Best CD rates today, January 13, 2026: Lock in up to 4% APY today

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][2] Group 1: Current CD Rates - The best short-term CDs (six to 12 months) currently offer rates around 4% to 4.5% APY, with Marcus by Goldman Sachs offering the highest rate of 4% APY on its 1-year CD as of January 13, 2026 [2] - CD rates are significantly higher than traditional savings accounts, indicating a favorable environment for investors seeking fixed returns [2] Group 2: Historical Trends - CD rates experienced a decline during the 2000s due to economic slowdowns and the Federal Reserve's rate cuts, with average one-year CDs paying around 1% APY by 2009 [3][4] - The trend of falling CD rates continued into the 2010s, with average rates on 6-month CDs dropping to about 0.1% APY by 2013 [4] - A slight recovery in CD rates occurred between 2015 and 2018 as the Fed gradually increased rates, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to emergency rate cuts, causing new record lows [5] Group 3: Recent Developments - Following the pandemic, inflation prompted the Fed to hike rates 11 times between March 2022 and July 2023, resulting in higher APYs on savings products, including CDs [6] - As of September 2024, the Fed began cutting the federal funds rate, leading to a steady decline in CD rates from their peak, although they remain high by historical standards [7] Group 4: Understanding CD Rates - Traditionally, longer-term CDs offered higher interest rates, but the current highest average CD rate is for a 12-month term, indicating a flattening or inversion of the yield curve [7][8] - Factors to consider when choosing a CD include goals for locking away funds, type of financial institution, account terms, and inflation [9]