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March 2026's Best CD Rates

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SmartAsset.com maintains strict editorial integrity. It does not provide legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice and is not a financial planner, broker, lawyer, or tax adviser. Consult with your own advisers for guidance. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone and are for informational purposes only. This post may contain links from advertisers, and we may receive compensation for marketing their products or services or if users' purchase products or services. | Marketing Disclosure
SmartAsset.com maintains strict editorial integrity. It does not provide legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice and is not a financial planner, broker, lawyer, or tax adviser. Consult with your own advisers for guidance. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone and are for informational purposes only. This post may contain links from advertisers, and we may receive compensation for marketing their products or services or if users' purchase products or services. | Marketing Disclosure

Finding the Best CD Rates

One way to save and grow your money is to use a certificate of deposit (CD) account. These low-risk banking products essentially lock your money up for a specific period of time in exchange for an interest rate. CDs are offered at many financial institutions, including banks and credit unions, with their APYs typically being some of the strongest. To help you sift through the many options, SmartAsset did the research and put together this list of the best CDs on the market right now.

To calculate how much interest you could earn with a CD, try using SmartAsset's CD calculator.

Bank
APY tooltip icon
Min. Deposit Highlights
E*TRADE Bank logo E*TRADE Bank 4.10% $0
  • Best 1-Year CD
  • Doesn't offer all banking products
Learn more

Highlights

  • Best 1-Year CD
  • Doesn't offer all banking products
Capital One logo Capital One 3.75% $0
  • Best 1-Year CD account with no minimum
  • APY as of 3/2/26
  • Variety of CDs available
Learn more

Highlights

  • Best 1-Year CD account with no minimum
  • APY as of 3/2/26
  • Variety of CDs available
Limelight Bank logo Limelight Bank 3.80% $1000
  • Best 2-year CD account
  • No branch locations
  • A variety of CD options
Learn more

Highlights

  • Best 2-year CD account
  • No branch locations
  • A variety of CD options
Marcus by Goldman Sachs logo Marcus by Goldman Sachs 3.95% $500
  • Best 2-year CD/Savings account combination
  • Easy-to-meet account minimums
Learn more

Highlights

  • Best 2-year CD/Savings account combination
  • Easy-to-meet account minimums
Bread Financial logo Bread Financial 3.75% $1,500
  • Best 2-year CD account for high balances
  • High APY
  • Compounds daily
Learn more

Highlights

  • Best 2-year CD account for high balances
  • High APY
  • Compounds daily
Alliant Credit Union logo Alliant Credit Union 3.60% $1000
  • Best 3-year CD
  • High APY
Learn more

Highlights

  • Best 3-year CD
  • High APY
Synchrony logo Synchrony 3.75% $0
  • Best 5-year CD account
  • No minimum deposit
Learn more

Highlights

  • Best 5-year CD account
  • No minimum deposit
Ally Bank logo Ally Bank 3.25% $0
  • Best bump-up CD
  • Ability to increase APY during term
Learn more

Highlights

  • Best bump-up CD
  • Ability to increase APY during term

How We Determine the Best CD Accounts

SmartAsset analyzed more than 150 CD accounts to create this list. We determined the best CD options based on each of their current APYs and minimum deposits, as well as the customer service of the bank that offers them. Other factors we considered in our analysis were how many other products the bank offers and whether they allow CD laddering. 

Best 1-Year CD: E*TRADE

Best 1-Year CD: E*TRADE

E*TRADE, part of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, offers one of the more competitive 1-year CD options available from a major national bank. Its 12-month CD currently features a 4.10% APY (as of 3/2026), which places it among the stronger rates available for a one-year term. Even better, the account has no minimum deposit requirement, making it accessible for savers who want to start with a smaller amount while still locking in a competitive yield.

With a CD from E*TRADE, your interest rate is fixed for the full term of the account. That means your earnings won’t fluctuate with short-term changes in interest rates or market conditions, making it a stable option for money you don’t plan to use for at least a year. CDs are designed to reward patience, so withdrawing funds before the maturity date may result in an early withdrawal penalty.

Best 1-Year CD With No Minimum: Capital One

Best 1-Year CD With No Minimum: Capital One

Capital One is among the nation’s largest banks in terms of consumer deposits, and it now offers one of the best 1-year CD accounts on the market. 

Capital One comes in with a 3.75% APY (as of 2/11/26), and no minimum deposit requirement, which is a great option for a customer beginning their savings journey. As your 1-year CD with Capital One continues to grow, you won’t have to worry about market risk, since CDs aren’t overly attached to short-term market volatility. 

The bank offers additional flexibility for customers with CD terms that range from six months at a 3.20% APY (as of 3/12/26) to five years at a 3.60% APY (as of 12/4/25). Capital One also features one of its highest rates on its 18-month CD, which offers customers a 3.60% APY (as of 2/11/26) with no minimum deposit requirement as well.

