The Fed Could Cut Rates Again. What Should Savers Do About CDs and High-Yield Accounts?
Here's what to know about CDs and high-yield savings accounts before the Fed meets to possibly cut rates again.
The Federal Reserve meet on December 17-18 to determine if they need to cut rates for a third time this year. They previously met in November, where they cut rates by 25 basis points, or 0.25%. In a poll conducted by Reuters, 90% of economist believe the Fed will cut rates by another 25 basis points when they meet next week.
With rates dropping, now is a good time to reassess your approach to CDs and high-yield savings accounts to make sure you get the most out of your money. Here’s what you should do about CDs and high-yield savings accounts before the Fed might cut rates again.
What should savers do about CDs and high-yield accounts before a Fed rate cut?
HYSAs
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
If you don’t already have a high-yield savings account, it’s still worth getting one, even after the recent drop in savings rates. Keeping your cash in a high-yield savings account is an easy way to maximize your savings through compound interest, and rates are still much, much higher than rates you’d find on standard savings or checking accounts.
As of December 2, the national average savings account yield was 0.60%, according to Bankrate. Rates for the best high-yield savings accounts still top 4%, even after a drop in rates.
Keep in mind that high-yield savings accounts have variable interest rates, meaning the APY on your account will fluctuate based on the market. Because of this, you won’t be able to lock in rates. However, savings rates might fall gradually over the coming months, instead of falling off immediately — so take advantage of high APYs while you still can.
If you already have a high-yield savings account, now's a good time to check your rates and potentially shop around for an account that will let you earn even more.
Compare rates by using our tool below, powered by Bankrate.
CDs
If you opened a CD account during the boon to savings rates, it may be nearing maturity soon. While many individuals opted for short-term CDs, thanks to their impressive rates, it may now be more prudent to open a long-term CD. Keep in mind that typically, banks renew a CD at a similar term automatically once it matures, so be sure to contact your financial institution before this happens.
Opening a five-year CD can be an easy way to maximize the amount of interest earned on your savings, because of course, the longer you keep your money in a CD, the more interest you’ll earn. Just be sure you’re okay with the time commitment — you won’t be able to withdraw funds or you’ll be charged a fee, offsetting any interest you may have earned.
You can use our tool below, powered by Bankrate, to compare CD rates today.
Bottom line
Starting in March 2022, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates 11 times to combat high inflation. However, as inflation started to cool, the central bank began holding the federal funds rate steady at its 23-year high — a target range of 5.25% to 5.50%
After eight consecutive meetings of holding rates steady, the Fed finally cut rates twice, and might be poised to do so again next week. While this should provide some relief for borrowers as interest rates go down, savings rates will also decline. Rates are expected to continue declining throughout 2026.
You won't be able to lock in rates with a high-yield savings account, so the earlier you start taking advantage of high yields, the better. And while you can lock in rates with a CD, make sure you won't need to access your cash before it matures. If you're okay with tying up a good amount of money for several years, it'll pay off in the long run.
Related Content
-
6 Champagne Problems Successful Retirees FaceWhat do you do if your biggest financial threat is simply having too much of a good thing — money?
-
Congress is Set for a Busy WinterThe Kiplinger Letter The Letter editors review the bills Congress will decide on this year. The government funding bill is paramount, but other issues vie for lawmakers’ attention.
-
A Portfolio Checklist If You're Planning to Retire in 2027Are you planning on retiring in 2027? This portfolio checklist will help put you on the right path.
-
Does Your Car Insurer Need to Know All Your Kids? Michigan Cases Raise QuestionWho you list on your policy matters more than most drivers realize, especially when it comes to who lives in your home.
-
Is Direct Primary Care Right for Your Health Needs?With the direct primary care model, you pay a membership fee for more personalized medical services.
-
Smart Ways to Share a Credit CardAdding an authorized user has its benefits, but make sure you set the ground rules.
-
Consider These 4 Tweaks to Your 2026 Financial Plan, Courtesy of a Financial PlannerThere's never a bad time to make or review a financial plan. But recent changes to the financial landscape might make it especially important to do so now.
-
We Know You Hate Your Insurance, But Here's Why You Should Show It Some LoveSure, it's pricey, the policies are confusing, and the claims process is slow, but insurance is essentially the friend who shows up during life's worst moments.
-
6 Financially Savvy Power Moves for Women in 2026 (Prepare to Be in Charge!)Don't let the day-to-day get in the way of long-term financial planning. Here's how to get organized — including a reminder to dream big about your future.
-
Countries That Will Pay You to Move: Cash Grants, Incentives and What to KnowExplore real relocation incentives — from cash grants and tax breaks to startup funding — that make moving abroad or to smaller towns more affordable and rewarding.
-
Mortgage Protection Insurance: What It Covers and When It Makes SenseHow mortgage protection insurance works, what it costs, and when it’s actually useful in a financial plan.
