Fidelity CD Rates and Terms for 2026
Written by
Rudri Bhatt Patel, CFHC™
Edited by
Joe Evans
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If you like the idea of locking in a guaranteed return but also want flexibility and choice, Fidelity’s brokered certificates of deposit (CDs) are worth a look. Instead of being stuck with one bank’s rates, you can shop CDs from many different banks in one place inside your Fidelity brokerage account.
As of late December 2025, Fidelity’s new-issue CD yields can be more than double the national average 1-year CD rate of about 1.63% APY while still giving you FDIC protection through the issuing banks.
Below is a look at Fidelity CD rates heading into 2026, plus how they work, what to watch out for and how they compare to other options.
Current Fidelity CD Rates: Early 2026 Snapshot
Fidelity doesn’t issue CDs itself. Instead, it offers brokered CDs from multiple banks and credit unions. Rates change frequently, but here’s a snapshot of competitive new-issue CD yields available in Fidelity’s marketplace as of late November 2025, based on a $1,000 minimum investment.
Data note: Fidelity’s own CD yield table shows similar ranges, with top new-issue CD yields around 3.80% APY for terms from 3 months to 2 years and up to about 4.25% APY for 5-year CDs as of December 16, 2025. Always confirm live rates before you invest.
| Term | APY |
|---|---|
| 3 months | |
| 6 months | |
| 9 months | 3.8% |
| 12 months | 3.8% |
| 18 months | 3.75% |
| 2 years | 3.75% |
| 3 years | 3.75% |
| 4 years | 3.85% |
| 5 years | 3.85% |
For context, the FDIC national average 12-month CD rate is about 1.63% APY as of December 2025, so strong brokered CD offers can pay well over 2x the average bank CD.
How Do Brokered CDs at Fidelity Work?
Brokered CDs look similar to bank CDs on the surface — you pick a term, lock in a rate, then collect interest until maturity — but there are a few important differences.
| Feature | Brokered CDs (Fidelity) | Traditional Bank CDs |
|---|---|---|
| Where you buy | You sell the CD instead of “breaking” it; price can be above or below face value, depending on rates | Directly from a single bank |
| FDIC/NCUA insurance | Yes, through each issuing bank or credit union, typically up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category | Yes, through the issuing bank or credit union |
| Tradability | Can often be sold on the secondary market before maturity | Usually locked in until maturity; early withdrawal penalty if you cash out early |
| Rate setting | Market-based — competing issuers list offerings, so rates can be more competitive | Bank sets its own CD rates, which often sit closer to national averages |
| Early exit | You pay an early withdrawal penalty, but usually get your remaining principal back | You pay an early withdrawal penalty but usually get your remaining principal back |
Because brokered CDs can be traded, their market value moves when interest rates move, which means you might get more or less than your original investment if you sell before maturity.
Pros and Cons of Fidelity CDs
Every savings product has trade-offs. Here’s how Fidelity’s brokered CDs stack up.
Pros
- Access to many issuers in one place
Fidelity’s fixed-income platform lets you shop thousands of bonds and CDs in a single screen, including new-issue CDs from a wide mix of banks and credit unions. - Competitive yields vs average bank CDs
With top new-issue yields around the mid-3% range, Fidelity’s best CDs can significantly beat the national average 1-year CD rate of roughly 1.63% APY. - FDIC or NCUA insurance
CDs are issued by individual banks or credit unions, so your deposits are generally insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category when held to maturity. - Flexible term options
You can choose from short-term CDs for liquidity or longer terms for higher yields and even build a CD ladder inside your brokerage account. - Secondary market liquidity
If your plans change, you can try to sell a brokered CD before maturity instead of paying an early withdrawal penalty — though you might get more or less than face value.
Cons
- Prices can fall if interest rates rise
Because brokered CDs trade like bonds, you could realize a loss if you sell before maturity in a rising-rate environment. - Rates change often
The CD menu updates frequently, so a top yield you see one day may be gone the next. - Requires a brokerage account
You’ll need to open and fund a Fidelity brokerage account to buy CDs, which can be a barrier if you prefer a simple bank-only relationship. - No partial withdrawals
You can’t withdraw just part of your brokered CD principal like you might with a savings account. You either hold to maturity or sell the position.
How Much Can You Earn With a Fidelity CD?
