California CD rates range from 3.25% to 5.90% APY, verified by MonitorBankRates as of October 13, 2026. Current California CD rates include Schools Federal Credit UnionSchools Federal Credit Union20101 Hamilton Ave Ste 150, Torrance, CA 90502 1306A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.87%Real return: +3.10%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 12 Month Relationship Certificate at 5.90% APY, Sage Credit UnionSage Credit Union1030 N Main St Ste 101, Alturas, CA 96101 3391A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 5.70%Real return: +2.20%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 12 Month Pathfinder Term Share Certificate at 5.00% APY, LA Healthcare Federal Credit UnionLA Healthcare Federal Credit Union320 W 15th St Ste 128, Los Angeles, CA 90015 3092A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 3.47%Real return: +2.20%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 12 Month Certificates at 5.00% APY, Skyla Federal Credit UnionSkyla Federal Credit Union100 Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91124A5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 9.56%Real return: +1.95%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 48 Month Elite Jumbo CD at 4.75% APY, and Stanford Federal Credit UnionStanford Federal Credit Union1860 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303 3335A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.30%Real return: +1.90%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 12-Month Certificate at 4.70% APY. CD rates as of October 13, 2026 according to verified data from MonitorBankRates.
Use the tables below to compare CD rates across all terms in California side-by-side. California CD rates currently reach as high as 5.90% APY from Schools Federal Credit Union at 20101 Hamilton Ave Ste 150, Torrance, CA 90502 1306. Rates are continually updated, so we recommend checking back frequently.
The Annual Percentage Yields (APYs) displayed reflect actual verified offers from top-rated institutions. Rates are subject to change at the institution's discretion without notice and may depend on your initial funding amount. A substantial penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal, which could reduce earnings on the account. CD Rates Last Updated and Verified: October 13, 2026
The average 3-month CD rate in California is 2.38% APY, compared with 2.09% nationally, as of October 13, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
APY = Annual Percentage Yield. *Assumes no compounding, interest paid annually or at maturity.
Term: 3 Months with Epic Premium Checking; Epic Premium Checking relationship rate
No minimum deposit.
Limited Time 3-Month and 6-Month Share Certificates available on new Certificates. This is a promotional yield. Bonus Dividend may not be combined with any other dividend increase/bonus, i.e., "Direct Deposit Bonus" and "Jumbo Certificate" increased rates. IRA share certificates do not qualify for this promotion. No additional deposits accepted (other than dividends) during certificate term. There is a substantial penalty for early withdrawal of Certificate funds. Fees and other conditions may reduce earnings. The 3-Month promotional Certificate will automatically roll over to a 3-Month Certificate at the available rates of Certificates at maturity.
Minimum to open $1,000.00
Balance: $2,000.00 to $9,999.99
Special Offer. Apply now: balances under $100k. Effective Date: 10/2/2026. Not available for individual retirement or business accounts. A penalty will be imposed on early withdrawals.
Over $90,000
Balance: $10,000.00 and over; $100,000 per member maximum
Balance: $10,000 and over; $100,000 per member maximum
IRA Pick-A-Term Certificates; Limited time offer; dividend rates fixed for the term and not tiered; Disclaimers: AA, C, G, MM
Limited time offer; Dividend rates fixed for the term; Minimum opening deposit $10,000
Earn 3.55% APY on balances of $500 or more.
APY $500: N/A; APY $1,000+: 3.50%; APY $100,000+: 3.50%
Effective March 1, 2026; Dividends compounded daily; dividends credited quarterly
Prospective Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
Balance: $200,000.00 and over
Balance: $200,000.00 and over; Traditional Share Certificate
Balance tier starts at $75,000.00
Balance: $1,000.00 - $9,999.99; $100,000 per member maximum
Balance: $1,000-$9,999.99; $100,000 per member maximum
Balance: $100,000.00 - $199,999.99
Balance: $100,000.00 - $199,999.99; Traditional Share Certificate
Balance: $50,000.00 - $99,999.99
Balance: $50,000.00 - $99,999.99; Traditional Share Certificate
The average 6-month CD rate in California is 2.94% APY, compared with 2.78% nationally, as of October 13, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
Watch your money grow at a premium rate when you agree to receive paperless eStatements. Balances of $50,000 or more earn higher rates. No monthly fee. Auto renewal available. Federally insured balances up to $250,000.00.
