District Of Columbia CD rates range from 0.01% to 6.00% APY, verified by MonitorBankRates as of October 13, 2026. Current District Of Columbia CD rates include Congressional Federal Credit UnionCongressional Federal Credit UnionRoom B 203, Washington, DC 20515A5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 8.63%Real return: +3.20%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering Flexible Saver - 1 Year Certificate at 6.00% APY, NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTHNATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH5215 Loughboro Rd NW, Washington, DC 20016A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 4.98%Real return: +2.20%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 12 Month Jumbo Certificate at 5.00% APY, Government Printing Office Federal Credit UnionGovernment Printing Office Federal Credit Union732 N Capitol ST NW, Washington, DC 20401 0002A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 3.95%Real return: +1.82%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 6 Month Certificate at 4.62% APY, PAHO WHO Federal Credit UnionPAHO WHO Federal Credit Union2112 F St NW, Washington, DC 20037A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.02%Real return: +1.79%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 36 Month IRA Certificate at 4.59% APY, and NASA Federal Credit UnionNASA Federal Credit Union300 E St SW Ste GC 21, Washington, DC 20024A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 3.54%Real return: +1.75%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 60 Month Share Certificate at 4.55% 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 District Of Columbia side-by-side. District Of Columbia CD rates currently reach as high as 6.00% APY from Congressional Federal Credit Union at Room B 203, Washington, DC 20515. 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 District Of Columbia is 1.70% 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.
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Early Withdrawl Penalty: 30 days' simple interest
Early Withdrawl Penalty: 30 days' simple interest
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase; Traditional IRA and Roth IRA Certificate Rates
$200,000; Balance: $200,000 Plus Jumbo
$200,000; Balance: $200,000 Plus Jumbo
$100,000 -$199,999; Balance: $100,000 -$199,999
$100,000 -$199,999; Balance: $100,000 - $199,999
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account (JNA) or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account (JNA) or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase; Traditional and Roth IRA
$99,999; Balance: less than $99,999
$99,999; Balance: less than $99,999
Balance: $250.00 - $9,999.99
Balance: $250.00 - $9,999.99
Relationship APY; Balance: $250.00 - $9,999.99
Rates accurate as of 9/23/26; A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
Balance: $500-$249,999.99
Balance: $0 - $4,999.99. Early withdrawal penalties may apply.
Balance: $0 - $4,999.99; Relationship APY 0.06%
Balance: $0 - $4,999.99; Relationship Interest Rate 0.06%; Relationship APY 0.06%
Balance: $25,000.00 and above
Balance: $1,000.00 - $24,999.99
Penalties apply for early withdrawal
Balance: $1.00 - $999.99
The average 6-month CD rate in District Of Columbia is 3.05% 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.
Fixed APY | No minimum balance
Balance: $1,000
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.
Balance: $1M+
New Money CDs
Exclusively for Premier clients.
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Online CDs
Minimum balance to open and obtain APY is $1000.
Educational IRA
Balance: $250,000-$999,999
Penalties apply for early withdrawal
Rates accurate as of 9/23/26; A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
Balance: $250,000 and Over (Super Jumbo)
Balance: $100,000 - $249,999.99 (Jumbo)
Min to Earn APY: $100.01; Rates fixed for the term of the certificate; dividends compounded and credited quarterly
Balance: $1,000 - $99,999.99 (Regular)
Share Certificate, IRA, and Coverdell Education Share Certificate Rates; Not available for IRA accounts
Balance: $100,000-$249,999
Balance: $500-$99,999
Jumbo certificate
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase; Traditional IRA and Roth IRA Certificate Rates
The Share Certificate rates reflect rates earned with a minimum monthly direct deposit of $200. Accounts that do not have the minimum direct deposit will receive .25% reduction to the disclosed rate.; 6 month Share Certificate has a cap of $100,000.
FedPerks APY: 3.30%
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account (JNA) or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account (JNA) or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase; Traditional and Roth IRA
Balance: $500-$249,999.99
Balance: $500-$249,999.99
The average 12-month CD rate in District Of Columbia is 3.40% 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.
