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Best 3-Year CD Rates of December 2024

Review Updated
Matt Frankel, CFP®
Robin Hartill, CFP
Ashley Maready
Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page. APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APYs are subject to change at any time without notice.

Three-year CD rates are often similar, if not the same, as longer term CDs. They're great for people wanting higher rates than short CD terms but less commitment than a 5-year CD.

Here's a detailed look at 3-year CD rates, factors to consider when choosing a CD, and alternatives to a 3-year CD.

  • Our team of experts assessed 100+ banking institutions
  • We evaluate all banking institutions across the same 4 key criteria: annual percentage yield (APY), brand reputation, fees and minimum requirements, and additional perks
  • Our bank ratings are never influenced by our advertising partners
  • We strictly feature products that offer federal insurance and high customer satisfaction, keeping our recommendations unbiased

Our picks for the best 3-year CDs

How to compare the best 3-year CD rates

Three-year CDs can earn higher APYs than short-term CDs can. However, APY is not the only feature to consider when shopping for a CD.

Ratings Methodology
Rates as of Dec. 18, 2024
Best 3-Year Certificates of Deposits (CDs) of December 2024 picks.
Bank & CD Offer APY Term Min. Deposit Next Steps
APY: 3.40% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

APY: 3.00% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Barclays Online CD

On Barclays' Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
APY: 3.25% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Open Account for

On Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
APY: 3.80% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.65% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 4.00% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.50% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,500
APY: 3.60% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 3.50% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 4.30% Term: 1 Months Min. Deposit:  $1
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 0.05% Term: 1 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: up to 4.63% Term: 3 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 2.00% Term: 3 Months Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

APY: 4.50% Term: 3 Months Min. Deposit:  $1
Open Account for

On Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
APY: 4.65% Term: 3 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 2.00% Term: 3 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: up to 2.01% Term: 3 Months Min. Deposit:  $2,500 for Standard, $5,000 for Special
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.80% Term: 3 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,500
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.50% Term: 3 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: up to 4.75% Term: 3 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
First National Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.00% Term: 3 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 4.30% Term: 3 Months Min. Deposit:  $1
APY: 3.00% Term: 3 Months Min. Deposit:  $0
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 0.05% Term: 3 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.71% Term: 3 Months Min. Deposit:  $10,000
APY: up to 4.51% Term: 4 Months Min. Deposit:  $2,500 for Standard, $5,000 for Special
APY: 5.50% Term: 5 Months Min. Deposit:  $2,500
First National Bank Special CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.75% Term: 5 Months Min. Deposit:  $5,000 or $10,000, depending on term
APY: 4.90% Term: 5 Months Min. Deposit: 
APY: 0.50% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.24% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $10,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.30% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 0.05% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
First National Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.00% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.00% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: up to 2.01% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $2,500 for Standard, $5,000 for Special
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.50% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 4.50% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 5.21% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.75% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,500
Member FDIC.
APY: up to 4.35% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.00% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $2,500
Open Account for LendingClub CD

On LendingClub's Secure Website.

APY: 4.00% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.80% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $0
Member FDIC.
APY: up to 4.30% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.00% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Open Account for CIT Bank CD

On CIT's Secure Website.

APY: 4.40% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 3.95% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $2,500
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.00% - 4.00% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $250.00
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 0.10% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.20% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 3.00% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 4.70% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 3.70% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

APY: up to 4.91% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 4.50% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $10,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.45% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.00% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1
APY: 4.40% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1
Open Account for

On Secure Website.

APY: 4.35% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Valley Bank CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.75% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
Vanguard Brokered CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.25% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.15% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 4.65% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 4.10% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 5.00% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.25% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 4.20% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1
NASA Federal Credit Union Share Certificate
Federally insured by NCUA.
APY: 4.80% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.25% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.25% Term: 6 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
Open Account for

On Secure Website.

