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 2.47 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.
The best 3-month CD rates available from banks and credit unions pay more than seven times the national average of 0.35 percent APY, according to Bankrate’s most recent national survey of banks and thrifts.
| Institution | APY | Minimum deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Advancial Federal Credit Union | 2.67% | $25,000 |
| Third Federal Savings and Loan | 2.25% | $500 |
| VirtualBank | 2.16% | $10,000 |
| Popular Direct | 2.15% | $10,000 |
| NexBank | 2.10% | $10,000 |
Today’s top nationally available 3-month CDs pay 2.67 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.
Top account details
- Advancial Federal Credit Union is based in Dallas. 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.
- Third Federal Savings and Loan was established in 1938 in the Slavic Village neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, where it still is based today. Its CD specials are available to savers nationwide. In Bankrate’s latest review of Third Federal, it earned 3.5 out of five stars.
- VirtualBank is 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.
- 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.
- NexBank was founded in 1934 and is based in Dallas, Texas. It earned five out of five stars in Bankrate’s latest review of its financial health.
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 2.85 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.
