Top CD Rates Hold Near 4% APY as Fed Keeps Rates Unchanged in 2026

The highest available certificate of deposit rate stood at 4% APY on May 15, 2026, with Marcus by Goldman Sachs offering that yield on a nine-month CD, as banks continue to compete for deposits despite lower benchmark rates. CD yields have declined after the Federal Reserve cut rates three times in late 2024 and three more times in 2025. The Fed has left rates unchanged so far in 2026, helping some online banks and credit unions maintain higher short-term CD offers, particularly on terms of one year or less. FDIC data for April 2026 show national average CD rates remain well below the top available offers, underscoring the spread between traditional bank rates and higher-yielding online institutions. CDs remain federally insured and provide fixed returns, but early withdrawals can trigger penalties, and longer-term investors may seek higher potential returns in market-based assets.