Huntington Bank Promotional CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.13% Term: 7 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 5.00% Term: 7 Months Min. Deposit: 
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.50% Term: 7 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: up to 4.26% Term: 7 Months Min. Deposit:  $2,500 for Standard, $5,000 for Special
APY: 4.75% Term: 7 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
Ponce Bank CDs
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.25% Term: 7 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.34% Term: 7 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
First National Bank Special CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.50% Term: 7 Months Min. Deposit:  $5,000 or $10,000, depending on term
APY: 3.80% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
APY: 4.30% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.75% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.30% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $0
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.30% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.65% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $1
Member FDIC.
APY: up to 4.50% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.10% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
NASA Federal Credit Union High-Yield Certificate
Federally insured by NCUA.
APY: 4.99% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $10,000
APY: 4.00% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $2,500
Member FDIC.
APY: 2.50% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 4.35% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $1
Open Account for

On Secure Website.

Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 0.10% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.00% - 4.00% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $250.00
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.80% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,500
APY: 4.25% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $10,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.25% Term: 9 Months Min. Deposit:  $0
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.25% Term: 10 Months Min. Deposit:  $2,500
Open Account for

On Secure Website.

APY: 5.31% Term: 10 Months Min. Deposit:  $1
Huntington Bank Promotional CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.86% Term: 11 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.50% Term: 11 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.75% Term: 11 Months Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 4.04% Term: 11 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.25% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Member FDIC.
APY: up to 4.05% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 2.00% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.10% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 4.00% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 4.00% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.00% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
APY: 4.30% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,500
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 0.10% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
First National Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.00% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.25% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.00% - 3.75% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $250.00
Member FDIC.
APY: 2.50% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 4.25% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1
Open Account for

On Secure Website.

Vanguard Brokered CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.40% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.50% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.25% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.15% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Barclays Online CD

On Barclays' Secure Website.

APY: up to 4.55% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 1.50% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 4.10% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $2,500
NASA Federal Credit Union Share Certificate
Federally insured by NCUA.
APY: 4.40% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.00% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1
APY: 4.42% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.25% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 0.75% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 2.00% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.05% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.05% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.00% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $2,500
Open Account for LendingClub CD

On LendingClub's Secure Website.

APY: 4.37% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $10,000
APY: 4.25% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 4.51% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $5,000
APY: 3.75% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1
APY: 3.60% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.25% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.85% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.00% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $5,000
APY: 4.40% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Valley Bank CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.50% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 4.00% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $10,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.00% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Open Account for

On Secure Website.

APY: 5.20% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: up to 4.50% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.20% Term: 1 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.50% Term: 13 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Open Account for CIT Bank CD

On CIT's Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
APY: 4.00% Term: 13 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.00% Term: 13 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
First National Bank Special CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.00% Term: 13 Months Min. Deposit:  $5,000 or $10,000, depending on term
APY: 5.15% Term: 13 Months Min. Deposit: 
APY: 4.33% Term: 13 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union CD
Federally insured by NCUA.
APY: 5.00% Term: 13 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 0.50% to 1.01% Term: 15 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
NASA Federal Credit Union High-Yield Certificate
Federally insured by NCUA.
APY: 4.54% Term: 15 Months Min. Deposit:  $10,000
Federally insured by NCUA.
APY: 5.10% Term: 16 Months Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: up to 4.25% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Vanguard Brokered CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.40% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.35% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.80% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,500
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 0.10% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.00% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.80% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
APY: 2.50% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.90% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.00% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 1.00% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.15% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
First National Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.00% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.00% - 3.00% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $250.00
APY: 3.50% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $10,000
APY: 4.15% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 2.45% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 4.25% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 3.70% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 3.25% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Barclays Online CD

On Barclays' Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
APY: 3.90% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.00% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 3.70% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.00% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 3.90% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.25% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.70% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.80% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $2,500
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.00% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Open Account for CIT Bank CD

On CIT's Secure Website.

APY: 3.98% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $10,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.95% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.75% Term: 1.5 Year Min. Deposit:  $2,500
Open Account for LendingClub CD

On LendingClub's Secure Website.

