Should You Buy CDs Before Interest Rates Drop Again?
KEY POINTS
- The Federal Reserve may cut interest rates in 2025.
- Near-term rate cuts would probably have very little effect on your CD earnings.
- High-yield savings accounts and the stock market may be better places for your money right now.
The yields on certificates of deposit (CDs) have dropped from last year's highs. In 2024, APYs of 5.00% were easy to come by, while today's best CD rates are closer to 4.00%.
And more rate cuts could be coming in 2025.
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates the same at its January meeting, and we're unlikely to see big changes anytime soon. However, the Fed has suggested that rate cuts are possible, and many experts think they're likely in 2025.
If the federal funds rate drops, then CD yields will follow. Should you lock in an APY of 4.00% or more now?
Our Picks for the Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2025
| Product | APY | Min. to Earn | |
American Express® High Yield Savings
Member FDIC.
APY
3.70%
Rate info
3.70% annual percentage yield as of April 19, 2025. Terms apply.
Min. to earn
$0
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings
On American Express's Secure Website. |
3.70%
Rate info
3.70% annual percentage yield as of April 19, 2025. Terms apply.
|
$0
|
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings
On American Express's Secure Website. |
CIT Platinum Savings
Member FDIC.
APY
4.10% APY for balances of $5,000 or more
Rate info
4.10% APY for balances of $5,000 or more; otherwise, 0.25% APY
Min. to earn
$100 to open account, $5,000+ for max APY
Open Account for CIT Platinum Savings
On CIT's Secure Website. |
4.10% APY for balances of $5,000 or more
Rate info
4.10% APY for balances of $5,000 or more; otherwise, 0.25% APY
|
$100 to open account, $5,000+ for max APY
|
Open Account for CIT Platinum Savings
On CIT's Secure Website. |
Barclays Tiered Savings
Member FDIC.
APY
4.10%
Rate info
Balances less than $250,000 earn 4.10%, and balances greater than $250,000 earn 4.30%.
Min. to earn
$0
Open Account for Barclays Tiered Savings
On Barclays' Secure Website. |
4.10%
Rate info
Balances less than $250,000 earn 4.10%, and balances greater than $250,000 earn 4.30%.
|
$0
|
Open Account for Barclays Tiered Savings
On Barclays' Secure Website. |
Interest rate cuts will probably have little impact
Let's say the federal funds rate drops by a small amount in 2025, and CD rates do the same. (CD rates don't mirror the federal rate exactly, but they track it pretty closely.)
Here's how much that could change your total earnings on a 1-year CD.
| Initial Investment | Earnings at 4.00% APY | Earnings at 3.75% APY | Earnings at 3.50% APY |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $200 | $187.50 | $175 |
| $10,000 | $400 | $375 | $350 |
| $20,000 | $800 | $750 | $700 |
Even if you invest a large amount in CDs, near-term rate cuts will likely have a small effect on your earnings.
Are CDs even worth it?
CDs offer safe, guaranteed returns. They're FDIC insured, so your money is safe. That said, there may be better places for your money.
High-yield savings accounts have similar rates and more flexibility
Today's best savings accounts offer roughly the same rates as CDs -- around 4.00% or higher in some cases. And unlike CDs, they allow you to deposit and withdraw money at any time.
This is why a high-yield savings account is the best place for your emergency fund and any other money you may need on short notice.
Want to earn 10 times the national average APY? Check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts and open a new account today.
The stock market offers much higher returns
Since 1957, the U.S. stock market has gained 10% per year on average (as measured by the S&P 500 Index). When it comes to money you want to invest for long-term growth, you may be better off investing in stocks through an IRA or a regular brokerage account.
You can even invest in the entire S&P 500 at once with an index fund. Then you'll have a portfolio of 500 of the biggest companies in the U.S.
Just be sure to only invest money that you won't need for at least three years. That way you have time to ride out any near-term dips in the stock market. That means you're less likely to be forced to sell stocks at a loss because you need money right away.
Don't make hasty decisions with your money
CDs are a decent investment, but you shouldn't rush to buy them just because interest rates may drop this year. Make sure you understand how they work and whether they fit into your financial plan. You may find that you have better options.
Our Research Expert
Managing editor for Motley Fool Money. James has worked full-time for The Motley Fool since 2012. A longtime editor and former reporter, James oversees the production and quality of Motley Fool Money's editorial content.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Motley Fool Money is 100% owned and operated by The Motley Fool. Our knowledgeable team of personal finance editors and analysts are employed by The Motley Fool and held to the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page. APYs are subject to change at any time without notice.