CD Rates: How Certificates of Deposit Work and Pay
Competitive CD rates let you lock in a guaranteed return, no matter what happens next in the markets. Learn how a certificate of deposit works before you commit your money.
Master the Rules Before You Lock In
Our complete certificate of deposit guide explains how CDs work, from term lengths and fixed APYs to FDIC insurance. It also covers the CD early withdrawal penalty, what happens at maturity and how CD interest is taxed, so there are no surprises.
Compare the Best CD Rates Today
Looking for the best CD rates? Our current CD rate comparison shows terms, APYs, minimum deposits and penalties side by side, so you can match a CD to your timeline.
Real People, Real CD Strategies
Six readers used CDs to solve six different financial problems, from saving for a down payment to protecting retirement cash. Read their stories and see why each one chose their term.
Browse all CD articles below.
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Best CD Rates in October 2026: Compare APYs, Early Withdrawal Penalties and Real Returns
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: October 9, 2026 Looking for the best CD rates? See today’s top CD APYs, early withdrawal penalties and real dollar returns side by side, so you can lock the right rate for the right term. Rates in this article were reviewed in early October 2026 and change often. A CD…
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CD Rates in the U.S. (2026): How Certificates of Deposit Work
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: October 6, 2026 A certificate of deposit (CD) is a simple deal: you lend a bank or credit union a set amount for a fixed term, and it pays you a fixed rate. In exchange for locking your money away, you usually earn more than the national average. CD rates…