The one-year high-yield CD average dipped slightly while high-yield savings rates were unchanged.
The average high-yield savings APY is 3.86% (unchanged).
The average 1-year high-yield CD APY is 3.78% (-0.01 percentage point).
How high-yield averages are calculated
The national average rates are 0.40% for savings accounts and 1.64% for one-year CDs.
Banks can adjust deposit rates on savings accounts and newly issued CDs at any time, but broader shifts to the entire savings landscape tend to be gradual. If you’re shopping for a better yield, compare savings accounts side-by-side and consider locking some funds in a CD if you want to preserve today’s rate for a fixed term.
Savings
Cash Management
CD
Checking
Money Market
Forbright Bank Growth Savings
4.00%
Axos ONE® Savings
4.51%
$1,500
Varo Savings Account
5.00%
E*TRADE Premium Savings
3.75%
December rate news: Faster dips since Fed rate cuts began
The Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate in September and October. Each cut kicked off new momentum for banks and credit unions to lower their rates on high-yield savings accounts and CDs. The drops will likely continue at a gradual pace as various institutions change yields at different times based on their need to attract deposits, among other factors.
The last Fed rate announcement of the year is Dec. 10. Any rate cut will likely result in further rate drops for savers.
High-yield savings rates today
The average high-yield savings APY is 3.86% (unchanged).
High-yield savings rates have dipped, but they remain relatively high (see chart above). The important thing for parking money you’ll need quickly, such as an emergency fund, is to put it in an account that gives you the best yields possible.
Savings rate tips:
Know that rates can change at any time. No one can predict what your rate will be this time next year. There are no guarantees that you’ll be earning today’s high rates.
Aim for high-interest accounts today. Even though rates can change at any time, the best savings accounts consistently deliver stronger returns compared to those earning below the national average, no matter whether rates are rising or falling.
When to consider a savings account:
Generally, a savings account is your catch-all account for everyday savings. You can add or withdraw money at any time. These accounts are best for short-term needs, savings goals and unexpected expenses. Consider a savings account if:
You want a higher rate on short-term savings. If you already have a savings account, but you’re earning less than, say, 3.00% APY, consider shopping around.
Quick access to your cash. You can earn higher rates in other accounts, such as CDs, but if you want to access your money at any time, a savings account is generally the better option.
CD rates today
The average 6-month high-yield CD APY is 3.99% (-0.01 percentage point).
The average 1-year high-yield CD APY is 3.78% (-0.01 percentage point).
The average 3-year high-yield CD APY is 3.68% (unchanged).
The average 5-year high-yield CD APY is 3.69% (unchanged).
The relative steadiness of CD rates during the first eight months of 2025 may be over. After the two recent Fed rate cuts, decreases on CD rates sped up at first, then settled down.
In November, banks mostly lowered rates; we saw the occasional rate increase to adjust to competition. Mid-4% short-term CD rates have dropped closer to, or below, 4%. High-yield three- and five-year CD rates remain in the high-3% range, which means there’s no better time to lock in a CD if you’ve been eyeing them.
CD rate tips:
Lock in near-4% rates while they last. We’re in a slow but steadily falling rate environment.
Use a CD ladder to avoid hedging bets. Open several CDs of different term lengths to take advantage of a wider spectrum of today’s rates. Learn more about CD ladders.
When to consider a CD:
CDs are temporary accounts to boost savings for fixed periods, often ranging from three months to five years. You may decide to get multiple CDs over time or none, depending on your savings goals. Only use CDs for cash you won’t need to access, since CDs usually have early withdrawal penalties that can wipe out some or all the interest you earn. Consider a CD if you plan to:
Lock up savings that’s earmarked for a big, near-term purchase, such as a car or down payment on a home that you’ll need within five years.
Keep some savings out of reach for a while, especially a windfall such as an inheritance. A CD doesn’t let you dip into the money before you’re ready.
Protect wealth from stock market risk. CDs aren’t for long-term growth. They tend to be a tool for those close to or in retirement, or who otherwise need to hold cash safely.
🤓Nerdy Tip
If you need a benchmark for the minimum CD rate to consider, aim for a rate that’s at least higher than the current inflation rate.
What makes an account “high-yield”?
A high-yield savings account or high-yield CD generally refers to an account with an annual percentage yield several times the national average. National average rates tend to be fairly low: 0.40% for savings accounts, 1.64% for one-year CDs and 1.34% for five-year CDs, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Online banks and credit unions tend to have high-yield savings and CDs.
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