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 2.5 percent APY. But the average yield is much lower (0.09 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 nearly seven times the national average of 0.31 percent APY, according to Bankrate’s most recent national survey of banks and thrifts.
| Institution | APY | Minimum deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Third Federal Savings and Loan | 2.00% | $500 |
| CD Bank | 1.90% | $10,000 |
| First Internet Bank of Indiana | 1.87% | $1,000 |
| Spectrum Credit Union | 1.80% | $500 |
| VirtualBank | 1.77% | $10,000 |
Today’s top nationally available 3-month CDs pay 2.00 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
- Third Federal Savings and Loan is based in Cleveland, Ohio, but it offers CD specials to savers nationwide. In Bankrate’s latest review of its financial health, it earned four out of five stars.
- CD Bank is an online division of TBK Bank. It launched in May 2017 and is based in Dallas, Texas. TBK Bank earned four out of five stars in Bankrate’s latest review of its financial health.
- First Internet Bank of Indiana, based in Fishers, Indiana, was founded in 1999 and serves customers across the country. It earned four out of five stars in the latest review of its financial health.
- Founded in 1935, Spectrum Credit Union is based in Oakland, California. Membership is open to anyone who joins the Contra Costa County Historical Society for a $20 membership fee or the Navy League of the United States for a $25 fee.
- VirtualBank is an online division of IBERIABANK, founded in 1887 and based in Lafayette, Louisiana. IBERIABANK earned four 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 2.75 percent APY.
“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.
