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Certificates of deposit (CDs) are one of the most popular options for growing your money with minimal risk. Because they often pay more interest than savings accounts, CDs are a good choice for short-term and mid-term savings, such as your emergency fund and larger upcoming purchases.
If you're looking to get the most from your certificate of deposit savings, below are some of the best CD rates as of August 2025 across the United States.
Editor's note: CD rates are accurate as of publishing but are subject to change.
Set up direct deposit - pocket $400
Set up an eligible direct deposit with SoFi Checking and Savings and you could pocket a bonus of up to $400. Make the switch, set up direct deposit, earn the bonus. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following these steps.
Why people are switching: This account earns up to an insane 4.00% APY1 <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.90% APY Boost (added to the 3.10% APY as of 5/28/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> on savings for up to six months (3.10% APY standard + 0.90% APY boost) on top of that $50 or $400 bonus.2 <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/">sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/</a></p> That's way better than the measly 0.38% APY (as of 06/15/26)3 <p>Based on <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps">this</a> FDIC data, as of 6/15/26.</p> national average savings accounts offer.
No monthly fees and no surprises. Open your account and earn up to a $400 bonus
How do certificates of deposit work?
A certificate of deposit (CD) is a type of savings account offered by banks and credit unions that promises a fixed return on your money.
To open a CD, you agree to deposit a certain amount of money (called the principal) for a certain length of time (called the term). The minimum deposit required is usually between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars, and the term typically ranges from a few months to a few years.
While your money is in the CD, you receive interest at a fixed rate for the length of the term. However, if you want to take money from the CD before the term is up, you'll have to pay an early withdrawal penalty, losing much of this interest.
At the end of the term, you get back your initial deposit, as well as any interest you've earned. You can also roll these funds into a new CD, starting the process all over again.
When evaluating the best CD offers, you'll see two percentages: the interest rate and the APY (annual percentage yield). These numbers should be close to each other, with APY always greater than or equal to the interest rate.
APY includes both the interest rate and the effects of your money compounding over time. As a result, the interest rate and APY should only be the same if the CD receives interest distributions annually. However, most CD accounts receive interest more frequently than once a year (e.g., monthly or daily).
Because CD terms can vary, looking at the APY is an easier way to compare offers from different institutions.
Although some banks and credit unions offer eye-popping APY figures to attract new customers, the highest CD rates are usually restricted in some way. For example, only residents of a specific area or employees of a certain company can open an account.
1. Vibrant Credit Union: 4.25% APY
Vibrant Credit Union is headquartered in Moline, Illinois, but it's open to new customers across the country if they're a member of a partner association or an employee of certain businesses and professions.
With a minimum deposit of just $5, Vibrant CDs make it easy to get started building your savings. Vibrant offers both a six-month and a 13-month CD with an APY of 4.25% (accurate as of August 7, 2025).
Be sure to pick the term that works best for you, as you could potentially lose all the interest you've earned if you withdraw funds before the end of the term.
2. Morgan Stanley Private Bank: 4.45% APY
Morgan Stanley Private Bank allows new customers to open an account online and start enjoying the benefits of CD savings in minutes.
The best CD rate is 4.45% APY for a six-month term (accurate as of August 12, 2025), with interest compounded daily. There are no monthly fees or minimum deposit required.
If you withdraw funds early, you'll pay a penalty equal to a certain number of days of simple interest. With the six-month CD, for example, the penalty is 45 days of interest.
3. Limelight Bank: 4.45% APY
Limelight Bank is a virtual bank based in Utah, but it's open to customers anywhere in the U.S. The bank specializes in CDs and high-yield savings accounts, making it a good choice if you want to stockpile your funds.
Limelight offers a 4.45% APY six-month CD and a 4.30% APY 12-month CD (accurate as of August 12, 2025). The minimum deposit required is $1,000.
Penalties may be assessed for early withdrawal. The bank's website also notes that fees may reduce the account's earnings.
4. Goldman Sachs Bank USA: 4.40% APY
Goldman Sachs Bank USA, which operates under the Marcus brand, offers high-yield CDs and savings accounts.
Right now, the best CD deal from Marcus has 4.40% APY with a six-month term (accurate as of August 12, 2025). Customers must deposit a minimum of $500.
An early withdrawal penalty applies: 90 days of interest on the original principal balance at the interest rate in effect for the CD.
5. Popular Direct: 4.30% APY
If you're looking for a place to park your money just for a few months, the online bank Popular Direct could fit the bill.
Popular Direct offers CDs with 4.30% APY and a term of just three months (accurate as of August 4, 2025). However, the deposit required is higher than the alternatives, a minimum of $10,000.
In addition, if you make an early withdrawal, you'll be assessed a fee depending on the length of your CD.
Bottom line
The highest CD rates nationwide can change rapidly, even day by day, to remain competitive. While these rates are accurate as of publication, make sure to double-check before you proceed.
Finding the best CD rates for August 2025, or whenever you open an account, will help you get the most return for your savings goals.
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