Best 12-Month CD Rates - September 2026
Brian McKay
Brian McKay
Founder & Data Architect- Automated Online Rate Data Aggregation
- Location-Based Rate Tables
- Bank & Credit Union Health Safety Ratings
- Finance Calculators
Top 12-month CD rates currently available include Vacationland Federal Credit UnionVacationland Federal Credit Union2409 E Perkins Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 3.71%Real return: +3.23%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 12 Month Youth Certificates at 6.03% APY, and CO-OP Credit UnionCO-OP Credit Union100 E Main St, Black River Falls, WI 54615A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 3.23%Real return: +3.20%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 12 Month Youth Saver Certificate at 6.00% APY, and Congressional Federal Credit UnionCongressional Federal Credit Union10461 White Granite Dr, Oakton, VA 22124A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 4.81%Real return: +3.20%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering Flexible Saver - 1 Year Certificate at 6.00% APY, and Schools Federal Credit UnionSchools Federal Credit Union20101 Hamilton Ave Ste 150, Torrance, CA 90502 1306A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.69%Real return: +3.10%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering Relationship Certificate (12 months) at 5.90% APY. CD rates as of September 21, 2026 according to verified data from MonitorBankRates.
A 1-year CD is often considered the sweet spot for savers. It offers a higher yield than a standard savings account while keeping your money committed for just one year — ideal for building a CD ladder or parking funds you won’t need in the near term. We display Safety Grades, Star Ratings, and Texas Ratios so you can choose institutions with confidence.
The APYs displayed reflect actual verified offers. Rates are subject to change at the institution’s discretion without notice. A substantial penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. 12-Month CD Rates Last Updated and Verified: September 21, 2026
Compare the Best 12-Month CD Rates Nationwide
Age: 19
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Term: Flexible Saver - 1 Year Certificate; Special Rate (APY):
Terms Apply
Balance Range: $50 - $5,000
Age: 13-17
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$100,000.00 maximum for each certificate 90 penalty for early withdrawal, 10 day grace period at end of contract Dividends are paid quarterly and deposited to certificate.
Rate disclosed is for customers of West Gate Bank with Certificate of Deposit balances below $250,000. Add 0.25% to interest rate for balances at or over $250,000.00, No Term IRA excluded.
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Maximum $10,000 (Automatic Renewal)
The Family Legacy Certificate Account must be opened within two years of the date of death. Eligibility is subject to verification.
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Penalty for early withdrawal: 180 days dividends
Maximum Balance: $1,000
Term: 12 Month Youth Special
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 90 days interest
Term: 12 Month Starter Certificate
Maximum $10,000.00. Eligible through age 22.
$50,000+
Includes a .50 bonus for active and engaged members through our Loyalty+ program. Rate remains fixed through maturity. At maturity and during the grace period, you may change the term or balance of your account or make withdrawals without a penalty. The grace period begins at maturity and ends seven calendar days later. Automatically renews at a 12-month term at the rate in effect on the maturity date.
Balance: $35,000+
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Qualified Military Members receive a 1% rate increase on all CDs, excluding iSave. Eligible members include Active Duty, Veterans, and Retirees. To qualify, military members must establish a full direct deposit in their name into their checking account. Any direct deposits less than $2,000 will not be eligible for the rate increase. Offer is subject to qualification and can change without notice. Military Status Verification: Verification of military status is required. Acceptable proof includes Military ID, Retirement ID, or DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). Terms and conditions apply.
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Balance: $100.00-$2,000.00
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Non-premier member rate: 4.25% | 4.17%; Traditional & Roth Certificates Rates
Regular IRA And Roth IRA
Rates are as of September 1, 2026 and are subject to change. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal.
Minimum balance $100,000
No additional details available.
The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 09/10/2026. APY assumes interest remains on deposit until maturity date. Penalty for early withdrawal may reduce earnings. Fees may reduce earnings. Rates are subject to change at any time and are not guaranteed until the account is opened.
