US Bank CD Rates: Your Guide to Certificate of Deposit Investments
Certificate of Deposit (CD) accounts remain a popular and secure savings option for individuals looking to earn predictable returns on their money. As of November 2025, the CD market continues to offer competitive rates across various term lengths, making it an opportune time to explore CD investment options. Understanding current rates, comparing different banks, and knowing how to select the right CD term for your financial goals is essential for maximizing your savings potential.
Current National Average CD Rates for November 2025
The national average CD rates have shifted slightly as the Federal Reserve continues its monetary policy adjustments. As of Saturday, November 29, 2025, the national average annual percentage yields (APYs) reflect the current economic environment and banking sector trends.
The current national average rates are as follows:
- 1-year CD: 1.93 percent APY
- 3-year CD: 1.65 percent APY
- 5-year CD: 1.69 percent APY
These national averages represent the baseline rates offered across the banking industry. However, individual banks and credit unions often offer substantially higher rates to attract deposits. Online banks and credit unions frequently provide APYs significantly exceeding these national averages, with some institutions offering rates in the 4 percent range or higher.
Understanding Recent Rate Trends
CD rates have experienced gradual changes throughout 2025 as the Federal Reserve implemented its monetary policy strategy. The Fed reduced its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points at its September 2025 meeting, bringing the rate to a range of 4.00 percent to 4.25 percent. This reduction followed the Fed’s initial easing cycle that began in late 2024, after the post-pandemic period characterized by multi-decade-high interest rates in 2023.
Because CD rates typically move in the same direction as Federal Reserve rates, analysts forecast that CD rates will continue to gradually decrease through the end of 2025 and into 2026. This trend suggests that those seeking CD investments should act promptly to lock in current rates before further declines occur.
Looking at the rate history from August through November 2025, one-year CDs have declined from 2.04 percent in mid-August to 1.93 percent by late November, representing a steady downward trend. Similarly, three-year and five-year CDs have remained relatively stable in the 1.65 to 1.71 percent range.
Best CD Rates by Term Length
While national averages provide a baseline, many financial institutions offer substantially competitive rates. Understanding the best available rates by term can help you make informed decisions about where to deposit your money.
6-Month CD Rates
Short-term CDs remain attractive for those seeking liquidity while still earning competitive returns. The best 6-month CD rates available include:
- Bread Savings: 4.20% APY
- Limelight Bank: 4.15% APY
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs: 4.05% APY
- First Internet Bank of Indiana: 3.92% APY
- BankFive: 3.90% APY
Six-month CDs appeal to investors who want to access their funds relatively quickly while still earning returns above savings account rates. These shorter-term options are ideal for those who anticipate needing their money or who want to reassess their investment strategy in the near term.
1-Year CD Rates
One-year CDs offer a balance between reasonable access to funds and meaningful interest earnings. Current best rates for 1-year CDs include:
- Alliant Credit Union: 4.10% APY
- Limelight Bank: 4.05% APY
- M.Y. Safra Bank: 4.01% APY
- Morgan Stanley Private Bank: 4.00% APY
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs: 4.00% APY
One-year CDs represent one of the most popular CD terms, offering a good mix of competitive rates and reasonable commitment periods. Many financial institutions prioritize offering attractive rates on one-year products to draw new deposits.
3-Year CD Rates
For those with a longer investment horizon, 3-year CDs provide stability and predictable returns. Leading institutions offering competitive 3-year CD rates include:
- The Federal Savings Bank: 3.95% APY
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs: 3.90% APY
- M.Y. Safra Bank: 3.87% APY
- Synchrony Bank: 3.75% APY
- TAB Bank: 3.75% APY
Three-year CDs appeal to investors seeking multi-year stability without committing to the longest-term options. These medium-term CDs help balance earning potential against inflation while maintaining reasonable flexibility.