APY = Annual Percentage Yield. *Assumes no compounding, interest paid annually or at maturity.
Maximum opening deposit $500,000.00
Term: 6 Months with Epic Premium Checking; Epic Premium Checking relationship rate
Upward's Summer CD Specials; Minimum balance for all Certificates and IRA Certificates is $500; Terms and conditions may vary by account; All regular certificates can be opened as IRA certificates, unless otherwise noted
Minimum balance $500 and above; limited-time summer special
Promotional IRA Share Certificates; Promotional rate good for initial term only
Promotional rate good for initial term only; Additional deposits up to the initial opening deposit amount can be made at any time without penalty.
Rate Type: Fixed; Dividends paid monthly
New Money CDs
Exclusively for Premier clients.
APYs are current as of 9/9/2025. Rates are subject to change. A penalty may be assessed for early withdrawal. Member FDIC
Balance: $2,000.00 to $9,999.99
Online CDs
Minimum balance to open and obtain APY is $1000.
Limited Time 3-Month and 6-Month Share Certificates available on new Certificates. This is a promotional yield. Bonus Dividend may not be combined with any other dividend increase/bonus, i.e., "Direct Deposit Bonus" and "Jumbo Certificate" increased rates. IRA share certificates do not qualify for this promotion. No additional deposits accepted (other than dividends) during certificate term. There is a substantial penalty for early withdrawal of Certificate funds. Fees and other conditions may reduce earnings. The 6-Month promotional Certificate will automatically roll over to a 6-Month Certificate at the available rates of Certificates at maturity.
Dividend Rate 3.93%; APY if dividends are not withdrawn during the term; Business members
Balance: $500+; GoldStar membership required; additional requirements apply; Dedicated Saver minimum balance $5+; early withdrawal penalty is 180 days of dividends (minimum $25 may apply)
Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Fees may reduce the investment below the principal held at the beginning of the term.
Minimum to open $1,000.00
Share Certificate; Open online or via Link
Balance: $100,000; Rate effective October 1, 2026
Balance: $50,000 & up; Dividends Paid Monthly
Balance: $500+; Regular & IRA certificate; Dedicated Saver minimum balance $5+; early withdrawal penalty is 180 days of dividends (minimum $25 may apply)
Balance: $500 - $999.99
Balance: $2,500 and over
Over $90,000
Over $90,000
Rate Type: Fixed; Dividends paid monthly
Special Certificate Account; up to APY; no monthly fee; federally insured by NCUA up to $250,000
Balance: $50,000 - $99,999; Dividends paid quarterly
The average 12-month CD rate in California is 3.14% APY, compared with 2.99% nationally, as of October 13, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
Relationship Certificate(12 months)Terms Apply
Balance: $100.00 - $4,999.99; Must be eligible for membership and maintain at least $5.00 in a Membership Savings account.
Balance: $25,000; Rate effective October 1, 2026
Balance: $10,000; Rate effective October 1, 2026
Best rate on the page; the 12-Month Certificate rate shown includes a .50 bonus for active and engaged Loyalty+ members
Watch your money grow at a premium rate when you agree to receive paperless eStatements. Balances of $50,000 or more earn higher rates. No monthly fee. Auto renewal available. Federally insured balances up to $250,000.00.
Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Fees may reduce the investment below the principal held at the beginning of the term.
Minimum to open $1,000.00
Balance: $1,000; Rate effective October 1, 2026
Balance: $500 (maximum principal balance)
Available to new funds only.
