Locking In Top CD Rates: Your Guide to Maximizing Returns
Recently Vanished CD Offers Decrease Variety, Yet Nine Promise 4.50% Return as of May 2, 2025
Ready to grow your savings? Here's a breakdown of the best CD rates as of early May 2025, perfect for securing a solid return on your hard-earned cash.
Short-term Offers
Don't want to tie up your money for long? No worries! Here's the scoop on the hottest short-term offers:
- 3-month CD: Kickstart your savings journey with PonceBankDirect's impressive 4.50% APY offer.
- 6-month CD: PenAir Credit Union throws a curveball with a 4.40% APY offering, ensuring you'll enjoy a rate lock well into 2026.
Long-term Investments
Planning ahead? Check out these top-tier long-term CD rates:
- 18-month CD: XCEL Federal Credit Union leads the pack with a lengthy 4.50% APY offer, keeping your money secure until November 2026.
- 3-year to 5-year CDs: Want to stretch out your guarantee? Savor Lafayette Federal Credit Union's 4.28% APY offer on all certificates from 7 months through 5 years, guaranteeing a return as late as 2030.
The Fine Print
Before you jump in, remember that your deposits at any FDIC bank or NCUA credit union are federally insured, protecting you in the rare event that the institution fails. No matter the size of the bank or credit union, deposits are insured up to $250,000 per person and per institution[1].
Multiyear CDs: Secure Your Future
Worried about anticipated 2025 rate cuts? Lock in today's top CD rates while you can! With the possibility of Fed rate cuts looming, multiyear CDs can help you enjoy a guaranteed rate far into the future[2].
If you're eyeing a rate lock until 2027, PenAir Credit Union has an enticing 4.40% APY offer for 21 months. Or, for a slightly lower APY, Genisys Credit Union offers a 4.32% rate for a comfortable 30-month term.
The Bottom Line
While CD rates have certainly come down from their peak, they're still offering historically high returns[3]. Don't miss out on your chance to secure one of the best CD rates today!
Daily Rankings: Your One-Stop Shop for Top CD Rates
Looking for the latest and greatest CD rates? Our team at Investopedia is constantly on the hunt for the best rates, updating our rankings every business day to bring you the best deposit rates available:
- Best 3-Month CD Rates
- Best 6-Month CD Rates
- Best 1-Year CD Rates
- Best 18-Month CD Rates
- Best 2-Year CD Rates
- Best 3-Year CD Rates
- Best 4-Year CD Rates
- Best 5-Year CD Rates
- Best High-Yield Savings Accounts
- Best Money Market Accounts
Important: Breaking Down the Best Rates
The top rates we quote are the highest nationwide rates Investopedia has identified in its daily rate research on hundreds of banks and credit unions. These figures are significantly higher than the national average, which includes rates offered by banks paying minimal interest[4].
Methodology: How We Find the Best CD Rates
Every business day, our team at Investopedia tracks the rate data of over 200 banks and credit unions offering CDs nationwide. To qualify for our lists, the institution must be federally insured (FDIC for banks, NCUA for credit unions), have minimum opening deposit requirements of no more than $25,000, and specified maximum deposits of no less than $5,000[4]. Banks must be available in at least 40 states, and while some credit unions require donations to certain charities or organizations for membership eligibility, we exclude credit unions requiring donations of $40 or more. For more details on our methodology, be sure to check out our full methodology[4].
[1] FDIC and NCUA insurance details: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fdic_insured.asp[2] 2025 rate cuts: https://www.investopedia.com/news/fed-raises-rates-third-time-2024-december-3/[3] History of CD rates: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fedfundsrate.asp[4] Investopedia CD rate methodology: https://www.investopedia.com/best-cd-rates-money-market-accounts-5091212
Now, go out there and seize those top CD rates – your financial future is calling!
- Investopedia's daily rankings provide the best 3-month CD rates, making it easier to compare and secure the highest returns, just like PonceBankDirect's current 4.50% APY offer.
- For those planning ahead, consider certificates from SavingFirst Federal Credit Union, offering a 4.20% APY on 5-year CDs, potentially earning you a return as late as 2030.
- In the realm of personal finance, locking in top CD rates can serve as a perfect opportunity for diversifying your investment portfolio, alongside other instruments like tokens in the crypto market.
- Keep in mind that, while navigating the world of CD rates, you could also explore options like the ETHLend (LEND) token, which uses smart contracts for peer-to-peer lending, offering an alternative avenue for wealth creation in 2023.
- As with any investment, it's crucial to consult finance experts before making decisions, ensuring you're making informed decisions for your personal-finance goals and time horizon.
