Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

This device is too small

If you're on a Galaxy Fold, consider unfolding your phone or viewing it in full screen to best optimize your experience.

Skip to main content
Advertiser Disclosure Many of the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which The Motley Fool receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear) and may influence which products we write about, but our product ratings are not influenced by compensation. We do not include all companies or offers available in the marketplace.
    |    Accessibility Options

The Highest CD Rates Today, March 20, 2025: Up to 4.65% APY

Published March 20, 2025
James McClenathen
Author: James McClenathen
James McClenathen
James McClenathen
Editorial Strategist

James is the Managing Editor for Motley Fool Money, overseeing the production and quality of our editorial content. James has worked full-time for The Motley Fool since 2012. He's a personal finance wonk, longtime editor, former reporter, and University of Michigan alum.

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.

As experts largely predicted, the Federal Reserve decided to hold the federal funds rate steady at the conclusion of its March meeting yesterday afternoon. As such, CD rates should remain at their currently-elevated levels, at least until after the next Fed meeting, where the board will again have the chance to decrease (or increase) rates. The Federal Reserve meets next on May 6.

Currently, the most competitive CDs are offering annual percentage yields (APYs) ranging from 4.50% to 4.65%. These attractive rates are typically available on CDs with terms of up to a year. The relatively short commitment period makes these CDs an appealing choice for investors who aren't comfortable locking up their money for the longer term.

Below is a selection of some of the highest CD rates available today, hand-picked by our experts.

Bank APY Term Minimum Deposit
OMB 4.65% 7 months $1,000
DR Bank 4.65% 6 months $500
MutualOne Bank 4.59% 6 months $500
Brilliant Bank 4.55% 9 months $1,000
One American Bank 4.52% 6 months $500
Data source: Issuing banks.

What makes these CDs stand out?

With the vast number of CDs out there, you might be wondering what caught our eye about the selection above. Each of the CDs on our list meet the following criteria:

  • The CDs listed here provide highly competitive rates with some of the best APYs available.
  • You can begin investing with a minimum deposit as low as $500, making them more accessible compared to CDs that require larger amounts (sometimes $5,000 or more).
  • These CDs are offered on a national level, with no special qualifying criteria.
  • Each of these CDs can be quickly and conveniently opened online through the bank issuer's website in just a few minutes.

The Best CD Rates From Our Partners Today

Rates as of Aug. 26, 2025
Synchrony Online CD

Synchrony Online CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
4.25%
Term:
15 Months
Min. Deposit:
$0
Open Account for

On Synchrony Bank's Secure Website.

LendingClub CD

LendingClub CD

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

On LendingClub's Secure Website.

Discover® Bank CD

Discover® Bank CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
3.50%
Term:
6 Months
Min. Deposit:
$0
Open Account for

On Discover 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.

Is it the right time to open a CD now?

If any of the following scenarios apply to you, it could be a great time to open a CD:

  • Seeking a secure, guaranteed return on your cash? Now is an excellent opportunity to consider a CD.
  • Concerned about possible interest rate reductions later this year? Locking in a CD can help protect your savings.
  • Positive that you won't need to touch your cash for a while? CDs are an ideal choice if you can commit your cash for the full term without needing access to it.

Top-rated CDs come equipped with FDIC insurance, providing protection for deposits up to $250,000 per individual, per bank, in the event of a bank failure. While CD investments involve very little risk, you might find higher returns in alternative investments, like the stock market.

If you want to earn a high APY without committing your funds for three months or more, check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts.

Steps to open a CD

When you're ready, you can open a CD right from the comfort of home. Here's how:

  1. Research and choose a bank: Start by researching different banks and financial institutions to compare their CD offerings, focusing on interest rates, terms, and minimum deposit requirements. Select the financial institution that offers the best APY and term for your needs.
  2. Visit the website and find CDs: Go to the official website of your chosen bank and navigate to their Certificates of Deposit section, which might be listed under personal banking or investment products.
  3. Select your CD and begin application: Look through the available CD options and choose the one that suits your preferences. Start the online application by clicking the option to open a new CD account.
  4. Enter personal information and funding details: Provide the required personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number. Select a funding source to transfer money from an existing bank account.
  5. Review and agree to terms: Carefully read the terms and conditions associated with the CD, paying attention to any early withdrawal penalties, before agreeing to them.
  6. Submit application and receive confirmation: After ensuring all details are correct and you've agreed to the terms, submit your application. You will receive confirmation and any necessary documentation through email or your online banking portal.
  7. Note your CD's maturity date: Typically, banks provide a grace period of approximately seven to 10 days after the CD's maturity date for you to either withdraw your funds or reinvest in a new CD. It's a good idea to have the maturity date marked on a calendar and a plan in mind for what you will do with your funds at the end of the CD term.

Click here to explore the best CD rates and open a high-yield CD today.

Score up to 4.30% APY without restricting access to your funds

Top high-yield savings accounts offer greater flexibility and reduced commitment, allowing you to deposit and withdraw funds whenever necessary and swiftly transfer money to different accounts.

Unlike CDs, savings accounts have variable interest rates, permitting banks to adjust your APY at their discretion. Despite this, the APYs of high-yield savings accounts currently rival the best CD rates, so depending on your financial circumstances and personal preference, either option could be a great choice now.

Compare savings rates

Make sure you're getting the best account for you by comparing savings rates and promotions. Here are some of our favorite high-yield savings accounts to consider.

Account APY Promotion Next Steps
up to 3.80%
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. Earn up to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.80% APY as of 8/5/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account and enroll in SoFi Plus by 9/3/25. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 3.80% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.
Min. to earn: $0
Earn up to $300 bonus with direct deposit. Plus, new customers earn an extra 0.70% APY on savings for up to 6 months with direct deposit (terms apply) -- that equals up to 4.50% APY! Circle with letter I in it. Earn up to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.80% APY as of 8/5/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account and enroll in SoFi Plus by 9/3/25. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
3.50%
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. 3.50% annual percentage yield as of August 28, 2025. Terms apply.
Min. to earn: $0
N/A
3.90%
Rate info Circle with letter I in it. Balances less than $250,000 earn 3.90%, and balances greater than $250,000 earn 4.10%.
Min. to earn: $0
N/A
Open Account for Barclays Tiered Savings

On Barclays' Secure Website.