Best 6-Month CD Rates - October 2026
Brian McKay
Brian McKay
Founder & Data Architect- Automated Online Rate Data Aggregation
- Location-Based Rate Tables
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6-month CD rates range from 4.10% to 10.00% APY, verified by MonitorBankRates as of October 23, 2026. Top 6-month CD rates currently available include Century Credit UnionCentury Credit Union1540 LEMAY FERRY RD, SAINT LOUIS, MO 63125 2405A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.27%Real return: +6.30%APY minus CPIRate verified Oct 19, 2026 offering 6 Month Teen CD at 10.00% APY, and Metropolitan Services Credit UnionMetropolitan Services Credit Union475 Etna St Ste 10, Saint Paul, MN 55106 5845A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.00%Real return: +4.30%APY minus CPIRate verified Oct 19, 2026 offering 6 Month NEW Youth CD at 8.00% APY, and Cornerstone Community Federal Credit UnionCornerstone Community Federal Credit Union55 Stevens St, Lockport, NY 14094 4229B+4.8 ★Texas Ratio: 17.18%Real return: +2.30%APY minus CPIRate verified Oct 23, 2026 offering 6 Month Youth Share Certificate at 6.00% APY, and Northwoods Community Credit UnionNorthwoods Community Credit Union1224 4th Ave S, Park Falls, WI 54552 1923A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.66%Real return: +1.36%APY minus CPIRate verified Oct 19, 2026 offering Youth Share Certificate - 6 Month at 5.06% APY. CD rates as of October 23, 2026 according to verified data from MonitorBankRates.
A 6-month CD is one of the most popular short-term options 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. 6-Month CD Rates Last Updated and Verified: October 23, 2026
Compare the Best 6-Month CD Rates Nationwide
Teen CD 6 Months $1,000 max; Interest paid quarterly; Without a Century checking account, subtract .10%
$500-$1,000; Limit of one CD per member
Balance: $50 - $5,000; Effective as of June 15, 2026
Accounts: Teen Cents Club, Junior Savers, Kangaroo Kids Club; Maximum $5,000.00 (Aggregate); Dividends compounded semi-annually; Subject to penalty for early withdrawal
Minimum: Amount of 4H or FFA - Youth Fair Participation Check, Max $5,000
Must be funded by new money not currently on deposit; Dividends paid: Monthly
Youth Saver
Balance: $500-$15,000
Kids Share Certificates (Under 18); $100.00 opening balance; unlimited deposits allowed; Early withdrawal: for certificates 12 months or shorter, penalty of ninety (90) days' dividends
Minimum opening deposit is $1,000; penalties may be imposed for early withdrawal
- Oct 12, 20265.00%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 12, 20264.00%first recorded
Tier 1; Balance: $500-$2,499.99; Effective Date: October 01, 2026
No additional details available.
- Oct 15, 20264.86%▲ from 4.15%
- Oct 5, 20264.15%▲ from 3.85%
- Sep 14, 20263.85%first recorded
Third 6-month term; Interest is compounded monthly; 10-day option to withdraw at the end of each six-month term; penalty for early withdrawals applies at other times; no brokered deposits
FEATURED RATE
- Oct 23, 20264.75%▲ from 3.75%
- Sep 30, 20263.75%first recorded
Promo rate; 25% of opening deposit must be new money; penalties apply for early withdrawal; converts to regular certificate at maturity unless changed during 7-day grace period
Minimum to Obtain: $500
