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Best 3-Year CD Rates of 2025

Updated
Brooklyn Sprunger
Author: Brooklyn Sprunger
Brooklyn Sprunger
Brooklyn Sprunger
Content Manager

Brooklyn Sprunger is a full-time Content Manager and Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, where she oversees product reviews and ratings while also writing about credit cards, bank accounts, investing, auto insurance, and other personal finance topics. She has worked in financial content since 2018, including more than four years at The Motley Fool. When she’s not writing or editing, Brooklyn is likely hiking and watching the Tennessee Vols.

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.

A 3-year CD is a happy medium -- long enough to earn solid interest, but not so long you’ll feel like you’re waiting forever to touch your money again. And with the Fed likely cutting rates later in 2025, locking in a 3-year term now could pay off in the not-so-distant future.

Just be sure you won’t need that cash during the term. If there’s a chance you’ll need it for an emergency or big purchase, go for a more flexible option. But if you’ve got a savings cushion already and want a hands-off way to earn more than a regular savings account, 3-year CDs are a smart play.

  • 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 top 3-year CDs

Rates as of Sept. 11, 2025
Quontic CD

Quontic CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
3.25%
Term:
3 Year
Min. Deposit:
$500
Open Account for

On Quontic's Secure Website.

Discover® Bank CD

Discover® Bank CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
3.60%
Term:
3 Year
Min. Deposit:
$0
Open Account for

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

Barclays Online CD

Barclays Online CD

Member FDIC.
APY:
3.00%
Term:
3 Year
Min. Deposit:
$0
Open Account for Barclays Online CD

On Barclays' 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 3-year CDs

Quontic CD

Rates as of Sept. 11, 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 keeps things simple with a clear rate and approachable $500 minimum. I like it for its no-frills, reliable return over a mid-length term.

Read more about Quontic CDs.

Discover® Bank CD

Rates as of Sept. 11, 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% 3.50% 3.50% 4.00% 3.80% 3.60% 3.60% 3.60% 3.60% 3.60% 3.50% 3.50%

Why I like it:
With a $0 minimum ($0), Discover® Bank CD is one of the most accessible 3-year CDs on the market. Plus, Discover’s reputation and easy account access make it ideal for first-timers.

Read more about Discover® Bank CDs.

Barclays Online CD

Rates as of Sept. 11, 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 doesn’t make you jump through hoops — no minimum deposit ($0) and an easy online setup. It’s a good choice if you want to keep things low-effort and low-risk.

Read more about Barclays Online CDs.

How to choose a 3-year CD

Picking a 3-year CD comes down to how much you want to lock in, how soon you’ll need access, and whether you’re optimizing for returns or flexibility. Here are a few quick tips:

  • Timeline matters: You’ll need to leave the money untouched for three years -- otherwise, you’ll likely face early withdrawal penalties.
  • Check minimum deposits: Some banks ask for $500 or more, others let you start with any amount.
  • Bank quality: A competitive rate is great, but customer experience and easy account management also matter when your money is parked for multiple years.
  • Future rate trends: If you believe rates will drop in the near future, locking in now could protect your returns.

Is now a good time to get a 3-year CD?

If you have cash you won’t need for the next few years, now is a good time to lock in a 3-year CD. Rates are still relatively strong, and there’s a good chance we’ll see cuts from the Fed later in 2025. Locking in today helps you hedge against lower future yields and guarantees a steady return without risk.

But flexibility still counts. If there’s a chance you’ll need to dip into those funds early, a high-yield savings account gives you access to your money and still earns competitive interest. See the best high-yield savings rates today.

FAQs

  • No, most CDs don’t let you add funds once the account is opened. If you plan to save more, consider a high-yield savings account or staggered CD ladder.

  • Your CD will “mature,” and the bank will usually notify you. You’ll have a short grace period to withdraw your money or roll it into a new CD. If you don’t act, it may auto-renew.

  • Yes, once you lock in your CD, your rate stays the same for the full term. That’s part of what makes CDs a low-risk savings tool.