Best 6-Month CD Rates - October 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
6-month CD rates range from 4.05% to 17.23% APY, verified by MonitorBankRates as of October 2, 2026. Top 6-month CD rates currently available include Sunlight Federal Credit UnionSunlight Federal Credit Union1702 17th St, Cody, WY 82414D3.2 ★Texas Ratio: 37.01%Real return: +14.43%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 6 Month Youth at 17.23% APY, and Century Credit UnionCentury Credit Union1540 LEMAY FERRY RD, SAINT LOUIS, MO 63125 2405A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.27%Real return: +7.20%APY minus CPI (February 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: +5.20%APY minus CPI (February 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: +3.20%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 6 Month Youth Share Certificate at 6.00% APY. CD rates as of October 2, 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 2, 2026
Compare the Best 6-Month CD Rates Nationwide
*
max $1,000
Limit of one CD per member
Balance Range: $50 - $5,000
Teen Cents Club Junior Savers Kangaroo Kids Club Minimum $100.00 Maximum $5,000.00 (Aggregate)
Minimum: Amount of 4H or FFA - Youth Fair Participation Check; Max $5,000
Must be funded by new money not currently on deposit
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Balance: $500-$15,000
No additional details available.
Minimum to Obtain: $500
Term: 6 months - FEATURED RATE; Featured Rate
Rates as of 10/1/26. Minimum opening balance $500; minimum balance to earn the APY $500. Also available as IRAs. Penalty for early withdrawal.
Qualifications Required; Checking and Savings account, Debit card and must currently have Direct Deposit. Money must be new to MWFFCU.
No additional details available.
- Sep 24, 20264.55%▲ from 4.30%
- Sep 14, 20264.30%first recorded
Bonus Rate: 5.00%; Early Withdrawal Penalty: 90 Days Interest
- Sep 18, 20264.50%▲ from 1.51%
- Sep 14, 20261.51%first recorded
No additional details available.
Rates are based on the date/time that funds are received and processed.
APY* (%)
Rates effective April 2026. Federally insured by NCUA. Membership eligibility required. See full rates & terms at heritagehubfederal.org - Early withdrawal penalties apply to CDs. Available terms: 6-month, 12-month, 18-month, 24-month, and Jumbo 24-month CDs.
- Oct 1, 20264.50%▲ from 3.75%
- Sep 24, 20263.75%first recorded
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Balance: $500,000.00 and over
- Sep 27, 20264.45%▲ from 4.35%
- Sep 18, 20264.35%▲ from 4.14%
- Sep 8, 20264.14%first recorded
10-Day CD Rate Guarantee
- Oct 1, 20264.40%▲ from 4.35%
- Sep 18, 20264.35%first recorded
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
- Sep 27, 20264.36%▲ from 3.96%
- Sep 22, 20263.96%▲ from 3.75%
- Sep 18, 20263.75%first recorded
Limited Time Offer; New Money Only; Early withdrawal penalty is 90 days of dividend whether earned or not.
- Oct 1, 20264.35%▲ from 4.25%
- Sep 14, 20264.25%first recorded
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
- Sep 25, 20264.33%▲ from 3.95%
- Sep 14, 20263.95%first recorded
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No penalty for early withdrawals
- Sep 24, 20264.33%▲ from 4.07%
- Sep 14, 20264.07%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Sep 22, 20264.33%▲ from 4.07%
- Sep 14, 20264.07%first recorded
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
- Sep 27, 20264.30%▲ from 4.20%
- Sep 18, 20264.20%first recorded
No additional details available.
Promo Certificate. New Deposits are defined as funds not currently on deposit with Chartway Credit Union. Rate effective date April 1, 2026. Minimum $500 balance ($100 if under 18 years old) to open. Will renew at the current 6-month certificate rate.
No additional details available.
APY is based upon an assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Dividends paid semi-annually and at maturity. Early withdrawal penalties may apply.
- Oct 1, 20264.30%▲ from 2.26%
- Sep 18, 20262.26%first recorded
Balance: $1,000
- Sep 27, 20264.30%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 18, 20264.00%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Oct 3, 20264.44%▲ from 4.28%
- Sep 14, 20264.28%first recorded
Balance: $100,000 & over
- Sep 24, 20264.27%▲ from 4.22%
- Sep 20, 20264.22%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Sep 27, 20264.26%▲ from 3.96%
- Sep 7, 20263.96%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Oct 1, 20264.25%▲ from 4.15%
- Sep 24, 20264.15%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Sep 27, 20264.25%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 18, 20264.00%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Sep 27, 20264.25%▲ from 3.74%
- Sep 7, 20263.74%first recorded
Limited Time Special
New money only, not funds currently on deposit with Commonwealth Credit Union; Certificates (Regular, Traditional IRA, and Roth IRA)
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Additional deposits are not allowed. Certificate will automatically renew at the time of maturity. Sunmark will provide 30 days notice prior to the maturity date. If you do not contact Sunmark on or before the maturity date, the account will renew for the term stated, at the rate current at the time of renewal. You have a grace period of ten days after maturity in which to withdraw funds in the account without being charged an early withdrawal penalty. Rate is accurate as of August 3, 2026. Speak with a Sunmark representative for current rate information as well as applicable fees and terms. Rates subject to change.
