Best 12-Month CD Rates for July 15, 2026: Up to 4.15%

Certificates of deposit (CDs) saw rates rise even more, even as major banks cut rates on savings accounts there.

Starting from July 15, 2026on best 12 month CD rates reach up to 4.15% APY (annual percentage yield), with many banks and credit unions still offering yields well above the national average of 1.65%according to FDIC.

Over the last few weeks, rates have been rising slightly.

Now may be the best time to lock in a guaranteed price. If you want to earn a predictable return over the next year, these are the best CD prices available today.

💰 Best CD prices for 12 months today At first glance

Here are the best rates on bank and credit savings accounts today:

1. Credit One Bank – Credit one bank offers a jumbo CD at 4.15% APY, but requires a minimum deposit of $100,000 to open.

2. Emerging Bank – Rising Bank currently offers a one-year CD at 4.11% APY, with a minimum deposit of just $1,000 to open. Read our full Rising Bank Review.

3. Live Oak Bank – Live Oak Bank currently offering a 12-month CD at 4.10% APY with a $2,500 minimum opening. Read more about Live Oak Bank here.

4. American First Credit Union – American First Credit Union is currently offering a 12-month CD in partnership with Rising at 4.05%, with a minimum deposit of just $1. Read our full America’s First Credit Union Review.

5. Finworth – Finworth is a division of INSBANK and currently offers a 12-month CD at 3.95% APY with a minimum deposit of $50,000.

The full list of the best CDs of the 12 months can be found here >>

How 12-month CDs work

12 months old certificate of deposit pays a fixed interest rate for one year in exchange for keeping your money on deposit until maturity. If you withdraw early, the bank charges a penalty – usually 90 days of interest.

CDs appeal to savers who prefer guaranteed, short-term returns. While high yield savings accounts offer flexibility, CDs can provide a higher fixed return over a period, which can be useful if rates are expected to decline.

For example, a $25,000 CD with a 4.00% APY would earn roughly $1,000 in one year, compared to about $385 based on today’s national average 12-month CD rate.

What to know before opening a CD

Certificates of deposit work differently than savings accounts. Make sure you understand what you’re getting:

• Short term goals: Ideal for saving for tuition, a wedding or a down payment on a home within a year.
• Rate Protection: It locks your CD APYso you are insulated from rate cuts.
• Ladder Strategy: Pair a 12-month CD with longer terms (24 or 36 months) to capture higher rates while maintaining liquidity.
• Security:
  FDIC or NCUA insurance protects up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution.

Before opening an account, make sure you understand all the terms:

• Minimum deposit: Some banks require $1,000 or more to open.
• Withdrawal conditions: Review penalties before investing.
• Renewal Policy: Many CDs automatically renew at maturity unless you opt out.
• Price guarantees: Confirm that your rate is locked in at the time of application or financing.
• Online access: Make sure the bank allows easy transfers and e-statements.

How we track and verify rates

At the Investor College, our editorial team reviews CD rates daily from more than 30 banks and credit unions across the country. We verify each APY directly from official rate disclosures and regulatory filings.

Only FDIC- or NCUA insured institutions available to US consumers are included.

Our rankings are editorially independent – compensation does not influence rankings. Although we may earn a referral fee when you open an account through some links, our reviews and recommendations are based solely on yield, accessibility and overall customer experience.

Frequently asked questions

Are 12-month CDs safe?

Yes. CDs are federally insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution.

Can I withdraw the money early?

Yes, but you will lose some interest, usually three months worth.

Are CD earnings taxable?

Yes. Interest earned is subject to federal income tax and, in some states, state tax.

What happens when a CD matures?

You will usually have a grace period of 7 to 10 days to withdraw or restore your funds.

Is now a good time to open a CD?

Rates remain near their cycle highs, so locking in a short-term CD may make sense ahead of potential cuts.