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Best 18-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.

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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.

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.

Right now, 18-month CD rates are pretty attractive — but heads up, the Fed is expected to start lowering interest rates later in 2025, which usually pulls CD rates down, too. So if you don’t need your cash for the next year and a half, it’s a smart move to lock in a rate now before they drop.

  • 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 May 29, 2025
LendingClub CD

LendingClub CD

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

On LendingClub's Secure Website.

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.

Barclays Online CD

Barclays Online CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
3.25%
Term:
1.5 Year
Min. Deposit:
$0
Open Account for Barclays Online CD

On Barclays' Secure Website.

CIT Bank CD

CIT Bank CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
3.00%
Term:
1.5 Year
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.

Why I like these 18-month 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-cds field=offer_name] offers a competitive APY for the 18-month term and requires a reasonable minimum deposit of $500. It’s a great pick if you want a strong rate without locking up too much cash upfront.

Read more about LendingClub 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 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.

Barclays Online CD

Rates as of May 29, 2025

APY = Annual Percentage Yield

Offer image for Barclays Online CD
Barclays Online CD
Bottom Line

Barclays offers competitive rates on most common CD terms with no minimum balance requirements. There are no monthly fees, so you likely won't lose money unless you try to withdraw your funds early. Those interested in building longer-term CD ladders will find plenty to like here.

MINIMUM DEPOSIT $0
Open Account for Barclays Online CD

On Barclays' 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
3.80% 3.80% 4.00% 3.25% 3.00% 3.00% 3.00% 3.25%

Why I like it:
Barclays Online CD offers a solid rate with no minimum deposit ($0). It’s perfect if you want a well-known brand and a straightforward CD option without any hoops to jump through.

Read more about Barclays Online CDs.

CIT Bank CD

Why I like it:
CIT Bank CD provides a reliable choice with a respectable APY, though it does require a higher minimum deposit ($1,000). It’s a solid pick if you have a bit more to invest and want the peace of mind from a trusted bank.

Read more about CIT Bank 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.