5-Year CD Rates
For the most committed savers, 5-year CDs lock in rates for an extended period, providing maximum predictability. Best 5-year CD rates currently available are:
- M.Y. Safra Bank: 3.91% APY
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs: 3.90% APY
- Sallie Mae: 3.90% APY
- The Federal Savings Bank: 3.80% APY
- Morgan Stanley Private Bank: 3.75% APY
Five-year CDs typically offer the best long-term rate lock, though they require a significant commitment period. These are ideal for investors planning for specific future financial needs or those who prefer maximum rate stability.
Featured Banks and Credit Unions
Limelight Bank
Limelight Bank, an online financial institution based in Utah, operates nationwide and offers competitive CD rates across multiple terms. With a Bankrate CD rating of 4.4 out of 5, the bank provides annual percentage yields ranging from 3.70 percent to 4.20 percent. Limelight offers CD terms spanning from six months to three years, with a minimum deposit requirement of $1,000. The bank’s four available CD terms include six-month, one-year, 18-month, and three-year options, making it suitable for various savings timeframes. While Limelight Bank excels with short to medium-term CD rates, investors seeking longer-term investments lasting five years or more should explore alternative institutions.
Bask Bank
For those interested in short-term CD investments, Bask Bank offers competitive rates on 3-month CDs with a rating of 4 out of 5 from Bankrate. The bank provides a 4.00 percent APY on 3-month CDs with a $1,000 minimum deposit requirement. Bask Bank’s short-term offerings are particularly attractive for investors with immediate savings goals or those wanting to quickly reassess their investment strategy.
How Bankrate Calculates National Averages
Understanding how national CD rate averages are calculated helps investors interpret market data accurately. Bankrate surveys up to 1,300 banks and credit unions weekly to generate national average rates. This comprehensive survey includes both widely available institutions and some of the nation’s largest banks, as well as institutions known for offering high yields.
Bankrate has enhanced its national averages database multiple times throughout 2025, with significant improvements made on April 14, 2025, that retroactively impacted previous weeks’ listings. These methodological refinements ensure that rate data remains accurate and reflects the true market landscape. By incorporating such a large sample of institutions, Bankrate’s national averages provide a reliable benchmark for comparing individual bank offerings against market standards.
Recent CD Rate Changes
The CD market has experienced notable rate adjustments throughout late 2025. Several major financial institutions have reduced their CD rates as market conditions shifted:
- November 18, 2025: Synchrony Bank lowered its three-year and five-year CDs by 15 to 25 basis points, with its five-year CD declining from 4.00 percent to 3.75 percent APY
- November 7, 2025: Bask Bank reduced four of its CD products by 10 to 15 basis points, including its one-year CD from 4.00 percent to 3.85 percent APY
- October 30, 2025: First Internet Bank lowered all eight CD rates by at least 10 basis points, with its five-year CD declining from 3.56 percent to 3.45 percent APY
- October 24, 2025: LendingClub reduced its eight-month CD from 4.25 percent to 4.10 percent APY
These rate reductions reflect the broader trend of declining CD rates as the Federal Reserve continues its monetary easing cycle. Investors who have been considering CD investments should recognize that current rates represent attractive opportunities before further decreases occur.
Comparing CD Terms: A Strategic Analysis
Selecting the appropriate CD term requires balancing several factors including rate competitiveness, liquidity needs, and financial goals. Here’s a comparison of different CD terms to help guide your decision:
| CD Term | Average APY Range | Best For | Liquidity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-6 months | 3.90% – 4.27% | Short-term savings, upcoming expenses | High – Quick access |
| 1 year | 4.00% – 4.10% | Balanced saving strategy | Moderate – Reasonable commitment |
| 3 years | 3.75% – 3.95% | Medium-term planning | Low – Extended commitment |
| 5 years | 3.75% – 3.91% | Long-term wealth building | Very Low – Maximum commitment |
Frequently Asked Questions About CD Rates
Q: What is a Certificate of Deposit (CD)?