See below for full disclosure. Rates effective as of 9/22/26 and are subject to change without notice. The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is based on monthly compounding with funds held to maturity. Additional deposits are not permitted. Substantial penalties for early withdrawal may be imposed. Withdrawals and penalties may reduce earnings.
Special^
Online-only high-yield rates.
- Oct 2, 20264.25%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 18, 20264.00%first recorded
Annual Percentage Yield of 4.25% for 6 months 4 terms to fit your needs-6, 12, 18, and 24-month special.* Call or stop in for full details.
APY accurate as of 10/01/26 - 11/20/26. Minimum $1,000.00 to open and obtain the APY. Early withdrawal penalty may apply.
No additional details available.
APY / Dividend Rate: Platinum & VIP Members; Balance: $500 - $1,000,000
No additional details available.
- Sep 21, 20264.25%▲ from 1.00%
- Sep 14, 20261.00%first recorded
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
- Oct 3, 20264.35%▲ from 4.25%
- Sep 19, 20264.25%first recorded
Dividends paid at end of each Month; Withdrawal penalty on amount See Below*
- Oct 2, 20264.25%▲ from 4.15%
- Sep 18, 20264.15%first recorded
No additional details available.
Summer Certificate Specials. Minimum balance for all Certificates and IRA Certificates is $500.
Loyalty Rates: 0.05%
No additional details available.
Balance: $500 - $9,999.99
- Sep 24, 20264.25%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
Minimum Balance Requirements: $100000.00 to open; $100000.00 to obtain disclosed APY
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
- Sep 22, 20264.25%▲ from 3.90%
- Sep 18, 20263.90%first recorded
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Balance: $100,000 and above
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Balances $50,000.00
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 months' interest
- Oct 1, 20264.20%▲ from 3.95%
- Sep 24, 20263.95%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Sep 29, 20264.20%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
Balance: $1,000 - $1,000
- Sep 24, 20264.20%▲ from 4.10%
- Sep 18, 20264.10%first recorded
Limited-time special offer. Funds must be new money.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of 09/24/2026. Maximum opening deposit amount of $500,000.00. Fees could reduce earnings on account. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. At the end of the initial term, CDs will automatically review at the then-offered rate.
The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 09/24/2026. 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.
No additional details available.
- Oct 2, 20264.20%▲ from 3.75%
- Sep 18, 20263.75%first recorded
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Compounding & Auto Deposit Plan; $10,000 minimum
Balance: 500 & over
No additional details available.
- Sep 29, 20264.18%▲ from 4.15%
- Sep 18, 20264.15%▼ from 4.18%
- Sep 14, 20264.18%first recorded
No additional details available.
EARLY WITHDRAWAL PENALTIES (Minimum $25): 181 Days Interest
No additional details available.
Gold and Platinum members are eligible for bonus rates.
- Sep 22, 20264.15%▲ from 3.75%
- Sep 14, 20263.75%first recorded
No additional details available.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 9-1-26. Offer is subject to change.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
To receive these rates and terms the certificate must be opened under a commercial/business account with BCFCU. BCFCU reserves the right to end promotion at any time.
Minimum $100,000 required to open an account. Rates are subject to change. Other terms and conditions may apply.
Choose a term from six months to five years.
No additional details available.
New Money is defined as funds not currently on deposit. Early withdrawal penalties may apply.
Minimum opening deposit - $1000 minimum. $1,000,000 max opening deposit. Early withdrawal penalty may apply.
Open LorMet Checking Account required. A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Rates effective as of September 23, 2026.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Certificate rates are fixed for the term.
No additional details available.
- Sep 22, 20264.15%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Sep 24, 20264.14%▲ from 3.79%
- Sep 20, 20263.79%first recorded
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 months interest
Balance: $250,000.00 and up; Interest At Maturity
- Sep 24, 20264.14%▲ from 3.89%
- Sep 14, 20263.89%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Sep 24, 20264.14%▲ from 3.90%
- Sep 14, 20263.90%first recorded
Balance: $1M+
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
SPECIAL; Early Withdrawal Penalty: 90 days dividends
No additional details available.