Requirements for LOYALTY CERTIFICATE PROMO: Checking and Savings account, Debit card and must currently have Direct Deposit. Money must be new to MWFFCU.; APR column printed as 4.50%; Penalty for Early Withdrawal is loss of 90 days dividends
Effective date 10/1/26
$100,000+; Compound Period: Maturity; Jumbo Rate - $100,000+ Deposit
Minimum of $1,000 to open; penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal; fees may reduce earnings
- Sep 24, 20264.55%▲ from 4.30%
- Sep 14, 20264.30%first recorded
Balance: over $250,000.00; Interest compounded and credited monthly
- Oct 8, 20264.54%▲ from 4.23%
- Sep 14, 20264.23%first recorded
Account code 34; Interest compounded monthly (Int. Monthly); Certificate Rates
Bonus rate: 5.00% with bonus conditions (+0.10% each for Active Checking Account, Full Direct Deposit, Active SECU Credit Card, Active Consumer Loan, Current Mortgage); Early withdrawal penalty: 90 Days Interest; Quarterly Dividends
- Oct 13, 20264.50%▲ from 3.14%
- Oct 9, 20263.14%▼ from 4.50%
- Sep 14, 20264.50%first recorded
Up to 4.50% APY; available terms: 6-month, 12-month, 18-month, 24-month, and Jumbo 24-month CDs; early withdrawal penalties apply; membership eligibility required
Interest compounded & paid quarterly; As of July 1, 2026
New money only; funds must be new to First Atlantic Federal Credit Union, transfers from existing First Atlantic accounts do not qualify
Dividends compounded and credited at maturity; rates as of August 21, 2026
Effective October 22 through October 28, 2026
- Oct 23, 20264.50%▲ from 4.25%
- Oct 4, 20264.25%first recorded
Dividends paid monthly
Minimum balance of $100,000 required for ACBB CDs; rates subject to change based on market conditions and availability
Featured offer; APY effective as of 09/24/2026; compounded and credited quarterly; early withdrawal penalty applies
- Oct 3, 20264.44%▲ from 4.28%
- Sep 14, 20264.28%first recorded
Type of Certificate: Regular/IRA; Dividends compound & paid: Daily
- Oct 12, 20264.40%▲ from 3.96%
- Sep 14, 20263.96%first recorded
Minimum opening deposit $1,000; dividends paid at maturity
- Oct 12, 20264.40%▲ from 4.15%
- Sep 25, 20264.15%first recorded
Minimum to open $500.00; maximum opening deposit $500,000.00; early withdrawal penalty may apply
- Oct 23, 20264.40%▲ from 4.30%
- Oct 8, 20264.30%▲ from 4.20%
- Sep 14, 20264.20%first recorded
Substantial Penalty for Early Withdrawal
CD Rates; APY (Annual Percentage Yield)
Dividend rate 4.31%; Minimum balance to open and earn APY: $100
- Oct 5, 20264.40%▲ from 4.30%
- Sep 14, 20264.30%first recorded
Propel Relationship CD; requires Propel Premier Checking and Propel Preferred Savings; includes additional 0.15% APY; must be opened in a banking center; opening deposit must be new money; APY effective as of 10/14/2026
- Oct 20, 20264.40%▲ from 4.15%
- Sep 18, 20264.15%first recorded
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 Month Interest; Less Than $100,000; Rates not for public entities
- Oct 7, 20264.36%▲ from 3.82%
- Sep 14, 20263.82%first recorded
Certificate IRA (Traditional & Roth); $1,000 minimum to open and to obtain APY; Dividends compounded and paid quarterly
Interest paid quarterly via ACH; withdrawal before maturity not permitted; Rates current as of October 1, 2026
No additional details available.