12-month jumbo certificate cannot be opened online. Visit any branch or call 1-800-877-6440 for support.
12-month jumbo certificate cannot be opened online. Visit any branch or call 1-800-877-6440 for support.
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.
Special Rate (APY)
Paycheck Certificate Promo; Available for IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts; early withdrawal penalty may apply
New Money CDs
Exclusively for Premier clients.
Balance: $1,000
Fixed APY | No minimum balance
Online CDs
Minimum balance to open and obtain APY is $1000.
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Add-On; Balance: $250
Penalties apply for early withdrawal
Minimum balance of $500 required; Dividends compounded daily and credited monthly; Penalties apply for early withdrawal; Membership required; IRA Certificates(Traditional, Roth, SEP and Coverdell ESA)
Balance: $1M+
Educational IRA
Minimum Balances of $500
Educational IRA
EasyStart Certificate Rates(Share, IRA, ESA)
Educational IRA
Balance: $250,000-$999,999
The average 18-month CD rate in District Of Columbia is 3.21% 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.
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.
Fixed APY | No minimum balance
Penalties apply for early withdrawal
Minimum balance of $500 required; Dividends compounded daily and credited monthly; Penalties apply for early withdrawal; Membership required; IRA Certificates(Traditional, Roth, SEP and Coverdell ESA)
Requires a qualifying checking account.
EasyStart Certificate Rates(Share, IRA, ESA)
Variable-Rate*
Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Rates subject to change without notice. Certificates will automatically renew upon maturity unless otherwise stipulated by the member. Variable-Rate Certificate Account dividends will be compounded and credited monthly on the last day of each calendar month. For example, dividends for January will be credited on January 31, giving you a more regular return on your deposits. Must establish membership with Lafayette Federal Credit Union, or be an existing member. $50 minimum balance required to open and earn 0.10% APY on Lafayette Federal share savings account balances. $5 minimum balance required to open and earn 0.025% APY on LFCU checking account balances. APY=Annual Percentage Yield. The rates and terms shown are effective as of September 23, 2026.
Balance: $250,000 and Over (Super Jumbo)
Certificates restricted to new money not already on deposit with GUASFCU; Membership eligibility requirements apply
Jumbo IRA Share Certificate also listed in this table
Balance: $100,000 - $249,999.99 (Jumbo)
Share Certificate, IRA, and Coverdell Education Share Certificate Rates
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase; Traditional IRA and Roth IRA Certificate Rates
Balance: $1,000 - $99,999.99 (Regular)
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account (JNA) or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account (JNA) or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase; Traditional and Roth IRA
FedPerks APY**: 3.40%
FedPerks APY**: 3.40%
FedPerks APY**: 3.40%
FedPerks APY: 3.40%
FedPerks APY**: 3.35%
FedPerks APY**: 3.35%
FedPerks APY**: 3.35%
FedPerks APY: 3.35%
Balance: $250.00 - $9,999.99
Balance: $250.00 - $9,999.99
Relationship APY; Balance: $250.00 - $9,999.99
Balance: $25,000.00 and above
Balance: $1,000.00 - $24,999.99
Balance: $1.00 - $999.99
The average 24-month CD rate in District Of Columbia is 3.21% 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.
New Money CDs
Exclusively for Premier clients.
Online CDs
Minimum balance to open and obtain APY is $1000.
Balance: $1,000
Special Rate (APY)
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.
Penalties apply for early withdrawal
Minimum balance of $500 required; Dividends compounded daily and credited monthly; Penalties apply for early withdrawal; Membership required; IRA Certificates(Traditional, Roth, SEP and Coverdell ESA)
Fixed APY | No minimum balance
Bump Rate; Balance: $1,000
Balance: $1M+
Minimum Balances of $500
Balance: $250,000-$999,999
Educational IRA
Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Rates subject to change without notice. Certificates will automatically renew upon maturity unless otherwise stipulated by the member. Fixed-Rate Certificate Account dividends will be compounded and credited monthly on the last day of each calendar month. For example, dividends for January will be credited on January 31, giving you a more regular return on your deposits. Must establish membership with Lafayette Federal Credit Union, or be an existing member. $50 minimum balance required to open and earn 0.10% APY on Lafayette Federal share savings account balances. $5 minimum balance required to open and earn 0.025% APY on LFCU checking account balances. APY=Annual Percentage Yield. The rates and terms shown are effective as of September 23, 2026.
