Current CD Rates for March 31, 2026 — Up To 5.11% APY
Written by
Rudri Bhatt Patel, 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. The current market still favors shorter terms, with Daniels-Sheridan’s 6-month CD at 4.33% APY and 12-month CD at 5.11% APY outpacing many longer-term offers.
Current CD Rates for March 31, 2026
Here’s how today’s top CD rates stack up across key terms using currently supportable live offers:
| 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 | Northern Bank Direct | 3.25% | $500 |
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 interest-rate policy, competition for deposits and their own funding needs. In practice, that means rates can change quickly, especially when banks want to attract deposits into short-term products.
That dynamic is still visible now. The best live rates in this refresh are concentrated in the 6-month and 12-month categories, while longer-term rates on the same source pages are lower.
National Average CD Rates and Trends
National average CD yields remain far below the best promotional offers. The FDIC’s March 2026 national averages are 1.28% for 3-month CDs, 1.47% for 6-month CDs, 1.52% for 12-month CDs and 1.49% for 24-month CDs.
That gap shows why shopping around still matters. For example, today’s top verified 12-month CD at 5.11% APY is far above the 1.52% national average for the same term.
- 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 remain attractive by recent historical standards, even if the very best offers are concentrated in shorter maturities. Based on the live pages used here, shorter terms still provide the strongest mix of yield and flexibility.
That means savers who want to lock in a strong return 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 opening a CD, make sure the term fits your timeline. Pulling money out early can trigger an early withdrawal penalty that cuts into your return, so it is best to choose a maturity date that matches when you will actually need the funds. Northern Bank Direct’s CD disclosures, for example, state that an early withdrawal penalty will be imposed.
You should also compare the APY, minimum deposit and insurance coverage. In this refresh, some of the strongest rates still require only $500 to open.
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 live options are still paying 4.00% APY or more, depending on term.
For March 31, 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 March 31, 2026.