- Oct 6, 20264.35%▲ from 4.25%
- Oct 1, 20264.25%▲ from 4.15%
- Sep 24, 20264.15%first recorded
APY effective 10/19/2026; interest must be paid out periodically and cannot remain on deposit
- Oct 21, 20264.35%▲ from 4.20%
- Sep 19, 20264.20%first recorded
Minimum balance $1,000; Penalty may apply for early withdrawal
- Oct 23, 20264.35%▲ from 4.10%
- Sep 17, 20264.10%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Oct 20, 20264.35%▼ from 4.45%
- Oct 14, 20264.45%▲ from 4.35%
- Oct 7, 20264.35%▼ from 4.45%
- Sep 27, 20264.45%▲ from 4.35%
Balance: $100,001 and up
Minimum balance of $1,000 to open; rates accurate as of 9/18/2026
Rates effective September 18, 2026
Base Rate + 1.25%; APR: 4.25%; Dividends paid monthly
Certificate Programs; Rates are subject to change without notice
- Oct 23, 20264.33%▲ from 4.07%
- Sep 14, 20264.07%first recorded
Rates as of 10/15/2026
- Oct 19, 20264.33%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
Ages: 13-17; Dividends Credited/Compounded: Monthly
- Oct 4, 20264.33%▲ from 4.07%
- Sep 14, 20264.07%first recorded
Special Promotion; Personal: $500 minimum opening deposit; Business: $1000 minimum opening deposit; Short-term growth with a strong return; No penalty for early withdrawals
- Sep 24, 20264.33%▲ from 4.07%
- Sep 14, 20264.07%first recorded
Dividends paid monthly; IRA certificates available for 1, 2, 3 and 4-year terms
Iowa residents in Polk, Jasper, and surrounding counties; Balance: $50,000 to $245,000
Balance: $100,000 & over; Minimum $1,000 to open; APY based on quarterly compounding; Penalty for early withdrawal applies
- Oct 3, 20264.32%▲ from 4.27%
- Sep 24, 20264.27%▲ from 4.22%
- Sep 20, 20264.22%first recorded
Minimum deposit: $500 for 6 months; $1000 for terms greater than 12 months; Early withdrawal: terms less than 12 months 90 days dividends
Early withdrawal penalties may apply
- Oct 7, 20264.30%▲ from 4.20%
- Sep 24, 20264.20%first recorded
Share Certificate
Balance: $100,000 and above
- Oct 20, 20264.30%▲ from 4.24%
- Sep 27, 20264.24%▲ from 4.19%
- Sep 18, 20264.19%first recorded
Effective as of October 1, 2026
- Sep 27, 20264.30%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 18, 20264.00%first recorded
Minimum opening deposit $2,000 if purchased through Raymond James brokerage account; rates effective October 16, 2026
Certificate Rates (100,000 minimum balance)
Increments of $1,000; maximum deposit $50,000,000
- Oct 20, 20264.30%▼ from 4.40%
- Oct 14, 20264.40%first recorded
High Yield Business CD; maximum deposit $250,000
- Oct 14, 20264.30%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 18, 20264.00%first recorded
No additional details available.
Minimum deposit of $500 to open and earn the APY; APY as of September 15, 2026
Balance: Up to $99,999.99; Minimum $1,000 required for all CDs; early withdrawal penalty applies if not held to maturity; Assumes no compounding, interest paid annually or at maturity
- Oct 3, 20264.30%▲ from 4.04%
- Sep 27, 20264.04%first recorded
Homepage promo card: "Cozy up with a 4.30% APY*"; 6-Month Certificate
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 90 days interest
- Oct 23, 20264.30%▲ from 3.52%
- Oct 9, 20263.52%first recorded
Rates effective 09/24/2026; APY assumes dividends remain in the account until maturity; dividends paid semi-annually and at maturity; early withdrawal penalties may apply
Minimum account balance of $2,500; APY assumes interest remains on deposit until maturity; Rates as of 09/24/2026
New money only, not funds currently on deposit with Commonwealth Credit Union; Also offered as Traditional IRA and Roth IRA certificate; Dividends compounded monthly; Substantial penalties for early withdrawal; Certificates (Regular, Traditional IRA, and Roth IRA)
Share Type: Regular; Dividends Paid: Monthly
$500 minimum deposit on all terms
- Sep 21, 20264.25%▲ from 1.00%
- Sep 14, 20261.00%first recorded
Online Only; Open 6 mo. CD; $25,000 minimum deposit to open and earn APY; maximum $1,000,000 per client; rates effective September 30, 2026
- Oct 2, 20264.25%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 18, 20264.00%first recorded
Digital certificate of deposit; Online Only
APY compounded; rates subject to change
Limited Time Offer; Balance to earn APY: $2,500; new money only; early withdrawal penalty 90 days of dividend whether earned or not
- Oct 19, 20264.25%▼ from 4.35%
- Oct 13, 20264.35%first recorded
Rewards+ Loyalty Program
6 Month ($500 & Over); Minimum of $500 required for all Certificates; Penalty for early maturity is 3 months interest
$100,000 minimum for Promotional 4.25% CD for 6 months; Promotional CD rate is for new money; Early withdrawals subject to penalty
Promotional CD special; Call or stop in for full details
Rates effective 6/1/2026; $500 minimum opening balance; dividends compounded and credited quarterly
Deposit: $10,000+
No additional details available.