First National Bank Special CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.00% Term: 19 Months Min. Deposit:  $5,000 or $10,000, depending on term
APY: 4.24% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: up to 3.55% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Vanguard Brokered CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.35% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.50% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 3.00% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Barclays Online CD

On Barclays' Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
APY: up to 4.40% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.50% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 2.00% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: up to 2.25% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 3.93% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.90% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.75% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $2,500
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.90% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.85% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.53% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $5,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.85% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,500
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.35% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Open Account for

On Secure Website.

APY: 3.90% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 3.75% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.50% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 0.10% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.75% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $2,500
Open Account for LendingClub CD

On LendingClub's Secure Website.

Valley Bank CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.00% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.00% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $5,000
APY: 3.50% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
APY: 3.80% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Member FDIC.
APY: 2.50% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.50% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.00% - 3.00% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $250.00
APY: 3.50% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $10,000
APY: 1.00% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.75% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 3.55% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $10,000
NASA Federal Credit Union Share Certificate
Federally insured by NCUA.
APY: 4.10% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.00% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
First National Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.00% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 4.15% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 3.70% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.75% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.90% Term: 2 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
First National Bank Special CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.00% Term: 25 Months Min. Deposit:  $5,000 or $10,000, depending on term
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.75% Term: 25 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.40% Term: 30 Months Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

APY: 3.50% Term: 30 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.50% Term: 30 Months Min. Deposit:  $0
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.75% Term: 35 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
First National Bank Special CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.00% Term: 35 Months Min. Deposit:  $5,000 or $10,000, depending on term
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.00% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.50% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $2,500
Open Account for LendingClub CD

On LendingClub's Secure Website.

First National Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.00% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 2.00% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $10,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.60% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 3.77% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.80% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.80% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.40% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.50% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: up to 2.45% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.35% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $5,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.00% - 2.75% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $250.00
APY: 1.50% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: up to 4.25% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.00% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Member FDIC.
APY: 2.50% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.25% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 3.44% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $10,000
APY: 3.75% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 3.60% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $2,500
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 0.10% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
NASA Federal Credit Union Share Certificate
Federally insured by NCUA.
APY: 4.00% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.60% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Vanguard Brokered CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.35% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 2.00% Term: 3 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: up to 1.75% Term: 37 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.80% Term: 45 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.00% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Barclays Online CD

On Barclays' Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
APY: 3.40% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $5,000
APY: 3.60% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: up to 3.80% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.40% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 0.10% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.50% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,500
Member FDIC.
APY: 2.50% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.62% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.55% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 1.61% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $1
APY: 3.50% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 4.00% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 3.50% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Member FDIC.
APY: 2.00% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 2.25% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $10,000
APY: 3.25% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
NASA Federal Credit Union Share Certificate
Federally insured by NCUA.
APY: 3.85% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.50% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 1.50% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.40% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
APY: 4.55% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
First National Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.00% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 3.34% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $10,000
APY: 3.00% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Vanguard Brokered CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.25% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.35% Term: 4 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
NASA Federal Credit Union High-Yield Certificate
Federally insured by NCUA.
APY: 4.09% Term: 49 Months Min. Deposit:  $10,000
First National Bank Special CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.00% Term: 52 Months Min. Deposit:  $5,000 or $10,000, depending on term
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.90% Term: 59 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.00% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.40% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 0.10% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: up to 3.55% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.25% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 2.25% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $10,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.50% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.50% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,500
APY: 1.50% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: up to 4.30% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.50% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 3.29% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $10,000
NASA Federal Credit Union Share Certificate
Federally insured by NCUA.
APY: 3.75% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.00% - 2.25% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $250.00
APY: 4.00% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.50% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.00% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Open Account for

On Secure Website.

APY: 3.00% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
APY: 3.25% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 3.25% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Barclays Online CD

On Barclays' Secure Website.

First National Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.50% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 3.75% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $2,500
APY: 3.25% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 1.35% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 2.50% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.40% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $2,500
Open Account for LendingClub CD

On LendingClub's Secure Website.

