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Western Alliance Bank CD Rates

Review 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.

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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.

Western Alliance Bank CDs are turning heads in 2025, and for good reason. Through the Raisin platform, the bank offers some of the most competitive short-term CD rates I've seen, with a shockingly low $1 minimum to get started.

If you're looking for a low-commitment way to lock in a strong return on your savings (and avoid the stress of stock market swings), Western Alliance Bank CDs might be a great fit. Personally, I used one to set aside money for furnishing a future home. It was a simple, hands-off way to earn more on cash I wouldn't need right away.

But they're not perfect for everyone. If you need long-term flexibility or want a CD that stretches beyond one year, you might be better off looking elsewhere.

I'll break down the current rates, what you should know about Raisin (it's the platform that powers these CDs), and whether this account makes sense for your money right now.

Current Western Alliance Bank CD rates and terms

Rates as of July 8, 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
4.15% 4.10% 4.00% 3.90% 3.80%

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.

What is Raisin?

If you've never heard of Raisin, here's what you need to know: It's an online platform that connects you with high-yield deposit products from federally regulated banks and credit unions all through one account.

Think of Raisin as a digital storefront. You're not opening a CD with Raisin itself, but through it. You get to compare offers from a range of banks you might not have found on your own -- often with better rates than the big guys.

I like it because it keeps everything in one dashboard, which makes managing multiple CDs (or building a ladder) a whole lot easier. It's fast, simple, and secure, and it's been a smart workaround for finding some of the best rates in a high-interest environment.

Key features of Western Alliance Bank CDs

Feature Details
Minimum Deposit $1
Range of Term Lengths 3 months to 1 year
Compounding Schedule Daily
Grace Period 7 days
Data source: Western Alliance Bank from Raisin.

Early withdrawal penalties and risks

Western Alliance Bank CDs have a fairly standard early withdrawal penalty -- you'll lose 90 days' worth of interest if you pull out early. That's not bad compared to other banks, but on shorter terms, it can wipe out most (or all) of your earnings. These accounts also don't allow you to withdraw partially or break the term, so make sure the money you deposit is truly "set it and forget it."

Pros and cons of Western Alliance Bank CDs

Pros

  • Excellent short-term APYs
  • Just $1 required to open
  • FDIC insured up to $250,000

Cons

  • No CD terms beyond 1 year
  • Early withdrawal penalties apply
  • Limited options available directly (must go through Raisin)

How do Western Alliance Bank CD rates compare?

Western Alliance Bank doesn't always offer the highest rate out there, but its short-term APYs are extremely competitive, especially considering the $1 minimum. For savers who don't want to overcommit, that's a rare and useful feature.

Rates as of July 8, 2025
LendingClub CD

LendingClub CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
4.25%
Term:
14 Months
Min. Deposit:
$500
Open Account for

On LendingClub's Secure Website.

Synchrony Online CD

Synchrony Online CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
4.15%
Term:
5 Year
Min. Deposit:
$0
Open Account for

On Synchrony Bank's Secure Website.

Discover® Bank CD

Discover® Bank CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
4.00%
Term:
1 Year
Min. Deposit:
$0
Open Account for

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

Maximizing CD earnings: The smartest strategy in 2025

If you're serious about squeezing more from your savings in 2025, a CD ladder is a no-brainer. That's where you open multiple CDs with staggered maturity dates -- think 3, 6, 9, and 12 months -- so you can keep money earning high interest and unlock access to cash every few months.

Western Alliance Bank's short-term lineup fits perfectly into this strategy. I personally like pairing them with longer-term CDs from other banks to create a ladder that balances high yield with built-in flexibility.

Not sure if a CD beats a high-yield savings account? Here's the rule I go by:

  • Use a CD if you know you won't need the cash for the duration of the term and want a fixed rate.
  • Use a high-yield savings account if you want to keep your money liquid, like for emergency funds or upcoming expenses.

Quick heads up: CD earnings are taxed as regular income, so if you're investing a larger chunk, don't forget to plan for that during tax time.

How to open a Western Alliance Bank CD

Opening a CD with Western Alliance Bank via Raisin is entirely online. Here's what to expect:

  • Who can apply: U.S. citizens and permanent residents over 18
  • Application process: Start by creating an individual Raisin account
  • Funding options: Link your checking account via ACH
  • When interest starts accruing: Usually within one to two business days of funding

Note: Even if you want to open a joint CD later, Raisin requires you to start with an individual account first.

Should you open a Western Alliance Bank CD?

A Western Alliance Bank CD could be a great fit if:

  • You want a market-beating rate for a short-term commitment
  • You're working with a smaller budget (just $1 to open)
  • You're building a CD ladder and want flexible term options

Ready to start earning? Open a Western Alliance Bank CD today.

You might want to look elsewhere if:

  • You want terms longer than 1 year
  • You'll need to access the money before the term ends
  • You prefer a CD you can open directly with a bank (not via Raisin)

To see other top options, check out our list of the Best CD Rates today.

FAQs

  • Yes, especially for short terms. Western Alliance Bank's rates are among the best I've seen for low-minimum CDs.

  • The 3-month CD offers a great return with minimal commitment -- perfect if you want to stay liquid.

  • No, there unfortunately will be a penalty. You'll forfeit 90 days of interest if you withdraw early, which could erase your earnings on short-term CDs.

  • It holds its own on short-term rates and blows past competitors when you consider the $1 minimum. But it has less term options than some other well-known banks.