Top CD Rates today, March 13, 2020 – Lock in 4.65% Until this Fall, or 5.0% Until Next Fall

Key Takeaways

• Mountain America Credit Union continues as the leader in the CD market nationally, with its impressive 5.00% Annual Percentage Yield offered for an 18 month term.
• The next best rate is 4.65%. This is available from four different credit unions and banks for durations between 5 and 7 months.
• Skyla Credit Union offers the top 2-year rate of 4.50%—a new offer unveiled this week.
• For a rate lock that will last until 2027, consider a rate of 4.40% from Credit Human, Vibrant Credit Union, or Transportation Federal Credit Union.
• The Fed is almost certain to hold interest rates at the same level next week. Since rate cuts are expected to begin in 2025, you should lock in the best CD rates available today.

Below you'll find featured rates available from our partners, followed by details from our ranking of the best CDs available nationwide.

Rates from 4.50% to 5.00% come with Guarantees until December 2026

Mountain America Credit Union offers a 18-month certificate that guarantees a 5.00% annual percentage yield. This CD would lock your rate in until mid-September, 2026.

The country's runner-up rate is 4.65% APY, available from four competing offers. Two banks and 2 credit unions nationally available are offering this rate with terms ranging between 5 to 7 month.

Abound Credit Union, which offers a 1-year term with a rate guarantee of 10 months, announced a return of 4.60% last week. Vibrant Credit Union also offers the same APY, but for 13 months. Both of these will lock in your rate through 2026.

Another CD, launched last week, will extend your return into the next year. Skyla Credit Union’s 21-month offer at 4.50% will secure your return until Christmas 2026.

All Institutions Federally Insured Are Equally Protection

Your deposits are insured by the federal government if the institution fails. Not only that, but the coverage is identical—deposits are insured up to $250,000 per person and per institution—no matter the size of the bank or credit union.

Consider Multiyear CDs to Lock in Your Rate for the Future

Credit Human offers a variety of CDs that guarantee your return at least until 2027. You can lock in 4.45% guaranteed rate for a term between 18-23 month (you will need to select a minimum of 22 months for the 2027 calendar) or 4.40% for a chosen term between 24 and 35 month.

Anyone looking for an even longer rate-lock got some good new this week. The leading 4-year CD was increased from 4.35% – 4.40%. Vibrant Credit Union offers the new rate. Meanwhile, Transportation Federal Credit Union is also offering 4.40% APY, but on a slightly longer 5-year certificate—ensuring you’ll earn well above 4% all the way until 2030.

The possibility of Fed rates being cut in 2025 or 2026 makes it a smart time to buy long-term CDs. The central bank has already lowered the federal fund rate by one percentage point. This year, there could be further cuts. Bank APYs will fall if the Fed lowers interest rates, but you can enjoy a CD’s rate until it matures.

Today's Best CDs Still Pay Historically High Returns

It's true that CD rates are no longer at their peak. But despite this pullback, CDs offer a fantastic return. The best CD rates in October 2023 were above 6%. However, the leading rate has dropped to 5%. Compare that with early 2022, when the Federal Reserve started its campaign of rate hikes. The best CDs offered a range of 0.50% – 1.70% APY depending on the term.

Jumbo CDs lose to standard CDs in every term

Jumbo CDs require much larger deposits and sometimes pay premium rates—but not always. The best jumbo CDs rates are currently worse than standard CD rates for every term that we track. This means that it is smart to check both types when CD shopping. If your best rate option for the deposit amount you prefer is a standard-sized CD, open it with a large deposit.

Where will CD rates be heading in 2025

In December, Federal Reserve announced the third rate reduction to the federal fund rate in as few meetings. This is a reduction of one full percentage point from September. In January, however, the central banks announced a pause in rates, allowing their benchmark rate to remain unchanged until at least March.

The Fed’s three 2024 rate cuts represent a pivot from the central bank’s historic 2022–2023 rate-hike campaign, in which the committee aggressively raised interest rates to combat decades-high inflation. At its 2023 peak, the federal funds rate climbed to its highest level since 2001—and remained there for nearly 14 months.

The Fed will now likely moderate its pace of lowering interest rates, as inflation was higher in January than expected. According to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, at the time this article was written, interest rate futures trader are currently pricing more than 95% probability of the Fed holding interest rates steady again at its March 19, meeting.

Fed rate movements are significant for savers as they lower the rates that credit unions and banks are willing to pay to consumers for their deposits. CD rates and saving account rates are affected by changes in the fed funds rates.

Time will tell what exactly will happen to the federal funds rate in 2025 and 2026—and economic policies suggested by the new Trump administration have the potential to alter the Fed's course. But with three Fed rate cuts already in the books, today's CD rates could be the best you'll see for some time. It’s a great time to lock-in the best rate for your financial goals.

Daily Rankings for the Best CDs, Savings Accounts and Investments

We update this ranking every day of the week to provide you with the best rates for deposits.

Best 3-Month CD rates

Best 6-Month CD rates

Best 1-Year CD rates

Best CD Rates 18-Months

Best 2-Year Rates on CDs

Best 3-Year CD rates

Best 4-Year Rates

Best 5-Year Rates on CDs

Best High-Yielding Savings Accounts

Best Money Market Accounts

Note that the "top rates" quoted here are the highest nationally available rates Investopedia has identified in its daily rate research on hundreds of banks and credit unions. This is different from the national average that includes all banks that offer a CD in that term. Many large banks pay a pittance of interest. The national averages are usually quite low while the best rates are often five, ten, or even fifteen times higher.

How we find the best CD rates

Investopedia tracks rates for more than 200 banks nationwide that offer CDs, and calculates daily rankings to determine the best-paying certificates by term. To qualify for our lists, the institution must be federally insured (FDIC for banks, NCUA for credit unions), the CD’s minimum initial deposit must not exceed $25,000, and any specified maximum deposit cannot be under $5,000.

Banks must be located in at least forty states. While some credit unions ask you to donate money to a charity or organization to become a membership if you don’t meet the other eligibility criteria, (e.g. if you don’t live in certain areas or work in certain types of jobs), we exclude those credit unions who require a minimum donation of $40. Read our methodology to learn more about how we select the best rates.

Article Sources Investopedia asks writers to use primary resources to support their writing. These include whitepapers, government data, original reports, and interviews with experts in the industry. Where appropriate, we also reference original research by other reputable publishers. Our website contains more information about the standards that we use to produce accurate, unbiased content. Editorial Policy

1. Federal Reserve Board. "Open Market Operations."

2. Federal Reserve Board. "Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement, Jan. 29, 2025."

3. CME Group. "FedWatch."