New Money CDs
Exclusively for Premier clients.
Featured rate
Minimum monthly deposit $50, payroll deposit only; Limited to employees of participating school districts; penalty for early withdrawal
Rate Effective Date: October 12, 2026
Variable Rate 12-Month Share Certificate tied to the Treasury Bill 6-month auction average, rounded down to the nearest quarter percent and adjusted quarterly; Rates subject to change after account is opened; Minimum to earn dividends $1,500; Dividends paid monthly
Online CDs
Minimum balance to open and obtain APY is $1000.
Term: 1 year with Epic Premium Checking; Epic Premium Checking relationship rate
Epic Premium account holders enjoy a .25% bonus on a new 1-year Term Share Certificate
Effective January 1, 2026; available only for members under 18 years of age; dividends not paid on amounts over $50,000.00; Dividends compounded daily; dividends credited quarterly
Balance: $400 - $499.99
For minors, minimum term is 12 months; minimum opening balance and minimum to earn dividends is $500.
New Funds
For Traditional and Roth IRAs, the minimum term is 12 months. Coverdell Education IRAs are only available in 12-month terms. Fixed account.
Business certificate; featured as today's best business rate
Balance: $0-$24,999
Balance: $0.00 - $24,999.00; Declared rates effective August 18, 2026; Dividends earned daily, paid monthly on the daily balance
Balance: $100,000 and over
Available to members with existing AFCU Share Certificates at maturity; renews from a matured certificate; additional new money from another financial institution may be added during the seven (7) day maturity period; renewal rate determined at date of maturity
Balance: $2,000.00 to $9,999.99
The average 18-month CD rate in California is 3.09% APY, compared with 2.87% nationally, as of October 13, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
Promotional certificate. Minimum balance to open jumbo share certificate and obtain APY is $100,000.
Balance: $100,000+; Jumbo
Senior
Or, 4.35% APY* with $100 min.
Regular
Balance: $100,000+; Jumbo
Rate Effective Date: October 12, 2026
Senior
Balance: $500
Term: 18 months with Epic Premium Checking; Epic Premium Checking relationship rate
Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Fees may reduce the investment below the principal held at the beginning of the term.
Minimum to open $1,000.00
CD Special; Balance: $100,000+
Min. to Earn APY: $1,000; Promotional 18-month certificate automatically renews into a standard, non-promotional 24-month certificate at maturity; Early withdrawal penalties may apply
Regular
Terms and Conditions
Variable Rate
CD Special; Balance: $50,000 - $99,999
Balance: $2,000.00 to $9,999.99
Balance: $200,000.00 +
Balance: $500+; GoldStar membership required; additional requirements apply; Dedicated Saver minimum balance $5+; early withdrawal penalty is 180 days of dividends (minimum $25 may apply)
Balance: $90,000.00 - $199,999.99
CD Special; Balance: $1,000 - $49,999
Over $90,000
Over $90,000
> $90,000
Balance: $50,000.00 - $89,999.99
The average 24-month CD rate in California is 2.98% APY, compared with 2.88% nationally, as of October 13, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
Maximum opening deposit $500,000.00
Watch your money grow at a premium rate when you agree to receive paperless eStatements. Balances of $50,000 or more earn higher rates. No monthly fee. Auto renewal available. Federally insured balances up to $250,000.00.
New Money CDs
Exclusively for Premier clients.
Online CDs
Minimum balance to open and obtain APY is $1000.
