Today’s CD Rates for August 12, 2024: Up to 5.92% APY (2024)

The highest CD rate for August 12, 2024 is 5.92% from Merchants Bank of Indiana for 2 years.

Current CD Rates

An overview of the national average CD rates for select standard term lengths and data on each term’s basis point increase or decrease history is outlined below. A basis point is a financial measurement that indicates a change in interest rates. One basis point is equal to 1/100 of a percent, or .01%.

Additionally, the CD rates are reflected as annual percentage yields (APYs). An APY is the actual rate of return depositors will receive in one year, including compounded interest.

3-Month CD Rates Are up, 0.02

A three-month CD may be a good option for depositors with short-term savings goals. The average APY on a three-month CD is 1.59%, which is an increase from the average rate at the same time last week.

The best three-month APY today is significantly higher at 5.61%. At the current rate, depositors will earn $140.25 in interest on a $10,000 investment.

6-Month CD Rates Are down, -0.02

Another option for a CD that doesn’t require a long-term commitment is a six-month CD. The average APY on a six-month CD is 2.52%, which is a decrease from the average rate at the same time last week.

The best three-month APY today is significantly higher at 5.51%. At the current rate, depositors will earn $277.40 in interest on a $10,000 investment.

1-Year CD Rates Are down, -0.02

One of the most popular CD term lengths is the one-year CD. The average APY for a one-year CD is 2.61%, which is a decrease from the average rate at the same time last week.

The best one-year CD APY today is significantly higher at 5.92%. At the current rate, depositors will earn $609.82 in interest on a $10,000 investment.

2-Year CD Rates Are steady, 0.00

For those without cash needs in the next 24 months, a two-year CD can be a good option for savers looking to lock in a high rate for an extended period of time. The average APY for a two-year CD is 2.09%, which is steady from the average rate at the same time last week.

The best two-year CD APY today is significantly higher at 5.92%. At the current rate, depositors will earn $1,256.83 in interest on a $10,000 investment.

3-Year CD Rates Are steady, 0.00

For depositors able to set money aside for several years, a three-year CD may be a good investment. The average APY for a three-year CD is 1.94%, which is steady from the average rate at the same time last week.

The best three-year CD APY today is significantly higher at 5.92%. At the current rate, depositors will earn $1,943.30 in interest on a $10,000 investment.

5-Year CD Rates Are steady, 0.00

For depositors able to set money aside for several years, a five-year CD may be a good investment. The average APY for a five-year CD is 1.92%, which is steady from the average rate at the same time last week.

The best three-year CD APY today is significantly higher at 4.39%. At the current rate, depositors will earn $2,454.37 in interest on a $10,000 investment.

Factors That Affect CD Rates

CD rates change frequently based on the economic environment. Inflation, the federal funds rate and predictions of market movements over the term period of the CD all play into how rates move from week-to-week and month-to-month.

There are also several factors outside of macroeconomic trends that will impact CD rates. These include:

• Total CD amount: Banks sometimes offer premium interest rates for “jumbo CDs” and vary the interest rate based on the deposit amount.
• Where you live: CD rates occasionally differ by ZIP code.
• Your lender: Banks, credit unions and online lenders may offer slightly different rates.

How To Shop for the Best CD Rate and Terms

Below are some helpful tips in finding the best CD rate:

1. Check for promotional rates: Several institutions offer better rates for non-standard term lengths such as five-month, seven-month, 11-month and 13-month terms. The best CDs generally have an interest rate that is three times the national average.

2. Know your CD term period: CD terms can range from as little as three months to as long as 60 months. Depending on your term period, the rates offered on the CD can vary based on current and forecasted interest rates.

3. Examine any fees or minimum deposits: Most CDs have early withdrawal fees and minimum deposits to earn the marketed APY. On the flipside, many institutions offer a grace period (usually one to two weeks) after opening an account so depositors can make withdrawals without paying a penalty fee.

Expert Forecast for CD Rates

Market rates on CDs rose dramatically once the Federal Reserve began increasing the federal funds rate in March 2022. We spoke with Rob Williams, managing director of wealth management at Charles Schwab, on what experts predict will happen to CD rates in 2024:

Rob Williams

Managing Director of Wealth Management at Charles Schwab

“Based on Fed statements, it appears more likely than not that short-term interest rates, including rates on cash investments like CDs, may fall in the next 12 months.”

Williams recommends that “investors using cash as an investment, not everyday spending, may want to extend into CDs with longer maturities to lock in yields now.”

More CD Resources

• CD calculator
• Types of CDs
• Historical CD rates

Methodology

Data for this report comes from Curinos, LLC. Curinos is the leading provider of data, technologies and insights for financial institutions. Read our full CD rate methodology here.