Certificates of deposit (CD) rates have risen in 2026 despite forecasts for one to three additional Federal Reserve cuts. CD Valet, which tracks more than 4,600 banks and credit unions, reported that the average rate across all maturities increased from 3.03% APY in February to 3.56% APY in August, while the top 1% rose from 4.06% to 4.25% APY. As of Aug. 19, the top 1% for six-, 12- and 24-month CDs was 4.20%, and the top 1% for 60-month CDs was 4.25%. A separate Fortune list based on daily Curinos data reported term-specific offers of up to 4.50% APY as of Aug. 21, led by Bread Savings’ 18-month CD and Popular Direct’s three-, four- and five-year CDs. A separate list of the country’s biggest banks, ranked by FDIC data, showed offers reaching 4.25% APY, with terms from four to 15 months. The list included American Express at 4.25% for 10 months with no minimum deposit; Citibank and Capital One at 4.00% for 12 months, requiring $500 and $0, respectively; Wells Fargo at 3.64% for 15 months, or a 3.90% relationship APY, with a $5,000 minimum; Bank of America at 3.51% for seven months, or 3.80% jumbo, with a $1,000 minimum; and Chase at 3.30% for four months, or 3.80% jumbo, with a $1,000 minimum. CD Valet attributed rate resilience partly to individual institutions’ funding and liquidity needs, while the CME FedWatch Tool showed nearly a 37% probability of a rate hike at the Federal Open Market Committee’s Sept. 16 meeting as of Aug. 19. Savers should compare APYs, terms, minimum deposits, early-withdrawal penalties and FDIC or NCUA insurance. CDs provide fixed returns for a specified term, while high-yield savings accounts offer greater flexibility but variable rates; CD laddering can provide periodic access to funds as staggered accounts mature.