Certificate accounts have a 1% penalty for early withdrawal and have 10 days after the CD renews before a penalty.
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Term: 1 year Paycheck Certificate Promo
Special Rate
10-Day CD Rate Guarantee
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Compounding: Semi-annually; Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 months interest
Featured: Market-leading CD rates
Purchased through Raymond James brokerage account: $2,000; Not purchased through Raymond James brokerage account: $1,000
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up to $2,500; Tru Traditional/Roth IRA Accounts
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Withdrawals made prior to maturity are subject to a loss of 120 days dividend
Interest paid quarterly via ACH to any account designated by the customer institution; Withdrawal before maturity is not permitted; BBW can arrange for the safekeeping of the instrument upon request
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FEATURED:
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CD and IRA rates effective 01/25/2024. Interest is compounded daily and there is a penalty for early withdrawal. Fees can reduce the earnings on any of the above accounts.
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Earn Loyalty Rates when you renew your CD
Fixed APY | No minimum balance
No additional deposits after initial deposit.
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Penalty: 90 days; Frequency of Compounding: Daily
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Certificate Rates ($1,000 minimum balance)
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Must be a new CD funded of at least $25000 to qualify. No new money needed. APY effective for new CDs opened. Rates may change at any time. Fees may reduce earnings. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Rate is effective 8/25/2026.
APY is accurate as of 7/23/2026. Offer is subject to change at any time. Interest is compounded daily. A penalty can occur for early withdrawal. Special CD rates are effective for the initial term only. CD will automatically renew at the base non-special rate in effect at maturity for the corresponding original term. Ask about additional terms and conditions. *Fees may reduce earnings.
Term: 12 months (Limited Time Special); Penalty for Early Withdrawal
For all certificates unless otherwise noted: penalty for early withdrawal. Minimum deposit of $500 required to open certificate & earn dividends. Rate is accurate as today's dividend declaration. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. Rate = dividend rate.
No additional details available.
On the above accounts, dividends are compounded and credited quarterly. Dividends are computed based on average daily balance. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Service charges may reduce earnings.
Tier 4; Additional deposits are allowed during the term of the certificate, up to the maximum principal balance of $500. The dividend rate and APY applicable to the entire principal balance will change automatically when the deposit balance meets the next defined tier threshold. One Share Saver Certificate per account.
New Money Only. Dividends may be compounded quarterly or transferred monthly to your FirstCCU savings or checking account.
No additional details available.
A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawals on CDs. At maturity, your CD will automatically renew and earn the base interest rate in effect at that time.
We do not open CDs for other financial institutions or for deposit brokers.
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At maturity, your CD will automatically renew and earn the base interest rate in effect at that time. A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawals on CDs.
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IRA PROMOTIONAL; $500 minimum deposit required
IRA Certificates of Deposit are applicable for terms of 12 months through 42 months.
Minimum: $,2500 new money** or open qualifying account
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Dividends are paid at maturity. Additional deposits are not allowed. Available terms may vary. No early withdrawals without a penalty.
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New Funds; Promotional rate
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New Money: Funds already held on deposit at First Bank of the Lake cannot be used to open this account. The entirety of your deposit to open the account must be sourced from funds not already held at First Bank of the Lake ("New Money").
No additional details available.
Minimum: $99,000.00 or greater; Balance: $99,000.00 or greater
500 & over
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About 12 Month CD
Balance: $100,000 and above
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Balance: Under $100,000
Balance: $0-$24,999
Balance: $2,500
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Reach your goals faster with only a $500 minimum deposit!
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Over $50,000
Branch Rate
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Balance: $100,000 & over
Deposits allowed at any time! Fixed rate with guaranteed dividends. Jumpstart a lifetime of saving and investing.
