Looking to grow your savings without taking on stock market risk? BankUnited certificates of deposit (CDs) let you lock in a fixed rate for a set term, so you know exactly how much you’ll earn.
BankUnited is a regional bank headquartered in Miami Lakes, Florida, with operations in Florida, New York, Dallas and select other markets, which can make its CDs appealing if you prefer a bank with local branches and online access together.
Here’s a closer look at BankUnited CD rates as you start 2026, how much you can earn and how they compare to other banks.
Note: CD rates can change at any time. Always check BankUnited’s website before you open an account.
Current BankUnited CD Rates: Early 2026
BankUnited offers a handful of standard CD terms with competitive short-term yields and very low longer-term rates.
| Term | Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | Minimum Opening Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | $1,000 | |
| 9 months | $1,000 | |
| 12 months | $1,000 | |
| 18 months | $1,000 | |
| 24 months | $1,000 | |
| 36 months | $1,000 |
For context, top CDs nationally have recently paid up to about 4.25% APY on some terms, while the national average 12-month CD yield is closer to around 1.7% APY based on late-2025 data. That means BankUnited’s 3% APY 12-month CD is well above average but not at the very top of the market.
BankUnited CD Features and Terms
Before you open a BankUnited CD, it helps to understand the basic rules and limits.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| CD types | Standard CDs and IRA CDs available |
| Minimum opening deposit | $1,000 |
| Additional deposits | No additional deposits allowed after you open the CD |
| Rate type | Fixed rate for the full term |
| Insurance | FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category |
| Early withdrawal | Penalty applies if you withdraw principal before maturity |
| Renewal | CDs typically renew automatically for the same or closest available term unless you give other instructions to the bank |
Because the rate is fixed, a BankUnited CD can be useful if you want to lock in today’s yield and avoid worrying about future rate cuts.
Pros and Cons of BankUnited CD Accounts
Every savings choice has trade-offs. Here’s how BankUnited CDs stack up.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, which protects your balance if the bank fails | APYs are lower than what you can find at some of the best online banks, where top 1-year CD rates recently reached around 4.15% to 4.25% APY |
| Solid short-term yields compared with the national average | Money is locked up until the CD matures unless you pay an early withdrawal penalty |
| Straightforward terms and a simple lineup of maturities | Long-term CD rates are very low (0.1% APY), so you may not be rewarded for tying up money for multiple years |
How Much Can You Earn With a BankUnited CD?
Are you wondering how much you can earn with one of BankUnited’s CDs? Your earnings depend on your initial deposit, term length and APY.
Here’s a quick estimate to give you an idea:
| Deposit Amount | Term Length | APY | Estimated Interest Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | 6 months | $18.09 | |
| $1,000 | 9 months | $26.14 | |
| $1,000 | 12 months | $30 | |
| $1,000 | 36 months | $3 |
You can also use GOBankingRates’ Savings Calculator to find out how much your savings could grow.
How To Open a BankUnited CD
Opening a CD with BankUnited is fairly straightforward, especially if you already bank there.
- Choose your term
Decide how long you can leave the money untouched. With BankUnited’s rate sheet, many savers focus on the 6-, 9- or 12-month options, since longer terms pay just 0.1% APY. - Gather your information
Have your government-issued ID, Social Security number, mailing address and contact details ready. - Apply online or in branch
- You can apply online if you’re in BankUnited’s service area
- Or visit a branch in Florida, New York or Dallas, Texas, and other select markets where BankUnited operates
- Fund your CD
Fund your CD with at least $1,000, either by transferring from another BankUnited account, linking an external bank account or using a check. - Monitor and set maturity reminders
Use online banking or the mobile app to track your CD and set a reminder 2 to 3 weeks before maturity. If you do nothing, the CD will typically auto-renew for the same or closest term, which may have a different rate than your original CD.
How BankUnited CD Rates Compare
When you’re shopping for a CD, you’ll want to look at both the APY and the term length.
Here’s how BankUnited’s 12-month CD compares with a few other institutions based on recent rate data heading into 2026.
| Institution | Term | APY | Minimum Deposit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BankUnited | 12 months | $1,000 | Standard CD, fixed rate, FDIC-insured | |
| Nuvision Credit Union | 12 months | $1,000 | CD rates vary by tier; 3.40% APY for $1,000+ balances | |
| Bank of America, Member FDIC | 13 months | $1,000 | Featured CD special with higher rate than some standard CDs | |
| Bask Bank | 12 months | $1,000 | Online CD with one of the stronger 1-year yields in late 2025 |
Across the wider market, the best CD rates in late 2025 peaked around 4.25% to 4.5% APY, especially on shorter promotional terms.
Don’t Just Compare CD Rates
While APY is important, it’s not the only factor to weigh when you’re comparing CDs.
Consider:
- Deposit requirements — BankUnited’s $1,000 minimum is standard, but some online banks let you start with less.
- Access and customer support — If you value in-person service, a regional bank like BankUnited may feel more comfortable than a branchless online bank.
- Other account options — High-yield savings and money market accounts can be more flexible. Top high-yield savings accounts have recently paid around 4% APY or more, and you can access your cash more freely than with a CD.
If you think you might need your funds before the CD matures, a high-yield savings account or shorter CD term could be a better fit.
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Is a BankUnited CD Right for You?
BankUnited CDs won’t be right for everyone. Here’s who they tend to work best for.
A BankUnited CD may be a good fit if you:
- Live in Florida, New York, Texas or nearby markets where BankUnited operates and want a mix of branch and digital banking
- Have short-term savings goals, like building a 6- to 12-month cash cushion
- Prefer a predictable fixed return over chasing variable rates
- Already bank with BankUnited and want to keep accounts in one place
You may want to look elsewhere if you:
- Want the absolute highest APY available on CDs or savings
- Need more flexibility and expect to tap your cash before maturity
- Are building a longer-term CD ladder and want stronger yields on 2- to 5-year terms
- Live outside BankUnited’s footprint and prefer a fully nationwide online bank
Final Take to GO: How To Use BankUnited CDs Smartly in 2026
BankUnited CDs offer a solid, low-risk way to grow savings above the national average, especially on terms of 6 to 12 months. The trade-off is that you can likely earn more at online banks, or with shorter promotional CDs at other institutions.
If you decide to open a BankUnited CD:
- Aim for the best-paying term you can comfortably commit to. With the current rate sheet, that often means focusing on the 6-, 9- or 12-month CDs, not the low-yield 18- to 36-month options.
- Consider “rolling” a 12-month CD if you have a 2-year horizon. For instance, instead of locking into a 24-month CD at APY, you could open a 12-month CD at APY now and decide whether to renew in a year based on where rates stand.
- Avoid early withdrawals. Penalties can easily wipe out much of your interest, especially on shorter terms.
As you head into 2026, pairing a BankUnited CD with a higher-yield online CD or savings account can give you the best of both worlds: local branch access and top-tier yields on at least part of your cash.
Aja McClanahan 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.