Pennsylvania CD rates range from 2.75% to 4.81% APY, verified by MonitorBankRates as of October 13, 2026. Current Pennsylvania CD rates include First Northern Bank and Trust CompanyFirst Northern Bank and Trust Company4th Street And Lafayette Avenue, Palmerton, PA 18071A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 5.78%Real return: +2.01%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 3 Year Adjustable CD at 4.81% APY, Tendto Credit UnionTendto Credit Union1129 State St, Erie, PA 16501 1911A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 3.10%Real return: +2.01%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering Share Certificates - 60 month Certificate at 4.81% APY, Citizens & Northern Bank C&NCitizens & Northern Bank C&N423 433 Reuter Boulevard, Towanda, PA 18848A5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 10.85%Real return: +1.83%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 60 Month Certificate of Deposit at 4.63% APY, Patriot Federal Credit UnionPatriot Federal Credit Union800 Wayne Ave, Chambersburg, PA 17201 3810A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.50%Real return: +1.80%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering 48 Month Share Certificate at 4.60% APY, and Enterprise Bank Allison Park, PAEnterprise Bank Allison Park, PA4091 Mount Royal Blvd, Allison Park, PA 15101F1.0 ★Texas Ratio: 80.27%Real return: +1.79%APY minus CPI (February 2026) offering Business 5 Year CD at 4.59% 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 Pennsylvania side-by-side. Pennsylvania CD rates currently reach as high as 4.81% APY from First Northern Bank and Trust Company at 4th Street And Lafayette Avenue, Palmerton, PA 18071. 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 Pennsylvania is 1.79% 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.
Dividend rates and APYs effective August 5, 2026; Penalty for early withdrawal; IRA rates include Traditional, Roth, and Education IRAs
$500 minimum deposit to open account and earn APY
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity; fees could reduce earnings; APY assumes dividends remain in account
Regular, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, Education Savings; APY fixed to maturity; early withdrawal penalty applies
Jumbo CDs (Above $75,000); no additional deposits after opening; penalty for early withdrawal; certificate renews automatically
Jumbo CD (Above $75,000)
APY up to; Share Certificates require a minimum balance of $500.00 to earn the stated APY; Regular and IRA Certificates
As of November 6, 2025; dividend rate and APY fixed for the term of the account
Balance: $75,000.00 and over
Minimum deposit of $500 required to open a Certificate of Deposit; no additional deposits after opening; penalty for early withdrawal; certificate renews automatically
Regular CD
Nonpreferred; APY fixed to maturity; early withdrawal penalty applies
Nonpreferred Certificates: Regular, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, Educational; APY fixed to maturity
Balance: $10,000.00 - $74,999.99
Balance: $75,000+
A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
Regular / IRA
Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
Balance: $500.00 - $9,999.99
Jumbo Certificate
Regular Certificate
Compounded Daily
Rate Type: Fixed
Daily Balances of: $50,000.00-2,000,000.00
Daily Balances of: $50,000.00-2,000,000.00
IRA Certificate; $1,000 Minimum
Jumbo Certificate; $50,000 minimum
Daily Balances of: $10,000.00-49,999.99
Daily Balances of: $10,000.00-49,999.99
Daily Balances of: up to $9,999.99
Daily Balances of: up to $9,999.99
The average 6-month CD rate in Pennsylvania is 2.77% 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.
Balance: $100000.00 to open; $100000.00 to obtain disclosed APY
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 months interest
New Money
Balance: $100000.00 to open; $100000.00 to obtain disclosed APY
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity; fees could reduce earnings; APY assumes dividends remain in account
Dividend rates and APYs effective August 5, 2026; Penalty for early withdrawal; IRA rates include Traditional, Roth, and Education IRAs
Balance: $500 - $500; New money only
Rates as of March 30, 2026; Dividends Paid Quarterly
Rates as of March 30, 2026; Dividends Paid Quarterly
Balance: $50,000 & up; Dividends Paid Monthly
$500 minimum deposit to open account and earn APY
Balance: $100,000.00 and over
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 1 month interest
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 1 month interest
Balance: $50,000.00 - $99,999.99
Posting: Monthly
Balance: $5,000 or more
Balance: $5,000 & over
Substantial Penalty For Early Withdrawal
Minimum balance for all Certificates is $500; Early withdrawal fees/penalties may apply
In Branch Special; In Branch Only; A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
Balance: $1,000
Regular, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, Education Savings; APY fixed to maturity; early withdrawal penalty applies
Rates also apply to IRA and HSA Certificates of Deposit
Balance: $75,000.00 and over
Pay at maturity into Regular Share Account
Jumbo CDs (Above $75,000); no additional deposits after opening; penalty for early withdrawal; certificate renews automatically
Jumbo CD (Above $75,000)
Balance: $50,000 min
The average 12-month CD rate in Pennsylvania is 2.95% 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.