- Sep 24, 20264.25%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
Limited Time Special; Penalty for early withdrawal
Loyalty Rate: 0.05%; $100,000 minimum balance required to open and to earn stated APY
Share Certificate; 4.25% APY based on 6 month certificate; must maintain $500 minimum balance to earn advertised rate; auto-renews at maturity; rate accurate as of August 3, 2026
Minimum balance for all Certificates and IRA Certificates is $500; terms and conditions may vary by account; regular certificates can be opened as IRA certificates unless otherwise noted
Balance: $500-$49,000; Dividends compound monthly
Minimum to open is $1,000; Must be opened online; Online Only; Auto Renewal Term: 6-month CNSaver Online CD; Rates are valid as of 10/14/2026
IRA Certificate of Deposit Accounts; Automatically renews at maturity; Free online/mobile banking access; Quarterly statements; Early withdrawal penalty applies; APY accurate as of September 24, 2026; rate may change after account is opened
- Sep 27, 20264.25%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 24, 20264.00%first recorded
Platinum & VIP Members; Balance: $500 - $1,000,000
$500 Minimum to earn APY; Certificate Compounding Frequency is Monthly; Penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal
Dividend Frequency: Monthly
- Oct 4, 20264.25%▲ from 3.50%
- Sep 25, 20263.50%first recorded
Auto-renews into a 6-month certificate at the current rate at maturity; Early withdrawal penalty may apply
Effective Date: October 16, 2026; Nonrenewable
Early withdrawal penalties may apply
- Oct 9, 20264.25%▲ from 3.00%
- Sep 14, 20263.00%first recorded
Term: 6 Month Liquid CD - no penalty; No penalty liquid CD; Subject to early withdrawal penalties
- Oct 20, 20264.25%▲ from 3.90%
- Sep 24, 20263.90%first recorded
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 180 Days; Effective Date: October 18, 2026
Minimum monthly automatic deposit of at least $25 required; early withdrawal penalty waived if funds are used toward purchase of a home
Market-Leading Rates; Rates effective as of 9/22/26
Term: 6 Months with Epic Premium Checking; Minimum deposit $500 (Min. Certs.); Requires Epic Premium Checking (**)
- Oct 4, 20264.25%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 25, 20264.00%first recorded
Dividend Rate 4.17%; yields effective as of October 8, 2026; dividends compound monthly; must have a Regular Share (Savings) account
No additional details available.
- Oct 21, 20264.25%▲ from 3.86%
- Sep 14, 20263.86%first recorded
New money only, not on deposit with the credit union for the past 90 days; must be a member
Minimum to open $5,000 and minimum required to earn APY $5,000; Rates effective as of October 14, 2026; Business CDs are subject to a penalty for early withdrawal
- Oct 21, 20264.25%▲ from 3.80%
- Sep 24, 20263.80%first recorded
Rates that have current Specials
Starting minimum deposit of $500; not eligible for Member Saver Reward
Printed label repeated for Level 6 6 month term; row 1 of 2
Promo; Rate type: Fixed
Minimum deposit $500. Non-Compounding Certificates available. Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Dividends are compounded daily and paid quarterly.
APY current as of 10/21/2026; single-transaction minimum deposit
Minimum deposit tier: $250,001
New money deposits required; $10,000 minimum opening deposit
- Oct 20, 20264.23%▲ from 4.00%
- Oct 14, 20264.00%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Oct 19, 20264.23%▲ from 3.82%
- Sep 14, 20263.82%first recorded
No additional details available.
$100,000 Minimum
Term: 6 Months to 11 Months; Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
- Oct 3, 20264.22%▲ from 4.11%
- Sep 28, 20264.11%first recorded
Balance: $50,000.00 and Higher
Early withdrawal penalty may be imposed
FDIC insurance: at least $250,000
Balance: $1,000 - $9,999
No additional details available.