Member FDIC.
APY: 2.00% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 3.60% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.45% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $5,000
APY: 3.67% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.50% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Member FDIC.
APY: 4.50% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.60% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Vanguard Brokered CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 5.35% Term: 5 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
First National Bank Special CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 3.00% Term: 61 Months Min. Deposit:  $5,000 or $10,000, depending on term
Member FDIC.
APY: up to 2.00% Term: 61 Months Min. Deposit:  $1,000
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
APY: 0.10% Term: 6 Year Min. Deposit:  $1,000
APY: 3.60% Term: 6 Year Min. Deposit:  $500
APY: 3.40% Term: 7 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

APY: 3.40% Term: 10 Year Min. Deposit:  $0
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

  • At Motley Fool Money, our certificates of deposit (CDs) ratings primarily focus on annual percentage yield (APY) and early withdrawal penalty fees. Our highest-rated CDs generally include competitive APYs without complex qualification tiers, low withdrawal fees, reliable brand trust and reputation, and ease of use.

    Motley Fool Money tracks just standard CDs, not IRA, bump up, callable, and other less popular CD accounts. CD rates displayed on this Best 3-Year CD Rates page are comprised of both the highest CD rates in Motley Fool Money's universe of tracked rates and featured placements from advertisers. Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list.

    Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates bank accounts.

A note from our head of product ratings, Robin Hartill, CFP®
Image of reviewer

The CD accounts we select maximize the earnings on your savings while providing security and predictability. Here's what we emphasize:

  • Competitive interest rates
  • Reasonable minimum deposit
  • Low fees and withdrawal penalties

These elements are critical to keeping your savings safe and compounding.

Reviews of the top 3-year CDs

Discover® Bank CD 3 Year: 3.40% APY

What we like about this 3-year CD: Discover® Bank offers CDs with terms ranging from three months to 10 years, making it ideal for a CD ladder.

What you should know before opening an account: Though Discover® Bank CD rates are competitive, you can find higher rates on a 3-year CD at other institutions.

Learn more on Discover's website

Barclays Online CD 3 Year: 3.00% APY

What we like about this 3-year CD: Barclays' 3-year CDs have an APY that's well above the national average. There's no minimum deposit, which makes it accessible to beginning savers.

What you should know before opening an account: Barclays pays its most competitive rates for short-term CDs. The trade-off, though, is that you're locking in a high rate for a shorter amount of time.

Learn more on Barclays' website

Quontic CD 3 Year: 3.25% APY

What we like about this 3-year CD: Like the other CDs on this list, Quontic 3-year CDs offer competitive APYs. The $500 minimum deposit is lower than what many institutions require.

What you should know before opening an account: As of this writing, Quontic's money market accounts and high-yield savings accounts paid higher APYs than the 3-year CDs. Also, the early withdrawal penalty of one to two years' interest is somewhat steep.

Learn more on Quontic's website

Alliant CD 3 Year: 3.80% APY

What we like about this 3-year CD: Alliant Credit Union's CD 3-year CD rates are generous, but you can earn even higher APYs on CDs of any term with a "jumbo" certificate, i.e., a deposit of $75,000 or more. There's also a dividend withdrawal option that lets you access interest payments without penalty each month.

What you should know before opening an account: You'll need to be a member of Alliant Credit Union to use its banking products. Also, a $1,000 opening deposit is required for CDs.

Read our full Alliant CD review

Marcus by Goldman Sachs High Yield CD 3 Year: 3.65% APY

What we like about this 3-year CD: Marcus by Goldman Sachs' 3-year CDs have a high-APY and a reasonable $500 minimum deposit. The early withdrawal penalties are on the low side, ranging from 90 to 270 days' interest. You also get a 10-day CD rate guarantee, so that if rates rise within 10 days of opening the account, your APY gets bumped up, as well.

What you should know before opening an account: Marcus by Goldman Sachs doesn't offer checking accounts, so it's not the best option for those who prefer to do all their banking at one institution.