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payroll deposit only
Balance: $1,000.00 and over
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Dividend Term: Monthly
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*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. No institutional deposits. Compounding and crediting - Terms less than 12 months: Interest will be compounded and credited to the certificate account at maturity, becoming part of the principal balance. Terms 12 months or greater: Interest will be compounded and credited to the certificate account quarterly, becoming part of the principal balance. Fees may reduce earnings. The interest rate and APY - Annual Percentage Yield may change at any time. Federally insured by the NCUA.
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This CD is a fixed rate certificate for the full 12-month term. This offer is for a limited time only, so call or visit our website to open your CD today! Fees, withdrawals, and penalties could reduce the earnings on the account. Interest is paid monthly via ACH or added back at maturity. Minimum deposit $100,000 for Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and applies to new money deposits only.
No additional details available.
No additional deposits allowed. No penalty for early withdrawals. The account matures in 12 months and will automatically renew for the same term unless funds are withdrawn within 10 days after maturity, during which withdrawals may be made without penalty. Withdrawals will reduce earnings. This promotional rate offer may be modified, suspended, or terminated by Climate First Bank, in whole or in part, at any time and for any reason without prior notice.
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Balance: $500.00
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Fixed Rate
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Qualifying new relationship clients only. Rates are effective through December 31, 2026. Certificate of Deposit rates are fixed for the term of the CD. APYs assume interest remains on deposit for the full term. If the account balance falls below $5,000, the account will revert to the then-current standard rate at that time. A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal from Certificate of Deposit accounts.
No additional details available.
Must maintain a minimum $50,000 balance to earn APY. Interest is compounded monthly and credited monthly. APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is accurate as of July 1, 2026 and is subject to change at any time. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account. There is a penalty for early withdrawal.
Term: Special 12-Month Fixed Rate1
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Minimum Deposit $50,000
effective 8/24/2026; minimum opening balance of $500. All terms are subject to early withdrawal penalty and/or fees which may reduce earnings. All programs, rates, and terms may change or be discontinued at any time without notice. Membership is required.
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IRA Certificate
Balance: $100,000 and higher; Interest Credited: Quarterly
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Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 09/15/2026. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees could reduce earnings on the account.
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Substantial penalty for early withdrawals.
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Dividends paid at end of each Month; Withdrawal penalty on amount See Below*
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Penalty for early withdrawal: 3 Months Dividends
VIP Yield
Special rate for a limited time. Rates are subject to change without notice. Membership eligibility is required.
No additional details available.
Banks and Credit Unions: If you identify an incorrect rate or wish to request removal from MonitorBankRates.com, please contact us here.
Tracked Nationwide
About Our 12-Month CD Rate Database
MonitorBankRates tracks 7,152 12-month CD rates from 3,293 institutions across the United States. Our proprietary aggregation system pulls verified rate data directly from each institution’s official website — no estimates, no national averages passed off as real offers.
Every rate listed includes the institution’s Safety Grade (A+ to F), Star Rating (1–5), and Texas Ratio — objective financial health metrics calculated from FDIC and NCUA regulatory data — so you can compare yield and institutional safety in one place.
Current top rate: Vacationland Federal Credit Union offers a 12-month CD at 6.03% APY with a minimum deposit of $500. Use the rate table above to compare all current offers.
12-Month CD Rate Trend
Daily national average APY for 12-month CDs
Daily averages compiled from our database of 8,500+ banks and credit unions — updated daily.
National 12-month CD rates rose 0.030 points over the past 7 days to 2.952% APY, up from 2.921% 7 days ago.
12-Month CD Rate Forecast — Next 12 Months
Where are 12-month CD rates headed through September 2027?
Projections based on Fed funds rate futures and historical CD-to-fed-funds spread model. Not financial advice.
CD Calculators
Enter any deposit amount to see exactly how much interest you earn at the end of your 12-month term at today’s top APY.
CD Ladder with 12 Months RungUse a 12-month CD as a core annual rung in your ladder. See how rolling 1-year maturities create a reliable income cycle while keeping a portion of savings liquid.