APY accurate as of 09/24/2026; APY assumes interest remains on deposit until maturity date; Penalty for early withdrawal may reduce earnings
APY available on a new CD opened with a minimum of $1,000.00; no additional deposits during the term; early withdrawal penalty may apply; APY accurate as of October 22nd, 2026
- Oct 7, 20264.20%▲ from 4.09%
- Sep 28, 20264.09%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Oct 19, 20264.20%▲ from 4.05%
- Sep 24, 20264.05%first recorded
$250,000 maximum deposit; Rate effective as of 19 October, 2026
Promotional rate good for initial term only
- Sep 29, 20264.20%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
Balance: $100,000.00 & greater; Period: Quarterly; Member Loyalty APY
Promotion offer valid beginning September 28, 2026; Available for consumer, business, and IRA/Retirement CDs (Business and IRA/Retirement CDs must be opened in branch); Minimum deposit of $1000; Rates effective as of 9/28/2026
Limited-time special; requires new account opening with at least $25,000 minimum deposit and new money; withdrawals reduce earnings and an early withdrawal penalty applies
Tier: $500 Minimum; Penalty: 90 Days1
In select markets only; No minimum to earn APY; Penalty assessed for early withdrawal
- Oct 14, 20264.20%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 29, 20264.00%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Oct 4, 20264.20%▲ from 3.75%
- Sep 25, 20263.75%first recorded
Dividend Rate: 4.13%
- Oct 19, 20264.20%▲ from 4.10%
- Sep 18, 20264.10%first recorded
Early withdrawal penalty: 3 months' interest
- Oct 1, 20264.20%▲ from 3.95%
- Sep 24, 20263.95%first recorded
No additional details available.
APY accurate as of 10/09/2026; interest compounded daily; penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
- Oct 11, 20264.19%▲ from 4.08%
- Sep 27, 20264.08%▲ from 3.82%
- Sep 14, 20263.82%first recorded
Minimum balance to obtain APY is $1,000; APY is as of 10/9/2026 and may be discontinued at any time; Early withdrawal penalty may be imposed; Offer limited to new, consumer certificates only
Balance: $500 & over; Early withdrawal penalty: 30 days' dividends
No additional details available.
- Oct 13, 20264.18%▲ from 4.15%
- Oct 5, 20264.15%▼ from 4.18%
- Sep 29, 20264.18%▲ from 4.15%
- Sep 25, 20264.15%▼ from 4.18%
Balance: $25,000 - $99,999
No additional details available.
Minimum deposit of $100,000.00; Certificate specials will not renew at end of term; A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
- Oct 4, 20264.16%▲ from 3.96%
- Sep 12, 20263.96%first recorded
Early withdrawal penalty: 181 Days Interest (minimum $25)
Effective Date - Sept. 2026; ** One thousand dollar minimum**; FENFCU early withdrawal penalty: 25 basis points (1/4%) per quarter or portion of a quarter on certificate balance
- Oct 8, 20264.16%▲ from 3.44%
- Sep 17, 20263.44%first recorded
Dividends posted quarterly; additional deposits not allowed (except at maturity); withdrawals only at maturity; automatic renewal; early withdrawal penalty may apply
$500; Certificate of Deposit with $500 minimum balance; Special rate; Rate: 4.073%; APY: 4.15%
Internet Only; Apply Online (accounts opened nationwide); SPECIALS; Minimum deposit of $25,000
No additional details available.
Penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal; Rates current as of October 8, 2026
- Oct 14, 20264.15%▲ from 3.92%
- Sep 19, 20263.92%first recorded
Maximum opening deposit $1,000,000; early withdrawal penalty may apply
Certificates of Deposit Account; APY accurate as of 9-1-26; early withdrawal penalty applies
Not all CD/IRA specials are available for online account opening, please contact your local branch. Annual Percentage Yield effective October 19, 2026.
- Oct 14, 20264.15%▲ from 3.90%
- Sep 19, 20263.90%first recorded
Better Rewards Checking eligibility required at time of opening or renewing
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
- Oct 22, 20264.15%▼ from 4.40%
- Oct 12, 20264.40%▲ from 4.35%
- Sep 16, 20264.35%first recorded
Maximum deposit $240,000; penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
Minimum $100,000 required to open an account; Penalty may be applied for early withdrawal; Rates effective as of 10/05/2026
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 Months of Interest
Certificates; Interest compounded quarterly
- Sep 22, 20264.15%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
Maximum purchase $250,000.00; Gold and Platinum members are eligible for bonus rates
- Sep 22, 20264.15%▲ from 3.75%
- Sep 14, 20263.75%first recorded
Certificates Federally Insured; Open LorMet Checking Account required; penalty may be charged for early withdrawal; Rates effective as of October 2, 2026
Commercial; must be opened under a commercial/business account with BCFCU; dividends compounded and credited monthly; $1,000 minimum balance required
No additional details available.