Read our full Marcus by Goldman Sachs High Yield CD review

Synchrony Online CD 3 Year: 4.00% APY

What we like about this 3-year CD: In addition to having some of the top CD rates, Synchrony Online CDs have no minimum deposit. You can also withdraw your interest from the account at any time without penalty.

What you should know before opening an account: Synchrony Bank doesn't offer checking accounts or CDs with terms longer than 60 months.

Read our full Synchrony Online CD review

Bread Savings CD 3 Year: 3.50% APY

What we like about this 3-year CD: Bread Financial offers competitive APYs on both its CDs and savings accounts.

What you should know before opening an account: The minimum opening deposit for CDs is pretty high, at $1,500. Plus, Bread Financial doesn't offer checking accounts or CDs with terms longer than 60 months.

Read our full Bread Financial review

Ally High Yield CD 3 Year: 3.60% APY

What we like about this 3-year CD: There's no minimum to open an account, and you get a 10-day rate guarantee in case rates increase after you open your account. Also, the early withdrawal penalties of 60 to 150 days' interest are relatively low.

What you should know before opening an account: Though Ally's rates are generous, you can find higher APYs at other online banks. Also, the maximum CD term is 60 months.

Read our full Ally High Yield CD review

Capital One 360 CD 3 Year: 3.50% APY

What we like about this 3-year CD: Capital One offers branch access to savers, which is unusual for savings products with competitive APYs. There's also no minimum CD deposit, and early withdrawal penalties are reasonable at three to six months' worth of interest.

What you should know before opening an account: The CD rates are competitive, but you can find higher APYs at other institutions. Also, Capital One doesn't offer CDs with terms longer than 60 months.

Read our full Capital One 360 CD review

What is a 3-year CD?

A 3-year CD is a certificate of deposit account, which is also known as a "time deposit" account, that requires the depositor to keep their money in the account for a period of three years.

In exchange for depositing money and agreeing to leave it in the account for the entire term, you'll get a fixed interest rate (APY) that will stay constant for the entire three-year period.

Who is it right for?

A 3-year CD is right for individuals who don't need access to their money for three years. It's a good investment for mid-range savings goals like future home improvements or a down payment on a house or car.

Will 3-year CD rates increase in 2024?

To be perfectly clear, nobody knows exactly what CD interest rates will do, and when. Banks can determine their own CD rates. While CD rates aren't directly tied to any benchmark interest rate, such as the federal funds rate, they tend to move in the same direction over time.

With that last sentence in mind, it's important to mention that while the timing is uncertain and there are no guarantees, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate in September. Further rate cuts are expected in 2024, which would likely mean that 3-year CD rates would fall. Of course, there are many economic factors involved, but the most likely direction for 3-year CD rates throughout 2024 is downward.

Pros and cons of a 3-year CD

Opening a 3-year CD account can be a great investment, but it also has its drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons to 3-year CDs.

Pros

Higher rates: The best 3-year CD rates earn a higher rate than most savings accounts and shorter CD terms do. Banks pay the higher rate because you can't touch your funds without paying a penalty.

Protection against interest rate drops: 3-year CDs come with fixed rates, which means you'll earn a guaranteed rate for the next three years regardless of market rate drops. 

Predictable returns: Having a fixed rate means you can quickly calculate precisely how much interest you'll earn over the next three years. Plus, your money has the added safety of being FDIC insured up to $250,000. 

Cons

No benefit from interest rate increases: The market can change drastically over your CD term. Having a fixed rate also means you lose out if market rates increase.

Penalties: Tying your money up in a 3-year CD is not without risk. If you need access before your CD matures, you'll end up paying hefty early-withdrawal penalties that could decrease your CD earnings dramatically. 

Inflation risk: There's also a risk that your 3-year CD rate won't keep up with inflation. You can protect yourself against this by building a CD ladder. CD laddering allows you to increase your financial flexibility while possibly taking advantage of higher APYs instead of being locked into one rate.

Alternatives to a 3-year CD

Three-year CDs are a great way to earn a high interest rate over time. However, they are not right for everyone. Here are some other options for both shorter- and longer-term investments.

