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If you want to lock in a guaranteed return but don’t want your money tied up forever, a 2-year CD hits the sweet spot. You’ll often earn more than you would with a 1-year CD, and with interest rates likely to drop later in 2025, now’s a great time to grab a solid rate while it’s still on the table.
Just make sure you won’t need that money for the next two years. CDs come with penalties for early withdrawals, and depending on the bank, those fees can eat into your earnings fast. But if you’re good to set it and forget it, locking in now could help you come out ahead.
On LendingClub's Secure Website.
On Quontic's Secure Website.
On Barclays' Secure Website.
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.
APY = Annual Percentage Yield
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.
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 offers a steady rate and a manageable minimum deposit of $500, making it an approachable option for everyday savers. It’s a great balance of decent yield and commitment length.
Read more about LendingClub CDs.
APY = Annual Percentage Yield
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.
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 gives you a competitive rate with a low minimum deposit ($500), which is ideal if you want to dip your toes into a longer CD term without going all in on a 5-year commitment.
APY = Annual Percentage Yield
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.
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 has no minimum deposit ($0), which makes it super beginner-friendly. The rate isn’t the highest out there, but for set-it-and-forget-it savers, it’s a solid pick with a strong brand name behind it.
Read more about Barclays Online CDs.
APY = Annual Percentage Yield
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.
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 combines an excellent APY with a $0 minimum deposit ($0), so you can start saving without needing a large upfront investment. Plus, Discover has a good track record for customer support.
Here’s how to narrow it down:
If you’ve got cash you won’t need for a while, yes, it’s a smart time to open a 2-year CD. Rates are still high, but with the Fed likely cutting rates later in 2025, today’s yields might not stick around. Locking in now means you’re protected from that dip and can ride out the next two years with a guaranteed return.
But if there’s a chance you’ll need the money sooner, a high-yield savings account might be the better call. It still earns interest and gives you access to your cash whenever you need it. See the best savings rates today.
It depends on your rate and deposit. Higher rates and bigger deposits mean more interest. Use a CD calculator to see what your specific return would be.
Yes, if it’s through an FDIC-insured bank (which all on this page are), your money is protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank.
You’ll usually get a 10-day grace period to withdraw, renew, or roll your CD into a new term. If you do nothing, the bank may auto-renew it — potentially at a lower rate.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Motley Fool Money is 100% owned and operated by The Motley Fool. Our knowledgeable team of personal finance editors and analysts are employed by The Motley Fool and held to the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page. APYs are subject to change at any time without notice.