Best 36-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 36-month CD rates currently available include 1st Community Credit Union1st Community Credit Union1000 W Wisconsin St, Sparta, WI 54656 2230A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 4.67%Real return: +2.33%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 36-MONTH TEEN CERTIFICATE SPECIAL at 5.13% APY, and PAHO WHO Federal Credit UnionPAHO WHO Federal Credit Union2112 F St NW, Washington, DC 20037A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 4.82%Real return: +1.79%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 36 Month IRA Certificate at 4.59% APY, and State Bank of NewburgState Bank of Newburg300 Congress Dr Hwy 33, Newburg, WI 53060A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.29%Real return: +1.43%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 36 mo Certificate of Deposit at 4.23% APY, and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit UnionSchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union2115 N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92706A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 5.36%Real return: +1.40%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering Deferred Compensation Certificates 36 months at 4.20% APY. CD rates as of May 22, 2026 according to verified data from MonitorBankRates.
A 3-year CD is well-suited for savers with a medium-term horizon who want to lock in a solid fixed rate without committing to five years. It balances yield and accessibility, and pairs well with a CD ladder strategy. 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. 36-Month CD Rates Last Updated and Verified: May 22, 2026
Compare the Best 36-Month CD Rates Nationwide
Minimum deposit of $500, Maximum $10,000. Annual Percentage Yield is based on assumption that dividends will remain in account until maturity. A penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity. Contact 1st CCU for full details, qualifications, restrictions, funds availability, terms and conditions. Youth members may have one of each Youth Certificate type. Teen members may have one Teen Certificate and one of each Youth Certificate type. Certificates are subject to age restrictions. Cannot be opened as UTMA account. Certificate must be in the minor's name. Membership eligibility required. Anyone who lives or works in La Crosse, Monroe, Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson, Eau Claire, Clark, Wood, Adams, Juneau, Sauk, Richland, Crawford, or Vernon County is eligible to join 1st CCU. Federally insured by NCUA.
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Opening Balance $10,000 or above
payroll deposit only
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purchased through Raymond James brokerage account
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*New Money from an outside source*
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Automatic Renewal
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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.
Jumbo Rates ($75,000 Minimum)
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90th Anniversary Special
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$100,000 and Above
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Terms and conditions apply. See our [Truth in Savings disclosure](https://www.nymcu.org/hubfs/Disclaimers_05.17.23/tisa-rate-and-fee-schedule.pdf?hsLang=en) for more details. Multiple accounts are only allowed for Share Certificates. All other deposit accounts are limited to one of each type.
As High As
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$100,000
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Early Withdrawal Penalty: 180 Days' Dividends
Dividends are paid and compounded quarterly. Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Contact your personal attorney or tax advisor for advice on your personal situation. For accounts that automatically renew for another term, you have a grace period of ten (10) days after maturity in which to withdraw funds in the account without being charged an early withdrawal penalty.
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$100,000.00 and Over
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$100,000 Minimum to Earn APY
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Minimum deposit of $500 required.
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$100,000 & over
$50,000
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Rewards+ Loyalty Program
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Minimum Deposit $300. Dividends Paid Monthly
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Relationship Rate
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Subject to early withdrawal penalties. Fees could reduce earnings on the account.
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The below certificates of deposit have a $1,000.00 minimum balance. The dividend rate and annual percentage yield (APY) is fixed for the duration of the certificate, but may change at its maturity. You will incur a penalty for early withdrawal of a certificate. The annual percentage yields quoted are based on reinvesting of dividends until maturity. Withdrawals of interest prior to maturity will reduce the annual percentage yield. Fee imposed will also reduce the APY earned.
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More Than $100,000
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Balance $1,000
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$500
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Early Withdrawal Penalty: 240 Days
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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 36-month CD Rate Database
MonitorBankRates tracks 3,949 36-month CD rates from 2,070 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: 1st Community Credit Union offers a 36-month CD at 5.13% APY with a minimum deposit of $500. Use the rate table above to compare all current offers.
36-Month CD Rate Trend
Daily national average APY for 36-month CDs
Daily averages compiled from our database of 8,500+ banks and credit unions — updated daily.
National 36-month CD rates fell 0.003 points over the past 7 days to 2.633% APY, down from 2.636% 7 days ago.
36-month CD Rate Forecast — Next 12 Months
Where are 36-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 36-month term at today’s top APY.
CD Ladder with 36 months RungUse a 3-year CD as a higher-yield anchor in your ladder. Model how combining it with 12 and 24-month terms creates a steady stream of maturing funds while maximizing long-term yield.
Early Withdrawal Penalty36-month CDs typically carry a 180–365 days interest penalty for early access. Calculate your actual net return if you need funds before maturity.
36-month CD vs. High-Yield Savings3-year CD rates typically offer a meaningful premium over savings accounts. Compare both to see if the 3-year lock-up is justified by the higher fixed APY.
How to Find the Best 36-month CD Rates
What to compare when shopping for a 36-month CD
To find the best APYs on a 36-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 36-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 36-month CD Makes Sense
- You have a planned purchase or expense in ~36 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 a higher rate than 1 or 2-year CDs offer and can commit savings for a full 3-year 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
36-month CD vs. Other Savings Options
| Feature | 36-month CD | High-Yield Savings | Money Market | 6-Month CD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Type | Fixed APY | Variable APY | Variable APY | Fixed APY |
| Liquidity | Locked 36 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 |
36-Month CD FAQs
What is a 36-Month (3-Year) Certificate of Deposit?
How do 3-year CD rates compare to shorter-term CDs?
Is my money safe in a 36-month CD?
What happens if I withdraw money from a 3-year CD early?
What is APY and why does it matter for a 3-year CD?
Is a 36-month CD a good choice if interest rates might rise?
How can I use a 36-month CD in a CD ladder?
Is a 36-month CD better than a 24-month CD?
Methodology & Data Sources
Direct-Sourced & Verified CD Rate Data: We aggregate 36-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 3-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.
