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- The highest CD rate available right now is 9.50% APY, but there are limitations.
- Plenty of CDs pay over 5% APY on your total balance and are available nationwide.
- Some high-paying CDs require large deposits or longer terms.
Banks have been offering competitive CD interest rates for well over a year now. The average interest rate on a 6-month CD is 1.81% APY (Annual Percentage Yield), and the average rate for a 1-year term is 1.85% APY. Many institutions are paying significantly higher rates.
Is a 7% CD rate worth it? Learn more about how a 7% interest rate works on a CD, whether you should bother opening an account with such a high rate, and how to find the best CD rates.
The hunt for CDs offering 7% APY
Right now, there aren't any financial institutions offering 7% interest on a CD.
However, California Coast Credit Union is offering a 5-month Celebration Certificate with a 9.50% APY. The credit union's membership eligibility requirements are limited to people who live or work in San Diego or Riverside counties. To open the certificate, you must deposit money that hasn't been stored in California Coast Credit Union before, and put between $500 and $3,000 in the account.
There is also at least one credit union, Financial Partners Credit Union, offering a CD paying 6% APY. You may need to meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify.
Understanding interest and market fluctuations
When a CD pays 7% APY, it means you would earn 7% on your balance over one year. Most banks compound interest, which means they pay interest both on the amount you've deposited and the interest you've earned on top of it.
Banks and credit unions can compound interest daily, monthly, quarterly, or annually — and the more often they compound interest, the more you'll earn in the long run. It's common for banks to compound interest daily and pay it into your account monthly, while credit unions typically compound interest monthly.
CDs are attractive because they lock in a specific interest rate for a set period of time. When the Federal Reserve makes decisions about interest rates, banks follow suit. For example, if the Fed cuts rates, financial institutions will quickly lower rates on deposit accounts, like savings accounts and CDs, as well as loan products. If you're locked into a CD, you will continue earning the higher rate as the bank issues new CDs with lower APYs.
Where to look for high-yield APY CDs
While there aren't any financial institutions paying 7% on a CD right now, there are other banks and credit unions that pay high CD rates.
Important factors to consider before opening a CD
Selecting a CD is an important decision. Here are factors to consider when making your choice:
- Interest rate: Look at the CD's interest rate and how often the bank compounds interest. Find out whether you have to meet criteria to earn the highest rate each month.
- Term length: How long are you comfortable parting with your money? For example, you don't want to open a 5-year CD if you think you'll need the money in one year. Choose a term that matches your financial goals.
- Minimum opening deposit: Some banks don't require any money to open a CD, while others require thousands. Regardless of the amount, make sure you can afford the opening deposit. Some institutions may also limit how much you can deposit.
- Early withdrawal penalties: If you take out money before your CD term ends, you'll likely have to pay a penalty. Find out what the bank's penalties are and decide whether you're comfortable with that risk. If you're worried about early withdrawal penalties, you might prefer a no-penalty CD.
7% APY CD FAQs
No, not currently. There's one CD paying 9.50% APY for balances up to $3,000, but there are eligibility limitations. Since the Federal Reserve indicated it will cut rates, rather than increase them, by the end of 2024, it's unlikely that CDs or savings accounts offer CDs of 7% APY or more without significant restrictions.
CDs lock in an interest rate for a specific period of time. Paying exceptionally high rates on standard CDs can cut into banks' profitability at a time when rates are trending downward.
CDs are a generally safe asset. They are FDIC insured by the federal government for up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution. One risk of a high-interest CD is the early withdrawal penalty if you decide to take your money out before the maturity date.
CDs rates likely won't go higher in the near future, but it's impossible to predict. Consider your personal savings goals for the money and your risk tolerance, above all.
Most bonds, with the exception of Treasury bonds, are not risk-free investments. CDs are insured and provide guaranteed, fixed returns. If you can afford to risk your money for the potential of higher returns, a bond fund may be a better option.
