Best 12-Month CD Rates - May 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 Valley Financial Credit UnionValley Financial Credit Union1541 Custer Ave, Billings, MT 59102A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.09%Real return: +3.37%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 12 Month Youth Certificate at 6.17% APY, and CO-OP Credit UnionCO-OP Credit Union100 E Main St, Black River Falls, WI 54615A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 3.80%Real return: +3.20%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 12-month Youth Saver Certificate at 6.00% APY, and La Crosse Burlington Credit UnionLa Crosse Burlington Credit Union1735 Credit Union Ct, La Crosse, WI 54603A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.48%Real return: +3.20%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 12-month Youth Saver 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: 1.31%Real return: +3.10%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering Relationship Certificate (12 months) at 5.90% APY. CD rates as of May 12, 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: May 12, 2026
Compare the Best 12-Month CD Rates Nationwide
$100 Minimum | $1,000 Maximum
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Terms Apply
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Automatic Renewal
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This account is available only for members under 18 years of age.
Interest rate is based on a Prime Rate index minus a margin of 3.00%, with a floor of 0%
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Exclusive new money offer!
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Minimum $100,000 Deposit to start
Balance Under $100,000
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APY= Annual Percentage Yield. Stated rate is 4.169%. APY is accurate as of April 1, 2026. $500.00 minimum deposit required. Fees can reduce earnings on the account. Early withdrawal penalties may apply. OceanAir reserves the right to end or modify these offers at any time without notice
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Dividends compounded/paid monthly
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payroll deposit only
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Penalty for early withdrawal
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Deposit Amount: $100,001 and up
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$500 min to open
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$5
($10K limit per CD)
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APY up to
Special CD rates through April 30th.
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Must maintain a minimum $1,000 balance to earn APY. Interest is compounded monthly and credited monthly. There is a penalty for early withdrawal.
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Deposit limits are a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $1,000 .
Milton office only; Customer must open account in person at 735 Sunnyside Drive, Milton, WI 53563.
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($500 minimum deposit required)
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Online-only high-yield rates.
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new money
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$25,000- $99,999
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Wave Club
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Penalty: 90 days
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Branch
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(No minimum)
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Youth CDs are available for members 18 years and under. Certificate must be opened under youth's name and SSN. The CD must have the same joint member as the savings account it is tied to.
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Dividend Paid Monthly on Last Day of Month
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EARLY WITHDRAWAL PENALTIES (Minimum $25): 181 Days Interest
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IRA (Pd Qtrly)
Online Only
Star Member rate
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Star Member rate as high as
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Minimum deposit $100,000 for Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and applies to new money deposits only. 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. **Call for rates and APY on additional minimum balances.
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1 year Certificate of Deposit (Penalty will or may be imposed for early withdrawal of funds). This rate applies to existing CDs at Avista CU that automatically renew/rollover for an additional 1-year term.
limited time CD yield
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$10,000 - $49,999.99
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Jumbo > $50k
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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 4,856 12-month CD rates from 2,393 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: Valley Financial Credit Union offers a 12-month CD at 6.17% APY with a minimum deposit of $0. 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 0.011 points over the past 7 days to 2.835% APY, up from 2.824% 7 days ago.
12-Month CD Rate Forecast — Next 12 Months
Where are 12-month CD rates headed through May 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.
