Some advertisements and offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us. That may influence which products we write about, but it does not affect what we write about them. Here's an explanation of how we make money and our Advertiser Disclosure.
In a falling interest rate environment, it’s more important than ever to ensure your savings are earning a solid return. Putting your money in a certificate of deposit (CD) is one smart way to lock in today’s elevated rates before they’re gone.
In fact, many banks and credit unions are offering CD rates of 4% APY and higher. And the best rates may be found at your local bank or credit union.
Use the following map to see the highest CD rate available in each state. You can toggle between banks and credit unions to find a financial institution that fits your needs.
Note: CD rates are accurate as of March 13, 2025. Always verify rates and account details directly with financial institutions before opening an account.
5 states with the highest CD rates
Top CD rates are competitive across the U.S. That said, these five states have the highest rates today.
Texas: 7.50% APY
The highest CD rate in the country can be found in Texas. For a limited time, Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union (AFTCU) is offering a 7-month savings certificate at 7.50% APY. The minimum opening deposit for this account is $500 and the maximum investment is $7,500.
There are a few ways you can qualify to join ATFCU:
-
You live, work, attend school, or worship in Taylor or Callahan counties
-
You are related to a current member, or related to someone who is eligible to join (even if they have chosen not to join)
-
You’re an employee of a public school system in an eligible Texas county
You must open a membership savings account with a $25 minimum deposit to establish your membership with the credit union. Once you’ve joined, you can open a CD.
Read more: What is a share certificate?
California: 6.00% APY
Financial Partners Credit Union (FPCU) offers the second-highest CD rate in the country on its 8-month certificate. Members can earn 6.00% APY with a minimum opening deposit of $1,000 and a maximum deposit of $5,000. This offer is only available for new members in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, or San Diego County; the city of South San Francisco; and the city of Alameda, Calif.
To join FPCU, you must live, work, or go to school in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, or San Diego County, or the City of South San Francisco or Alameda, Calif. You’re also eligible if you’re an employee or retiree of one of FPCU’s select employer groups.
If you are eligible to join, you can establish membership by depositing at least $25 in a savings account. Your membership is then active and solidified for life, even if you change jobs or move away from these California communities.
Utah: 5.30% APY
Utah-based Firefighters Credit Union is offering a 6-month CD that pays 5.30% APY — more than three times the national average for 6-month CDs. The minimum opening deposit for this account is $1,000.
Membership with Firefighters Credit Union is open to full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters for fire departments located in the state of Utah, as well as full-time or part-time employees of any fire department located in Utah. You can also join if you’re a retired firefighter from a Utah fire department. Immediate family members of current members in good standing can also join.
Read more: 7 credit unions anyone can join
Arkansas: 5.11% APY
Right now, this credit union is offering a 12-month CD that pays 5.11% APY. Although the account requires a minimum opening deposit of $1,000, you’ll need a balance of at least $100,000 to earn the highest advertised rate.
Fort Smith Dixie Cup Federal Credit Union has been operating since 1949 and offers membership to employees of Dixie Cup of Fort Smith or Rock-Tenn of Fort Smith. Spouses and children of members are also eligible to join. The membership application is available at any credit union location and a deposit of $25 or more is required to open your account. Once you become a member, you’re a member for life.
Montana: 5.11% APY
Daniels-Sheridan Federal Credit Union is currently offering a 12-month CD at 5.11% APY. There is a minimum deposit of $500 required.
Any person residing, worshiping, attending school, or working in an eligible Montana county — as well as their immediate family members — are eligible for membership. Once you are a member, your membership is good for life, even if you move.
How to choose the best CD
CDs are not a one-size-fits-all financial product. There are several factors to consider before opening a CD.
Annual percentage yield (APY)
A CD’s annual percentage rate, or APY, represents how much your balance will earn in one year when factoring in compound interest. APY is one of the most important factors to evaluate since it impacts how much your balance will grow over time. However, it shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor in which CD you choose.
Read more: What is annual percentage yield (APY)?
Term length
A CD’s term refers to the length of time you’re required to keep your money on deposit in order to earn interest and avoid penalties. Terms can range from a few months to several years.
Choosing the right term length comes down to your savings timeline and the interest rates available. Often, longer-term CDs pay more favorable interest rates as a reward for locking in your money for a longer period. However, if interest rates are on the decline (as they are now), that may not be the case. That’s why it’s important to shop around and compare different terms and rates from various financial institutions to find the best CD for you.
Read more: Are 10-year CD rates worth it?
Minimum opening deposit
A minimum opening deposit is the minimum amount of money you need to deposit in a CD to open the account. Some financial institutions require just a few dollars, while others might require several thousand dollars. When evaluating CDs, consider how much you currently have saved and what minimum deposit amount makes sense for you.
Read more: What's the typical minimum balance for a certificate of deposit?
Early withdrawal penalties
Withdrawing your funds from a CD before it reaches maturity will result in an early withdrawal penalty. Usually, this is expressed as a portion of your earned interest. Before you open a CD, be sure to read the fine print and find out how much it could cost you if you need to pull out your money early.
Read more: What is a CD early withdrawal penalty?
Type of financial institution
Most banks and credit unions offer CDs. Which one is right for you depends on your banking needs and priorities when it comes to things like fees, technology, and customer service.
However, you aren’t limited to your local community when it comes to finding high-yield CDs. Online-only banks are an increasingly popular banking option, and many offer highly competitive deposit interest rates with no fees. Plus, these accounts can be opened from anywhere in the country.
Read more: The 10 best online banks of 2025
Methodology
CD rate data was provided by CD Valet, a website and mobile app that delivers comprehensive and unbiased CD rates in terms from one to five years from local and national financial institutions. Rates are accurate as of March 13, 2025.