Savers have tons of places to park their cash. But choosing between a savings account and a certificate of deposit can be difficult.
The top saving accounts pay around 2.5 percent APY. But the average yield is much lower (0.10 percent APY). If you’re hoping to earn a higher rate of return and you want the money you invest to be accessible, consider buying a 3-month CD.
Check out the 3-month CD rates offered by some of the country’s most popular banks:
- Ally Bank: 0.75% APY; $0 minimum deposit
- Barclays Bank: 0.35% APY, $0 minimum deposit
- Discover Bank: 0.35% APY, $2,500 minimum deposit
The best 3-month CD rates available from banks and credit unions pay more than three times the national average of 0.61 percent APY, according to Bankrate’s most recent national survey of banks and thrifts.
The Best 3-month CD Rates for June 2019
- Advancial Federal Credit Union: 2.55% APY; $25,000 minimum deposit to open
- VirtualBank: 2.16% APY; $10,000 minimum deposit to open
- First Internet Bank: 2.12% APY; $1,000 minimum deposit to open
- NexBank: 2.10% APY; $10,000 minimum deposit to open
- Popular Direct: 2.05% APY; $10,000 minimum deposit open
Today’s top nationally available 3-month CDs pay 2.55 percent APY. They could be a great place to invest for short-term financial obligations, like establishing a rainy day fund you can eventually transfer to a savings account.
Finding the best 3-month CD rates
Comparison shopping is a must when you’re looking for the best 3-month CD rates. There are multiple types of CDs, including bump-up CDs and liquid CDs. But the top 3-month CD rates are usually found in the form of a traditional CD.
Check out the best 3-month CDs offered by banks and credit unions and weigh the pros and cons of going with a short-term certificate of deposit over an account that’s more liquid. Don’t forget to crunch the numbers and calculate how much interest you could earn by the end of your term.
Best 3-month CD details
Advancial Federal Credit Union
Founded in 1937, the credit union offers membership to any U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien who joins Connex, a professional, online interactive network. The credit union earned four out of five stars in the latest review of its financial health.
VirtualBank
An online division of Iberiabank, founded in 1887 and based in Lafayette, Louisiana. The bank’s financial services include retail, commercial, business and private banking as well as mortgages. Iberiabank earned four out of five stars in Bankrate’s latest review of its financial health.
First Internet Bank of Indiana
Founded in 1999, the bank claims to have been the first FDIC-insured institution to operate entirely online. Based in Fishers, Indiana, the bank serves customers across the country. It earned four out of five stars in Bankrate’s latest review of its financial health.
NexBank
Founded in 1934 and based in Dallas, Texas. It earned five out of five stars in Bankrate’s latest review of its financial health.
Popular Direct
Popular Direct is an online division of Popular Bank, which was formerly known as Banco Popular North America or Popular Community Bank, a subsidiary of Popular Inc. Read Bankrate’s full review of Popular Direct’s products and customer service.
Consider a CD with a longer term
CDs give savers a little bit of a yield boost over savings accounts in exchange for a long-term deposit. The longer savers agree to leave their money in the bank, the higher the yield.
Investing in a 1-year CD, for example, would require you to tie up your funds for a full 12 months. But it’s possible to earn a yield as high as 3 percent APY (for CDs available nationwide).
“Money market and high-yield savings accounts typically offer higher interest rates than standard savings accounts, but normally require higher balances and may have restrictions or conditions to accessing one’s money,” says Robert Drury, executive director of the Association of Christian Financial Advisors.
“CDs normally offer higher interest than these but unconditionally obligate one’s money for a specified term,” he says.
To recap, see below the best 3-month CD rates
| Institution | APY | Minimum deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Advancial Federal Credit Union | 2.55% | $25,000 |
| VirtualBank | 2.16% | $10,000 |
| First Internet Bank | 2.12% | $1,000 |
| NexBank | 2.10% | $10,000 |
| Popular Direct | 2.05% | $10,000 |