- Oct 23, 20264.15%▲ from 2.50%
- Sep 14, 20262.50%first recorded
Dividend Rate 4.11%; early withdrawal penalty applies
Compounded/Credited: Monthly/Monthly
Share Certificate Rates current as of October 23, 2026
- Oct 13, 20264.15%▲ from 4.10%
- Sep 14, 20264.10%first recorded
Over $75,000; Balance: Over $75,000 in Total Shares; Rates as of May 8, 2025; Dividends paid monthly; CDs may be subject to early withdrawal penalty
Promotional Online CDs; $25,000 minimum to open; funds must be new money; deposits cannot be made from an existing NexBank CD account; CDs with opening balances of $25,000 to $240,000
Compounding: Monthly; Jumbo Certificate rates are 0.10% higher than a regular certificate rate
- Oct 23, 20264.15%▼ from 4.25%
- Oct 22, 20264.25%first recorded
Balance: $10,000-$1,000,000; Promotional CD available only from October 6th-December 31st, 2026; new deposits only; automatically renews once at 3.65% (3.68% APY) for 6 months; penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
Balance: $2,500 - $9,999.99; New Certificates
- Oct 13, 20264.14%▲ from 3.53%
- Sep 29, 20263.53%first recorded
APY current as of September 21, 2026; early withdrawal penalty may apply; auto-renews to fixed rate CD of equivalent term
- Sep 24, 20264.14%▲ from 3.90%
- Sep 14, 20263.90%first recorded
Compounding: At maturity; Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 months interest
Balance: $250,000.00 and up; Compounding: Interest At Maturity
Rates as of September 22, 2026; Minimum balance to open CD Account $1000.00; Fixed rate CD
- Oct 22, 20264.14%▲ from 3.79%
- Sep 14, 20263.79%first recorded
Compound Period: Daily; APY is based on $50,000.00
Balance: $1M+; Minimum $500 deposit required for certificate accounts
Balance: $1M+
Balance: $100,000 and over
- Oct 9, 20264.13%▲ from 3.61%
- Sep 14, 20263.61%first recorded
No additional details available.
Six-month term not available for an IRA Certificate; $500.00 opening deposit on a custodial account; rates in effect 8-21-2026
Certificates are established with a required minimum deposit. Anytime there is a withdrawal from the certificate that results in the balance being less than the minimum required balance, the certificate should either be closed or put into a certificate where the balance meets the required minimum deposit.
Youth CD (age 25 or younger) minimum deposit $250; Dividend rate and APY fixed for the term
No additional details available.
- Oct 6, 20264.11%▲ from 3.65%
- Sep 27, 20263.65%first recorded
Jumbo rate applies to balances of $100,000.00 and over
Balance: $50,000 +
Balance: $225,000 or greater
- Oct 4, 20264.11%▲ from 3.85%
- Sep 14, 20263.85%first recorded
Interest Paid: Maturity; Open Online
Online Only; Minimum balance to open account online: $1,000; Balance: More than $0
No additional details available.
Share/IRA/Roth/ESA certificate
No additional details available.
Minimum balance to earn interest: $100,000
No additional details available.
- Oct 5, 20264.10%▲ from 3.75%
- Sep 21, 20263.75%first recorded
Special offer; $10,000 New Money
Traditional or Roth IRA; APY accurate as of October 15, 2026 and subject to change; early withdrawals have a substantial penalty
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 6-Month CD Rate Database
MonitorBankRates tracks 7,009 6-month CD rates from 3,760 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 to 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: Century Credit Union offers a 6-month CD at 10.00% APY with a minimum deposit of $100. Use the rate table above to compare all current offers.
6-Month CD Rate Trend
Daily national average APY for 6-month CDs
Daily averages compiled from 7,009 verified CD rate quotes, updated daily.