- Sep 24, 20264.11%▲ from 3.86%
- Sep 14, 20263.86%first recorded
Balance: $500+; Term: 6 Months to 11 Months
APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is accurate as of September 18, 2026 and is subject to change at any time. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account. There is a penalty for early withdrawal. Interest is compounded monthly and credited monthly.
Minimum balance $100,000
To receive promotional rate, opening deposit cannot originate from pre-existing Freedom Bank account funds. Rate applicable to a maximum of $250,000.00 FDIC coverage per customer relationship. Rates may change after account opening. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. Other terms and conditions may apply.
- Sep 24, 20264.10%▲ from 4.07%
- Sep 14, 20264.07%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Oct 2, 20264.10%▲ from 3.95%
- Sep 18, 20263.95%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Oct 1, 20264.10%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
High-Yield Rewards Checking Account required
- Sep 27, 20264.10%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 18, 20264.00%first recorded
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
IRA CD
No additional details available.
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.
- Sep 19, 20264.10%▲ from 3.85%
- Sep 7, 20263.85%first recorded
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Compound Period: Maturity
$10,000 New Money
Certificates $500 to $20,000
APY = Annual Percentage Yield. 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.
- Sep 27, 20264.10%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
Effective 9/17/26
- Sep 27, 20264.10%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
No additional details available.
Promotional rate is accurate as of September 1st, 2026, is excluded from the Member Appreciation Program, and requires a minimum deposit of $25,000 in new money. An early withdrawal penalty may be imposed for early withdrawals. At maturity, the certificate will renew at the rate in effect on the renewal date. The promotion is available through September 30th, 2026. APY assumes interest remains on deposit until maturity. Fees may reduce earnings on the account.
- Sep 20, 20264.10%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 12, 20264.00%first recorded
No additional details available.
Balance: $100,000 and over
APY=Annual Percentage Yield. A penalty may be applied for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings. Not valid with any other offer. Rates effective as of 09/24/2026. Expires on or before 10/18/2026.
- Sep 27, 20264.10%▲ from 4.00%
- Sep 14, 20264.00%first recorded
Certificate Rates ($1,000 minimum balance)
Minimum: $99,000.00 or greater; Share Certificate
No additional details available.
- Oct 2, 20264.09%▲ from 3.73%
- Sep 19, 20263.73%first recorded
A competitive rate with a shorter commitment
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
- Sep 27, 20264.08%▲ from 3.82%
- Sep 14, 20263.82%first recorded
No additional details available.
- Sep 18, 20264.08%▲ from 3.82%
- Sep 12, 20263.82%first recorded
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Age: 13-17
No additional details available.
A 90-day dividend penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal on Share Certificates. The penalty is calculated as a forfeiture of part of the dividends that have been earned on the account. If the account has not yet earned enough dividends, the penalty will be deducted from the principal. Fees may reduce earnings.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Compounding: Monthly**; Balance: $100,000+
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Rates are subject to change without notice
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
- Oct 1, 20264.06%▲ from 3.03%
- Sep 30, 20263.03%first recorded
PROMO
No additional details available.
Balance: >= $150,000
- Sep 24, 20264.06%▲ from 3.91%
- Sep 14, 20263.91%first recorded
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
- Sep 19, 20264.06%▲ from 3.80%
- Sep 14, 20263.80%first recorded
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Interest Compounded & Credited: Quarterly
- Sep 24, 20264.05%▲ from 3.90%
- Sep 14, 20263.90%first recorded
ADD'L DISCLOSURES
Published APY range: 4.05%-4.11%. 60 day early withdrawal penalty
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Compounded:; Credited: At Maturity
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 6-Month CD Rate Database
MonitorBankRates tracks 5,944 6-month CD rates from 3,438 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: Sunlight Federal Credit Union offers a 6-month CD at 17.23% 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 5,944 verified CD rate quotes, updated daily.
National 6-month CD rates fell 0.002 points over the past 7 days to 2.759% APY, down from 2.761% 7 days ago. Rates are currently 0.061 points above the 90-day average of 2.698%.
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 2.759% and headline inflation running at 2.8% (BLS CPI-U, February 2026), a $10,000 6-month CD earns roughly $68.97 in interest over 3 months. After adjusting for the annualized inflation rate, the real purchasing-power gain is approximately -0.04% 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) | 2.759% avg | 2.8% | -0.04% |
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: February 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.
