Best CD rates today, November 26, 2025: Lock in up to 4.15% APY

Core Insights - Deposit account rates are declining, but competitive returns on certificates of deposit (CDs) can still be locked in, with the best CDs offering rates above 4% [1] Group 1: Current CD Rates - The best short-term CDs (six to 12 months) currently offer rates around 4% to 4.5% APY, with the highest rate at 4.15% APY from United Fidelity Bank for an 18-month CD [2] - Historical trends show that CD rates were significantly higher in the early 2000s but fell to around 1% APY for one-year CDs by 2009 due to economic slowdowns and Federal Reserve rate cuts [2][3] Group 2: Historical Context - The trend of falling CD rates continued into the 2010s, with average rates for 6-month CDs dropping to about 0.1% APY by 2013 as the Fed maintained low benchmark interest rates [3] - Between 2015 and 2018, CD rates improved slightly as the Fed began to increase rates, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to emergency rate cuts, causing new record lows for CD rates [4] Group 3: Recent Developments - Following the pandemic, the Fed raised rates 11 times between March 2022 and July 2023 in response to rising inflation, resulting in higher APYs on savings products, including CDs [5] - As of September 2024, the Fed has started cutting the federal funds rate, leading to a decrease in CD rates from their peak, although they remain high by historical standards [6] Group 4: Understanding CD Rates - Traditionally, longer-term CDs offer higher interest rates, but currently, the highest average CD rate is for a 12-month term, indicating a flattening or inversion of the yield curve [7] - When choosing a CD, factors such as goals, type of financial institution, account terms, and inflation should be considered to ensure the best fit for individual needs [8]