National 6-month CD rates fell 0.011 points over the past 7 days to 2.779% APY, down from 2.790% 7 days ago. Rates are currently 0.058 points above the 90-day average of 2.721%.
Rates are well above the 2010-2019 decade average of 0.30%, though below the 2023 cycle peak of 5.50%.
6-Month CD Rate Forecast, Next 12 Months
Where are 6-month CD rates headed through October 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 6-month term at today’s top APY.
CD Ladder with 6 months RungModel a CD ladder that includes a 6-month CD. See how staggering maturities keeps cash accessible while locking in higher yields on longer terms.
Early Withdrawal Penalty6-month CDs typically carry a 90 to 180 days interest penalty for early access. Calculate your actual net return if you need funds before maturity.
6-month CD vs. High-Yield Savings6-month CD rates are close to top savings APYs right now. Compare both side-by-side to find which earns more for your deposit amount and timeline.
What Does a 6-Month CD Actually Earn After Inflation?
The APY on your CD tells you the nominal return, what you earn before accounting for inflation. The real return is what matters for purchasing power: your CD rate minus the current inflation rate. A CD yielding 4.85% when inflation runs at 2.8% gives you a real return of roughly 2.0%. When inflation runs at 5%, that same CD is losing ground.
What This Means for 6-Month CD Savers
At the current national average of 2.779% and headline inflation running at 3.7% (BLS CPI-U, September 2026), a $10,000 6-month CD earns roughly $69.48 in interest over 3 months. After adjusting for the annualized inflation rate, the real purchasing-power gain is approximately -0.92% on an annualized basis.
With inflation still running above the current CD average, short-term CD holders are losing ground in real terms, though far less than during the 2020 to 2021 period when rates were near zero and inflation was accelerating.
The top-yielding 6-month CDs in our database, however, typically run 0.50% to 1.50% above the national average. Savers who shop across our full list rather than accepting their current bank's rate meaningfully improve their real return.
Real Return in Context
| Period | Avg 3-Mo CD APY | Avg CPI | Approx. Real Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 to 2019 (pre-pandemic) | ~1.0% to 2.4% | ~2.3% | ~-1.3% to +0.1% |
| 2020 to 2021 (pandemic lows) | ~0.05% to 0.10% | ~1.2% to 4.7% | ~-4.6% to -1.1% |
| 2022 to 2023 (rate hike cycle) | ~0.5% to 5.5% | ~4.0% to 9.1% | ~-8.6% to +1.5% |
| 2023 Peak | ~5.50% avg | ~3.2% to 4.1% | ~+1.0% to +2.0% |
| Today (Oct 2026) | 2.779% avg | 3.7% | -0.92% |
Data sources: MonitorBankRates.com 6-month CD rate averages; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), All Items, 12-month percent change. CPI reading: September 2026. Real return is an approximation; precise calculation is ((1+nominal)/(1+inflation))-1. Not financial advice.
How to Find the Best 6-Month CD Rates
What to compare when shopping for a 6-month CD
To find the best APYs on a 6-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 6-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 6-Month CD Makes Sense
- You have a planned purchase or expense in ~6 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’re building the shortest rung of a CD ladder
- 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
6-Month CD vs. Other Short-Term Savings Options
| Feature | 6-Month CD | High-Yield Savings | Money Market | 6-Month CD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Type | Fixed APY | Variable APY | Variable APY | Fixed APY |
| Liquidity | Locked 3 months | Anytime | Anytime | Locked 6 months |
| Early Withdrawal | Penalty (30 to 90 days interest) | None | None | Penalty (90 to 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 |
6-Month CD FAQs
What is a 6-Month Certificate of Deposit (CD)?
Are 6-month CD rates higher than regular savings accounts?
Is my money safe in a 6-month CD?
What happens if I withdraw money from a 6-month CD early?
What is APY and how does it differ from the interest rate?
Can I add money to a 6-month CD after opening it?
How can I use a 6-month CD in a CD ladder?
Is a 6-month CD better than a high-yield savings account right now?
What is the real return on a 6-month CD?
Does inflation affect CD rates?
Methodology & Data Sources
Direct-Sourced & Verified CD Rate Data: We aggregate 6-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.