Rate Effective Date: October 12, 2026
Balance: $100,000 and over
Term: 2 years with Epic Premium Checking; Epic Premium Checking relationship rate
Epic Premium account holders enjoy a .25% bonus on a new 2-year Term Share Certificate
Minimum to open $1,000.00
Balance: $500-$99,999
Upward's Summer CD Specials; Minimum balance for all Certificates and IRA Certificates is $500; Terms and conditions may vary by account; All regular certificates can be opened as IRA certificates, unless otherwise noted
Minimum balance $500 and above; limited-time summer special
Balance: $2,000.00 to $9,999.99
Balance: $250,000
Dividend Rate 4.03%; APY if dividends are not withdrawn during the term
Balance: $200,000.00 and over
Balance: $200,000.00+
Balance: $200,000.00 and over; Traditional Share Certificate
Balance: $200,000.00 and over
Minimum daily balance to earn APY: $40,000; Early withdrawal penalty may apply
Balance: $100,000.00 - $199,999.99
Balance: $100,000.00 - $199,999.99; Traditional Share Certificate
Balance: $500+; GoldStar membership required; additional requirements apply; Dedicated Saver minimum balance $5+; early withdrawal penalty is 180 days of dividends (minimum $25 may apply)
APY (Estimate); New Money is funds not currently on deposit; Early withdrawal penalties may apply
Balance: $90,000.00 - $199,999.99
Balance: $100,000
The average 36-month CD rate in California is 3.01% APY, compared with 2.81% nationally, as of October 13, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
Watch your money grow at a premium rate when you agree to receive paperless eStatements. Balances of $50,000 or more earn higher rates. No monthly fee. Auto renewal available. Federally insured balances up to $250,000.00.
Minimum monthly deposit $50, payroll deposit only; Limited to employees of participating school districts; penalty for early withdrawal
Rate Effective Date: October 12, 2026
Compounded Daily; Early Withdrawal Penalty
Minimum to open $1,000.00
Balance: $100,000 and over; Long-Term Certificate Rates(Share, IRA, ESA)
Balance: $1,000 - $19,999.99; Long-Term Certificate Rates(Share, IRA, ESA)
Minimum = $1,000; Jumbo certificates over $75,000.00 APY 4.28% (add .20%)
Balance: $100,000 and over
Balance: $200,000.00 and over
Minimum daily balance to earn APY: $40,000; Early withdrawal penalty may apply
Balance: $500+; GoldStar membership required; additional requirements apply; Dedicated Saver minimum balance $5+; early withdrawal penalty is 180 days of dividends (minimum $25 may apply)
Balance: $90,000.00 - $199,999.99
Balance: $100,000
Bump certificate
Over $90,000
Over $90,000
Balance: $500-$99,999
Balance: $50,000.00 - $89,999.99
Balance tier: $100,000 minimum
Balance: $50,000
Effective date 09/1/2026; Early withdrawal penalty: 180 days
Balance: $500+; Regular & IRA certificate; Dedicated Saver minimum balance $5+; early withdrawal penalty is 180 days of dividends (minimum $25 may apply)
Balance: $10,000.00 - $49,999.99
Balance: $1,000
The average 48-month CD rate in California is 3.03% APY, compared with 2.80% nationally, as of October 13, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
Rate Effective Date: October 12, 2026
Minimum = $1,000; Jumbo certificates over $75,000.00 APY 4.49% (add .20%)
Minimum to open $1,000.00
Funds on deposit at AFCU are not eligible for this promotion unless matched with outside (new) funds from another financial institution.
Balance: $100,000 and over
Effective date 09/1/2026; Early withdrawal penalty: 180 days
Over $90,000
Over $90,000
Balance: $500+; GoldStar membership required; additional requirements apply; Dedicated Saver minimum balance $5+; early withdrawal penalty is 180 days of dividends (minimum $25 may apply)
Balance: $500-$99,999
Minimum daily balance to earn APY: $40,000; Early withdrawal penalty may apply
APY= Annual Percentage Yield. Rates subject to change without notice.
