Current CD Rates for April 1, 2026 — Up To 5.11% APY
Written by
Rudri Bhatt Patel, CFHC™
Edited by
Joe Evans, CFHC™
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Have extra cash you don’t need right away? Current CD rates are still attractive, with today’s best verified offer reaching 5.11% APY on a 12-month CD from Daniels-Sheridan Federal Credit Union. That account requires just a $500 minimum deposit, which makes it more accessible than many other top-yield options.
Because CDs at eligible banks and credit unions are federally insured, they remain one of the safest ways to lock in a fixed return. A current market roundup says top yields are still concentrated in shorter terms, which helps explain why six- and 12-month offers continue to stand out.
Current CD Rates for April 1, 2026
See how today’s top CD rates stack up across different terms.
| Term | Institution | APY | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 months | Northern Bank Direct | 4.00% | $500 |
| 6 months | Daniels-Sheridan Federal Credit Union | 4.33% | $500 |
| 12 months | Daniels-Sheridan Federal Credit Union | 5.11% | $500 |
| 2 years | Daniels-Sheridan Federal Credit Union | 3.97% | $500 |
| 5 years | United Fidelity Bank | 4.15% | $1,000 |
Editor’s Pick of the Day
- Term: 12-month CD
- APY: 5.11%
- Minimum deposit: $500
- Where to open: Daniels-Sheridan Federal Credit Union
- Why we like it: It is still the strongest verified yield in this lineup and combines a standout APY with a relatively low opening deposit.
Why CD Rates Change
Banks adjust CD rates based on several factors, including Federal Reserve policy, competition for deposits and their own funding needs. When short-term benchmark rates move, CD yields often move in the same direction, though not always by the same amount or on the same schedule.
The federal-funds target range has remained at 3.50% to 3.75% in early 2026, which has helped stabilize CD yields.
That dynamic is still shaping the market now. Based on the live rate pages used in this refresh, shorter-term CDs are still being rewarded more aggressively than many longer maturities.
National Average CD Rates and Trends
Curious how CD rates have moved over time? Here’s a look at recent national averages and how they’ve shifted with the Fed’s rate changes.
Average CD rates rose sharply during the Fed’s tightening cycle, then began easing after the 2025 rate cuts. A current market roundup says rates have stabilized in early 2026 rather than continuing to climb. In early 2026, the Fed kept its target range at 3.50% to 3.75%, which has helped stabilize top CD yields.
Short-term CDs are still offering some of the strongest yields in the current market.
- Short-term CDs are still leading many longer-term options in this refresh.
- Daniels-Sheridan’s 12-month rate of 5.11% APY remains multiple times higher than the FDIC national average for a 12-month CD.
- Even a more modest live offer like Northern Bank Direct’s 4.00% 3-month CD remains well above the national average for that term.
CD Rate Outlook for 2026
The broad outlook for 2026 is that CD rates are no longer rising, but they are still relatively attractive by recent historical standards. After cuts in 2025, rates have held steadier than many savers expected, especially on short-term CDs.
The best offers remain concentrated in shorter maturities. That means savers who want to lock in a strong yield without tying up cash for too long may still find 6-month and 12-month CDs especially appealing.
What To Consider Before Opening a CD
Before locking in a rate, consider these key factors:
- Early withdrawal penalties: Check how much interest you’d lose if you withdraw funds before maturity and whether the CD is non-callable.
- Your timeline: Pick a CD term that matches your time horizon and when you’ll need access to your money.
- APY and compounding: Confirm the APY and how often the interest compounds on your CD.
- Insurance coverage: Make sure your CD is covered by the FDIC or NCUA and confirm the insurance limits.
- Auto-renewal details: Note when your CD renews so you can withdraw or reinvest before it rolls over automatically.
Northern Bank Direct’s current CD page specifically says an early withdrawal penalty may be imposed, which is a useful reminder that a high APY should always be weighed against flexibility.
Pro Tip: Try CD Laddering
If you want steady returns without locking up all your cash, consider a CD ladder. This strategy lets you:
- Split your money across multiple CDs with staggered maturity dates.
- Earn higher rates on longer terms while keeping some cash accessible sooner.
- Reinvest each rung as it matures to take advantage of the best available APYs.
Final Takeaway
If you want a safe place to earn a fixed return, CDs are still worth a look today. The strongest verified rate in this refresh is 5.11% APY, and several other solid options are still paying 4.00% APY or more, depending on term.
For April 1, 2026, the clearest takeaway is that shorter-term CDs remain the sweet spot. Savers who compare offers instead of settling for national averages can still find returns that are several times higher than typical market benchmarks.
CD Rates FAQ
Got questions about CD accounts? Here’s what savers are asking most right now.- What is the highest-paying CD rate right now?
- Daniels-Sheridan Federal Credit Union is currently offering the best rate at 5.11% for a 12-month CD.
- What should you consider when choosing a CD?
- When selecting a CD, consider factors like:
- Term length
- Interest rate
- Minimum deposit requirements
- Early withdrawal penalties
- CDs are generally safer investments, but many have an early withdrawal penalty if you access the funds before they mature. This reduces the overall return you could receive from the CD.
- When selecting a CD, consider factors like:
- Are there any 6% CDs?
- Currently, the top CD rate available today is 5.11% APY. While 6% APYs aren’t available in the current market, limited-time promotions do pop up occasionally, so it’s a good idea to check back regularly to catch the most competitive rates.
- Can you lose money on a CD?
- It’s rare, but you can lose money if the bank or credit union isn’t FDIC- or NCUA-insured, or if the CD is tied to the market and the value drops.
Compare CD Rates
- Best 3-Month CD Rates
- Best 6-Month CD Rates
- Best 1-Year CD Rates
- Best 5-Year CD Rates
- Best No-Penalty CD Rates
- Best Jumbo CD Rates
- Best No-Penalty CD Rates
- Best CDs With No Minimum Deposit Requirement
- Best CD Accounts
Daria Uhlig contributed to the reporting for this article.
Methodology: GOBankingRates analyzes deposit rates from banks and credit unions with nationwide availability. The best rates are identified from this group by focusing on APY. Institutions listed in the daily chart are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund.
Financial institutions may require certain eligibility criteria — such as membership, existing accounts or location-based restrictions — to open an account or qualify for the listed rates. Always verify account terms, conditions and regional availability with the institution before applying.
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.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of April 1, 2026.