Open account in person. See details.
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 months interest
Balance: $100,000.00 and over
$50,000; New Money
Limited time offer; dividends posted annually; offer may end without notice
Promotional rate
Balance: $50,000.00 - $99,999.99
To qualify for the promotional rate, customers must open and maintain at least three CDs simultaneously, with like ownership, with staggered maturity terms ("CD Ladder"). Kicker rate is valid for initial term only.
IRA Certificate
Dividend rates and APYs effective August 5, 2026; Penalty for early withdrawal; IRA rates include Traditional, Roth, and Education IRAs
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity; fees could reduce earnings; APY assumes dividends remain in account
Contact Us for more details.
Penalty for early withdrawal: 3 mos. interest loss whether earned or not
Balance: $5,000 & over
Early withdrawal: 30 day interest penalty
Balance: $25,000.00 - $49,999.99
Minimum deposit $500.00; early withdrawal penalty: three months' accrued interest (term one year or more)
EasyStart Certificate Rates(Share, IRA, ESA)
Offer valid for personal and nonprofit clients only. There may be a penalty for early withdrawals. Fees may reduce earnings on accounts. All IRA certificates are subject to IRS tax regulations and penalties. Interest rates may change at any time, without prior notice, before an account is opened. Interest compounds quarterly and is credited quarterly. Effective as of January 2, 2026. Account balance may not exceed $1,000,000 with the exception of future interest payments.
Balance: $50,000+
Open online today.
Penalty for early withdrawal: loss of dividends up to a maximum of 90 days
Regular, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, Education Savings; APY fixed to maturity; early withdrawal penalty applies
Posting: Quarterly
The average 18-month CD rate in Pennsylvania is 2.98% 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.
Balance: $100,000.00 and over
Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
Balance: $50,000.00 - $99,999.99
Balance: $50,000+
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity; fees could reduce earnings; APY assumes dividends remain in account
Certificate Special
IRA Share Certificate
Balance: $5,000 & over
Legacy Club
Balance: $25,000.00 - $49,999.99
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 month interest
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 month interest
APY is effective as of the date shown. Rates may change after account opening. Contact institution for details.
Upon maturity, CDs will automatically renew into the closest preceding term unless other instructions are provided. Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Fees could reduce earnings. This offer is not available for brokered deposits or for non-customers outside our market area.
Rates are available when account is opened in a Santander location in CT, DE, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, or select areas in FL: Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward counties, and Collier county ZIP Code 34141. Rates in other areas or for online openings may not be available.
Balance: $5,000 or more
Published APY range: 4.00% - 4.01%.
Balance: $500 - $5,000
Penalty for early withdrawal.
Jumbo CDs (Above $75,000); no additional deposits after opening; penalty for early withdrawal; certificate renews automatically
Jumbo CD (Above $75,000)
Minimum balance for all Certificates is $500; Early withdrawal fees/penalties may apply
Balance: $250.00-4,999.00; Early Withdrawal: 90 Days; Junior Share Certificate minimum $250.00 (members 18 and under)
Minimum deposit of $500 required to open a Certificate of Deposit; no additional deposits after opening; penalty for early withdrawal; certificate renews automatically
Regular CD
Requires a qualifying checking account.
The average 24-month CD rate in Pennsylvania is 2.86% 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.
Open account in person. See details.
Balance: $100,000.00 and over
Balance: $50,000.00 - $99,999.99
Balance: $250,000.01+; Also available as Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Dividend Earnings $24,409.71; Rates effective as of September 15, 2026
Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal
APY listed paid on $500 minimum balance.
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity; fees could reduce earnings; APY assumes dividends remain in account
Balance: $100,000-$250,000; Also available as Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Dividend Earnings $8,855.36; Rates effective as of September 15, 2026
Balance: $25,000.00 - $49,999.99
Add-On
Balance: $10,000-$24,999; Also available as Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Dividend Earnings $874.69; Rates effective as of September 15, 2026
See footnote **
Dividends compounded quarterly; dividends credited quarterly; dividend period account's term; rate type fixed; additional deposits not allowed; automatically renew
Dividend Rate 4.087%; dividends compounded and credited quarterly; fixed rate; dividend period is account's term; additional deposits not allowed; automatically renews
Balance: $75,000+
Balance: $75,000+
To qualify for the promotional rate, customers must open and maintain at least three CDs simultaneously, with like ownership, with staggered maturity terms ("CD Ladder"). Kicker rate is valid for initial term only.
