Best CD yields for March 7, 2026 (top account offers 4% APY)

Maximize Your Earnings with Today's Top CD Rates

Curious about how much you could make by securing a high-yield certificate of deposit (CD) right now? With the Federal Reserve having reduced its benchmark rate three times in 2025, this may be your final opportunity to lock in a competitive CD rate before rates potentially drop even further. Since CD rates can differ greatly between banks and credit unions, it’s essential to compare your options to ensure you’re getting the most favorable rate available.

Current CD Rate Highlights

Below, you'll find an overview of the latest CD rates and guidance on where to locate the most attractive deals.

Snapshot of Today’s CD Rates

At present, the most lucrative CD rates are typically found on shorter-term CDs, often those with terms of a year or less. Online banks and credit unions tend to lead the market with the highest rates.

As of March 7, 2026, the top CD rate stands at 4% APY, which is available from Marcus by Goldman Sachs for their 1-year CD product.

Here are some of the standout CD rates you can take advantage of today:

How Much Can You Earn with a CD?

Your potential earnings from a CD are determined by the annual percentage yield (APY), which reflects your total return over a year, factoring in both the base interest rate and how frequently interest is compounded—typically daily or monthly for CDs.

For example, if you place $1,000 in a one-year CD with a 1.55% APY and monthly compounding, your balance would grow to $1,015.61 after a year, earning you $15.61 in interest.

Opting for a one-year CD with a 4% APY instead would increase your ending balance to $1,040.74, resulting in $40.74 in interest over the same period.

The more you invest, the greater your returns. Using the same 4% APY example, a $10,000 deposit would grow to $10,407.42 after one year, netting you $407.42 in interest.

Different Types of CDs to Consider

While interest rates are a key factor when selecting a CD, they’re not the only consideration. There are several CD varieties, each offering unique features—sometimes at the cost of a slightly lower rate in exchange for added flexibility. Here are some popular alternatives to traditional CDs:

• Bump-up CD: This option lets you request a rate increase if your bank raises its CD rates during your term, though you’re typically limited to one “bump up.”
• No-penalty CD: Also called a liquid CD, this type allows you to withdraw your money before the maturity date without incurring a penalty.
• Jumbo CD: These require a much larger minimum deposit—often $100,000 or more—and may offer higher rates, though the difference compared to standard CDs can be minimal in the current market.
• Brokered CD: Purchased through a brokerage rather than directly from a bank, brokered CDs can sometimes provide better rates or more flexible terms, but they may carry additional risks and might not be FDIC-insured.