Median CD rate climbs to 3.35% as the number of CDs paying 4.00% APY or more rises
SEATTLE, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CD rates are moving up. Of the 41,241 CDs tracked on CD Valet, over 1,600 rates increased this week, resulting in 88% of rate changes being increases this past week. The CD Valet median rate is now 3.35%, holding above the 3.25% level where it had stalled for months.
The number of CDs paying 4.00% APY or more climbed to 8,170, up from last week. The best rates are rising too. The top 1% of 6- and 12-month CDs gained 8 basis points in just 30 days.
Rates are rising across every term
The highest-yielding rates rose 5 to 8 basis points over the past 30 days in every term tracked. Median 12- and 24-month rates each rose 5 basis points this week. Top rates moved up by about the same amount in each term, so the yield curve for the best CDs remains flat.
|
Term |
CD Valet median |
Top 1% (30 days ago) |
Top 1% (today) |
30-day change |
|
6-month |
3.50 % |
4.32 % |
4.40 % |
+0.08 pts |
|
12-month |
3.40 % |
4.42 % |
4.50 % |
+0.08 pts |
|
24-month |
3.19 % |
4.45 % |
4.50 % |
+0.05 pts |
“The market has turned, and savers who shop are the first to benefit,” said Mary Grace Roske, Head of Communications of CD Valet. “Top CDs now pay more than a full point above the median. With rates climbing, the cost of waiting is real and the payoff from comparing is immediate.”
These are the top CD rates this week, from the thousands of rates and financial institutions tracked by CD Valet:
- Top credit union: Southland Credit Union, 9.00% on a 9-month CD
- Top bank: Toyota Financial Savings Bank, 5.25% on a 60-month CD
Is now a good time to lock in a CD?
For savers who shop, yes. The best CDs pay 4.40% to 4.50% APY across 6-, 12- and 24-month terms. More than 8,100 CDs on CD Valet now pay 4.00% APY or more.
Rates are rising, but gradually: the top 1% gained 5 to 8 basis points over the past 30 days.
The flat yield curve also works in savers’ favor. Top rates are nearly the same from 6 to 24 months, so savers can pick the term that fits their timeline without giving up yield.
What savers should consider
The Federal Reserve held its benchmark rate at 3.75% to 4.00% on October 28, after raising it in September. Two policymakers voted for another increase, and futures markets now put the odds of a hike at the December 8–9 meeting at about 81%. For savers, that means the current rise in CD rates may have further to run.
- Shop past the median. Currently, the top 12-month rate beats the median by more than a full point. That’s a meaningful difference in returns.
- Don’t wait on the Fed to start earning. A December hike is likely but not guaranteed. Money sitting in a low-yield account while you wait is earning less in the meantime.
- Look at bump-up and add-on CDs. Some CDs let savers raise their rate once during the term or add more money at the original rate. Starting rates are often lower, so compare them with a standard short-term CD before choosing.
- Consider a ladder. Splitting savings across staggered terms locks in today’s rates on part of the balance and lets the rest reinvest at higher rates as each CD matures.
- Read the fine print on promotions. Promotional CDs make up 46% of listings. Check minimum deposits, balance caps, unusual terms and membership requirements before applying.
- Confirm coverage. Make sure deposits fall within FDIC (banks) or NCUA (credit unions) insurance limits.
CD Valet tracks around 40,000 publicly listed CD rates from nearly 5,000 banks and credit unions across the country. Visit https://www.cdvalet.com/insights/cd-rate-forecast/ for the full report on where CD rates are headed in 2026.
About CD Valet
CD Valet is a CD marketplace that features verified CD rates from federally insured banks and credit unions. With tens of thousands of CD offers tracked across the country, CD Valet gives savers a clear view of top rates and helps them explore high-yield CD options with reliable returns. For financial institutions looking to raise deposits and attract new customers, CD Valet is a reliable and cost-effective channel that helps boost the visibility of their brand and CD offerings to high-intent CD customers. Visit www.cdvalet.com for more information and check out CD Valet’s Best CD Rates for today’s highest offerings.
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SOURCE CD Valet