A: A Certificate of Deposit is a savings product offered by banks and credit unions where you agree to deposit money for a fixed period in exchange for a guaranteed interest rate. When the term ends, you receive your principal plus earned interest. Early withdrawal typically results in penalties.
Q: Are current CD rates likely to increase or decrease?
A: Based on current Federal Reserve policy and economic forecasts, CD rates are expected to continue declining through the end of 2025 and into 2026. The Fed’s easing cycle that began in late 2024 suggests rates will trend downward. Investors seeking higher rates should consider locking in current rates sooner rather than later.
Q: What is the difference between the national average CD rate and the best available rate?
A: The national average represents the typical rate across all surveyed institutions, while the best available rates are offered by specific banks trying to attract deposits. Currently, the best rates are substantially higher than national averages—often 2 to 2.5 percentage points higher—making it worthwhile to shop around.
Q: How do I choose between different CD terms?
A: Consider your financial timeline and liquidity needs. Short-term CDs (3-6 months) offer higher rates and quick access. One-year CDs balance rate competitiveness with reasonable commitment. Three to five-year CDs provide rate stability for long-term planning but sacrifice liquidity. Match the term to when you’ll need the money.
Q: What is FDIC protection for CDs?
A: FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) protection covers CD deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank. This insurance protects your principal and accrued interest if the bank fails, making CDs one of the safest savings options available.
Q: Can I withdraw money from a CD before maturity?
A: Yes, but early withdrawal typically incurs penalties. The penalty amount varies by institution and CD term—longer-term CDs usually have higher penalties. Some banks offer no-penalty CDs with slightly lower rates in exchange for withdrawal flexibility.
Q: Should I ladder my CD investments?
A: CD laddering involves purchasing multiple CDs with different maturity dates. This strategy provides regular access to portions of your money while maintaining competitive rates across your entire CD portfolio. It’s an effective approach for those wanting balance between rates and liquidity.
Maximizing Your CD Investment Strategy
To optimize your CD investment returns in the current market environment, consider these strategic approaches. First, take advantage of current rates before they decline further by acting promptly on your CD decisions. Second, compare rates across multiple institutions rather than settling for the first offer you receive—the difference between institutions can represent thousands of dollars in additional interest over time. Third, consider diversifying across different CD terms to balance rate competitiveness with access to your funds. Finally, explore online banks and credit unions, which often offer substantially higher rates than traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.
Conclusion
As of November 2025, the CD market offers genuine opportunities for savers seeking predictable, guaranteed returns. While national average rates have declined to 1.93 percent for one-year CDs, competitive banks and credit unions continue offering rates in the 4 percent range across various terms. With further rate declines expected through the remainder of 2025, now represents a favorable time to lock in competitive CD rates. By comparing offerings from multiple institutions, selecting appropriate term lengths for your financial goals, and understanding current market trends, you can maximize your CD investment returns and build a stronger financial foundation for the future.
References
- Current CD Rates For November 2025 — Bankrate. 2025-11-29. https://www.bankrate.com/banking/cds/current-cd-interest-rates/
- Best CD Rates Of November 2025 — Bankrate. 2025-11-29. https://www.bankrate.com/banking/cds/cd-rates/
- Best CD Rates for November 2025: Up to 4.30% — NerdWallet. 2025-11-29. https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/best/cd-rates
- Best 6-Month CD Rates For November 2025 — Bankrate. 2025-11-29. https://www.bankrate.com/banking/cds/best-6-month-cd-rates/
- Best 1-Year CD Rates for November 2025 — Bankrate. 2025-11-29. https://www.bankrate.com/banking/cds/best-1-year-cd-rates/
- Historical CD Interest Rates 1984-2025 — Bankrate. 2025-06-02. https://www.bankrate.com/banking/cds/historical-cd-interest-rates/
This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider your own situation, or speak with a licensed adviser, before acting on it.