Your earnings depend on how much you invest, the term and the APY you lock in. Here are a few quick examples, assuming simple interest at some of the representative new-issue rates above:
| Deposit | Term | Sample APY | Estimated Interest Earned* |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | 1 year | 3.8% | about $38 |
| $5,000 | 1 year | 3.8% | about $190 |
| $10,000 | 2 years | 3.75% | about $750 total (about $375 per year) |
| $25,000 | 5 years | 3.85% | about $4,812 total over 5 years |
*Actual returns depend on the specific CD, compounding method and whether you hold to maturity.
For perspective, many rate trackers report top 1-year online CD rates up to about 4.15% APY in December 2025, so Fidelity’s best brokered CDs are competitive, though not always at the absolute top of the market.
How To Open a Fidelity CD
Opening a Fidelity CD is a relatively straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Go to the Fidelity website.
- Log into your Fidelity brokerage account.
- Navigate to the “Fixed Income Section.”
- Select the “CDs” tab.
- Look for the section labeled “New Issue CDs.”
- You can filter the options based on term length, interest rate, issuer and minimum investment.
- Select and purchase the CD.
What’s Required To Open a Fidelity CD?
- A brokerage account with Fidelity is required to purchase CDs.
- You must be 18 to open a brokerage account.
- You have to provide identification in the form of a government ID or passport. You must also provide your Social Security number.
- You must have a valid U.S. address.
- You need sufficient funds in your brokerage account to fund the CD.
How Fidelity CD Rates Compare to Other Banks
When shopping around for the best CD account for you, it helps to compare varying issuing banks or brokerage firms. Fidelity CD rates do fluctuate more than bank CDs, but their rates are competitive.
Here is how Fidelity stacks up:
| Bank or Brokerage | 6-Month APY | 1-Year APY |
|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | ||
| Discover® Bank, Member FDIC | ||
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs | ||
| Ally Bank |
Finding the Best Fit: Look Beyond Just APY
While CD rates matter, it’s important to consider more than just returns when choosing a bank. Look at factors like account fees, other savings options and overall banking benefits to find the best fit for your needs.
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
No monthly service fee
None
$0
APY
APY
APY
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$0
$0
$0
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
No monthly service fee
Early withdrawal penalty may apply
No monthly service fee
APY
APY
APY
Up to
Up to
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$0
$500
$0
What’s the Best Fit For Your Goals?
Each savings option serves a different purpose — here’s how to match the right one to your financial needs.
- Fidelity brokered CDs: Ideal for investors seeking stable, competitive returns with FDIC protection and flexibility to trade before maturity. Best for medium to long-term goals.
- Bank CDs: Great for those who prefer simplicity and guaranteed returns, but expect limited access to funds.
- Treasuries: A solid pick for ultra-conservative savers who want tax benefits and maximum safety.
- Money market funds: Best for short-term savers who prioritize liquidity but don’t mind modest returns.
- High-yield savings accounts: Ideal for emergency funds and anyone needing frequent, penalty-free access to cash.
Is a Fidelity CD Right for You?
A Fidelity CD could be a solid fit if you:
- Already invest with Fidelity and want to keep cash and CDs in one place
- Prefer FDIC-insured, fixed returns without stock-market volatility
- Like comparing multiple banks’ CDs in a single marketplace
- Have clear savings timelines and can hold to maturity
You might want to look elsewhere if you:
- Don’t want to manage a brokerage account or think about secondary-market pricing
- Need instant access to your cash and may withdraw at any time
- Want the absolute top-paying promotional CDs from specific online banks
Final Take to GO: Are Fidelity CDs a Good Deal for 2026?
Heading into 2026, Fidelity’s brokered CDs offer a compelling middle ground between traditional CDs and more complex investments:
- Yields are competitive with many high-yield CDs, often running 2x or more above the national average for 1-year terms
- You get FDIC-backed safety through the issuing institutions
- You can shop for dozens of CDs in one place and even sell on the secondary market if your plans change
If you already use Fidelity for investing or want a single hub to manage bonds and CDs, building a CD ladder through Fidelity can be a smart way to earn steady, predictable income in 2026. If you’re chasing the single highest promotional rate, though, it still pays to compare Fidelity’s CD menu with the best online CD specials before you commit.
More on Fidelity
- Fidelity vs. Vanguard
- Best Fidelity Index Funds
- Fidelity Routing Number
- Best Fidelity ETFs
- Fidelity vs. Robinhood
Caitlyn Moorhead, Dawn Allcot and Sarah Sharkey contributed to the reporting for this article.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Jan. 1, 2026.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
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- Fidelity Investments. "Fidelity Investments CDs."
