Elena Terrazas Chesney
Having an effortless option to store your money and a guaranteed rate of return can give you peace of mind in these uncertain times. And with the best five-year CD rates, you can earn a healthy rate of return and outpace inflation.
They're perfect for savers who need a less risky way to meet saving goals. Whether it's saving for a trip around the world, life during retirement or helping your child pay for college or save for a down payment on a home, a longer-term CD can help you get there.
Best of all, if you lock in one now, you won't have to worry about future rate cuts.
Top 5-year CD rates
Account | APY | Min. Deposit |
|---|---|---|
4.15% | $500 | |
3.90% | $500 | |
3.90% | $500 | |
3.80% | $500 | |
3.80% | $5,000 | |
3.75% | $500 | |
3.60% | $1,000 | |
3.56% | $500 |
Why open a five-year CD?
A CD gives you one significant advantage over a savings account: It comes with a fixed interest rate. It means when you sign up for an account, the rate you have will be carried throughout the term.
This is integral, given the current direction the economy heads. The Federal Reserve cut rates at its last two meetings, and there's talk of more rate cuts coming on the horizon.
When the Fed cuts rates, it impacts savers with lower returns. The only way to maintain higher returns is by locking in a CD when the rates are higher, as they are now.
Pros and cons of CDs
Pros:
- CDs offer guaranteed returns on deposits
- Fixed rates on CDs mean that even if rates fall, the APY on your account will remain the same since it's fixed
- Most CD accounts from banks and credit unions are federally insured for up to $250,000
- Since you can only withdraw funds when your CD account matures, you won't be tempted to spend your money elsewhere
You can use the tool below — powered by Bankrate — to compare CD rates below.
Cons:
- If you want to access your money before your term expires, your penalty fee might negate the interest earned.
- Upon maturity, the purchasing power of the money earned from your CD might be less due to inflation.
- You could earn more money with other investment opportunities, see a few options below:
How much can I earn with a five-year CD?
I'll use our top pick, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union for this example. It currently offers an APY of 4.15%. Here's how much you can earn with the following deposits over five years:
- $10,000: $2,254.52 in earned interest
- $25,000: $5666.30 in earned interest
- $50,000: $11,272.61 in earned interest
- $100,000: $22,545.22 in earned interest
Bottom line on the best 5-year CD rates
Now is the time to lock in a great return, while rates are still high. The Fed cut rates at its October meeting, resulting in lower returns moving forward.
Locking in a rate now ensures you keep your earnings ahead of inflation. And it's a great way to reach longer savings goals, risk-free.
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