CD Rates Jump Again in 6 Terms—Led by 5.00% APY

The best CDs are competitive for short and long terms

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August 6, 2026 7:16pm EDT

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Secure a Top CD Yield Today

Yields for 6 different CD terms are up this week, still led by a top rate of 5.00% APY for a 4-month term. In the past week, we’ve seen new high rates for 1-year, 18-month, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year CDs. The Fed held rates steady last week, and while future rate hikes are possible, there’s no sense letting your money sit idle.

Trying to time the market with your cash in a traditional savings account means watching inflation slowly eat away at your purchasing power. Opening multiple CDs provides a smarter strategy: You can secure standout yields today while leaving some money free for higher-paying CDs later this year or next.

Lock In a High CD Rate Now

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Stay liquid with a high-yield savings account: While CDs are ideal for locking in today’s best rates, high-yield savings accounts let you withdraw money as needed. The best high-yield savings accounts offer up to 4.26% APY right now, comfortably beating the 3.50% inflation rate. They’re ideal liquid companions to a fixed-rate CD.

Lock in for 365 days: The best 1-year CD rate rose 10 basis points and now sits at 4.40%, the highest it’s been since September, 2025. This return is well above the national average and beats the current inflation rate by more than a percentage point. Grab it while you can.

The CD sweet spot: If 6 months feels too short but inflation makes a long-term bet feel too risky, the best 18-month CDs offer a smart middle ground. The top rate just increased to 4.35%, up 35 basis points from February. Lock in a premium rate today, and adjust your strategy in 2028 as necessary when your CD term is up.

Save money for long-term goals: If you're saving for a goal two years out, locking in a high rate lets you set it and forget it. The top 2-year CD rate is now at 4.45%, providing a guaranteed yield into 2028.

Defend your wealth until summer 2030: Short-term offers might grab headlines, but the best 4-year CD rates have just risen by 20 basis points to 4.50%. A multi-year CD is an easy way to put your savings on autopilot and tune out the volatility of coming years.

Long-term offers are getting more attractive: The best 5-year CD rate has climbed 20 basis points in the past two weeks to 4.50%, the highest rate we’ve seen since August, 2024. This long-term commitment beats today’s inflation rate and guarantees a steady growth trajectory for your cash, no matter where rates go next.

Save more and stay flexible with a money market account: Money market APYs can change when the Fed makes an adjustment, but with the central bank expected to hold firm or raise rates this year, the best deals of 4.00% are likely to stick around or even climb. MMAs bridge the gap between savings and checking accounts, offering high yields with the added benefit of check-writing privileges.

Earn even better rates with a high-interest checking account: If you already use a debit card regularly, you could earn up to 6.75% APY with the best high-interest checking accounts. These accounts often outperform savings accounts and CDs, as long as you meet monthly requirements, and they have variable APYs that may increase if the Fed raises rates.

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CD Rates Jump Again in 6 Terms—Led by 5.00% APY

The best CDs are competitive for short and long terms

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