This CD still yields 4.50%—here are the best CD rates on February 21, 2025

There’s still time to secure an attractive return on a certificate of deposit, but don’t delay. In the aftermath of the Federal Reserve’s three interest rate reductions in 2024, CD rates fell quickly. They’ve since leveled off in 2025 as the Fed has temporarily suspended further rate changes.

The most lucrative CD rates currently available offer up to 4.50% APY. By funding a certificate now, you could potentially lock in these high rates for years to come. With markets anticipating additional Fed rate cuts this year, any delays may result in missing out.

The best CD rates on February 21, 2025: Earn up to 4.50%

The highest CD rate on February 21, 2025 of 4.50% is offered by Quontic Bank on its 3-month CD. Fortune monitors the top rates offered by leading U.S. financial institutions to help readers obtain the best possible return on their CD investments. Here are the highest CD rates on February 21, 2025:

See how these compare to yesterday's top CD rates.

Compare CD rates by term length

At present, CD rates are elevated across both short-term and long-term options. While annual percentage yields are important, they are not the sole factor when selecting a financial institution for your CD. However, being informed about the highest available rates can guide you in making a well-informed decision.

Compare rates to top national banks

Many of the institutions mentioned may not be familiar because certificates of deposit typically do not generate significant income independently for major financial institutions. 

Established banks like Chase, PNC, and U.S. Bank prioritize attracting customers through more lucrative products, such as loans and credit cards, rather than CDs. Consequently, CD interest rates offered by these banks are often lower compared to those available at smaller regional banks or online institutions. Additionally, securing a competitive rate at these larger banks may necessitate opening additional deposit accounts or meeting higher minimum deposit requirements.

CD rates news 2025

Investors should understand that CD rates move in lockstep with Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions. When the fed funds rate rises or falls, CD rates follow. It’s crucial for CD investors to stay attuned to shifts in central bank policy in order to effectively plan for potential rate adjustments.

At the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) first policy meeting of 2025, held January 28-29, the Fed left interest rates unchanged, as expected. That means CD rates will remain stable for the time being—in fact, we've barely seen any fluctuations in recent weeks. This may change after the next scheduled FOMC meeting, which falls on March 18-19.

In 2024, the Fed cut rates three times, leaving the federal funds rate in a range of 4.25%-4.50% as of December. The central bank reduced rates as inflation began receding following a pandemic-related spike. The rate cuts sought to support the U.S. economy with cheaper loans, and that took CD rates down from highs seen the years prior.

The very rich CD yields in 2022 and 2023 were driven by a two-year-long series of Fed rate hikes. From March 2022 to July 2023, the FOMC raised the federal funds rate 11 times, taking it from zero all the way up to 5.25%-5.50%. The central bank was acting to control inflation that hit highs not seen since the 1980s, driven by the significant economic disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While current CD rates are softer now, they’re still not far off their recent highs. Investors still have plenty of opportunities to secure advantageous rates on both short-term and long-term CDs. By investing a larger lump sum into your CD account, you can benefit from substantial interest accumulation.

Historical CD rates

In the early 1980s, CD rates surged into double digits, in sharp contrast with modern lower rates. By 2019, however, the APY for a 5-year CD had surpassed 3%.

In recent years we experienced a period of increasing rates, with the best offerings surpassing 5% APY for 1-year CDs in 2024. These APYs are now beginning to stabilize, and we no longer see many rates above this threshold in 2025.

How to get a good CD rate

Determining what constitutes a "good" CD rate involves finding a balance between securing the highest available rate and your willingness to keep funds locked away for a specific duration. 

For instance, choosing a 5% APY CD over five years might not be ideal if you expect to need access to your funds sooner or if interest rates increase, potentially lowering your overall returns. Generally, rates that exceed the national average are considered advantageous. 

It's crucial to compare rates across different banks to find the best option tailored to your specific financial goals. Key factors to consider when comparing CDs include:

• Term length: Ensure it aligns with your savings objectives and time frame.
• APY: Higher rates are typically offered for longer terms.
• Minimum deposit: Verify that you can meet the required initial balance.
• Penalties: Understand the costs associated with early withdrawal before maturity.
• Deposit insurance: Confirm that the bank is Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC)- or National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)-insured for deposit protection.

Additionally, online banks often provide higher interest rates, but be mindful of any minimum balance requirements and associated fees. Opting for a bank rather than a broker can sometimes help avoid unnecessary charges.

Look into offerings from online banks

Online banks and fintech companies often offer more competitive rates compared to national banks. Large financial institutions primarily derive revenue from interest on loans, fees, and investments in securities.

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Meanwhile, smaller banks and online fintech companies attract customers by providing competitive APYs on deposit accounts. Furthermore, online banks typically operate with lower overhead costs, allowing them to pass on better rates to their clients.

Set up a CD ladder

CD ladders appeal to savers who prefer flexibility without committing funds for extended periods. By diversifying savings across CDs with different maturity dates, you can balance short-term accessibility with higher long-term interest rates.

For instance, begin by investing $3,000 in three staggered CDs (1-year, 2-year, and 3-year terms). As each CD matures, reinvest the funds into a new 3-year CD. This approach allows annual access to your funds while benefiting from accrued higher interest from the longer term lengths.

Types of certificates of deposit

There are various types of CDs designed to meet different financial needs:

1. Brokered CDs are purchased and sold through brokerage accounts rather than directly from banks or credit unions. They often offer higher APYs because they are issued by banks and then sold to brokerages.
2. Callable CDs include a feature that allows the issuing institution to terminate the CD before its maturity date. Investors receive their principal and any accrued interest up to the call date if this option is exercised.
3. Bump-up CDs allow you to request a higher APY if interest rates increase after opening the account. Typically, you can adjust the rate once or twice during the CD's term.
4. No-penalty CDs do not charge penalties for early withdrawals before maturity. This type is less common and may offer lower APYs compared to traditional CDs.
5. Jumbo CDs require a substantial minimum deposit, often starting at $100,000 or more. They generally offer higher APYs than standard CDs.

Variable-rate CDs have an APY that changes in response to prevailing interest rates. These CDs carry more risk than traditional CDs because a decrease in interest rates before maturity can result in a lower yield.