Why Some Fixed-Rate Options Are Outpacing Traditional CDs Right Now
By GOBankingRates Staff
If you’ve been comparing CD rates lately, you’ve probably noticed most of them look… pretty similar.
And while they’re safe, they don’t always keep up with what savers are hoping to earn — especially for longer-term goals like retirement.
What most people don’t realize about “fixed-rate” products:
A CD is just one type of fixed-rate account. There are others that work in a very similar way — you lock in an interest rate, your principal is protected, and you know exactly what you’ll earn over time.
The difference is: some of these alternatives aren’t issued by banks. They’re issued by insurance providers, and because of how they’re structured, they can sometimes offer higher rates for the same level of predictability.
Why This Matters More as You Get Closer To Retirement:
When you’re 10-20 years out from needing your savings, volatility matters less. But as you get closer, the focus tends to shift to:
- preserving what you’ve built
- avoiding unnecessary risk
- making returns more predictable
That’s where fixed-rate strategies tend to stand out — not because they’re flashy, but because they’re consistent.
How This Works:
One product that’s often compared to CDs is the FastBreak™ by Gainbridge®. It follows the same basic idea: you lock in a rate for a set term, your principal is protected, and your return doesn’t depend on the market. The main difference is that it’s structured as a fixed-rate annuity rather than a bank CD — which is part of why the rates can be higher.
Why Fixed Rate Annuities Are Trending:
Whether it’s a CD or something similar, most people are usually trying to answer the same questions:
- Is my money protected?
- Is the rate guaranteed?
- Are there hidden fees?
- Can I plan around this long-term?
Some fixed-rate annuities check those same boxes — just in a slightly different structure.
*Source: FDIC, national average of savings, week of 1/20/26. Rates subject to change.
**Gainbridge®: Annuity rates are subject to change at any time, and the rate mentioned may no longer be current. Please visit Gainbridge.io for current rates, full product disclosures and disclaimer. Withdrawals above the 10% free withdrawal amount are subject to a withdrawal charge and market-value adjustment. FastBreak™ is issued by Gainbridge Life Insurance Company in Zionsville, Indiana. FastBreak™ is not a tax-deferred annuity; instead, it is taxed annually.
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