The Share Certificate rates reflect rates earned with a minimum monthly direct deposit of $200. Accounts that do not have the minimum direct deposit will receive .25% reduction to the disclosed rate.
Educational IRA
Educational IRA
Educational IRA
EasyStart Certificate Rates(Share, IRA, ESA)
Jumbo IRA Share Certificate also listed in this table
Educational IRA
Balance: $250,000 and Over (Super Jumbo)
Rates accurate as of 9/23/26; A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
Share Certificate, IRA, and Coverdell Education Share Certificate Rates
Balance: $100,000 - $249,999.99 (Jumbo)
Balance: $100,000-$249,999
The average 36-month CD rate in District Of Columbia is 3.13% 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.
Balance: $1M+
Balance: $1,000
Special Rate (APY)
Bump Rate; Balance: $1,000
Penalties apply for early withdrawal
Minimum balance of $500 required; Dividends compounded daily and credited monthly; Penalties apply for early withdrawal; Membership required; IRA Certificates(Traditional, Roth, SEP and Coverdell ESA)
Balance: $250,000-$999,999
Fixed APY | No minimum balance
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)
Balance: $100,000-$249,999
Balance: $500-$99,999
The Share Certificate rates reflect rates earned with a minimum monthly direct deposit of $200. Accounts that do not have the minimum direct deposit will receive .25% reduction to the disclosed rate.
Minimum Balances of $100,000
Minimum Balances of $500
Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Rates subject to change without notice. Certificates will automatically renew upon maturity unless otherwise stipulated by the member. Fixed-Rate Certificate Account dividends will be compounded and credited monthly on the last day of each calendar month. For example, dividends for January will be credited on January 31, giving you a more regular return on your deposits. Must establish membership with Lafayette Federal Credit Union, or be an existing member. $50 minimum balance required to open and earn 0.10% APY on Lafayette Federal share savings account balances. $5 minimum balance required to open and earn 0.025% APY on LFCU checking account balances. APY=Annual Percentage Yield. The rates and terms shown are effective as of September 23, 2026.
Minimum Balances of $500
Educational IRA
Educational IRA
Variable-Rate*
Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Rates subject to change without notice. Certificates will automatically renew upon maturity unless otherwise stipulated by the member. Variable-Rate Certificate Account dividends will be compounded and credited monthly on the last day of each calendar month. For example, dividends for January will be credited on January 31, giving you a more regular return on your deposits. Must establish membership with Lafayette Federal Credit Union, or be an existing member. $50 minimum balance required to open and earn 0.10% APY on Lafayette Federal share savings account balances. $5 minimum balance required to open and earn 0.025% APY on LFCU checking account balances. APY=Annual Percentage Yield. The rates and terms shown are effective as of September 23, 2026.
Available for IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts; early withdrawal penalty may apply
Balance: $250,000 and Over (Super Jumbo)
Jumbo IRA Share Certificate also listed in this table
Share Certificate, IRA, and Coverdell Education Share Certificate Rates
Balance: $100,000 - $249,999.99 (Jumbo)
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase; Traditional IRA and Roth IRA Certificate Rates
The average 48-month CD rate in District Of Columbia is 3.04% 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.
Balance: $1,000
Special Rate (APY)
Penalties apply for early withdrawal
Minimum balance of $500 required; Dividends compounded daily and credited monthly; Penalties apply for early withdrawal; Membership required; IRA Certificates(Traditional, Roth, SEP and Coverdell ESA)
Fixed APY | No minimum balance
Balance: $1M+
Balance: $250,000-$999,999
The Share Certificate rates reflect rates earned with a minimum monthly direct deposit of $200. Accounts that do not have the minimum direct deposit will receive .25% reduction to the disclosed rate.