Best 2-Year CD: Limelight Bank

Best 2-Year CD: Limelight Bank

Limelight Bank offers one of the stronger 2-year CD options among online banks, thanks to its competitive rates and straightforward structure. The bank’s longer-term certificates include a 36-month CD earning about 3.80% APY (as of 03/2026), making it a solid option for customers willing to lock in their savings for multiple years. Limelight requires a $1,000 minimum deposit, which is relatively accessible compared with many CDs that require larger opening balances.

Limelight Bank focuses almost entirely on certificates of deposit, which allows it to offer competitive rates across several maturities. Customers can choose terms ranging from six months to three years. Limelight is an online-only division of Capital Community Bank, and deposits are FDIC-insured up to standard limits, giving customers added peace of mind while their savings earn interest. With competitive yields and a simple product lineup centered on CDs, Limelight Bank remains a compelling option for savers looking to lock in a reliable return over a two-year time horizon.

Best 2-Year CD/Savings Account Combination: Marcus by Goldman Sachs

Best 2-Year CD/Savings Account Combination: Marcus by Goldman Sachs

If you’re looking to save more, Marcus by Goldman Sachs is one of the best banks to move your money to. The core of its high-interest accounts includes a great CD and savings account combination.

More specifically, Marcus’ 2-year CD has an APY of 3.95%, while its online high-yield savings account boasts an APY of 3.65%. There is no minimum deposit for the savings account, and the CDs call for only a $500 opening deposit.

Where Marcus struggles compared to some of its major competitors is in its customer service. While the bank recently introduced a mobile banking app for Apple and Android devices, its customer support is only available 14 hours a day during the week and 10 hours a day on the weekends. This could make for a frustrating experience if you need help immediately.

Best High-Balance 2-Year CD: Bread

Best High-Balance 2-Year CD: Bread

Bread Financial has a premier two-year CD account that features an incredibly strong 3.75% APY. This is a great option not only because of the great rate, but also because Bread allows balances to compound daily.

If you’re looking to open a two-year CD with Bread, the main stipulation you’ll encounter is a $1,500 minimum opening deposit (which is standard for all their CD offerings). This may make the account inaccessible for some prospective account holders. However, in the grand scheme of things, many CDs have higher minimums than this.

Best 3-Year CD: Alliant Credit Union

Best 3-Year CD: Alliant Credit Union

Alliant Credit Union offers one of the stronger 3-year CD options available from a national credit union. Its 36-month share certificate currently earns about 3.60% APY (as of 03/2026), giving savers a competitive rate for locking in their funds over a longer term. The account requires a $1,000 minimum deposit, which is relatively accessible compared with many CDs that require several thousand dollars to open.

Alliant Credit Union also offers a variety of CD terms that allow customers to build a flexible savings strategy. Terms currently range from three months to five years, with rates depending on the term length. This range allows customers to create CD ladders or stagger maturities for more regular access to their funds.

Best 5-Year CD: Synchrony

Best 5-Year CD: Synchrony

Synchrony, an online- and mobile-only bank, offers one of the best three-year CD terms in the market in the form of a high APY and minimum deposit affordability. Synchrony’s three-year CD presents a great 3.60% APY to help get first-time savers on the right track. For example, an account holder with $5,000 in savings in their initial deposit with a 3.60% APY would be able to earn an additional $559.67 over 36 months.

Synchrony doesn't require a minimum deposit. The bank offers flexible options outside of those in need of a three-year CD. The bank has 16 different CD terms, one of which starts at three months with a 0.25% APY. Other terms range from six months at a 3.50% APY to five years with a 3.75% APY.

Best Bump-Up CD: Ally Bank Raise Your Rate CD

Best Bump-Up CD: Ally Bank Raise Your Rate CD

Ally’s bump-up certificate of deposit is an account that functions like a normal CD, only it allows the account holder to increase their APY during the account’s term should rates rise. So if you own an Ally Raise Your Rate CD, and the interest rate that’s offered for your account goes up, you can initiate a rate increase to take advantage of that benefit. Note that you can only use this option once during the term of your CD, so if rates start to rise, you’ll need to decide the best time to pull the trigger.

This CD comes in two term length variations: two-year and four-year. In both cases, the starting APY is 3.25%. There are no minimum initial deposits for either account, meaning you can take advantage of them regardless of how much you have to invest. There is also a 0.05% APY loyalty reward waiting for any Ally customers that renew their CD to another Ally CD upon maturation.

Once your account’s term matures, you’ll have a 10-day window to withdraw your money. Otherwise, it will be reinvested into the same CD again.

Is a CD the Right Choice for You?

