Wells Fargo CD Rates and Terms for 2026
Written by
Rudri Bhatt Patel, CFHC™
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau, CFHC™
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Wells Fargo is considered one of the “Big Four” banks in the U.S., alongside JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Citi®. Like many big banks, it’s known for offering a wide array of financial services, including consumer and business accounts, home and auto loans, credit cards and certificates of deposits (CDs).
Here’s how it stacks up against the competition.
Current Wells Fargo CD Rates: February 2026
Wells Fargo offers standard, special and relationship rates for their CDs.
| CD Term | Standard APY | Relationship APY | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 months | $2,500 | ||
| 4 months (Special Fixed Rate CD) | $5,000 | ||
| 6 months | $2,500 | ||
| 7 months (Special Fixed Rate CD) | $5,000 | ||
| 11 months (Special Fixed Rate CD) | $5,000 | ||
| 1 year | $2,500 |
Pros and Cons of Wells Fargo CDs
Although Wells Fargo CDs offer a number of benefits, it’s also important to consider the drawbacks of these accounts. Breaking down the pros and cons can help you decide how a Wells Fargo CD may fit into your savings strategy.
Pros
- FDIC-insured
- Lots of convenient branch locations across the U.S.
- Special rate for existing customers
- Online and mobile banking to monitor accounts
Cons
- Can find higher rates with neobanks and online banks
- Early withdrawal penalties
- $2,500 to $5,000 minimum opening deposit
How Much Can You Earn With a Wells Fargo CD?
Here’s a simple example showing estimated earnings with a Wells Fargo CD:
| Deposit Amount | Term Length | APY | Estimated Interest Earned* |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,500 | 3 months | $6.29 | |
| $5,000 | 4 months | $57.50 | |
| $6,000 | 7 months | $112.65 | |
| $7,000 | 1 year | $105 |
How To Open a Wells Fargo CD
If you already have a Wells Fargo account, you can log in and follow the instructions to open a CD.
Consumers who don’t have an existing Wells Fargo account can also start the process online to open an account. However, you’ll need to have a few pieces of information available, including the following:
- Social Security number
- Valid identification such as a driver’s license
- A way to fund your CD
During the application process, you’ll select the type of CD you want and its term length. You can fund your CD using any of the following:
- A transfer from an existing Wells Fargo account
- A transfer from an external bank account at another financial institution
- A check or money order sent by mail or taken to your local Wells Fargo branch
After funding your CD, it will begin accruing interest.
Good To Know
About one month before your CD matures, Wells Fargo will send you a reminder notice with the maturity date. Once it matures, you’ll have a seven-day grace period to take action. During this time you can:
- Close the CD
- Make additional deposits
- Change the term
If you don’t act within the seven days, your CD will automatically renew at the standard rate available at that time.
How Do Wells Fargo CD Rates Compare With Other Banks
Wells Fargo CD rates are competitive, especially if you can qualify for relationship rates. But how do they stack up against the competition? Here’s a look:
| Bank | 1-Year CD Rate | 5-Year CD Rate | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo | N/A | $2,500 | |
| First Horizon | $1,000 | ||
| Popular Direct | $10,000 | ||
| Ally Bank | $0 | ||
| Capital One* | $0 |
Is a Wells Fargo CD Right for You?
Wells Fargo CDs aren’t the right fit for everyone — here’s who they work best for and who might want to consider other options.
Ideal For
- Existing Wells Fargo customers
- Investors who want short-term savings
- Individuals who prefer in-person banking
Not Great For
- Savers with limited funds
- Long-term investors seeking higher returns
- Those requiring frequent access to funds
Tips for Getting the Best CD Rates
Looking to lock in the highest possible CD rate? These tips can help you make the most of your Wells Fargo CD.
- Consider relationship banking perks: Having a long-term relationship with Wells Fargo or multiple accounts may help you secure a higher CD rate.
- Compare multiple terms: Research different options for CDs among several banks.
- Look for promotional or limited-time offers: Check for promotional rates or special offers on CDs. You can look up this information online or ask in person for those offers
- Use a CD laddering strategy if liquidity matters: Use CD laddering as a strategy so that you can have cash on hand when you need it.
Wells Fargo CD Rates FAQ
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Wells Fargo CD rates and features.- What is the minimum deposit for a Wells Fargo CD?
- Most standard Wells Fargo CDs require a minimum opening deposit of $2,500. Some Special Fixed Rate CDs or jumbo CDs require larger deposits.
- Are Wells Fargo CDs FDIC-insured?
- Yes. Wells Fargo is a member of the FDIC. Eligible deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category.
- What happens if I cash out my Wells Fargo CD early?
- If you withdraw principal before maturity, Wells Fargo charges an early withdrawal penalty based on a specified number of days of interest. For longer terms, that penalty can be large enough to reduce your principal, so CDs work best for money you can leave untouched for the entire term.
- Are Wells Fargo CD rates competitive in 2026?
- Wells Fargo CD rates can be competitive with other large-bank promotions and may be a reasonable choice if you prioritize convenience and branch access. Its standard CD rates, however, typically lag the highest-yielding CDs and high-yield savings accounts from online banks and credit unions, so rate-focused savers should compare options before committing.
More About Wells Fargo
- Wells Fargo Review
- Wells Fargo Hours and Holidays
- Wells Fargo ATM Limits
- Wells Fargo Savings Account Interest Rates
- Wells Fargo Bonuses and Promotions
Sarah Sharkey, Virginia Anderson, Allison Hache and Dawn Allcot contributed to the reporting for this article.
*Capital One interest rates accurate as of Jan. 21, 2026. See website for all current rates.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Jan. 21, 2026. Rates may vary by location.
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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- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. 2024. "National Rates and Rate Caps."