Minimum Balances of $100,000
Educational IRA
Minimum Balances of $500
Educational IRA
Minimum Balances of $500
Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Rates subject to change without notice. Certificates will automatically renew upon maturity unless otherwise stipulated by the member. Fixed-Rate Certificate Account dividends will be compounded and credited monthly on the last day of each calendar month. For example, dividends for January will be credited on January 31, giving you a more regular return on your deposits. Must establish membership with Lafayette Federal Credit Union, or be an existing member. $50 minimum balance required to open and earn 0.10% APY on Lafayette Federal share savings account balances. $5 minimum balance required to open and earn 0.025% APY on LFCU checking account balances. APY=Annual Percentage Yield. The rates and terms shown are effective as of September 23, 2026.
Available for IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts; early withdrawal penalty may apply
Balance: $250,000 and Over (Super Jumbo)
Jumbo IRA Share Certificate also listed in this table
Balance: $100,000-$249,999
Balance: $500-$99,999
Share Certificate, IRA, and Coverdell Education Share Certificate Rates
Balance: $100,000 - $249,999.99 (Jumbo)
Balance: $1,000 - $99,999.99 (Regular)
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase; Traditional IRA and Roth IRA Certificate Rates
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account (JNA) or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account (JNA) or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase; Traditional and Roth IRA
Balance: $1,000 minimum balance to open
$200,000; Balance: $200,000 Plus Jumbo
$200,000; Balance: $200,000 Plus Jumbo
$100,000 -$199,999; Balance: $100,000 -$199,999
$100,000 -$199,999; Balance: $100,000 - $199,999
$200,000; Balance: $200,000 Plus Jumbo
$99,999; Balance: less than $99,999
The average 60-month CD rate in District Of Columbia 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.
Balance: $1,000
Penalties apply for early withdrawal
Minimum balance of $500 required; Dividends compounded daily and credited monthly; Penalties apply for early withdrawal; Membership required; IRA Certificates(Traditional, Roth, SEP and Coverdell ESA)
Special Rate (APY)
Fixed APY | No minimum balance
Balance: $1M+
The Share Certificate rates reflect rates earned with a minimum monthly direct deposit of $200. Accounts that do not have the minimum direct deposit will receive .25% reduction to the disclosed rate.
Balance: $100,000 and over; Long-Term Certificate Rates(Share, IRA, ESA)
Balance: $250,000-$999,999
Balance: $1,000 - $19,999.99; Long-Term Certificate Rates(Share, IRA, ESA)
Minimum Balances of $100,000
Educational IRA
Minimum Balances of $500
Minimum Balances of $500
Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Rates subject to change without notice. Certificates will automatically renew upon maturity unless otherwise stipulated by the member. Fixed-Rate Certificate Account dividends will be compounded and credited monthly on the last day of each calendar month. For example, dividends for January will be credited on January 31, giving you a more regular return on your deposits. Must establish membership with Lafayette Federal Credit Union, or be an existing member. $50 minimum balance required to open and earn 0.10% APY on Lafayette Federal share savings account balances. $5 minimum balance required to open and earn 0.025% APY on LFCU checking account balances. APY=Annual Percentage Yield. The rates and terms shown are effective as of September 23, 2026.
Available for IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts; early withdrawal penalty may apply
Rates accurate as of 9/23/26; A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
Balance: $250,000 and Over (Super Jumbo)
Balance: $100,000-$249,999
Jumbo IRA Share Certificate also listed in this table
Balance: $500-$99,999
Share Certificate, IRA, and Coverdell Education Share Certificate Rates
Balance: $100,000 - $249,999.99 (Jumbo)
Variable-Rate*
Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Rates subject to change without notice. Certificates will automatically renew upon maturity unless otherwise stipulated by the member. Variable-Rate Certificate Account dividends will be compounded and credited monthly on the last day of each calendar month. For example, dividends for January will be credited on January 31, giving you a more regular return on your deposits. Must establish membership with Lafayette Federal Credit Union, or be an existing member. $50 minimum balance required to open and earn 0.10% APY on Lafayette Federal share savings account balances. $5 minimum balance required to open and earn 0.025% APY on LFCU checking account balances. APY=Annual Percentage Yield. The rates and terms shown are effective as of September 23, 2026.
