The top available rate represents a decrease from earlier in the week. On August 22, 2026, the highest CD rate available was 4.35% APY. Sallie Mae offered that 4.35% APY on its 3-year CD on that date.

The 4.35% APY remained the highest available rate on August 23, 2026, when Sallie Mae continued to offer it on its 3-year CD. Sallie Mae also offered a 4.35% APY on its 3-year CD on August 24, 2026.

Synchrony Bank had previously offered a 4.30% APY on its 16-month CD on August 20, 2026. Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers a 4.30% APY on its 18-month CD. Other institutions provided lower yields on different products during this period. Forbright Bank offered a 4.15% APY on its high-yield savings account on August 25, 2026.

Interest earnings vary based on the deposit amount, term length, and specific annual percentage yield. A $40,000 deposit in a 5-year CD at 4.20% APY yields interest upon maturity. Increasing the rate to 4.25% APY on the same $40,000 deposit and term results in interest upon maturity. A $40,000 deposit in a 5-year CD at 4.35% APY yields interest upon maturity.

Shorter terms and different account types produce different returns. A $10,000 deposit in a 9-month CD at 4.10% APY yields $305.95 in interest over nine months. A $10,000 deposit in a high-yield savings account at 4.10% APY yields the same $305.95 in interest over nine months.

Timeline

In 2009, the average one-year CD paid around 1% APY. In 2009, the average five-year CD paid less than 2% APY. In 2013, the average rate on 6-month CDs was about 0.1% APY. The Federal Reserve began cutting the federal funds rate in September 2024.

On August 20, 2026, Synchrony Bank offered a 4.30% APY on its 16-month CD. On August 22, 2026, Sallie Mae offered a 4.35% APY on its 3-year CD.

What's New

Additional reporting identifies several data points not present in the initial source.

Further details include rate availability on specific dates. On August 25, 2026, Forbright Bank offered a 4.15% APY on its high-yield savings account.

How Sources Differ

Sources report different figures for the highest rate available. Finance.yahoo.com states that on August 25, 2026, the highest CD rate available is 4.30% APY.

Another discrepancy exists regarding the highest rate available.

Why It Matters

Certificate of deposit rates have fluctuated over the past years, spanning from 2009 to 2026. In 2013, the average rate on 5-year CDs was 0.8% APY. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates 11 times between March 2022 and July 2023.

The Federal Reserve cut its target interest rate three times in 2025. The Federal Reserve has left interest rates unchanged in 2026.

Current market rates remain above historical averages reported by federal agencies. The FDIC reports the national average interest rate for a 1-year CD is 1.71%. The FDIC reports the average interest rate on a traditional savings account is 0.38%. The top available CD rates of 4.30% APY exceed these national averages by substantial margins.