Best CD rates today, February 11, 2026 (Earn up to 4% 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 Marcus by Goldman Sachs offering the highest rate of 4% APY on its 1-year CD [2] - Historical trends show that average one-year CD rates fell to around 1% APY by 2009, with five-year CDs at less than 2% APY following the 2008 financial crisis [2] - By 2013, average rates on 6-month CDs dropped to about 0.1% APY, while 5-year CDs returned an average of 0.8% APY due to the Federal Reserve's policies [3] Group 2: Historical Context - Between 2015 and 2018, the Federal Reserve's gradual rate increases led to a slight improvement in CD rates, marking the end of nearly a decade of ultra-low rates [4] - The COVID-19 pandemic prompted emergency rate cuts by the Fed, causing CD rates to fall to new record lows [4] - Following the pandemic, inflation led the Fed to hike rates 11 times between March 2022 and July 2023, resulting in higher APYs on savings products, including CDs [5] Group 3: Future Trends - 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 [6] - Traditionally, longer-term CDs offered 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] Group 4: Choosing the Best CD - When selecting 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]