You may know the American Express brand best for its valuable credit cards. However, Amex has a lot more to offer, including some generous certificates of deposit (CDs). The return rates are high and the buy-in is low—for the bank’s standard CDs, at least.
Here’s what you need to know about American Express CD rates.
Rates are current as of Feb. 3, 2026, and are subject to change.
American Express CD rates and products
American Express keeps things simple with its CDs as there are no specialty options such as flex, bump-up, or IRA CDs to choose from.
Each CD type from Amex comes with different term options, minimum opening deposit requirements, and even early withdrawal penalties.
Standard CDs
American Express Standard CDs come in nine different term lengths: 11, 12, 14, 18, 22, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. Because there is no required minimum opening deposit, American Express CDs could be a great option for a CD ladder.
American Express standard CD rates
Bank details checked Feb. 3, 2026.
Compare American Express to competitors
American Express CDs are straightforward and relatively high earning. But depending on the term you want, competing banks may offer more impressive returns. Here’s a look at American Express compared to other popular options.
 American Express |  Ally Bank |  Northern Bank Direct |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 6 months | 6 months |
| N/A | 3.50% | 4.15% |
| 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| 3.25% | 3.75% | 3.25% |
| 18 months | 18 months | 18 months |
| 3.00% | 3.60% | 3.25% |
| 24 months | 24 months | 24 months |
| 3.00% | N/A | 3.25% |
| 36 months | 36 months | 36 months |
| 2.25% | 3.40% | 3.25% |
| Learn more | Learn more | Learn more |
| View offer at MoneyLion | View offer at Northern Bank Direct |
Bank details checked Feb. 3, 2026.
Learn more about American Express
Founded in 1850, American Express is one of the bigger banks in the U.S. The bank is based in New York but operates as an online-only financial institution.
In addition to CDs, it offers options such as checking and high-yield savings accounts, credit cards, personal loans, and business lines of credit. It also operates a travel portal through which you can book airfare, rental cars, hotels and much more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum deposit required for American Express CDs?
Personal American Express CDs don’t have a minimum deposit requirement.
Can you open an American Express CD online?
Yes, you can quickly open an American Express CD online.
How long do you have to fund an American Express CD after approval?
You must fund an American Express CD within 60 days from account approval.
Are American Express CDs FDIC insured?
Yes, American Express CDs are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per account holder per account ownership category.
Can you choose how to receive interest payments on American Express CDs?
Yes, you can choose to receive interest payments from your American Express CDs in multiple ways. You can have monthly deposits into your Amex savings account (or a separate external account), or you can request a check every month, quarter, or year.
