Best 18-month CD rate today: 4.35% APY from Marcus by Goldman Sachs
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This Yahoo Finance article, published on September 11, 2026, reports that the best certificate of deposit (CD) rate available today is 4.35% annual percentage yield (APY) on an 18-month CD offered by Marcus by Goldman Sachs. The article notes that CD rates have been declining due to the Federal Reserve cutting its benchmark rate three times in late 2024 and three times in 2025, but with the Fed leaving rates unchanged so far in 2026, some banks still offer competitive rates. Top rates reach about 4% APY, especially for shorter terms of one year or less. The article compares these rates to national averages from the FDIC as of August 2026, which are much lower, emphasizing the importance of shopping around. It explains that online banks and credit unions often offer higher rates due to lower overhead costs or not-for-profit structures. The article advises that CDs are safe, federally insured, and allow locking in rates, but warns of early withdrawal penalties and recommends high-yield savings or money market accounts for those needing flexible access to funds.
Source report
By Tim Manni Fri, September 11, 2026, 3:00 AM PDT | 3 min read
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If you're looking for a secure place to store your savings, a certificate of deposit (CD) may be a great choice. These accounts often provide higher interest rates than traditional checking and savings accounts. However, CD rates can vary widely. Learn more about CD rates today and where to find high-yield CDs with the best rates available.
Below is a look at some of the best CD rates available today from our verified partners.
Banks with the Best CD Rates Right Now
Today's CD rates vary quite a bit. In general, however, CD rates have been declining for quite some time due to the Federal Reserve's decision to cut its benchmark rate three times in the latter part of 2024 and three times in 2025. Even so, with the Fed leaving rates unchanged so far in 2026, some banks are still offering competitive CD rates.
For institutions offering competitive rates, top rates reach about 4% APY. This is especially true for shorter terms of one year or less.
Today, Friday, September 11, 2026, the highest CD rate is 4.35%. Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers it on its 18-month CD.
Comparison with National Averages (as of August 2026)
Compare these rates to the national average as of August 2026 (the most recent data available from the FDIC):
- National averages are much lower than today's top CD rates.
- This highlights the importance of shopping around for the best CD rates before opening an account.
Why Do Online Banks Have the Best CD Rates?
Online banks and neobanks are financial institutions that operate solely via the web. That means they have lower overhead costs than traditional brick-and-mortar banks. As a result, they are able to pass those savings on to their customers in the form of higher interest rates on deposit accounts (including CDs) and lower fees. If you're looking for the best CD rates available today, an online bank is a great place to start.
However, online banks aren't the only financial institutions offering competitive CD rates. It's also worth checking with credit unions. As not-for-profit financial cooperatives, credit unions return their profits to customers, who are also member-owners. Although many credit unions have strict membership requirements limited to those who belong to certain associations or work or live in certain areas, there are also several credit unions that just about anyone can join.
Should You Open a CD?
Whether or not you should put your money in a CD depends on your savings goals. CDs are considered a safe and stable savings vehicle — they don't lose money (in most cases), are backed by federal insurance, and allow you to lock in today's best rates.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider:
- Early withdrawal penalties: You must keep your money on deposit for the full term; otherwise, you'll be subject to an early withdrawal penalty.
- Limited access to funds: If you want flexible access to your funds, a high-yield savings account or money market account may be a better option.
Source
Yahoo FinanceWestern