Best CD rates today, December 17, 2025: Lock in up to 4.1% 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 4.1% APY from Sallie Mae Bank and LendingClub Bank [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 [3] - The Federal Reserve's rate hikes between 2015 and 2018 led to a slight improvement in CD rates, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused emergency rate cuts, resulting in new record lows for CDs [4] Group 3: Recent Developments - Following the pandemic, the Federal Reserve increased rates 11 times between March 2022 and July 2023, leading to higher APYs on savings products, including CDs [5] - As of September 2024, the Federal Reserve began cutting the federal funds rate, resulting in a steady decline 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 [6][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]