Core Insights - High-yield certificates of deposit (CDs) are presented as a secure option for storing money while earning interest, typically offering higher rates than traditional savings accounts [1] - A review of over 300 data points was conducted to identify the best CDs available for various terms, including 6-month, 1-year, and 18-month options [2] Summary by Category Best CD Rates Overview - The best CD rates for October 2025 include accounts offering rates of 3.9% APY and higher, emphasizing the importance of selecting accounts that align with individual savings goals [4][5] - Approximately 60 CD accounts were evaluated to determine the top options based on interest rates, minimum opening deposits, compounding frequency, and customer service access [5] 6-Month CD Options - Ally Bank offers a 6-month CD with a 3.9% APY, no monthly maintenance fees, and no minimum deposit requirement [7] - Marcus by Goldman Sachs provides a 6-month CD with a 4.25% APY, requiring a minimum deposit of $500 [11] - Synchrony Bank's 6-month CD features a 4.1% APY with no minimum balance requirement [12] 1-Year CD Options - Ally Bank's 1-year CD offers a competitive 3.85% APY with no minimum deposit [30] - Marcus by Goldman Sachs provides a 1-year CD with a 4.1% APY, requiring a minimum deposit of $500 [31] - America First Credit Union's 1-year CD offers a 4.15% APY with a minimum deposit of $500 [38] 18-Month CD Options - Ally Bank's 18-month CD boasts a 3.65% APY with no minimum opening deposit [55] - Synchrony Bank's 18-month CD offers a competitive 4% APY with no minimum deposit [57] - America First Credit Union's 18-month CD provides a 4.1% APY with a minimum deposit of $500 [64]

Core Insights - Certificates of Deposit (CDs) generally offer higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts, but they come with restrictions on access to funds until maturity [1] - Some banks provide CDs with no minimum deposit requirements, making them accessible to individuals with limited savings [2][28] Summary by Category Types of CDs - Ally Bank offers three types of CDs: High-Yield CDs, Raise Your Rate CDs, and No Penalty CDs, with the High-Yield CD providing the highest APY [3] - American Express National Bank has seven CD terms ranging from 11 to 60 months, with the 14-month and 22-month terms currently offering the highest interest rates [5] - Barclays Bank provides eight term lengths for its CDs, with the 12-month term earning the highest rate [6] - BMO Alto offers six CD terms, with the six-month and 12-month terms currently providing the highest rates [10] - Capital One 360 CDs come with nine different term options, with the 12-month term currently earning the highest rate [11] - Discover Bank offers CDs with terms ranging from three months to 120 months, with the 12-month term currently earning the highest rate [12] - E-Trade from Morgan Stanley provides seven CD terms, with the 12-month term currently earning the highest rate [13] - Synchrony Bank offers regular CDs, bump-up CDs, and no-penalty CDs, with a variety of terms and competitive interest rates [19] Interest Rates and Terms - Ally Bank's CDs have terms ranging from 3 to 60 months, with APYs up to 3.9% [7] - American Express National Bank's CDs have terms from 11 to 60 months, with APYs up to 4% [8] - Barclays Bank's CDs have terms from 6 to 60 months, with APYs up to 4% [9] - BMO Alto's CDs have terms from 6 to 60 months, with APYs up to 4% [16] - Capital One's CDs have terms from 6 to 60 months, with APYs up to 4.25% [18] - Discover Bank's CDs have terms from 3 to 120 months, with APYs up to 4% [17] - Synchrony Bank's CDs have terms from 3 to 60 months, with APYs up to 4.25% [26] Advantages and Disadvantages of No Minimum Deposit CDs - No minimum deposit CDs allow individuals to open accounts with smaller amounts, making them accessible to beginning savers [27] - CDs typically offer fixed interest rates, providing predictable earnings [27] - However, early withdrawal penalties apply, and smaller deposits may yield lower interest earnings [27]