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Matt is a Certified Financial Planner™ and investment advisor based in Columbia, South Carolina. He writes personal finance and investment advice for Motley Fool Money and its parent company The Motley Fool, with more than 4,500 published articles and a 2017 SABEW Best in Business award. Matt writes a weekly investment column for the Motley Fool ("Ask a Fool") that is syndicated in USA Today, and his work with Motley Fool Money has also been syndicated to MSN and Yahoo! Finance. He has been regularly featured on Fox Business and many other major outlets. He’s a graduate of the University of South Carolina and Nova Southeastern University, and holds a graduate certificate in financial planning from Florida State University.
Steven is a personal finance writer covering topics from mortgages to credit cards to market news. He has written for The Motley Fool Canada, Ramsey Solutions, Nerdwallet, Clever Real Estate, and other major outlets. Steven launched his writing career at the age of four with his first book, "Revenge of the Bad Guys." He currently lives in Portland, Oregon.
Eric McWhinnie has been writing and editing digital content since 2010. He specializes in personal finance and investing. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance.
Six-month CD rates are a great way to maximize your short-term savings, especially if you can score a higher interest rate. Your money isn't tied up as long as with longer CD terms, giving you the flexibility to pivot your investing strategy as needed.
Here are our picks for the best 6-month CD rates, what to consider when choosing a CD, and alternatives that may offer better returns.
Here are some other factors besides APY to consider when comparing 6-month CDs:
Bank & CD Offer | APY | Term | Min. Deposit | Next Steps |
---|---|---|---|---|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.25% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 |
Open Account for
On Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.00% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Barclays Online CD
On Barclays' Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.00% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $2,500 |
Open Account for LendingClub CD
On LendingClub's Secure Website. |
APY: 4.40% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1 |
Open Account for
On Secure Website. |
|
APY: 3.95% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $2,500 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.20% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.10% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.65% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.70% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 0.05% | Term: 1 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
APY: 4.30% | Term: 1 Months | Min. Deposit: $1 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.65% | Term: 3 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 2.01% | Term: 3 Months | Min. Deposit: $2,500 for Standard, $5,000 for Special | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.00% | Term: 3 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.00% | Term: 3 Months | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
First National Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.00% | Term: 3 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 4.63% | Term: 3 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.71% | Term: 3 Months | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
APY: 4.50% | Term: 3 Months | Min. Deposit: $1 |
Open Account for
On Secure Website. |
|
APY: 4.30% | Term: 3 Months | Min. Deposit: $1 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.65% | Term: 3 Months | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.80% | Term: 3 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,500 | |
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 0.05% | Term: 3 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 4.75% | Term: 3 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.50% | Term: 3 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.00% | Term: 3 Months | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD
On Discover Bank's Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 4.51% | Term: 4 Months | Min. Deposit: $2,500 for Standard, $5,000 for Special | |
First National Bank Special CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.75% | Term: 5 Months | Min. Deposit: $5,000 or $10,000, depending on term |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.90% | Term: 5 Months | Min. Deposit: — | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.50% | Term: 5 Months | Min. Deposit: $2,500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.70% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD
On Discover Bank's Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.15% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.00% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
Open Account for CIT Bank CD
On CIT's Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.00% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
NASA Federal Credit Union Share Certificate
Federally insured by NCUA.
| APY: 4.80% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
APY: 5.21% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.80% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
APY: 4.00% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 0.50% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.75% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.25% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.40% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 2.01% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $2,500 for Standard, $5,000 for Special | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.35% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.45% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.50% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.24% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Vanguard Brokered CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.25% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
APY: up to 4.91% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.00% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
APY: 4.20% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1 | ||
Valley Bank CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.75% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 4.35% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.30% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 4.30% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.40% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.50% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.00% - 4.00% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $250.00 | |
First National Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.00% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 |
|
APY: 4.00% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.25% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.00% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 0.10% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 0.05% | Term: 6 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.75% | Term: 7 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Huntington Bank Promotional CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.13% | Term: 7 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 4.26% | Term: 7 Months | Min. Deposit: $2,500 for Standard, $5,000 for Special | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 7 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.34% | Term: 7 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Ponce Bank CDs
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.25% | 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 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.00% | Term: 7 Months | Min. Deposit: — | |
NASA Federal Credit Union High-Yield Certificate
Federally insured by NCUA.