Balance: $10,000
Balance: $500+; Regular & IRA certificate; Dedicated Saver minimum balance $5+; early withdrawal penalty is 180 days of dividends (minimum $25 may apply)
Early W/D Penalty: 180 days
Early W/D Penalty: 180 days; Available for Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs and Education IRAs
Traditional & Roth IRA; Rate Type: Fixed; IRA Certificates - Traditional & Roth
Platinum APR* / APY**
Balance: $1,000
Jumbo; Interest compounded and credited monthly; Fixed rate; Dividend rate shown as Rate
Gold APR* / APY**
The average 60-month CD rate in California is 3.19% APY, compared with 2.90% nationally, as of October 13, 2026. Figures are compiled by MonitorBankRates from more than 8,500 U.S. banks and credit unions.
Compounded Daily; Early Withdrawal Penalty
Watch your money grow at a premium rate when you agree to receive paperless eStatements. Balances of $50,000 or more earn higher rates. No monthly fee. Auto renewal available. Federally insured balances up to $250,000.00.
Term: 5 years with Epic Premium Checking; Epic Premium Checking relationship rate
Epic Premium account holders enjoy a .25% bonus on a new 5-year Term Share Certificate
Minimum monthly deposit $50, payroll deposit only; Limited to employees of participating school districts; penalty for early withdrawal
Dividends credited monthly; early-withdrawal penalties may apply
Traditional and Roth IRA; Jumbo
Minimum Balance: $250,000 (Jumbo); IRA Certificates(Traditional and Roth IRA)
Rate Effective Date: October 12, 2026
Minimum = $1,000; Jumbo certificates over $75,000.00 APY 4.59% (add .20%)
Traditional and Roth IRA; Jumbo
Minimum Balance: $100,000 (Jumbo); IRA Certificates(Traditional and Roth IRA)
Bump-rate certificate; can increase rate once during term; dividends credited monthly; early-withdrawal penalties may apply; additional deposits up to $10,000 per calendar month
Account 9500; Dividends paid monthly; early withdrawal forfeiture applies
Account 9500; Dividends calculated daily and paid monthly; 60-day dividend forfeiture on early withdrawal for 12-month maturity or less, 90-day for over one year
Product code 9500
Traditional and Roth IRA
Balance tier: $250,000 Minimum Balance (Jumbo)
Minimum Balance: $50,000 Minimum Balance; IRA Certificates(Traditional and Roth IRA)
Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Fees may reduce the investment below the principal held at the beginning of the term.
Minimum to open $1,000.00
Traditional and Roth IRA
Balance tier: $100,000 Minimum Balance (Jumbo)
Minimum Balance: $20,000 Minimum Balance; IRA Certificates(Traditional and Roth IRA)
Traditional and Roth IRA
Balance tier: $50,000 Minimum Balance
Minimum Balance: $500 Minimum Balance; IRA Certificates(Traditional and Roth IRA)
$100,000; Annual Percentage Yield assumes that dividends remain in the account until maturity. A withdrawal will reduce earnings. A penalty will be imposed on early withdrawals from Certificates. No additional deposits can be made during the term of the Term Certificate. Rates, terms and conditions are solely within the discretion of the Board of Directors. We may limit the amount you may invest in one or more accounts to a total of $1,000,000.
Balance tier: $20,000 Minimum Balance
$50,000; Annual Percentage Yield assumes that dividends remain in the account until maturity. A withdrawal will reduce earnings. A penalty will be imposed on early withdrawals from Certificates. No additional deposits can be made during the term of the Term Certificate. Rates, terms and conditions are solely within the discretion of the Board of Directors. We may limit the amount you may invest in one or more accounts to a total of $1,000,000.
Balance tier: $500 Minimum Balance
$10,000; Annual Percentage Yield assumes that dividends remain in the account until maturity. A withdrawal will reduce earnings. A penalty will be imposed on early withdrawals from Certificates. No additional deposits can be made during the term of the Term Certificate. Rates, terms and conditions are solely within the discretion of the Board of Directors. We may limit the amount you may invest in one or more accounts to a total of $1,000,000.
Compare local California CD rate quotes against the statewide average
Daily CD rate averages tracked across our database of 8,500+ banks and credit unions, updated every evening.