Early Withdrawal Penalty12-month CDs typically carry a 90–180 day interest penalty for early access. Calculate your actual net return if you need funds before maturity.
12-Month CD vs. High-Yield Savings12-month CD rates often edge above top savings APYs. Compare both side-by-side to see exactly how much more a 1-year commitment earns on your deposit.
How to Find the Best 12-Month CD Rates
What to compare when shopping for a 12-month CD
To find the best APYs on a 12-month CD, start with credit unions and online-only banks — they consistently offer the highest yields because they have lower overhead than traditional brick-and-mortar banks and compete aggressively for deposits.
Always compare the APY (Annual Percentage Yield), not just the interest rate. The APY reflects compounding and is the true measure of what you’ll earn. A CD advertised at 4.75% interest compounding monthly is worth more than one at 4.80% compounding annually.
Also compare the early withdrawal penalty. On a 12-month CD, common penalties range from 30 to 90 days of interest. If you’re unsure whether you’ll need the funds early, a penalty-free no-penalty CD or a high-yield savings account may be a better fit.
When a 12-Month CD Makes Sense
- You have a planned purchase or expense in ~12 months and want to earn while you wait
- You expect interest rates to fall and want to lock in today’s rate short-term
- You want to lock in a fixed rate for a full year without committing to a longer term
- You want FDIC/NCUA protection with a guaranteed fixed return
Consider an Alternative If…
- You may need funds before 3 months → High-yield savings
- Rates are rising and you want to benefit → Variable-rate savings or MMA
- You want check-writing or debit access → Money market account
12-Month CD vs. Other Savings Options
| Feature | 12-Month CD | High-Yield Savings | Money Market | 6-Month CD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Type | Fixed APY | Variable APY | Variable APY | Fixed APY |
| Liquidity | Locked 12 months | Anytime | Anytime | Locked 6 months |
| Early Withdrawal | Penalty (30–90 days interest) | None | None | Penalty (90–180 days interest) |
| FDIC / NCUA Insured | Yes (up to $250K) | Yes (up to $250K) | Yes (up to $250K) | Yes (up to $250K) |
| Check / Debit Access | No | Usually no | Often yes | No |
| Best For | Known near-term goal, CD ladder start | Emergency fund, flexible savings | Liquid savings with check-writing | Slightly higher yield, less urgency |
12-Month CD FAQs
What is a 12-Month Certificate of Deposit (CD)?
Are 12-month CD rates higher than regular savings accounts?
Is my money safe in a 12-month CD?
What happens if I withdraw money from a 12-month CD early?
What is APY and how does it differ from the interest rate?
Can I add money to a 12-month CD after opening it?
How can I use a 12-month CD in a CD ladder?
Is a 12-month CD better than a high-yield savings account?
Methodology & Data Sources
Direct-Sourced & Verified CD Rate Data: We aggregate 12-month CD rates nationwide directly from the official websites of banks and credit unions using our proprietary rate aggregation technology. By pulling data straight from the institutions’ own digital properties and manually verifying yields daily, every rate on MonitorBankRates.com is highly accurate and trustworthy.
Local, Regional, and National Coverage: Our systems constantly monitor the market to provide a complete picture of available 1-year CD yields across the country. We feature a comprehensive mix of financial institutions — from neighborhood credit unions and competitive regional banks to high-yield CDs from large national institutions.
Daily Updates & Time-Stamped Accuracy: Our rate updaters verify and update CD rates daily. Because yields can fluctuate rapidly based on Federal Reserve policy and market conditions, every CD product listed features its own specific “last updated” date for full transparency.
Proprietary Institution Health & Safety Grades: Beyond tracking rates, MonitorBankRates evaluates the financial stability of every listed institution. Our Health Grades (A+ to F) and Star Ratings are composite metrics calculated using objective regulatory data — including the Texas Ratio — ensuring you deposit with secure, reliable institutions.
