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Do you have extra cash that you don’t need immediately? Current CD rates are still competitive, with the strongest verified offering to date in this refresh reaching 4.3% APY on a 24-month Growth Certificate from Mountain America Credit Union. Readers looking for a one-year option can currently find 4.08% APY on a 12-month share certificate from Daniels-Sheridan Federal Credit Union, which requires a minimum deposit of $500.
Because CDs at eligible banks and credit unions are federally insured, they are one of the safest ways to lock in a fixed return. The broader rate environment still favors short- and medium-term CDs over many longer maturities, even though the exact leader can change quickly.
Current CD Rates for April 13, 2026
See how today’s top CD rates stack up at different terms.
Editor’s Choice of the Day
- Duration: 24 month cd
- APY: 4.3%
- Minimum Deposit: $5
- Where to open: Mountain America Credit Union
- Why we like it: Perfect for new savers who want to test out CDs without carrying a large balance.
Why do CD rates change?
Banks adjust CD rates based on several factors, including Federal Reserve policy, competition for deposits, and their own funding needs. When short-term benchmark rates rise, CD yields often move in the same direction, though not always by the same amount or at the same time.
The federal-funds target range remains at 3.5% to 3.75% through early 2026, which has helped keep CD yields relatively stable.
National Average CD Rates and Trends
Do you want to know how CD rates have changed over time? Here’s a look at recent national averages and how they’ve changed with the Fed’s rate changes.
- Average CD rates rose sharply from mid-2022 to early 2024 as the Fed raised interest rates to fight inflation.
- After three rate cuts in 2025, CD rates have begun a decline and a slight decline.
- Short-term CDs saw the biggest changes, while long-term rates remained more stable.
CD rate outlook for 2026
The broader outlook for 2026 is that CD rates are no longer rising, but they are still attractive by recent historical standards. After the cut in 2025, rates remain more stable than many savers expect, especially on short- and medium-term CDs.
The Federal Reserve cut rates three times in 2025, indicating that current CD rates could remain as low as 2026.
Best CD rates are hovering around 4.00% to 4.20% right now, with short-term CDs seeing the most movement as markets adjust to the Fed’s policy changes.
If you want to capitalize on today’s top rates, consider opening a CD account soon – ideally one that aligns with your savings goals and in which you won’t need the cash in the next two years.
What to consider before opening a CD?
Before deciding on a rate, consider these key factors:
- Penalty on early withdrawal: Check how much interest you stand to lose if you withdraw the funds before maturity and whether the CD is non-callable.
- your timeline: Choose a CD term that matches your time horizon and when you will need access to your money.
- APY and Compounding: Confirm the APY and how often interest is compounded on your CD.
- insurance coverage: Make sure your CD is covered by the FDIC or NCUA and confirm the insurance limits.
- Auto Renewal Details: Pay attention to when your CD renews so you can make withdrawals or reinvest before it automatically turns over.
Pro Tip: Try CD Laddering
If you want stable returns without locking up all your cash, consider a CD ladder. This strategy lets you:
- Divide your money into multiple CDs with different maturity dates.
- Earn higher rates on longer terms while keeping some cash available quickly.
- Reinvest each phase as it matures to avail the best available APY.
final take to go
If you want a safe place to earn fixed returns, CDs are still worth a look today. The strongest verified rate in this refresh is 4.3% APY, and several other solid options are still paying 4% APY or more depending on the term.
For April 13, 2026, the most obvious solution is that the old daily CD copy may quickly become out of date. The previous top-rate framing and the old long-term bank line are no longer fully supported. Today’s Live Pages instead supports the strong lines of Mountain America Credit Union, Daniels-Sheridan Federal Credit Union and Northern Bank Direct.
Current CD Rates FAQ
- What’s a good CD rate right now?
- A good CD rate right now is typically 4.00% APY or higher, depending on the term and institution. At this refresh, the strongest verified rate is Mountain America Credit Union’s 4.30% APY on a 24-month Growth Certificate, while Daniels-Sheridan Federal Credit Union is currently offering 4.08% APY on a 12-month Share Certificate.
- Are current CD rates going up or down?
- Current CD rates are still competitive, but the exact leader can change quickly. In this refresh, the strongest supportable lines are concentrated in short- and medium-term CDs, rather than the old long-term bank line used in the first article.
- How often do CD rates change?
- There is no fixed schedule. CD rates can change at any time as banks and credit unions adjust pricing, react to market conditions or compete for deposits.
- Are CDs worth it in 2026?
- Yes. CDs are still worth considering in 2026 if a fixed return, federal insurance protection, and a low-risk way to earn more than a traditional savings account are main priorities.
Compare CD Rates
Daria Uhlig contributed reporting to this article.
modus operandi: GOBankingRates analyzes deposit rates from banks and credit unions with nationwide availability. The best rates from this group are identified by focusing on the APY. The institutions listed in the daily chart are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund.
Financial institutions may require certain eligibility criteria – such as membership, existing accounts or location-based restrictions – to open an account or qualify for the listed rates. Always verify account terms, conditions and regional availability with the institution before applying.
Editorial note: This content is not provided by any of the entities involved in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are solely those of the author and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
Rates are subject to change; Unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on the accounts is accurate as of April 13, 2026.
Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create accurate, unbiased and up-to-date content. We fact-check every statistic, quote and fact using reliable primary resources to ensure that the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our Editorial Policy.
