Morsa Images/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate
Bankrate tracks the best certificate of deposit (CD) rates and recent interest rate trends for you. Here are the current national average annual percentage yields (APYs) as of Friday, April 24, 2026, according to Bankrate’s most recent survey:
- 1-year CD yield: 1.92 percent APY
- 3-year CD yield: 1.65 percent APY
- 5-year CD yield: 1.7 percent APY
How CD rates have changed
The national average rate for one-year and five-year CDs has remained fairly steady in the last few months, after gradually dwindling following a series of Federal Reserve rate cuts in late 2025.
And the same can be said of top CD rates. Some have moved down a bit. Others have moved up a bit. But overall, they’ve remained steady and above the rate of inflation.
You’ll likely find higher rates on shorter-term CDs than longer-term ones (which is not historically the norm. It’s what’s called an inverted yield curve). Since February 2023, the one-year CD average has been higher than the five-year CD average.
How the Federal Reserve impacts CD rates
Competitive CD rates usually move in the same direction as Fed rates.
At the end of 2025, the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate three times in a row, taking it from 4.25%-4.50% to where they’re at now — 3.50-3.75%. This is the lowest it has been since Sept. 2022.
So far in 2026, the Fed has refrained from changing the benchmark rate and while there are several meetings left in 2026, the CME FedWatch predicts the rate won’t budge. That means that CD rates may stay fairly stable for the rest of the year, too.
Top nationally available CD APYs remain close to 4% for many terms, and inflation has recently been running near 3% year over year, keeping real returns positive for many savers.
With the Fed easing on cuts and inflation still moderate, it can be worth comparing CDs across terms to lock in rates that beat inflation while they last.
Is now a good time for a CD?
In an environment where top CD rates are slowly decreasing, a CD could be a good option to consider as long as you won’t need the money during the term. This way, you avoid the early withdrawal penalty. If you might need access to that money before the term is up, you’re better off putting your money in a high-yield savings account instead.
Latest average CD APYs: 3-month trend
Bankrate monitors the national average rates on various CD terms, including:
| Date | 1-year CD | 3-year CD | 5-year CD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/19/2026 | 1.90% | 1.65% | 1.70% |
| 4/12/2026 | 1.90% | 1.64% | 1.69% |
| 4/5/2026 | 1.89% | 1.63% | 1.68% |
| 3/29/2026 | 1.90% | 1.64% | 1.69% |
| 3/22/2026 | 1.89% | 1.64% | 1.69% |
| 3/15/2026 | 1.88% | 1.63% | 1.68% |
| 3/8/2026 | 1.89% | 1.63% | 1.69% |
| 3/1/2026 | 1.89% | 1.63% | 1.69% |
| 2/22/26 | 1.89% | 1.63% | 1.68% |
| 2/16/26 | 1.89% | 1.63% | 1.69% |
| 2/9/26 | 1.90% | 1.64% | 1.69% |
| 2/2/26 | 1.89% | 1.63% | 1.68% |
How Bankrate calculates the national average
Bankrate has made enhancements to our national averages database on April 14, 2025, including ones that retroactively impact previous weeks’ listings in our table. Previous enhancements were also made in January 2025. Up to 1,300 banks and credit unions are surveyed weekly to generate the national averages. Among these institutions are those that are broadly available and offer high yields, as well as some of the nation’s largest banks.
Don’t settle for average
Bankrate’s best CD rates can help you compare CD yields and find the right one for you.
Compare CD rates by term for April 2026
Current 6-month CD rates
- Limelight Bank — 4.08% APY
- E*TRADE — 4.05% APY
- Bread Savings — 4.00% APY
- Colorado Federal Savings Bank — 4.00% APY
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs — 4.00% APY
See additional best 6-month CD rates.
Current 1-year CD rates
- E*Trade — 4.10% APY
- Popular Direct — 4.05% APY
- Limelight Bank — 4.03% APY
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs — 4.00% APY
- First National Bank of America — 3.95% APY
See additional best 1-year CD rates.
Current 3-year CD rates
- BTG Pactual — 4.04% APY
- Sallie Mae — 3.95% APY
- TAB Bank — 3.75% APY
- Colorado Federal Savings Bank — 3.75% APY
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs — 3.70% APY
See additional best 3-year CD rates.
Current 5-year CD rates
- BTG Pactual — 4.07% APY
- Sallie Mae — 4.00% APY
- First National Bank of America — 3.80% APY
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs — 3.80% APY
- TAB Bank — 3.75% APY
See additional best 5-year CD rates.
Note: Annual percentage yields (APYs) shown are as of April 23, 2026. Bankrate’s editorial team updates this information weekly. APYs may have changed since they were last updated and may vary by region for some products.
Current CD rates FAQs
-
Bankrate tracks hundreds of banks and credit unions, none of which currently offer a 6% return on a CD. However, you can find rates at or near 4% on many CD terms, which still outstrips inflation.
-
CD rates are determined by several factors. The decisions made by the Federal Reserve on the federal funds rate will likely influence CD rates. Competition among banks and credit unions also influences the payout on their CDs, as well as whether or not the financial institution needs deposits. In general, online banks tend to pay higher rates than banks with branches. Changes in Treasury yields and economic conditions also influence CD rates.
Learn more to maximize your earnings
Why we ask for feedback
Your feedback helps us improve our content and services. It takes less than a minute to
complete.
Your responses are anonymous and will only be used for improving our website.
Help us improve our content
Thank you for your
feedback!
Your input helps us improve our
content and services.
Read the full article here
