Best available rates across different account types for Friday, October 4, 2024
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For many savers, a six-month certificate of deposit (CD) is the sweet-spot term, enabling them to tuck away money long enough to earn a higher rate while still providing a shorter withdrawal horizon than CDs that require a commitment of one year or more. Six months isn't a long time, but it's long enough to help put you on track toward your savings goals.
Note: Annual percentage yields (APYs) shown were updated between Sept. 27, 2024 and Oct. 3, 2024. Bankrate's editorial team validates this information regularly, typically biweekly. APYs may have changed since they were last updated and may vary by region for some products. Bankrate includes only FDIC banks or NCUA credit unions in its listings.
The following accounts can be found at most banks and credit unions. They’re federally insured for up to $250,000 and offer a safe place to put your money while earning interest.
CDs are best for individuals looking for a guaranteed rate of return that’s typically higher than a savings account. In exchange for a higher rate, funds are tied up for a set period of time and early withdrawal penalties may apply.
Checking accounts are best for individuals who want to keep their money safe while still having easy, day-to-day access to their funds. ATM and other transactional fees may apply.
Savings and MMAs are good options for individuals looking to save for shorter-term goals. They’re a safe way to separate your savings from everyday cash, but may require larger minimum balances and have transfer limitations.
Note: Annual percentage yields (APYs) shown were updated between Sept. 27, 2024 and Oct. 3, 2024. Bankrate's editorial team validates this information regularly, typically biweekly. APYs may have changed since they were last updated and may vary by region for some products. Bankrate includes only FDIC banks or NCUA credit unions in its listings.
The Federal Reserve didn’t raise rates during its July 2024 meeting. However, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell stated during a press conference that cuts "could be on the table" by September.
Bankrate’s Economic Indicator Survey revealed 88 percent of economists we polled still expect the Fed will cut interest rates at some point in 2024, with more than half (53 percent) projecting the Fed to cut rates for the first time in September. Around 24 percent predict a rate cut could happen in December.
After 11 rate increases, a long-term CD might be worth considering in this current rate environment. That can help you build a CD ladder for the long term. But in the short term, a six-month CD can earn more than a top-yielding savings account.
Traditionally, CDs with longer maturities offer higher yields. But in this current rate environment, shorter-term CDs are proving to have the highest yields.
The national average on any deposit product is usually much lower than the highest yields available. That’s why shopping around for a competitive yield is so important.
Top six-month CDs generally have higher APYs than top savings accounts. It’s possible for some CDs – especially one-year CDs and 18-month CDs – to have higher APYs than six-month CDs. But generally, two-year CDs and CDs with longer terms have lower APYs in the current rate environment.
In addition to a competitive APY, you’ll also want to consider minimum deposit requirements and early withdrawal penalties.
The advantage of a six-month CD is that you know you’ll be able to access the money in a shorter time frame. Since a CD typically has an early withdrawal penalty, you have to be willing to keep your money in the CD until the end of the term or lose out on some of the interest earnings.
A six-month CD is great for someone who needs to keep money safe – and untouched – for a term of six months as CDs have early withdrawal penalties. This should be money that you can’t afford to lose. You might consider investing some of your money in riskier, higher-yielding investments such as stocks, provided you can afford the risk because such investments can earn much more than an FDIC- or NCUA-insured CD with a guaranteed APY. But you could also lose all of your money in an investment.
For those times when you’re unsure about when you’ll need access to your money, a high-yield savings account at an FDIC-insured bank is always a smart place for your money. Just make sure you’re within the FDIC’s guidelines and following the FDIC’s rules.
A six-month CD can be the perfect option for someone who doesn’t need the money for a period of half a year, and is tempted to spend the money. The realization that there’s an early withdrawal penalty attached to your CD might be the proper reminder to leave your money untouched, and let it earn interest.
When considering a six-month CD, compare it to other available accounts to determine when other options might be a better decision. Some alternatives to consider:
At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is unbiased and not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Bankrate regularly surveys around 70 widely available financial institutions, made up of the biggest banks and credit unions, as well as a number of popular online banks.
To find the best CDs, our editorial team analyzes various factors, such as: annual percentage yield (APY), the minimum needed to earn that APY (or to open the CD) and whether or not it is broadly available. All of the accounts on this page are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. or the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund.
When selecting the best CD for you, consider the purpose of the money and when you’ll need access to these funds to help you avoid early withdrawal penalties.