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase
Rate includes a 10 basis point Justice National Account or Beyond the Badge relationship rate increase; Traditional IRA and Roth IRA Certificate Rates
Balance: $1,000 - $99,999.99 (Regular)
Compare local District Of Columbia 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.
District Of Columbia 12-month CD rates currently average 3.399% APY based on data from institutions in our monitoring network.
District Of Columbia 6-month CD rates rose 0.043 points over the past 7 days to 3.052% APY.
Where are District Of Columbia 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 District Of Columbia average APYs. State average used where available; national average as fallback.
| CD Term | DC Avg APY | $5,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Month CD | 1.704% | $85.20 | $170.39 | $425.97 | $851.95 |
| 6-Month CD | 3.052% | $152.58 | $305.16 | $762.90 | $1,525.80 |
| 12-Month CD | 3.399% | $169.95 | $339.89 | $849.72 | $1,699.45 |
| 18-Month CD | 3.206% | $160.30 | $320.60 | $801.50 | $1,603.00 |
| 24-Month CD | 3.208% | $160.40 | $320.80 | $802.00 | $1,604.00 |
| 36-Month CD | 3.133% | $156.63 | $313.25 | $783.13 | $1,566.25 |
| 48-Month CD | 3.039% | $151.94 | $303.88 | $759.70 | $1,519.40 |
| 60-Month CD | 3.186% | $159.28 | $318.55 | $796.38 | $1,592.75 |
| 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 District Of Columbia average rates. As each CD matures, reinvest at the 36-month rung.
| Rung | Term | Deposit | DC Avg APY | Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3-Month CD | $5,000 | 1.704% | $85.20 |
| 2 | 6-Month CD | $5,000 | 3.052% | $152.58 |
| 3 | 12-Month CD | $5,000 | 3.399% | $169.95 |
| 4 | 24-Month CD | $5,000 | 3.208% | $160.40 |
| 5 | 36-Month CD | $5,000 | 3.133% | $156.63 |
| Total ($25,000 invested) | $25,000 | 2.899% blended | $724.76/yr | |
Ladder example uses equal $5,000 rungs and District Of Columbia average APYs. Actual earnings depend on the specific institution and product chosen. Use the calculator above to model your exact deposit amounts.
MonitorBankRates tracks 664 CD rates from 18 banks and 35 credit unions with locations in District Of Columbia, plus national online institutions available to District Of Columbia 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: Congressional Federal Credit Union offers a CD at 6.00% APY with a minimum deposit of $100. Use the rate table above to compare all current offers in District Of Columbia.
What to compare when shopping for a CD in District Of Columbia
To find the best APYs in District Of Columbia, start with credit unions and online-only banks: District Of Columbia has 35 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
12.8% of residents are 65 or older, below the national average of 17.3%. At today’s DC 12-month CD average of 3.399%, saving 10% of the local median salary ($8,207/year) and putting it in a CD would earn an additional $279 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 District Of Columbia 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 District Of Columbia 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 District Of Columbia savers easier access to their funds. For example, NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH is offering its 6 Month Youth Saver Certificate at 5.00% APY. Longer terms such as three or five years usually pay higher rates. On the longer end, NASA Federal Credit Union is offering its 60 Month Share Certificate at 4.55% 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 District Of Columbia 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 District Of Columbia 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 District Of Columbia 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 District Of Columbia 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 DC top rate of 6.00% APY, a $10,000 deposit earns $600 in the first year. Enter your amount to see your exact return.
District Of Columbia CD LadderDC CD rates currently range from 1.704% (3-month) to 3.133% (36-month). Model a ladder with local rates to keep cash accessible while maximizing yield.
Early Withdrawal PenaltyBefore locking into a District Of Columbia CD at 6.00% 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 SavingsDistrict Of Columbia’s average 12-month CD is 3.399% 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 District Of Columbia 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 District Of Columbia 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 District Of Columbia. 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 DC.
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.