High-yield savings account

Many online banks offer high-yield savings accounts with competitive rates. With these accounts, you'll also have access to your money whenever you need it without paying any penalties. 

Money market account

Another great account with competitive interest rates is a money market account. This is a hybrid that combines the best of both savings and checking accounts. With a money market account, you get a high interest rate but don't get locked into the time commitment of a CD. 

Long-term CDs

Three-year CDs are considered a mid-range CD. Opting for a 4-year or 5-year CD isn't too much more of a time commitment, and you could score an even higher interest rate, depending on market conditions. 

Investments

Stock market investments and retirement accounts can typically earn better long-term returns than even the best 3-year CD rates. However, you'll likely need to leave your money in a brokerage account for longer than three years to take advantage of its higher returns. Also remember that the stock market is always a riskier investment. Stocks are not FDIC insured and can plummet in value with little notice.

To recap, the highest 3-year CD rates

Offer APY Min. Deposit
Discover® Bank CD

On Discover Bank's Secure Website.

3.40% - 3 Yr. $0
Barclays Online CD

On Barclays' Secure Website.

3.00% - 3 Yr. $0
Quontic CD

On Quontic's Secure Website.

3.25% - 3 Yr. $500
3.80% - 3 Yr. $1,000
3.65% - 3 Yr. $500
4.00% - 3 Yr. $0
3.50% - 3 Yr. $1,500
3.60% - 3 Yr. $0
3.50% - 3 Yr. $0
APY = Annual Percentage Yield

Other CD term lengths to consider

Banks we monitor

  • Alliant, Ally, All America Bank, American First Credit Union, American Express National Bank, Arvest Bank, Aspiration, Axos Bank, B2 Bank, Bank of America, Bank5 Connect, Bank7, Barclays, Bask Bank, Betterment, Bluevine, BMO Bank, Bread Financial, Capital One, Carver Federal Savings Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Chase, Chime, CIT, Citibank, Citizens, Citizens Savings Bank, Columbia Bank, Connexus Credit Union, Consumers Credit Union, Copper, Cross River Bank, Customers Bank, Discover® Bank, E*TRADEEdward Jones, EverBank, Fidelity, Fifth Third Bank, First Foundation Bank, First Internet Bank of Indiana, First National Bank, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Flushing Bank, Freedom Bank, Generations Bank, GN Bank, Golden 1 Credit Union, Greenlight, Harborstone Credit Union, HSBC, Huntington Bank, Ivella, Kabbage by American Express, KeyBank, Laurel Road, LendingClub, Liberty Bank, Liberty Federal Credit Union, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Mercury, Municipal Credit Union, Mutual of Omaha, NASA Federal Credit Union, Nationwide Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union, NBKC Bank, New York Community Bank, Northpointe Bank, Novo, OceanFirst Bank, Old National Bank, ONE Finance, OneUnited Bank, Oxygen, Pacific Western Bank, PNC Bank, Ponce Bank, Popular Direct, Presidential Bank, Prime Alliance Bank, Quontic, Radius, Raisin, Redneck Bank, Regions Bank, Relay, Republic Bank of Chicago, Revolut, Salem Five Bank, Sallie Mae, Santander Bank, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Simple, SoFi®, Synchrony Bank, TAB Bank, TD Bank, Third Federal, Truist Bank, U.S. Bank, UFB, Upgrade, USAA, Valley Bank, Vanguard, Varo Bank, Vio Bank, Wealthfront, Wells Fargo, Western Alliance Bank, and Zeta.

FAQs

  • Three-year CDs offer solid interest rates, but with a shorter time commitment than longer CD terms. You can often find 3-year CDs with rates that are similar to or the same as a 5-year CD.

  • A 3-year CD is worth it if you know that you won't need to access your money for three years. You'll earn a considerably higher APY than the national savings average.

  • A 3-year CD is a type of bank account that requires the depositor to keep their money in the account for a period of three years. In exchange for agreeing to leave the money untouched, a 3-year CD has an interest rate (APY) that is guaranteed not to change for the entire three-year term.