| APY: 4.99% | Term: 9 Months | Min. Deposit: $10,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.25% | Term: 9 Months | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.80% | Term: 9 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,500 | |
APY: 4.00% | Term: 9 Months | Min. Deposit: $2,500 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.30% | Term: 9 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.30% | Term: 9 Months | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
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: 4.10% | Term: 9 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
APY: 3.65% | Term: 9 Months | Min. Deposit: $1 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.75% | Term: 9 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
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. |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.30% | Term: 9 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.80% | Term: 9 Months | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD
On Discover Bank's Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.25% | Term: 9 Months | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 4.50% | Term: 9 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
APY: 5.31% | Term: 10 Months | Min. Deposit: $1 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.25% | Term: 10 Months | Min. Deposit: $2,500 |
Open Account for
On Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 11 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
Open Account for CIT Bank No-Penalty CD
On CIT's Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.04% | Term: 11 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.75% | Term: 11 Months | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Huntington Bank Promotional CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.86% | Term: 11 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.50% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.25% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.00% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD
On Discover Bank's Secure Website. |
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. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.05% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.00% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
NASA Federal Credit Union Share Certificate
Federally insured by NCUA.
| APY: 4.40% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 0.75% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 0.10% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.25% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
APY: 4.10% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $2,500 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.40% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.00% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.10% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.00% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.50% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.25% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.50% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.42% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.00% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 |
Open Account for
On Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.25% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.37% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
APY: 4.00% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.30% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.25% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.60% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Vanguard Brokered CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.40% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
APY: 4.51% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $5,000 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.30% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
APY: 4.25% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1 |
Open Account for
On Secure Website. |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.00% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $5,000 | |
Valley Bank CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.50% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 |
|
First National Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.00% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 4.50% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.20% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
APY: 4.00% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.00% - 3.75% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $250.00 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.25% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.85% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
APY: up to 4.55% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | ||
APY: 3.75% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 4.05% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.15% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Barclays Online CD
On Barclays' Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.20% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.00% | Term: 1 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
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 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.33% | Term: 13 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.00% | Term: 13 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union CD
Federally insured by NCUA.
| APY: 5.00% | Term: 13 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.15% | Term: 13 Months | Min. Deposit: — | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 13 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
Open Account for CIT Bank CD
On CIT's Secure Website. |
NASA Federal Credit Union High-Yield Certificate
Federally insured by NCUA.
| APY: 4.54% | Term: 15 Months | Min. Deposit: $10,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 0.50% to 1.01% | Term: 15 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Federally insured by NCUA.
| APY: 5.10% | Term: 16 Months | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.85% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
APY: 3.70% | 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: 3.00% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
Open Account for CIT Bank CD
On CIT's Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.90% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.50% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.90% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.98% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.25% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Barclays Online CD
On Barclays' Secure Website. |
Vanguard Brokered CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.40% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.70% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.80% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.00% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.00% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.25% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| 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: 1.70% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.00% - 3.00% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $250.00 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.90% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.15% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.00% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.00% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.00% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.95% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
APY: 3.80% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $2,500 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.35% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 4.25% | 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. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.45% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.25% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.15% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 0.10% | Term: 1.5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
First National Bank Special CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.00% | Term: 19 Months | Min. Deposit: $5,000 or $10,000, depending on term |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.00% - 3.00% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $250.00 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.00% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 3.55% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
First National Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.00% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.00% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $5,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.00% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Barclays Online CD
On Barclays' Secure Website. |
APY: 3.90% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.15% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.80% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.24% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.50% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.80% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Valley Bank CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.00% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.90% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.35% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 |
Open Account for
On Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.85% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,500 | |
APY: 4.53% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $5,000 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.85% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.50% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Vanguard Brokered CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.35% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.00% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.75% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.00% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
APY: up to 2.25% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD
On Discover Bank's Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.55% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 4.40% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.93% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.90% | 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: 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. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
NASA Federal Credit Union Share Certificate
Federally insured by NCUA.