SPECIAL
Balance: $1,000-$9,999; Also available as Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Dividend Earnings $85.30; Rates effective as of September 15, 2026
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 month interest
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 3 month interest
Minimum balance for all Certificates is $500; Early withdrawal fees/penalties may apply
The average 36-month CD rate in Pennsylvania is 2.74% 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.
See details. Not available for purchase effective June 7, 2022.
See details. Not available for purchase effective June 7, 2022.
Balance: $100,000.00 and over
Balance: $100,000.00 and over
Balance: $250,000.01+; Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Dividend Earnings based on minimum tier balance; Rates effective as of September 16, 2026
Balance: $50,000.00 - $99,999.99
Balance: $50,000.00 - $99,999.99
Balance: $100,000-$250,000; Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Dividend Earnings based on minimum tier balance; Rates effective as of September 16, 2026
Balance: $10,000-$24,999; Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Dividend Earnings based on minimum tier balance; Rates effective as of September 16, 2026
Balance: $25,000.00 - $49,999.99
Balance: $25,000.00 - $49,999.99
Balance: $1,000-$9,999; Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Dividend Earnings based on minimum tier balance; Rates effective as of September 16, 2026
Minimum balance for all Certificates is $500; Early withdrawal fees/penalties may apply
Minimum balance for all Certificates is $500; Early withdrawal fees/penalties may apply
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)
SPECIAL
Effective as 10/01/2026; A penalty will or may be imposed for early withdrawal.
Penalty for early withdrawal.
Balance: $10,000.00 - $24,999.99
Balance: $10,000.00 - $24,999.99
Balance: $250.00-4,999.00; Early Withdrawal: 1 Year; Junior Share Certificate minimum $250.00 (members 18 and under)
Balance: $50,000+
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity; fees could reduce earnings; APY assumes dividends remain in account
Minimum Balance: $75,000
Higher rate for balances over $75,000; Dividends paid monthly; Add-on option available
Minimum Balance: $50,000
Higher rate for balances over $50,000; Dividends paid monthly; Add-on option available
Balance: $50,000 min
Pay monthly into Regular Share Account
Balance: $1,000.00 - $9,999.99
Balance: $1,000.00 - $9,999.99
To qualify for the promotional rate, customers must open and maintain at least three CDs simultaneously, with like ownership, with staggered maturity terms ("CD Ladder"). Kicker rate is valid for initial term only.
Regular, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, Education Savings; APY fixed to maturity; early withdrawal penalty applies
The average 48-month CD rate in Pennsylvania is 2.64% 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: $250,000.01+; Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Dividend Earnings based on minimum tier balance
Balance: $100,000.00 and over
Balance: $100,000.00 and over
Balance: $100,000-$250,000; Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Dividend Earnings based on minimum tier balance
Balance: $50,000.00 - $99,999.99
Balance: $50,000.00 - $99,999.99
Balance: $10,000-$24,999; Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Dividend Earnings based on minimum tier balance
Balance: $1,000-$9,999; Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Dividend Earnings based on minimum tier balance
Minimum balance for all Certificates is $500; Early withdrawal fees/penalties may apply
Balance: $25,000.00 - $49,999.99
Balance: $25,000.00 - $49,999.99
Minimum balance for all Certificates is $500; Early withdrawal fees/penalties may apply
Bump-Up: 1
Penalty for early withdrawal.
Balance: $10,000.00 - $24,999.99
Balance: $10,000.00 - $24,999.99
Balance: $250.00-4,999.00; Early Withdrawal: 1 Year; Junior Share Certificate minimum $250.00 (members 18 and under)
CD's require a $500 minimum investment
Balance: $50,000+
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity; fees could reduce earnings; APY assumes dividends remain in account
Minimum Balance: $75,000
Higher rate for balances over $75,000; Dividends paid monthly; Add-on option available
Minimum Balance: $50,000
Higher rate for balances over $50,000; Dividends paid monthly; Add-on option available
Balance: $1,000.00 - $9,999.99
Balance: $1,000.00 - $9,999.99
Minimum Balance: $500
Dividends paid monthly; Add-on option available
To qualify for the promotional rate, customers must open and maintain at least three CDs simultaneously, with like ownership, with staggered maturity terms ("CD Ladder"). Kicker rate is valid for initial term only.
