday money management. Her financial goals include buying a house and planning as many trips as her budget allows. In her free time, you’ll likely find her listening to a pop culture podcast or telling anyone who will listen to get a high-yield savings account.

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.

Looking for a short-term way to boost your savings without locking up your cash for too long? A 6-month CD could be your sweet spot. It gives your money a solid return with a clear end date -- perfect if you’ve got plans for that cash in the near future.

And here's the kicker: The Fed is expected to cut rates again later this year, so now’s a smart time to lock in a top-tier yield before they dip. Whether you're building a CD ladder or just waiting out market volatility, these short-term picks can make your cash work harder, without tying it up for too long.

  • 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 best 6-month CD rates

Rates as of May 29, 2025
Western Alliance Bank CD

Western Alliance Bank CD

APY:
4.00%
Term:
6 Months
Min. Deposit:
$1
Open Account for

On Raisin's Secure Website.

LendingClub CD

LendingClub CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
4.00%
Term:
6 Months
Min. Deposit:
$500
Open Account for LendingClub CD

On LendingClub's Secure Website.

Quontic CD

Quontic CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
3.75%
Term:
6 Months
Min. Deposit:
$500
Open Account for

On Quontic's Secure Website.

Discover® Bank CD

Discover® Bank CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
3.70%
Term:
6 Months
Min. Deposit:
$0
Open Account for

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

CIT Bank CD

CIT Bank CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
3.00%
Term:
6 Months
Min. Deposit:
$1,000
Open Account for CIT Bank CD

On CIT'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.

Western Alliance Bank CD

Rates as of May 29, 2025

APY = Annual Percentage Yield

Offer image for Western Alliance Bank CD
Western Alliance Bank CD
Bottom Line

Western Alliance Bank offers some of the highest APYs we've seen across short-term CDs through the Raisin platform. Its CDs have low $1 minimums, and relatively low withdrawal penalties without any additional fees. But you will need to look elsewhere for terms longer than one year.

MINIMUM DEPOSIT $1
Open Account for Western Alliance Bank CD

On Raisin's Secure Website.

3 Mo. APY 5 Mo. APY 6 Mo. APY 9 Mo. APY 1 Yr. APY
4.30% 4.10% 4.00% 3.90% 3.80%

Why I like it:
Western Alliance Bank CD has one of the highest 6-month CD rates you can get right now, and it only takes $1 to open. You’ll open it through Raisin, but that’s not a dealbreaker. It’s a great way to lock in a strong short-term yield with minimal commitment.

Read more about Western Alliance Bank CDs.

LendingClub CD

Rates as of May 29, 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 10 Mo. APY 1 Yr. APY 14 Mo. APY 1.5 Yr. APY 2 Yr. APY 3 Yr. APY 5 Yr. APY
4.00% 4.00% 3.75% 4.25% 3.50% 3.50% 3.45% 3.40%

Why I like it:
LendingClub CD matches the top APY on this list and keeps the barrier to entry low with a $500 minimum. If you’ve got cash you won’t need for six months, it’s a reliable way to grow it without taking on risk.

Read more about LendingClub CDs.

Quontic CD

Rates as of May 29, 2025

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% 3.25% 3.35% 3.25% 3.00%

Why I like it:
Quontic CD consistently shows up with above-average CD rates. With a $500 minimum and an easy online application, it’s a good fit if you’re looking for a short-term place to grow your savings without a ton of red tape.

Read more about Quontic CDs.

Discover® Bank CD

Rates as of May 29, 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% 3.70% 4.00% 4.00% 3.80% 3.80% 3.50% 3.50% 3.50% 3.50% 3.50% 3.50%

Why I like it:
Discover® Bank CD is one of the few 6-month CDs with a $0 minimum deposit — which makes it a great option if you’re just getting started or want to keep things flexible. The APY is slightly lower than others, but the brand-name trust and simplicity can be worth it.

Read more about Discover® Bank CDs.

CIT Bank CD

Rates as of May 29, 2025

APY = Annual Percentage Yield

Offer image for CIT Bank CD
CIT Bank CD
Bottom Line

CIT is an online bank that offers very competitive rates on certain CD terms, including non-standard promotional terms. If those terms match your need and you have at least $1,000 to deposit (CIT's typical minimum for CDs), it could be a good match.

MINIMUM DEPOSIT $1,000
Open Account for CIT Bank CD

On CIT's Secure Website.

6 Mo. APY 1 Yr. APY 13 Mo. APY 1.5 Yr. APY 2 Yr. APY 3 Yr. APY 4 Yr. APY 5 Yr. APY
3.00% 0.30% 3.50% 3.00% 0.40% 0.40% 0.50% 0.50%

Why I like it:
CIT Bank CD comes in with the lowest APY on our list, but it’s from a well-known online bank and could work if you already bank with them or want to keep your accounts in one place.

Read more about CIT Bank CDs.

How to choose the best 6-month CD

Not all CDs are created equal. Here’s what to weigh when you’re picking one:

  • APY: Higher rates mean more interest. Simple as that.
  • Minimum deposit: Make sure you can meet it — some banks ask for $500, others $5,000+.
  • Early withdrawal penalty: If there’s even a small chance you’ll need the money early, this matters.
  • Insurance: Stick to FDIC- or NCUA-insured accounts. No exceptions.
  • User experience: Some banks are just easier to deal with — and that can matter more than you’d think.

Are 6-month CDs worth It right now?

They can be, if you know you won’t need the money for the next six months. With solid short-term rates right now, locking in now could be a smart move before rates most likely start to fall later in 2025.

But if there’s a chance you’ll need access to your cash during that time, a high-yield savings account is the better bet. You’ll still earn a competitive return, but with the flexibility to pull your money out whenever you need it. See the top high-yield savings rates now.

6-month CDs also work well as part of a broader strategy, like building a CD ladder or easing into something more stable than the stock market. Just make sure the timing fits your plans before locking in.

FAQs

  • Yes. As long as the account is FDIC- or NCUA-insured and you don’t go over the limits, your money is protected.

  • Technically, yes, but you’ll pay a penalty. Usually it’s a few months’ worth of interest, which can wipe out your earnings.

  • It depends on your goals. If you don’t need access to your money for six months and want a higher rate, CDs are hard to beat. But if flexibility matters more, a high-yield savings account might be better.