California 12-month CD rates rose 0.030 points over the past 7 days to 3.143% APY.
California 6-month CD rates fell 0.002 points over the past 7 days to 2.941% APY.
Where are California CD rates headed through October 2027?
Projections based on Fed funds rate futures and historical CD-to-fed-funds spread model. Not financial advice.
Annual interest earnings at today’s California average APYs. State average used where available; national average as fallback.
| CD Term | CA Avg APY | $5,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Month CD | 2.380% | $119.02 | $238.03 | $595.08 | $1,190.15 |
| 6-Month CD | 2.941% | $147.04 | $294.08 | $735.20 | $1,470.40 |
| 12-Month CD | 3.143% | $157.13 | $314.26 | $785.65 | $1,571.30 |
| 18-Month CD | 3.093% | $154.67 | $309.34 | $773.35 | $1,546.70 |
| 24-Month CD | 2.982% | $149.08 | $298.16 | $745.40 | $1,490.80 |
| 36-Month CD | 3.010% | $150.48 | $300.97 | $752.43 | $1,504.85 |
| 48-Month CD | 3.026% | $151.30 | $302.60 | $756.50 | $1,513.00 |
| 60-Month CD | 3.194% | $159.70 | $319.40 | $798.50 | $1,597.00 |
| Earnings shown are annualized (APY basis). Actual earnings for sub-12-month terms will be proportionally lower at maturity. Rates as of October 13, 2026. | |||||
$25,000 split equally across 5 terms using today’s California average rates. As each CD matures, reinvest at the 36-month rung.
| Rung | Term | Deposit | CA Avg APY | Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.380% | $119.02 |
| 2 | 6-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.941% | $147.04 |
| 3 | 12-Month CD | $5,000 | 3.143% | $157.13 |
| 4 | 24-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.982% | $149.08 |
| 5 | 36-Month CD | $5,000 | 3.010% | $150.48 |
| Total ($25,000 invested) | $25,000 | 2.891% blended | $722.75/yr | |
Ladder example uses equal $5,000 rungs and California average APYs. Actual earnings depend on the specific institution and product chosen. Use the calculator above to model your exact deposit amounts.
MonitorBankRates tracks 3,148 CD rates from 30 banks and 96 credit unions with locations in California, plus national online institutions available to California residents. 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: Schools Federal Credit Union offers a CD at 5.90% APY with a minimum deposit of $0. Use the rate table above to compare all current offers in California.
What to compare when shopping for a CD in California
To find the best APYs in California, start with credit unions and online-only banks: California has 96 credit unions in our database, and they consistently offer some of the highest yields because they have lower overhead than traditional 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.
Also compare the early withdrawal penalty. Common penalties range from 30 to 180 days of interest depending on the term. If you’re unsure whether you’ll need the funds early, a no-penalty CD or a high-yield savings account may be a better fit.
Local demographics and economic context for CD savers. Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024
15.7% of residents are 65 or older, below the national average of 17.3%; an unemployment rate of 6.6% (vs. 4.8% nationally) underscores the value of a guaranteed fixed return. At today’s CA 12-month CD average of 3.143%, saving 10% of the local median salary ($4,903/year) and putting it in a CD would earn an additional $154 annually in interest.
Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2024. Median earnings from ACS 2023 place-level estimates.
What to compare when choosing between a CD and other deposit accounts
| Feature | CD | High-Yield Savings | Money Market | 6-Month CD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Type | Fixed APY | Variable APY | Variable APY | Fixed APY |
| Liquidity | Locked for term | Anytime | Anytime | Locked 6 months |
| Early Withdrawal | Penalty (months of 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 savings goal, CD ladder | Emergency fund, flexible savings | Liquid savings with check-writing | Slightly higher yield, less urgency |
A certificate of deposit (CD) is a deposit account that holds a fixed sum of money for a fixed term, commonly three months to five years, in exchange for a guaranteed interest rate. In return for leaving the money untouched until the term ends, a saver in California typically earns a higher rate than a standard savings account pays. CDs from banks are insured by the FDIC and those from credit unions by the NCUA, in California as everywhere in the U.S.
