Best 6-month CD yields for January 2026: Get returns as high as 4.05% APY

Top 6-Month CD Accounts for Savvy Savers

If you want to boost your savings without committing your funds for years, a 6-month certificate of deposit (CD) can be an ideal balance of security, flexibility, and higher returns compared to standard savings accounts.

Our experts have reviewed numerous CD accounts to bring you the leading 10 options for 6-month terms. Discover where you can maximize your earnings with low fees, minimal deposit requirements, and outstanding customer support. (See our complete evaluation process.)

Our Picks: Best 6-Month CDs

Here’s a quick overview of the top 6-month CD accounts available right now. Continue reading for in-depth information on each option.

Ally Bank

• APY: 3.9%
• Minimum deposit: $0

Ally Bank’s 6-month CD features a 3.9% APY, requires no minimum deposit, and charges no monthly fees. Customers can access support 24/7 via phone, chat, or email.

Be aware: Withdrawing funds early results in a penalty of 60 days’ interest.

Synchrony Bank

• APY: 3.75%
• Minimum deposit: $0

Synchrony Bank’s 6-month CD offers a 3.75% APY, no monthly fees, and no minimum balance. Interest is compounded daily and credited monthly.

Early withdrawals incur a penalty equal to 90 days’ simple interest at the current rate.

America First Credit Union

• APY: 4%
• Minimum deposit: $500

If you prefer credit unions, America First Credit Union’s 6-month CD offers a 4% APY with a $500 minimum deposit. Early withdrawals are penalized with 60 days’ worth of dividends.

Membership requires an online application and meeting eligibility criteria.

Marcus by Goldman Sachs

• APY: 4.05%
• Minimum deposit: $500

Marcus by Goldman Sachs provides a 6-month CD with a 4.05% APY—over double the national average. Interest is compounded daily, and a $500 minimum deposit is required.

Withdrawing funds before maturity results in a penalty of 90 days’ interest on the original principal at the current rate.

Bread Savings

• APY: 4.05%
• Minimum deposit: $1,500

Bread Savings offers CDs from three months to five years, with the 6-month option yielding 4.05% APY. The minimum deposit is $1,500, the highest among our selections. Interest compounds daily and is credited monthly.

Bank5Connect

• APY: 3.2%
• Minimum deposit: $500

Bank5Connect, an online-only bank, offers a 3.2% APY on its 6-month CD with a $500 minimum deposit. Interest is compounded monthly, which is less frequent than some competitors.

Early withdrawals are penalized with three months’ interest.

Bask Bank

• APY: 3.85%
• Minimum deposit: $1,000

Bask Bank’s 6-month CD requires a $1,000 minimum deposit and offers a 3.85% APY with daily compounding. Early withdrawals are subject to a penalty of 90 days’ simple interest on the withdrawn amount.

EverBank

• APY: 3.8%
• Minimum deposit: $1,000

EverBank’s 6-month CD offers a 3.8% APY with a $1,000 minimum deposit. Interest is compounded daily. The penalty for early withdrawal is 45 days’ simple interest.

Quontic Bank

• APY: 3.75%
• Minimum deposit: $500

Quontic’s 6-month CD provides a 3.75% APY with a $500 minimum deposit. Interest is compounded daily and credited monthly, and there are no monthly fees. However, withdrawing funds early could result in losing part of your principal, as the penalty equals the interest for the full term.

Limelight Bank

• APY: 4%
• Minimum deposit: $1,000

Limelight Bank offers CDs from 6 to 36 months, with the 6-month CD providing a 4% APY and requiring a $1,000 minimum deposit. Interest is compounded daily and credited quarterly. Early withdrawals incur a penalty of 90 days’ interest.

Frequently Asked Questions About 6-Month CDs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about 6-month CDs:

What advantages do 6-month CDs offer?

Six-month CDs typically pay higher interest rates than regular savings accounts, helping your money grow faster in a short period. The rate is fixed for the entire term, protecting you from rate drops. Plus, you don’t have to lock up your funds for years or expose them to market fluctuations.

What are the potential downsides of a 6-month CD?

Short-term CDs let you earn a solid rate without a long commitment. However, if interest rates fall when your CD matures, you may have to settle for a lower rate when reinvesting. This could limit your future earnings potential.

How much interest can $10,000 earn in a 6-month CD?

Your earnings depend on the APY. The FDIC reports the average 6-month CD rate is 1.58%. At that rate, a $10,000 deposit would earn just under $80 in six months. However, with top rates around 4%, you could earn nearly $200 over the same period. That’s why it pays to compare CD offers before choosing one.

Are 6-month CDs a good choice?

If you want to try out a CD or need a short-term place for your savings, a 6-month CD can be a smart move. These accounts often provide attractive rates and more flexibility than longer-term CDs, especially if you want to secure a higher rate before potential declines.

Which bank currently offers the highest 6-month CD rate?

At present, Bread Savings and Marcus by Goldman Sachs both offer the top 6-month CD rate of 4.05%.

How We Chose the Best 6-Month CDs

Our personal finance team analyzed over 300 data points from federally insured 6-month CDs to create this list. We assessed each account based on several important factors, including APY, minimum deposit, compounding frequency, and customer service options.

Each account could earn up to 25 points across these categories:

• Annual Percentage Yield (APY): Higher APYs received more points. Rates are current at publication but may change.
• Minimum Deposit: Accounts with lower or no minimums ranked higher.
• Compounding Frequency: More frequent compounding earned additional points.
• Customer Service: We awarded points for each available contact method, such as phone, email, or chat.