American Express CD rates
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American Express National Bank offers competitive certificates of deposit (CDs) with no minimum deposit requirement and 24/7 customer service. CD terms range from 11 months to five years, giving savers flexibility for different financial goals.
Our take: The no-minimum structure makes American Express a smart choice for savers building their first CD ladder or testing shorter terms without committing large sums. While some online banks edge out American Express on rates for specific terms, the accessibility here is unmatched.
American Express CD rates
Here's a look at the CD terms offered by American Express National Bank.
| Term | APY | Min. deposit |
|---|---|---|
| 11 months | 3.25% APY | No minimum |
| 1 year | 3.25% APY | No minimum |
| 14 months | 4.00% APY | No minimum |
| 18 months | 3.60% APY | No minimum |
| 22 months | 3.75% APY | No minimum |
| 2 years | 3.60% APY | No minimum |
| 3 years | 3.35% APY | No minimum |
| 4 years | 3.35% APY | No minimum |
| 5 years | 3.50% APY | No minimum |
Note: Annual percentage yields (APYs) were last updated between Dec. 6 and Dec. 12 and may vary by region.
The standout: American Express' 14-month CD pays a high APY with zero barriers to entry.
What makes American Express CDs worth considering
- No minimum deposit requirements: Most online banks require $500 to $1,000 to open a CD. American Express accepts any amount, making it accessible whether you're depositing $50 or $50,000.
- Daily compounding interest: Your interest compounds daily rather than monthly or at maturity. This means you earn returns on your returns every single day, maximizing your APY's impact.
- Automatic renewal with flexibility: CDs automatically renew for the same term at maturity, but you get a 10-day grace period to: Withdraw funds without penalty, add more money, change the term length, or let it renew as-is. This grace period gives you time to reassess rates and decide your next move without rushing.
- 24/7 customer service: American Express provides round-the-clock U.S.-based customer service—unusual in the banking space and especially valuable when you need help outside standard business hours.
How American Express stacks up against top CD rates
American Express offers solid rates, but higher yields exist. If you're chasing the absolute highest APY, banks like Marcus by Goldman Sachs and Synchrony Bank edge ahead on specific terms.
Where American Express wins: The zero-minimum requirement. Marcus requires $500, and many high-yield CDs demand $1,000+. If you're opening multiple CDs to build a ladder or testing terms with smaller amounts, American Express' accessibility matters.
Where American Express falls short: No no-penalty CD option. Banks like Marcus offer no-penalty CDs that let you withdraw principal without fees — useful if you might need access before maturity.
Check out today's best CD rates.
American Express' other savings products
High-yield savings account
American Express offers a competitive savings account with no minimum balance and no monthly fees. The current APY matches or beats many competitors, and you maintain full liquidity—money moves in and out as needed.
When to choose it over a CD: If you're building an emergency fund or might need access within the year, the savings account makes more sense than locking funds in a CD with early withdrawal penalties.
See American Express savings rates →
Personal checking account
Available only to American Express cardholders with a U.S. Basic Consumer Card for 35+ days. Features include:
- No minimum balance requirements
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Access to fee-free ATM network
- Full mobile banking
The catch: You must hold an American Express credit card first, making this a secondary banking option rather than a standalone solution.