The term is the length of time the money is committed before the CD matures. Shorter terms such as three or six months give California savers easier access to their funds. For example, F&A Federal Credit Union is offering its 6 Month Certificate at 4.50% APY. Longer terms such as three or five years usually pay higher rates. On the longer end, Skyla Federal Credit Union is offering its 60 Month Elite Jumbo CD at 4.75% APY. When a CD matures, the depositor can withdraw the principal and interest or roll the balance into a new term, so it helps to match the term to when the money will actually be needed.
CDs are among the lowest-risk savings products available because the rate is fixed for the full term and the balance is federally insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category. For a California saver, the main trade-off is liquidity: withdrawing funds before maturity usually triggers an early-withdrawal penalty, often 30 to 180 days of interest depending on the term.
Interest on a CD is calculated using the annual percentage yield (APY), which reflects the effect of compounding over a year. Depending on the institution, interest may be credited monthly, quarterly, or at maturity, and can be paid out to a linked account or added back to the CD to compound. When comparing the California CDs listed above, a saver gets the truest picture of total earnings by looking at APY rather than the nominal rate.
Most CDs carry a fixed rate that is locked for the entire term, protecting a California depositor if market rates fall after the account is opened. Some institutions offer variable-rate or bump-up CDs whose rate can change during the term; these may start lower but allow the rate to rise if conditions improve. Which is better depends on the direction a saver expects rates to move.
See exactly what a CD will earn by maturity. Enter your deposit, pick a term, and set the APY, or click any current California rate on the right to apply that term and rate instantly. CD rates are fixed for the full term.
Assumes the APY is held to maturity with interest compounding and remaining in the CD. Early withdrawals typically forfeit 30 to 180 days of interest. Estimates are for informational purposes only.
At today’s CA top rate of 5.90% APY, a $10,000 deposit earns $590 in the first year. Enter your amount to see your exact return.
California CD LadderCA CD rates currently range from 2.380% (3-month) to 3.010% (36-month). Model a ladder with local rates to keep cash accessible while maximizing yield.
Early Withdrawal PenaltyBefore locking into a California CD at 5.90% APY, know your exit cost. Most institutions charge 90 to 180 days of interest. Calculate your real net return if you need early access.
CD vs. High-Yield SavingsCalifornia’s average 12-month CD is 3.143% APY. Compare locking in that rate against a flexible high-yield savings account to see which earns more for your deposit and timeline.
Independent, Free, and Unbiased Rate Comparisons: MonitorBankRates.com is an independent rate comparison service. Our California CD rate tables are free for consumers to use, and we do not receive payment from any financial institution to be included or to be ranked in any particular order. Listings are based solely on the rates each institution publicly advertises on its own website.
A Note on Third-Party Rate Tools: Some pages on our site also feature rate comparison widgets and tools provided by third-party partners. These tools may include sponsored listings or affiliate links, and we may receive compensation when users click through them. We clearly label these widgets so you can tell at a glance which rates come from our independent MonitorBankRates.com tables and which come from our advertising partners.
Direct-Sourced & Verified CD Rate Data: We aggregate certificate of deposit (CD) rates for California directly from the official websites of banks and credit unions using our proprietary rate aggregation technology and a dedicated team of rate updaters. By sourcing data 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 yields in California. We feature a comprehensive mix of institutions, from neighborhood credit unions and competitive regional banks to high-yield CDs from large national institutions available to savers in CA.
Daily Updates & Time-Stamped Accuracy: Our rate updaters verify and update CD rates daily. Because yields can fluctuate rapidly, every CD product listed features its own specific “last updated” date for full transparency.