| APY: 4.10% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.70% | Term: 2 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.75% | 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: 3.50% | Term: 30 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.40% | Term: 30 Months | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD
On Discover Bank's Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 30 Months | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
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: 3.75% | Term: 35 Months | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.50% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.60% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.00% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.60% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.65% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.00% - 2.75% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $250.00 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.50% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.77% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
APY: 3.60% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $2,500 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.25% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 |
Open Account for
On Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.00% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Barclays Online CD
On Barclays' Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 4.25% | 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: 1.40% | 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. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.25% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.35% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $5,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.65% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.00% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
First National Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.00% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.00% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.44% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
NASA Federal Credit Union Share Certificate
Federally insured by NCUA.
| APY: 4.00% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.80% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
APY: 3.50% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.00% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 0.10% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.40% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD
On Discover Bank's Secure Website. |
APY: up to 2.45% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.60% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.75% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.00% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.80% | Term: 3 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
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: 1.61% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $1 | ||
Vanguard Brokered CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.25% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.00% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.55% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.40% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD
On Discover Bank's Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.25% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.62% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.50% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.40% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 3.80% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.40% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $5,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.60% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.60% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 0.10% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.55% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
APY: 3.50% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.00% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Barclays Online CD
On Barclays' Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.00% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.00% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| 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 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.50% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
First National Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.00% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.34% | Term: 4 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
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 | |
APY: 3.75% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $2,500 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.25% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 0.10% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.25% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 4.30% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.00% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.00% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
First National Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.50% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.50% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.55% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.25% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Vanguard Brokered CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 5.35% | 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: 3.60% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.00% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.35% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| 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: 3.00% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 |
Open Account for
On Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.67% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.60% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
APY: up to 3.55% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.00% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.50% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,500 | |
APY: 3.50% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | ||
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.50% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 4.50% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.25% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Barclays Online CD
On Barclays' Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.50% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 1.00% - 2.25% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $250.00 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 2.25% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $10,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.40% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD
On Discover Bank's Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.45% | Term: 5 Year | Min. Deposit: $5,000 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: up to 2.00% | Term: 61 Months | 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 |
|
Huntington Bank Standard CD
Member FDIC.
| APY: 0.10% | Term: 6 Year | Min. Deposit: $1,000 |
|
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.60% | Term: 6 Year | Min. Deposit: $500 | |
Member FDIC.
| APY: 3.40% | Term: 7 Year | Min. Deposit: $0 |
Open Account for Discover® Bank CD
On Discover Bank's Secure Website. |
Member FDIC.
| 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 6-Month 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.
The CD accounts we select maximize the earnings on your savings while providing security and predictability. Here's what we emphasize:
These elements are critical to keeping your savings safe and compounding.
Read our full Western Alliance Bank CD review
Learn more on Quontic's website
Learn more on Barclays' website
Learn more on LendingClub's website
Read our full Sallie Mae CD review
Read our full Synchrony Online CD review
Read our full Marcus by Goldman Sachs High Yield CD review
Read our full Prime Alliance Bank review
Read our full Vio Bank review
A 6-month CD is a bank account that locks a deposit up for six months in exchange for a fixed interest rate. Like other CDs, six-month CDs usually come with an early withdrawal penalty, usually equal to three months of interest, which you pay if you cash out your CD early.
However, 6-month CDs have shorter maturity periods than other CD terms, which could reduce the risk of needing to withdraw funds early.
A 6-month CD is right for people who want to earn a decent interest rate but don't want their money tied up longer than six months.
How much you earn depends on your rate and how much you deposit into the CD. Let's look at some examples.
The best CDs have rates in the 4.50% to 5.50% range. To look at some actual numbers, here's what you'd earn with $1,000 in a high-yield 6-month CD based on the APY:
APY | 4.50% | 4.75% | 5% | 5.25% | 5.50% |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
End balance | $1,022.71 | $1,023.99 | $1,025.26 | $1,026.54 | $1,027.82 |
Total interest | $22.71 | $23.99 | $25.26 | $26.54 | $27.82 |
At the low end, you're looking at a total interest earning of $22.71, which is great for just letting your money sit there.