Regular, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, Education Savings; APY fixed to maturity; early withdrawal penalty applies
Fixed rate for the term of Certificate; minimum balance requirement of $100
Balance: $75,000.00 and over
The average 60-month CD rate in Pennsylvania is 2.74% 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: $100,000.00 and over
Balance: $100,000.00 and over
Balance: $250,000.01+; Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Rates effective as of September 16, 2026
Balance: $50,000.00 - $99,999.99
Balance: $50,000.00 - $99,999.99
Balance: $100,000-$250,000; Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Rates effective as of September 16, 2026
Balance: $10,000-$24,999; Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Rates effective as of September 16, 2026
Minimum balance for all Certificates is $500; Early withdrawal fees/penalties may apply
Balance: $25,000.00 - $49,999.99
Balance: $25,000.00 - $49,999.99
Balance: $1,000-$9,999; Savings Certificate, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA; Rates effective as of September 16, 2026
Minimum balance for all Certificates is $500; Early withdrawal fees/penalties may apply
Balance: $10,000.00 - $24,999.99
Balance: $10,000.00 - $24,999.99
Balance: $250.00-4,999.00; Early Withdrawal: 1 Year; Junior Share Certificate minimum $250.00 (members 18 and under)
Penalty for early withdrawal.
Balance: $50,000+
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity
Regular & IRA (Traditional & Roth); $500 minimum deposit required; penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity; fees could reduce earnings; APY assumes dividends remain in account
Minimum Balance: $75,000
Higher rate for balances over $75,000; Dividends paid monthly; Add-on option available
Balance: $1,000.00 - $9,999.99
Balance: $1,000.00 - $9,999.99
Minimum Balance: $50,000
Higher rate for balances over $50,000; Dividends paid monthly; Add-on option available
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 6 month interest
Early Withdrawal Penalty: 6 month interest
Balance: $100,000 and over; Long-Term Certificate Rates(Share, IRA, ESA)
Compare local Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania 12-month CD rates fell 0.006 points over the past 7 days to 2.954% APY.
Pennsylvania 6-month CD rates fell 0.039 points over the past 7 days to 2.774% APY.
Where are Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania average APYs. State average used where available; national average as fallback.
| CD Term | PA Avg APY | $5,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Month CD | 1.792% | $89.59 | $179.18 | $447.95 | $895.90 |
| 6-Month CD | 2.774% | $138.69 | $277.37 | $693.43 | $1,386.85 |
| 12-Month CD | 2.954% | $147.68 | $295.36 | $738.40 | $1,476.80 |
| 18-Month CD | 2.978% | $148.90 | $297.79 | $744.48 | $1,488.95 |
| 24-Month CD | 2.860% | $143.02 | $286.04 | $715.10 | $1,430.20 |
| 36-Month CD | 2.739% | $136.97 | $273.93 | $684.83 | $1,369.65 |
| 48-Month CD | 2.637% | $131.84 | $263.69 | $659.22 | $1,318.45 |
| 60-Month CD | 2.744% | $137.18 | $274.36 | $685.90 | $1,371.80 |
| 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 Pennsylvania average rates. As each CD matures, reinvest at the 36-month rung.
| Rung | Term | Deposit | PA Avg APY | Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3-Month CD | $5,000 | 1.792% | $89.59 |
| 2 | 6-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.774% | $138.69 |
| 3 | 12-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.954% | $147.68 |
| 4 | 24-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.860% | $143.02 |
| 5 | 36-Month CD | $5,000 | 2.739% | $136.97 |
| Total ($25,000 invested) | $25,000 | 2.624% blended | $655.95/yr | |
Ladder example uses equal $5,000 rungs and Pennsylvania average APYs. Actual earnings depend on the specific institution and product chosen. Use the calculator above to model your exact deposit amounts.
MonitorBankRates tracks 2,499 CD rates from 52 banks and 94 credit unions with locations in Pennsylvania, plus national online institutions available to Pennsylvania 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: First Northern Bank and Trust Company offers a CD at 4.81% APY with a minimum deposit of $1,000. Use the rate table above to compare all current offers in Pennsylvania.
What to compare when shopping for a CD in Pennsylvania
To find the best APYs in Pennsylvania, start with credit unions and online-only banks: Pennsylvania has 94 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
19.5% of residents are 65 or older, in line with the national average of 17.3%. At today’s PA 12-month CD average of 2.954%, saving 10% of the local median salary ($4,667/year) and putting it in a CD would earn an additional $138 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania savers easier access to their funds. For example, P.C. Federal Credit Union is offering its Level 6 - 6 month term at 4.25% APY. Longer terms such as three or five years usually pay higher rates. On the longer end, Tendto Credit Union is offering its Share Certificates - 60 month Certificate at 4.81% 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 PA top rate of 4.81% APY, a $10,000 deposit earns $481 in the first year. Enter your amount to see your exact return.
Pennsylvania CD LadderPA CD rates currently range from 1.792% (3-month) to 2.739% (36-month). Model a ladder with local rates to keep cash accessible while maximizing yield.
Early Withdrawal PenaltyBefore locking into a Pennsylvania CD at 4.81% 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 SavingsPennsylvania’s average 12-month CD is 2.954% 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania. 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 PA.
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.