High-yield certificates of deposit remain near multi-decade peaks following the Federal Reserve’s 2025 rate cuts and 2026 pause.
The highest-yielding certificates of deposit offer 4.10% annual percentage yield as of July 13, 2026, led by Marcus by Goldman Sachs’ 14-month term. Rates remain well above historical averages after the Federal Reserve reduced its benchmark rate three times in 2025 and held steady this year.
The national average for 1-year CDs stands at 1.65%, according to FDIC data, less than half the top available rates. Online banks and credit unions continue to outpace traditional institutions, reflecting broader shifts in deposit competition amid elevated policy rates.
Market observers note the current environment presents a rare opportunity for savers to lock in yields not seen since the early 2000s. The Fed’s inflation-fighting stance has prolonged the window for high-rate deposits despite recent easing.