(We assumed that the CD compounds monthly in these calculations. Some may actually compound daily, so you could maybe boost these totals by a few cents in that case.)
Now, above we looked at some of the best CDs. That's an important distinction to make, because many, many institutions are not going to offer you rates anywhere near this high.
An average 6-month CDs offers APYs as low as 0.03%. Stay away from these low-rate CDs. Here's how little $1,000 will grow in an "average" 6-month CD:
APY | 0.03% | 0.50% | 1.00% | 1.49% | 2.50% |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
End balance | $1,000.15 | $1,002.50 | $1,005.01 | $1,007.47 | $1,012.57 |
Total interest | $0.15 | $2.50 | $5.01 | $7.47 | $12.57 |
No, it's unlikely 6-month CD rates will go any higher in 2024. In fact, CD rates have slowly dropped.
While the drops have been subtle, they could be more pronounced if the Federal Reserve decides to cut its federal funds rate, which is the primary reason CD rates have been at their highest in over a decade. If you're interested in investing in short-term CDs, it might be prudent to lock in a rate while they're still high.
Opening a 6-month CD account can be a solid investment choice, but it also has its drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons to opening 6-month CDs.
The best 6-month CD rates allow you to earn a fair amount of money in a short amount of time. However, other options might provide more flexibility or more growth. Here are a few alternatives to a 6-month CD to consider:
For high-yield interest while keeping your money accessible, try a high-yield savings account. The interest on these accounts can sometimes approach 6-month CD rates. Another plus: Savings accounts don't require you to leave your money untouched long term. However, keep in mind that savings account interest rates are not guaranteed for any specific length of time, and can certainly rise or fall significantly within a six-month period.
Money market accounts are similar to savings accounts, but they often come with extra features like an ATM card or check-writing privileges. They also feature high-yield savings rates that are comparable to the best CD rates. Money market accounts are a great way to build toward a savings goal, like a vacation or emergency fund.
Typically, a longer CD term will offer a higher interest rate than even the best 6-month CD rates. But be careful: You could face hefty penalties if you need to withdraw funds early. Another option is to build a CD ladder. This strategy involves opening several CD accounts of varying lengths. CD ladders allow you to take advantage of higher rates without tying up all of your money long term.
If you are playing the long game, CDs are unlikely to earn as much interest as investing in stocks or a retirement fund. However, you won't see high returns on the stock market within six months -- you'll likely need to wait a few years. There's also a greater risk because stocks can fall dramatically in a short time. Investing is only a smart choice if you can let your money sit and grow long term.
Six-month CDs are one of the shortest CD terms available, but typically have higher APYs than the national savings rate. Whether a CD is right for you depends on your banking needs and whether you can commit to leaving your money alone for a set period.
Offer | APY | Min. Deposit |
---|---|---|
Quontic CD
On Quontic's Secure Website. |
4.25% - 6 Mo. | $500 |
Barclays Online CD
On Barclays' Secure Website. |
4.00% - 6 Mo. | $0 |
LendingClub CD
On LendingClub's Secure Website. |
4.00% - 6 Mo. | $2,500 |
4.40% - 6 Mo. | $1 | |
3.95% - 6 Mo. | $2,500 | |
4.20% - 6 Mo. | $0 | |
4.10% - 6 Mo. | $500 | |
4.65% - 6 Mo. | $500 | |
4.70% - 6 Mo. | $500 |
Here are the 100+ financial institutions we've evaluated in our research:
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, Jenius Bank, 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, My Banking Direct, NASA Federal Credit Union, Nationwide Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union, NBKC Bank, New York Community Bank, NexBank, 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.
Six-month CDs are a great way to get a taste of the CD world without commiting your money for a long period. They are also a great short-term CD option in a CD-ladder strategy.
A 6-month CD is worth it if you prefer the flexibility of a shorter CD term over the higher rate of a longer term.
After choosing a 6-month CD, you'll open an account and make an initial deposit, making sure to meet the minimum on your CD (if it has one). You'll then let your deposit grow over six months. Once the six months are over, your CD has matured, and you can withdraw your deposit plus interest. You can also reinvest your money into another CD or renew the 6-month CD at the same institution.
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.