Certificates of deposit (CDs) are a worthwhile investment when market conditions are right. However, you must also be in a solid financial state if you're able to lock up your money for an extended period of time. CDs can be a safe way to grow money, but you must be comfortable not having access to the funds for the duration of the account's term. CDs are worth it when the following circumstances apply:

• Interests rates are high, and you don't expect them to rise significantly over the course of the CD's term.

• You have extra money sitting in a bank account.

• You already have a separate emergency fund in place.

• You are trying to save up for something big, like a home or car, and want to earn a good return without market risk.

• You are looking for ways to grow money without the temptation of spending it.

In low interest rate markets, CDs are less enticing because returns are often fairly miniscule. As interest rates rise however, CDs become a much more attractive method of investing money.

Another advantage of a CD is that your starting rate is guaranteed. Therefore, you cannot lose money with a CD (though you could lose accrued interest if you withdraw money early). This is as opposed to investing in equities and other securities, where you can end up losing your investment if things go poorly. CD deposits also have the backing of FDIC insurance, up to $250,000. So if your banking institution were to fail, you would still be covered.

CDs are a solid option if you have extra money sitting in your accounts, as long as said account is not your emergency fund. Excess cash that is either not accruing interest or accruing low interest could likely be better served in a CD. The fee associated with withdrawing from a CD before the maturity date also acts as a strong deterrent from spending the money you're saving. It makes CDs ideal for anyone trying to save up for something in the long-term.

What CD Term Should You Go With?

It’s important to create a clear set of savings goals when determining the correct CD term for your needs. Opening up a CD and having to withdraw from it early can mean you lose money, so don't open one unless you're sure you won't need the money until the term is up. The penalty can also be great enough where you could have ended up earning more in a liquid savings account, so don't discount the fact that maybe a CD is not the right option at all. You need to be honest about your finances and what your short- and long-term objectives are before committing to a term.

If your goal with a CD is just to grow money in a safe environment, then building a CD ladder with multiple accounts of varying lengths may be the optimal way to go. Laddering $10,000 across five accounts spanning one- to five-year terms can yield you about $1,200 after five years. In comparison, reinvesting $10,000 in a 1-year account for five years (which gives you the same liquidity as the ladder) would yield you about $300 less over the same time frame.

If you have a more focused goal in mind, like saving up for a car or home, you need to determine when you would like to make those purchases and pick the appropriate term. It’s a good idea to consider your job stability in your decision as well. Investing a significant amount of money in a 5-year CD could put you in a bind if you end up needing liquidity before the account matures.

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How Much You Must Save to Send Two Kids to College and Retire on Time

SmartAsset's interactive map highlights places where you can save the least amount of money each month and be able to send your two kids to college and still retire on time. Zoom between states and the national map to see the top spots in each region. Also, scroll over any city to learn about cost of living in retirement there as well as savings rate.

Worst
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Rank City Median Household Income Cost of Living in Retirement Cost of Attending College (Two Kids) Savings Rate Monthly Savings

Methodology Many people may feel like they need to choose whether to save for their children's education or their own retirement. But there are some places in the country where you can do both. To find the best places to save for sending two kids to college while still retiring on time, SmartAsset gathered data on three separate regional factors. We looked at median household income, cost of living and the cost of attending college.

We wanted to compare a person in the same situation across many locations in the country. So first, we made several assumptions for the persona of this study. The persona is currently 30 years old, will send two kids to in-state college at the approximate age of 50 and retire by age 65.

Next, we looked at data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on the average annual expenditures of retirees over the age of 65 throughout the country. We then applied cost of living data from the Council for Community and Economic Research to adjust those national average spending levels based on the costs of each expense category (housing, food, healthcare, utilities, transportation and other) in each city. We reduced this cost of living by the average annual Social Security benefit received by retired workers, as estimated by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The difference is how much money from savings would be needed in each location. Knowing this amount, we were able to calculate the retirement nest egg that a given household will need to cover its cost of living in retirement for thirty years.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, the average amount people have saved by age 30 for their retirement is approximately $35,000. We assumed the monthly amount each household is saving until retirement as well as the $35,000 would grow at a real return (interest minus inflation) of 5%, reflecting the typical return on a conservative investment portfolio comprised of 50% bonds and 50% stocks. We applied this real return to calculate the total amount a household would actually need to accumulate enough savings by age 65 in order to cover the cost of living in retirement.

Then we determined the total cost to send two kids to college using in-state tuition rates. Finally, we calculated a monthly savings total and a savings rate to reach both goals by adding up the monthly amount you would need to save in order to send two kids to college and the amount you would need to build your retirement nest egg by 65. The areas with the lowest amount of savings needed per month are the best places to live in order to send two kids to college and retire on time.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Council for Community and Economic Research, College Insight, US Census Bureau 2016 5-Year American Community Survey, Vanguard, Social Security Administration, Economic Policy Institute